I was reading about a work crew in Rome digging trenches for new cabling when they unexpectedly stumbled upon a mysterious archaeological site that dates back as far as 2000 years. Historians aren't quite sure what they found, but the ruins, which include the intricate marble floor above, makes them believe it was a structure of some importance. Some even think it might have been the first church in Rome.
The thing that I find particularly amazing is the craftsmanship in the floor. Beyond it's installation quality (how many floors do you know that will last 2000 years?), the intricate patterns that had to be cut in the marble are breathtaking. Delicate shapes, rounded, squared, thin and thick from different materials are difficult to cut and place so tightly with today's tools, but this would have to have been done with simple hand tools. This floor is, truly, as much a masterpiece as a marble statue or painting from the same era.
Yet, we know nothing about it's purpose, use or certainly anything about the master craftsmen who made it.
It makes me reflect on how the things we do in life, if we become masters at whatever it is we do, may still amaze those in the future, even if they don't know anything about us as a people or even individuals.
Our work and constructs may be our longest lasting and best legacy, even if we become an unknown.