"Pontem perpetui mansurum in saecula mundi" (I have built a bridge which will last forever)" -Caius Julius Lacer, builder of the Alcántara Bridge Ancient Roman bridges represent one of the greatest wonders of the Ancient World. They are an exceptional feat of Roman construction and I hold a certain fascination for these impressive ancient structures. Naturally… Continue reading Looking for Roman bridges in Provence, France
On a recent trip to Italy, I visited the Archaeological Area of Minturnae, a little-known but impressive archaeological site along the Appian Way. Minturnae was originally an Auruncian city (of which no archaeological traces have been found), one of the three towns of the Aurunci which allied themselves with the Samnites and made war against… Continue reading Exploring Minturnae, a forgotten ancient city on the Appian Way
In just a few hours I will be travelling to Greece in Hadrian's footsteps, retracing the journey he undertook in the province of Achaia in 124-125 AD. “Hardly any emperor ever traveled with such speed over so much territory” the Historia Augusta tells us. Surely Hadrian was the emperor who honored the provinces with his presence… Continue reading Following Hadrian in Achaia
The legendary capital of Lycia had always been the most important city of the country. Strabo describes it as the biggest city in Lycia. "Then one comes to the Xanthus River, which the people of earlier times called the Sirbis. Sailing up this river by rowboat for ten stadia one comes to the Letoüm; and… Continue reading Exploring Xanthos – images from the biggest city in Lycia
The second place I visited during my recent trip to Turkey was Aspendos (see itinerary map here). Aspendos is one of the most popular historic sites in the Antalya region. It is located beside the river Eurymedon (Köprüçay) and is renowned throughout the world for its magnificent ancient theatre. During ancient times, the central region of Antalya was known as Pamphylia and Aspendos… Continue reading Exploring Aspendos – images from a wealthy city of Pamphylia
As mentioned in part 1, Sagalassos made the headlines in the international press in 2007 and 2008 due to the unexpected discovery of three extraordinary statues of the emperors Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius and empress Faustina the Elder, Antoninus Pius' wife. The statues were originally located in the frigidarium, the coldest and largest room in the Roman… Continue reading Exploring Sagalassos – images from the city in the clouds (part 2 – Lower Agora)
The first visit of my recent trip to Turkey was to the archaeological site of Sagalassos in Pisidia. We had the place almost to ourselves, a real treat. Few people seem to have heard of Sagalassos, and the site is a bit off the beaten track. Hoagalassos made the headlines in the international press in… Continue reading Exploring Sagalassos – images from the city in the clouds (part 1 – Upper Agora)
