Pompeii, Italy

The city of Pompeii was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79CE under 13-20 feet of pumice and ash.

The city was preserved by the ash which kept out the air and moisture until its excavation, which began in 1748.

Today it is preserved as an open air museum where tourists can walk through the remains of the forum, temples, brothels, shops and homes.

It is through these ruins and the human body cavities found therein that we know what the Romans looked like because their culture cremated rather than buried.

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Segovia Aqueduct, Spain

Believed to have been constructed on the orders of Emperors Domitian and Trajan around 50-100 CE the Segovia Aqueduct is one of the best preserved Roman aqueducts and a symbol of Segovia.

Originally built to carry water from the Frio River to the city, it is still in use today.

Actually an aqueduct-bridge the Segovia Aqueduct was designated a World Heritage Site in 1985.

Hadrain’s Wall

Roman Emperor Hadrian established a system of walls around the then extensive Roman Empire.  Pulling back (south) from the land of the Picts, he established a border that ran 73 miles across Britain.

Originally a wall with small garrisons every mile or so, the best remaining mile castle is at Swarthy Hill, sitting on a small hill, it has clear views across to Scotland.

The main frontier was a ditch to the north, then a wall, then another ditch with two raised mounds on either side to the south of the wall.  One of the crossing points, complete with gateway, is preserved to the south of the fort, at Benwell in the western suburbs of Newcastle.

Among the most visible remaining infantry forts can be found at the eastern end of the wall while two well preserved mile castles remain in this area at Castle Nick.

The original frontier was based on a road which ran south of the wall and was guarded by a series if forts, the beds preserved,of which is Vindolanda.  This fort has also yielded significant materials and archives of the Roman unit stationed here.  

A small temple dedicated to the god Mithras, popular on the Roman frontiers and perhaps originating as far eastern as today’s Iran.  

Free Kindle Books 8

Here are a couple more free Kindle books. You can simply ‘buy for $0.00‘ and they’ll be sent to your Amazon account.

Ancient Mythology (Boxed Set)

Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans

A Treasury of Eskimo Tales

It’s another opportunity to read some basic information.

And, they’re free!

Free Kindle Books 4

Here are a couple more free Kindle books. You can simply ‘buy for $0.00‘ and they’ll be sent to your Amazon account.

Roman Britain

Atlantis

Viking Tales

It’s another opportunity to read some basic information.

And, they’re free!

Free Kindle Books 3

Here are a couple more free Kindle books. You can simply ‘buy for $0.00‘ and they’ll be sent to your Amazon account.

Mayan Civilization

Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius

Lemuria, The Lost Continent of the Pacific

It’s another opportunity to read some basic information.

And, they’re free!

European Castles – Evolution And History

If you’re unfamiliar with stamp collectors exhibiting their collections, this may be an interesting experience. For those of us who are familiar, it’s a very nicely done philatelic exhibit on the subject of European Castles. The link follows:

“European Castles“

From the site:

“A review of the evolution and history of European Castles, from ancient and Roman fortifications to Renaissance’s castle-palaces, and including contributions made by Byzantines, Arabs, and Crusaders, who strongly influenced the defensive military architecture of Europe.”

I recommend viewing it but make sure you’ve got at least an hour free to do it.