Roman Empire
Photo: Tataryn, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Roman Empire was the greatest ancient empire of Europe. At the height of its power in 117 AD, it ruled over considerable parts of Europe, as well as much of North Africa and the Middle East. In 286 AD, it was effectively split into a western empire, ruled from Rome and an eastern Byzantine Empire, ruled from Constantinople, which continued to exist until Constantinople was taken by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The Roman Empire left a huge and lasting impact on the civilisations of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and Roman cultural influences continue to be evident in these civilisations and beyond.
Understand" As with many ancient civilizations, Rome began as a city-state, founded, according to tradition, in 753 BC as an elective kingdom.
Get aroundThere is a great online resource, named Omnes Viae ("all roads"), compiled from the official Tabula Peutingeriana, that reckons distance (in Roman miles and Gallic leagues) and travel days (on foot) between any given…
DestinationsAs the Roman Empire originated in Italy and held onto this territory for the longest time, most remnants are found there and across the Mediterranean basin.
DoSeveral museums as well as a number of privately organized groups offer reenactment, including Roman food or Roman dress.
EatThe Roman tribal staple food was the puls, a thick pottage made of unground wheat, water, salt and fat, plus whatever vegetables and meats were at hand to be chopped up and added to the pot.
DrinkIn Vino Veritas. "In wine, [there's] truth." – ancient popular Roman saying
Go nextWhile many Roman remains are outside of cities, some cities that were founded or significantly influenced by the Romans still have Roman remains side by side with a medieval or early modern old town, so after you are…
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Roman Empire" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Tataryn, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons