The Timeless Wonders of the Roman Empire: Must-Visit Monuments Around the World 🌍

The Roman Empire, at its zenith, extended from Morocco and Portugal in the west all the way to Egypt and Armenia in the east. Founded in 27 B.C., the empire and its later continuation finally collapsed in 1453 A.D. with the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans. Due to its vast territory and the incredible number of years it endured, the Roman Empire left behind a plethora of impressive monuments. While their heyday has long passed, these historical landmarks now act as important historical sites and popular tourist attractions. Let's journey through some of the must-see remnants of this incredible civilization!

10. Aqueduct of Segovia 🌊

Lying in the historic heart of Segovia in Spain, the Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the best-preserved and most aesthetically pleasing structures of its kind. Believed to have been built by the Romans sometime around 110 A.D., it was used to transport water from the nearby mountains to the city and its citizens.

• The two-tiered aqueduct features exquisite brickwork
• At its tallest point, it reaches 29 meters
• It boasts 88 elegant arches, all of which have stood the test of time

9. Tower of Hercules 🌅

Reputed to be the oldest working lighthouse in the world, the Tower of Hercules has overlooked Spain's wild and rugged North Atlantic coastline since at least the second century A.D. Built by the Romans and based on the design of the legendary lighthouse of Alexandria, this sturdy structure stands 55 meters tall. The tower was last renovated in 1791 when the old Roman masonry was repaired.

• Set on a scenic spot on a peninsula in Galicia
• The endless sea stretching away was once seen as "the edge of the world" by the Romans

8. Pula Arena 🎟️

The Pula Arena, one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheaters, makes for a spectacular sight as it still retains its complete circuit of glimmering white limestone walls. Built between 27 B.C. and 68 A.D., the well-preserved arena boasts hundreds of magnificent arches set over two or three stories.

• In its heyday, it accommodated up to 23,000 spectators
• Features fantastic subterranean galleries and four towers, one at each corner

Beautifully illuminated at night, the arena still regularly hosts events, although nowadays it's rock bands and opera singers instead of gladiators who take the stage in Croatia.

7. Library of Celsius 📚

Located in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus in present-day Turkey, the Library of Celsius is exalted for its exquisite architecture. One of the only remaining libraries from the Roman Empire, it was built around 120 A.D. as a funerary monument. While most of the building was destroyed long ago in a fire, its fabulous facade with fine details and stunning statues was re-erected in the 1970s.

• Believed to have held a vast collection of scrolls
• Once one of the largest libraries in the empire

Now, it serves as a popular tourist destination and looks particularly arresting when lit up beneath the night sky. [Music]

6. Diocletian's Palace 🏰

Built to be an extravagant and luxurious retirement home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this well-preserved palace and its adjoining fort now make up almost half of Split's old town. The Diocletian's Palace is fascinating to wander around, with large towers and sturdy gates found alongside elaborate facades, all constructed out of shimmering white limestone and marble.

• Located along Split's waterfront are the emperor's apartments and a monumental central court
• Built over a number of decades during the third and fourth centuries

Now, it is one of Croatia's most visited monuments. [Music]

5. Amphitheater of El Jem 🏟️

One of the largest and best-preserved Roman monuments around, the Amphitheater of El Jem is located in the Tunisian city of the same name. Built around 238 A.D., the colossal arena used to welcome crowds of up to 35,000 who came to watch gladiator fights and other public spectacles.

• Its huge stone blocks and large arches are still standing
• The whole town used to retreat to its protective confines during times of trouble

If this astounding amphitheater appears familiar, it might be because it has been featured in films such as Monty Python's "Life of Brian" and "Gladiator."

4. Pont du Gard 🚤

A magnificent engineering achievement, the Pont du Gard is the most impressive section of a 50-kilometer long aqueduct built to carry water to Nîmes in present-day France. Spanning the width of the Gardon River, it is the highest of all the Roman-era aqueduct bridges, with its three tiers of arches towering to 50 meters.

• Built in the first century A.D.
• Well-preserved as local lords used it as a toll bridge for centuries
• Set in a scenic location, making for fantastic photos

Now, it is a popular tourist attraction and an important historical monument.

3. Pantheon 🏛️

Ever since its completion in 125 A.D., the Pantheon has been a defining feature in the center of Rome. Meaning "temple of all the gods" in ancient Greek, the Pantheon started life as a temple and was converted into a church in the 7th century.

• Large Corinthian columns and a cavernous dome are well-preserved
• Continued use throughout the centuries has helped preserve it
• Inside, sparkling marble floors are lined by age-old tombs and chapels, with beautiful paintings and sculptures

Having played an enormously influential role in Western architecture, the Pantheon's gorgeous columns and porticos with the dome atop have been replicated innumerable times around the globe. [Music]

2. Temples of Baalbek 🏛️🌞

Once known as the "City of the Sun," the sprawling complex of the Temples of Baalbek is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins around. Of these, the two largest and grandest are the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter. Created to be the largest temple in the Roman Empire, the Temple of Jupiter was lined by 54 massive granite columns, each of which were 21 meters tall.

• Today, only six of these titanic columns remain standing
• Even these columns are incredibly impressive
• The best-preserved temple at the site is the Temple of Bacchus, built in 150 A.D.

Although the site was pilfered over the centuries for building materials, Baalbek is still a significant historical site and is one of Lebanon's most popular tourist attractions. [Music]

1. Colosseum 🏟️🌟

One of the most famous buildings ever constructed, the Colosseum almost needs no introduction. Lying in the heart of Rome, this enormous oval amphitheater is one of the Roman Empire's greatest architectural triumphs and remains standing almost two thousand years after its completion.

• Three stories of huge arcades make up its outer wall
• The interior boasts fantastic views of endless seating areas and a subterranean network of tunnels and rooms

Over the centuries, countless gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and even mock sea battles took place in the amphitheater, which could hold up to 80,000 spectators. One of the most iconic symbols of Imperial Rome, the Colosseum is a must-see site due to its awe-inspiring architecture, spectacular size, and historical importance.

 

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