World’s most impressive Roman ruins you probably haven’t heard of

Travel, Travel Tips, World Roaming 6 Minutes

Slide 1 of 46: Unless you’ve been living under a rock – or a temple – it’s likely that you’ll have heard of the famous Roman ruins of Pompeii and the ancient architectural gems of Rome. At its peak, the Roman Empire covered nearly two million square miles – spanning large swathes of western Europe, Africa and even parts of Asia – so there are plenty of lesser-known wonders to explore without the crowds.

Unexpected Roman wonders

Unless you’ve been living under a rock – or a temple – it’s likely that you’ll have heard of the famous Roman ruins of Pompeii and the ancient architectural gems of Rome. At its peak, the Roman Empire covered nearly two million square miles – spanning large swathes of western Europe, Africa and even parts of Asia – so there are plenty of lesser-known wonders to explore without the crowds.

Slide 2 of 46: Founded by the Greeks and later conquered by the Romans, this captivating site showcases the best of the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Found just a couple of hours to the east of the famous ancient Greek city of Ephesus in the village of Geyre, it has been beautifully preserved. You’ll find far fewer tourists here than at some of Turkey’s more popular sites.

 

Aphrodisias, Turkey

Founded by the Greeks and later conquered by the Romans, this captivating site showcases the best of the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Found just a couple of hours to the east of the famous ancient Greek city of Ephesus in the village of Geyre, it has been beautifully preserved. You’ll find far fewer tourists here than at some of Turkey’s more popular sites.

Slide 3 of 46: Less than 12 miles from the coastal resort town of Sarandë, this ancient Roman city sits in its own national park and was salvaged from its state of disrepair by funding from the lords Rothschild and Sainsbury in the late 1990s. While it is also home to Greek and Byzantine ruins, the Roman influence at Butrint is unquestionable, with a bathhouse on site as well as an aqueduct. There's a fascinating museum, which details the area's historical significance, and the area is a leafy, tranquil escape from the Mediterranean sun.

3/46 SLIDES © Martchan/Shutterstock

Butrint, Albania

Less than 12 miles from the coastal resort town of Sarandë, this ancient Roman city sits in its own national park and was salvaged from its state of disrepair by funding from the lords Rothschild and Sainsbury in the late 1990s. While it is also home to Greek and Byzantine ruins, the Roman influence at Butrint is unquestionable, with a bathhouse on site as well as an aqueduct. There’s a fascinating museum, which details the area’s historical significance, and the area is a leafy, tranquil escape from the Mediterranean sun.

Slide 4 of 46: The city wall in Lugo is so well preserved, it’s almost hard to believe it was built in the Roman era. Lugo’s wall was originally constructed to protect the Roman city from barbarians and at its tallest point is almost 40 feet (12.1m) high. Today’s visitors can walk along the wall and see fantastic views of Lugo and beyond.

 

Walls of Lugo, Spain

The city wall in Lugo is so well preserved, it’s almost hard to believe it was built in the Roman era. Lugo’s wall was originally constructed to protect the Roman city from barbarians and at its tallest point is almost 40 feet (12.1m) high. Today’s visitors can walk along the wall and see fantastic views of Lugo and beyond.
Slide 5 of 46: Jerash is Jordan's second most popular archaeological site and is often dwarfed by the country's mesmerizing ancient world wonder of Petra. North of the capital Amman and once known as Gerasa, the site remains remarkably intact considering the numerous earthquakes it has survived.

Jerash, Jordan

Jerash is Jordan’s second most popular archaeological site and is often dwarfed by the country’s mesmerizing ancient world wonder of Petra. North of the capital Amman and once known as Gerasa, the site remains remarkably intact considering the numerous earthquakes it has survived.

Slide 6 of 46: Midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, Caesarea is one of the few places where the Roman Empire met the sea. Its namesake national park protects many of the archaeological treasures created by King Herod in the 1st century BC. The park is home to the world’s only underwater museum where you can dive among ancient ruins. Check out 30 of the world's most jaw-dropping underwater attractions. 

Caesarea, Israel

Midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, Caesarea is one of the few places where the Roman Empire met the sea. Its namesake national park protects many of the archaeological treasures created by King Herod in the 1st century BC. The park is home to the world’s only underwater museum where you can dive among ancient ruins.

Slide 7 of 46: Once snaking its way across the north of England from Wallsend near Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria, Hadrian’s Wall was built by the conquering Romans in around AD 122 to protect against northern barbarian tribes. Today, only segments of the wall remain. Some of the best-preserved forts and settlements are Housesteads, Chesters and Vindolanda near Hexham, and Birdoswald in Carlisle.

