Colonia Clunia Sulpicia, Hispania Tarraconensis

Most Recent Visit: July 2022 The exact date of foundation for Colonia Clunia Sulpicia (modern Peñalba de Castro) is unclear, but presumably it was sometime between the subjugation of the local Arevaci around 93 BCE and the first appearance of the settlement in the historical record in 75 BCE. The Roman settlement was not built…

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Beroea, Macedonia

Most Recent Visit: May 2024 The ancient city of Beroea (also Berea or Beroia) was located in Macedonia at the foot of the mountain of Bermion (modern Vermio Mountains) on the banks of the longest river in Greece, the Haliakmon. Today the modern town of Veria occupies the site of its ancient predecessor. According to…

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Aventicum, Gallia Belgica – Part II

Continued From Aventicum, Gallia Belgica – Part I In the 11th century, a fortified tower was constructed over the monumental eastern entry to the amphitheater. It was embellished in later periods, but now houses the archaeological finds from Aventicum in the Musée Romain. Accessible from the upper level of the amphitheater. In the summer (April…

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Luna, Etruria – Part II

Continued From Luna, Etruria – Part I Also at the southeast corner of the forum, beyond the augusteum, is a large private house known as the Domus degli Affreschi, the House of the Frescoes. The house was originally constructed in the middle of the 1st century BCE before undergoing renovations about 40 CE. It underwent…

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Messene, Achaea – Part IV

Continued From Messene, Achaea – Part III Immediately adjacent to the Sanctuary of Demeter and the Dioscouri to the southeast, the Asklepieion. The Asklepieion was located on the south side of the agora; some bits of the southern portico of the agora are visible on the north side of the path that skirts the north…

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Messene, Achaea – Part II

Continued From Messene, Achaea – Part II Taking one of the staircases from the Theater Quarter leads up into an area above the summa cavea/epitheatron of the theater. Conversely, one can walk back out to the main area and around this retaining wall to access the theater area as well. The theater seems to have…

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Venusia, Samnium

Most Recent Visit: July 2023 Little is known of Venusia (today modern Venosa in Italy’s Basilicata region) prior to conquest by the Romans, though according to legend it was founded by Diomedes after his arrival in Italy. He dedicated the city to Aphrodite in hopes of making amends with the goddess after he wounded her…

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Diocletianopolis, Thracia – Part II

Continued From Diocletianopolis, Thracia – Part I Continuing on at the Camel Gate, inside the Camel Gate, located just to the west, are the remains of barracks abutting the fortification wall. These barracks were constructed in the late 4th or early 5th century CE. Originally the barracks built at this time along nearly the entirety…

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Asturica Augusta, Hispania Tarraconensis – Part II

Continued From Asturica Augusta, Hispania Tarraconensis – Part I Continuing out through the northeast exit of the Jardín de La Sinagoga, and then north on Calle Padres Redentoristas, is the Domus del Mosaico del Oso y los Pájaros, the Domus of the Mosaic of the Bear and Birds. Located at Calle Padres Redentoristas 19, the…

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Brundisium, Calabria

Most Recent Visit: July 2023 The Roman city of Brundisium (modern Brindisi), located on the Adriatic coast of Calabria (modern Apulia) seems to have begun life as a settlement of the Messapi; though legends have the city being founded by the mythic king Diomedes of Thrace. The Messapi are thought to have originated in the…

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