The Roman Empire extended from Northern Europe into the Middle East and Africa. It lasted for hundreds of years, during which time there was much building throughout the Empire. Many of the structures erected during this time still remain, in various states of repair or disrepair. These ruins are certainly high on any traveler’s list of places to visit.

     I have already posted some of these ruins in Rome, the center of the Empire for so many years. The locations in this post are from elsewhere.

     The city of Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey, was an important port on the Asian continent and home to one of the finest libraries in the world at that time.

Celsius Library, Ephesus

      Also in Turkey, in the crossroads city of Istanbul, the Romans left many remnants, among them the Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races and other events.

Hippodrome, Istanbul

   At the other end of the Empire, in modern-day Great Britain, we find several Roman leftovers. In Bath, there is the famous Roman Bath.

Roman Bath, Bath

 To the north, marking the edge of the Empire, was Hadrian’s Wall, designed to keep out the barbarians.

Hadrian's Wall

 In Spain, the city of Segovia has a remarkable Roman aqueduct which is in marvelous condition.

Roman Aqueduct, Segovia

 while in Cordoba, there is a Roman bridge which is still used.

Roman Bridge, Cordoba

 Back in Italy, there is a well-preserved Roman arena in Verona

Roman Arena, Verona

and, of course, there is Pompeii, the Roman city which was destroyed by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius

Pompeii

where visitors can still see the body casts of real Romans

Garden of the Fugitives, Pompeii