Though it has been thousands of years since the Roman Empire flourished, it still ranks as the most influential civilisations in human history. We can find traces of Roman influence in many forms throughout the development of Western culture.
The Roman conquest of northern Gaul, brought Britain into definite contact with the Mediterranean, and soon products like British coins began to bear Latin legends, while tin and wool traveled to Gaul.
From 43 AD, the Romans occupied Britain for nearly 400 years, leaving behind lasting legacies like roads, the Roman Baths and the Hadrian’s Wall, many of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
For ancient Roman history buffs, cruising along the Mediterranean offers a great way to retrace the footsteps of the Roman legions along the historical trail from the UK, across the sea to Provence, Rome and onward to the idyllic shores of the Mediterranean.
Provence hides its identity under a veil of simple delights. Cruise to Provence and check out the Glanum Archaeological Site while Orange boasts the best preserved Roman Amphitheater in the Western world.
The doors of Rome are open ancient architectural wonders around every corner. Enjoy an exhilarating experience at The Pantheon, an iconic Roman structure with the largest unreinforced dome ever built.
One of the best-preserved and most recognisable symbol of Ancient Rome is the Colosseum, the city’s most iconic landmark. Seeing this arena up close, where gladiators once fought to death, is an unforgettable experience.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are within the compound of the Colosseum and are also worth looking into when visiting Rome. Walking among the old ruins and temples gives a fascinating insight on what life was in those ancient times.
Cruise to Sicily to explore the Roman villas, theatres and ruins in Syracuse and Agrigento. Head to Pompeii to see the perfectly preserved city which was buried in ash when Mt Vesuvius erupted.
Dock at Spanish port of Tatragona, which was a major Roman port and explore the impressive amphitheater and circus.
Sail to Croatia to admire the spectacular Diocletian’s Palace in the Old Town of Split. The massive structure forms the core of the city.
Head to Pula to see the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater, built on the lines of the Colosseum in Rome.
Other key spots include Cartagena(Spain), Nimes(France), Jerash(Jordan) and Ephesus(Turkey) home to the Library of Celsus and the Grand Theater.
Carthage, North Africa,is famous for the Roman ruins in Tunis, while Alexandria in Egypt has Pompey’s Pillar and the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
All these incredible ruins, amphitheatres, baths, temples and forums aptly showcase the power and might the Roman Empire had all over the Mediterranean.
The Romans helped lay the groundwork for many aspects of the modern world. It is therefore no surprise that this once booming empire was able to impact Britain in so many ways and leave a lasting legacy behind.
