Gezicht op Syracuse 1857 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer created this albumen print of Syracuse in the 19th century. Notice the wall encircling the city, a potent symbol. Walls represent safety and defense. From ancient Mesopotamia to medieval Europe, walls physically protected cities and became emblems of civic pride and power. Think of the walls of Troy, or Hadrian's Wall in Britain, each telling stories of civilizations guarding against perceived threats. However, walls also imply division. The city's separation from its surroundings subtly speaks to a deeper psychological barrier: the inside versus the outside, the known versus the unknown. This division can be a powerful, if subconscious, force shaping our perceptions and interactions. Syracuse, enclosed and seemingly self-contained, embodies this duality. The wall, therefore, becomes more than just a physical structure; it is a cultural artifact. Its symbolic power continues to resonate, evolving through time, influencing our sense of belonging, exclusion, and the boundaries we create in our minds and societies.