Mr. Gilbertson wasn’t going to give up.
He looked at the bored faces of his class. Every year he brought his pupils to Rome. Every year he was convinced they would return home enthralled and inspired. Whether or not this was reflected in their grades wasn’t a concern to him. He wanted to make a real difference to their understanding of the world.
In the courtyard of the Capitoline Museum, they stood by the remaining pieces of the Colossus of Constantine. The massive head and hand sat on separate plinths. Mr. Gilbertson smiled at his class. If this didn’t get them hooked, nothing would.
‘Look at the size of these pieces. Imagine the size of the full statue,’ he spoke in awe. ‘Does anyone know what Constantine the Great was famous for?’
Blank looks answered his question.
‘He was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity and decreed that Christianity should be tolerated in the Roman Empire. Imagine what the world would look like if he had not done that two thousand years ago.’
Billy Sims piped up. ‘Yes, Mr. Gilbertson, but apart from that, what have the Romans ever done for us?’ There was giggling and stifled smiles from the group.
Mr. Gilbertson sighed. Maybe next year he would just come on his own to admire The Eternal City.
Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). For more details visit HERE.
A debt of gratitude to Monty Python’s The Life of Brian film for my effort this week.
To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
IAIN KELLY 
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