8 Wonders Of The Roman Empire That Stand Today

The Roman Empire lasted over 1,000 years and it's effects are still seen today in modern culture. At its height it accounted for 1/4 of the worlds population and gave us advancements such as aqueducts, roads, concrete buildings, medical tools for the battlefield, and the Julian Calendar. Many of the wonders of Rome built so long ago still stand today and a car with Auto Europe can help you to see them all.

1. The Roman Colosseum

The Colosseum took roughly 7 years to build and was the center of entertainment in Rome. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built able to hold an average of about 65,000 people during its height, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, despite its age. Gladiatorial battles and Animal hunts were common place in the arena and historians even debate whether they may have had reenactments of sea battles with actual ships. In the summer of 2010 a network of subterranean passages underneath the colosseum once used to transport gladiators and wild animals to the arena were opened to the public.

2. Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus was the basis for modern circus shows and was a spectacle of the ancient world like non other. Built as a chariot racing stadium it was able to accommodate 150,000 spectators for races, trained animal shows, and mock hunts. Now the former circus grounds are a public park used for events and celebrations with only a few remaining structures like a small part of the southeast stand left and a few arcades.

3. The Baths Of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla in Rome, were the city's second largest Roman public baths, or thermae. The baths were likely built between AD 212 and AD 217, during the reigns of emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla. They were in operation until the 530s and then fell into disuse and ruin. In the vast 25 Hectare precinct that held the baths, the citizens could not only use the public baths, but also dedicate their time to doing exercise, visiting the library, walking through the gardens or worshiping to the god Mithras and other pagan divinities by visiting the temple. Recently the baths were a location used for shots in the hit movie John Wick 2.

4. Via Appia/Ancient Appian Way

The Appian Way was a Roman road used as a main route for military supplies for its conquest of southern Italy in 312 BC and for improvements in communication. Romans were masters of road construction, Their roads began at Rome, where the master itinerarium, or list of destinations along the roads, was located, and extended to the borders of their domain. Hence the expression, "All roads lead to Rome". For the 1960 Summer Olympics, it served as part of the men's marathon course.

5. Park Of The Aqueducts

The Park Of The Aqueducts is located just outside the city on the Appian Way. The aqueducts served as water systems throughout the Empire. The water supplied public baths, fountains, restrooms, gardens, milling, farms, and private households. The aqueducts are marvels of ancient engineering and moved water through gravity alone.

6. The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. The structure was completed around 126-128 A.D during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. It was the first Roman pagan temple to be consecrated as a Christian church. The conversion played a key role in the Pantheon’s survival, as the papacy had the resources to repair and maintain it.

7. Trajan's Market

Trajan's Forum is thought to be the world's oldest shopping mall. The arcade remnants in Trajan's Market are now believed to have been administrative offices for Emperor Trajan. The shops and apartments were built in a multi-level structure and it is still possible to visit several of the levels. Highlights include delicate marble floors and the remains of a library. It not only stands as one of the most imposing ruins of Imperial Rome but is also the current home of the Museum of the Imperial Forums.

8. Palatine Hill

Palantine Hill was like the Beverly Hills of ancient Rome. Home to many Roman emperors and senators, it has been called "the first nucleus of the Roman Empire". The site is now mainly a large open-air museum whilst the Palatine Museum houses several discoveries that were made during excavations carried out in the area are on exhibition. There are many interesting artifacts on display including sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, and other historical finds.

Auto Europe can help you to see these wonders of the ancient Roman world that have stood the test of time . Auto Europe is dedicated to delivering our customers the lowest car rental rates and to spotlighting exceptional deals in and around the travel industry. Contact us and make the most of your next car rental get away.