Rome
AA-2026-309D68
On the image
The people standing around the base of the Sallustian Obelisk in the 1970s are mostly unaware it was once an actual Egyptian relic, appropriated by Romans and then moved again for decorative effect. They treat it as a particularly tall, etched backdrop for their vacation photos, a monument to the endurance of tourism.
High above, the clock on the Trinità dei Monti church tower indicates a specific time, implying that punctuality was once a concern for someone. Now it simply adds another layer of historical detail to a scene where most schedules involve finding the next gelato. The grand architecture was designed to inspire awe, but primarily it provides shade on a sunny Rome afternoon.
These are the descendants of an empire, now mostly focused on getting a good view of the cityscape from the Spanish Steps. The past is a convenient stage set for the present, and ancient history is just good branding for a city that has seen it all before.
The historian's note
The image depicts the Chiesa della Santissima Trinità dei Monti and the Sallustian Obelisk, located at the summit of the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy, during the 1970s. The church, commissioned by King Louis XII of France in the early 16th century, is a prominent example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, featuring twin bell towers and a distinctive clock face.
The Sallustian Obelisk, situated prominently in front of the church, is a Roman imitation of an Egyptian obelisk. Originally erected by the Emperor Aurelian in the Gardens of Sallust, it was later moved to its current position in 1789 by Pope Pius VI. This landmark area has long served as a major tourist destination and a cultural focal point in Rome, drawing visitors to its architectural grandeur and panoramic views.
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Trinità dei Monti and Sallustian Obelisk, Rome, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-309D68. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/trinit-dei-monti-and-sallustian-obelisk-rome-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026309D68,
title = {Trinità dei Monti and Sallustian Obelisk, Rome, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-309D68},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/trinit-dei-monti-and-sallustian-obelisk-rome-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Trinità dei Monti and Sallustian Obelisk, Rome, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-309D68 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/trinit-dei-monti-and-sallustian-obelisk-rome-1970s ER -
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