Building Bridges, Not Walls: Embracing the Undefined Frontier

July IV, MDCCLXXVI

The Eternal City, as we know it, has always been a triumph of engineering. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the innovation of our aqueducts, we’ve shown that we know how to build. So, when I heard about the event, "Building Bridges, Not Walls: Embracing the Undefined Frontier" happening this Nones of Quinctilis, I knew it was time to put my stylus to papyrus.

Let's get one thing straight: Rome wasn’t built in a day. But, if we had kept ourselves locked behind walls, we’d probably still be trying to figure out how to get running water. 'Walls' - yes, they may be a great idea if you're in a heated spat with your pesky neighbor over his unruly goats eating your laurel wreaths, but when it comes to the grand narrative of the empire, walls don't quite cut it.

The event, my dear Romans, is a call to action, a wake-up call for inclusivity and openness to exploration and growth. Rejoice! For the time has come to put down the bricks and mortar, pick up our geometry sets, and start designing bridges.

Building bridges is about more than just steel beams and cleverly designed arches. It's about connecting cultures, ideas, and innovations. It's about welcoming foreign influences, and proving once again that Rome is not just a city, it is an idea that transcends geographical boundaries.

I mean, seriously, when was the last time anyone ever wrote a poem about a wall? Now, a bridge? That’s the stuff of epic poetry.

While we're at it, let's break down another wall - the one that separates our citizens. Each one of us, from the most decorated senator to the humblest baker, has a role to play in this great city. But can we truly call ourselves an Empire if we marginalize those who are different?

Inclusivity and representation aren't just trendy buzzwords that got caught in a vineyard fairy's wings, they are the foundations for a stronger Rome. Because, let’s face it, diverse legions win wars.

So let's embrace this undefined frontier. Let's build bridges of understanding, bridges of cooperation, and yes, literal bridges (I’m looking at you, architects). Let's go beyond the sullen faces of our stoic predecessors, and embrace change.

And remember, dear Romans, when in doubt, don’t ask: “What would Caesar do?” Ask: “What would a citizen of Rome do?” After all, the Gauls are at our gates, not to invade us but to trade, learn, and perhaps share a meal. So, let's welcome them in, not with the hostility of a threatened empire, but