The most beautiful ruins of ancient Rome

Wolfgang Staudt / CC BY 2.0

They may be "Crazy Romans", but remains present in many places in Europe and elsewhere bear witness to the vitality and greatness of a civilization.

1 Jerash (Jordan)

Preserved site of Jerash in Jordan has its share of monuments and relics: triumphal arches, vast colonnaded streets and squares, theaters, baths and temples. If you can attend an opera in the Roman arena and a concert in the great theater of Orange, Jerash offers a unique spectacle: a gladiatorial! Each day, the huge hippodrome - which could accommodate up to 15,000 Romans - resounds with the sound of the horses engaged in a chariot race, Legionnaires maneuvering and gladiators battling "until death."

The "Roman Army and Chariot Experience" takes place twice a day from Saturday to Thursday and once on Friday (details www.jerashchariots.com ).

Jerash, Jordan.  Arian Zwegers

2 Diocletian's Palace, Split (Croatia)

During the 10 years prior to his abdication in 305 AD, Emperor Diocletian built this luxurious palace fortress on the coast of Croatia . Today, the Roman citadel contains a dense community, both bubbling and romantic, whose charm is enhanced by architectural additions centuries. Admire the beautiful columns and capitals of the peristyle (courtyard entrance) and the Mausoleum of the Emperor - the current Cathedral of St. Duje - and cupola, before browsing rooms in the basement of the palace.

Split Card (€ 5; www.visitsplit.com ) provides free access to several museums and grants reductions in art, restaurants and hotels galleries.

3 Pont du Gard (France)

In general, the Romans used to great lengths to get what they wanted. So when Nemausensis Colonia (the colony based around the current town of Nîmes) ran out of water, in the second century, the Roman administrators have erected a huge aqueduct. The most notable of the course work is the Pont du Gard, built entirely without mortar (and boulders can weigh more than 5 tons) and 35 arches which are 50 m above the valley. Even more surprising: the elevation of the 50 km distance between the two ends of the water does not exceed 12 m, what is a technical feat.

The Pont du Gard is 21 miles northeast of Nimes in France ; about 5 buses make the daily 45-minute ride from the city.

4 Leptis Magna (Libya)

The Romans worshiped the olives! Thus, Leptis Magna, on the Mediterranean coast of Libya , has become a trading power with olives and sent to Rome, the imperial capital exotic animals. Here's a site that keeps its promises of greatness: he remained sumptuous, with its temples, forums, theaters and well preserved circus and fascinating bathroom Hadrian. Walking under monumental arches and along the colonnaded streets allows us to imagine the lives of people in the second century, going to the circus or baths.

Check out the pre-Roman history of the city and admire the mosaics, reliefs and statues of the site in the impressive Archaeological Museum of Leptis Magna.

Amphitheater at Leptis Magna, Libya.  Luis Casas Luengo

5 Vindolanda, Hadrian's Wall (England)

For the legions stationed on the borders of the empire and exposed to the dangers, life was tough. Built from 122 to 128, the wall of Hadrian, Roman along 80 miles (about 117 km) and reinforced bunkers and turrets, has protected the empire of Picts. The Roman fort of Vindolanda (Chesterholm, England ), an impressive site unearthed south of the wall and the museum gives an idea of life in the garrisons. Besides the well-preserved ruins, archaeologists discovered leather shoes, jewelry, weapons, and an invitation to a party!

Combine a visit to Vindolanda ( www.vindolanda.com ) with a circular near the wall and Housesteads (walk www.english-heritage.org.uk ), the best preserved Roman fort in the country.

6 Baalbek (Lebanon)

The construction of the temple of Jupiter at Baalbek in Lebanon began in 60 BC. AD and lasted nearly 120 years! But it is understood that the work has been long in discovering the incredible extent of the complex, which has columns 23 m high and 2.2 m wide, and the foundation stones weighing more than 1,000 tons. The temples of Baalbek are all different: some are delicate, as the temple of Venus, while the temple of Bacchus holds ceilings and friezes nicely decorated. A total of 10,000 slaves would have worked in the building of Heliopolis, the Hellenistic name of the Roman colony.

To dive in colonial history, stay at the Palmyra Hotel (961 8 370230), facing the ruins.

Temple of Bacchus in Baabelk, Lebanon.  Martijn Munneke

7 Forum in Rome (Italy)

This is where it all began. In the eighth century on the Palatine Hill, Romulus got rid of his twin brother Remus to found the great city that bears his name: Rome . At the foot of the hill, the forum was the heart of Roman life ... and death - a tradition that the tomb of Romulus is located under the black marble of the Lapis Niger. This is where the faithful come to pray, the Senate ruled and citizens gathered, discussed and made their purchases (the Mercati di Traiano and Piazza del Foro), before descending to the Coliseum to watch the fights of the gladiators.

Every day, guided tours and audio guides (4 € / piece) give life to ruin.

Forum of Rome, Italy. Phil Price

8 Pompeii (Italy)

On August 24, 79, Mount Vesuvius near Naples erupted and spewed ash clouds over the city, which was quickly buried, with 20,000 of its residents, under a thick layer of hot pumice. The city was forgotten for 1,500 years, then rediscovered in 1594 Today, the streets and houses offer one of the most moving stories of the planet, the snapshot of a daily there 2000 year old. Among the ruins, one can see several very naughty frescoes, especially in term Suburbane and Casa dei Vettii.

Pompeii is extensive, get yourself a travel guide or an audio guide, and avoid the heat of midday in summer.

9 Volubilis (Morocco)

A main attraction of the Roman site of Morocco lies in the juxtaposition of cultures around the winding streets of the medieval medina of Meknes and the center of Islamic pilgrimage to Moulay Idriss, lie the well-preserved ruins of Volubilis. Beyond its monuments (such as the forum and its 1300 m2), the site is especially interesting because it offers the opportunity to walk the streets and admire the mosaics of the ruined houses, or climb the hill to imagine life lively there 1800 years.

The most convenient way to access Volubilis is to hire a grand taxi for the round trip from Meknes, 33 km.

Volubis, Morocco. Lukas Vermeer

10 Butrint (Albania)

Butrint in Albania is an example of how a Roman settlement was superimposed, with local influences to another culture. The result is a mix of historical influences, in which the houses, temples and Roman theaters were erected among or above the earlier remains. Roman remains and relics include the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman. Another highlight of the site is its location on the forested shore of a swampy peninsula; the sight of the sun setting on the acropolis is splendid.

Ferries link Corfu to Saranda, from where buses and taxis are 19 km to Butrint, to the south.

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Ahmed Khalidi

My name is Ahmed, I'm 23 and I'm passionate about travel. I try to travel regularly while continuing my study. I created this blog to share my travels, my tips and my travel tips. Feel free to comment on my articles or contact me if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer you. Follow and join us in Fb : fb.com/traver24trip in Google+ : +AhmedKhalidi1 .

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