Hadrian’s Wall, England

Once snaking its way across the north of England from Wallsend near Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria, Hadrian’s Wall was built by the conquering Romans in around AD 122 to protect against northern barbarian tribes. Today, only segments of the wall remain. Some of the best-preserved forts and settlements are Housesteads, Chesters and Vindolanda near Hexham, and Birdoswald in Carlisle.

Slide 8 of 46: Located in western Cyprus, this large site has been inhabited since Neolithic times and, according to legend, is the birthplace of Aphrodite. The mosaics here are among the finest in the world, while the houses of Dionysus, Orpheus, Aion and Theseus are beautiful examples of elaborate Roman villas.

8/46 SLIDES © tuulijumala/Shutterstock

Paphos, Cyprus

Located in western Cyprus, this large site has been inhabited since Neolithic times and, according to legend, is the birthplace of Aphrodite. The mosaics here are among the finest in the world, while the houses of Dionysus, Orpheus, Aion and Theseus are beautiful examples of elaborate Roman villas.
Slide 9 of 46: Roman-Berber Timgad, founded around AD 100, is on the northern slopes of the Aurès Mountains, southeast of the city of Batna. Often referred to as the ‘Pompeii of Africa’, Timgad was an ex-military colony and today you can still see remnants of the impressive 14 baths, as well as the ruins of grand houses with mosaic floors. Currently however, according to UK and US foreign office advice, tourists in Algeria should exercise increased caution and consider taking extra security measures when visiting the country.

Timgad, Algeria

Roman-Berber Timgad, founded around AD 100, is on the northern slopes of the Aurès Mountains, southeast of the city of Batna. Often referred to as the ‘Pompeii of Africa’, Timgad was an ex-military colony and today you can still see remnants of the impressive 14 baths, as well as the ruins of grand houses with mosaic floors. Currently however, according to UK and US foreign office advice, tourists in Algeria should exercise increased caution and consider taking extra security measures when visiting the country.

Slide 10 of 46: These beautiful and well-preserved baths date back to around AD 300. Believed to be the biggest Roman baths to be built outside of Rome, they feature a huge hot water bath, six boiler rooms, a steam bath, an intricate under-floor heating system and a cold-water bath. There is a small admission charge of $4.45 (£3.50/€4) but it’s worth it.

Imperial Baths of Trier, Germany

These beautiful and well-preserved baths date back to around AD 300. Believed to be the biggest Roman baths to be built outside of Rome, they feature a huge hot water bath, six boiler rooms, a steam bath, an intricate under-floor heating system and a cold-water bath. There is a small admission charge of $4.45 (£3.50/€4) but it’s worth it.
Slide 11 of 46: With a deep, natural port and the nearby silver mines to the east, this city in southeast Spain was of huge strategic importance to the Romans, who took it from the Carthaginians in 209 BC. While there’s not much left here, its Roman theater has been well preserved and is the second largest in the country.
 

Cartagena, Spain

With a deep, natural port and the nearby silver mines to the east, this city in southeast Spain was of huge strategic importance to the Romans, who took it from the Carthaginians in 209 BC. While there’s not much left here, its Roman theater has been well preserved and is the second largest in the country.

Slide 12 of 46: For over 900 years, Leptis Magna was a jewel in the crown of the Roman Empire. Found on the Mediterranean coast of Libya just 62 miles southeast of Tripoli, Leptis was the birthplace of emperor Septimus Severus and benefitted enormously from his patronage. It was discovered by archaeologists in the 1920s and is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Sadly currently both the British and US governments advise against travel to Libya due to continuing unrest. 

 

Leptis Magna, Libya

For over 900 years, Leptis Magna was a jewel in the crown of the Roman Empire. Found on the Mediterranean coast of Libya just 62 miles southeast of Tripoli, Leptis was the birthplace of emperor Septimus Severus and benefitted enormously from his patronage. It was discovered by archaeologists in the 1920s and is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Sadly currently both the British and US governments advise against travel to Libya due to continuing unrest.

Slide 13 of 46: Located more than 70 miles southwest of Tunis, many of the Roman ruins found in Dougga date from AD 100 to AD 300 and remain in good condition. The site also offers superb views out across the valley of Oued Khalled. Although there are no restrictions on travel to Dougga, the UK and US advise tourists to exercise caution in the country due to recent unrest.

 

Dougga, Tunisia

Located more than 70 miles southwest of Tunis, many of the Roman ruins found in Dougga date from AD 100 to AD 300 and remain in good condition. The site also offers superb views out across the valley of Oued Khalled. Although there are no restrictions on travel to Dougga, the UK and US advise tourists to exercise caution in the country due to recent unrest.

Slide 14 of 46: Many of the ruins here date back to the Roman occupation which began around 188 BC. Located to the east of modern-day Antalya in the Aksu area, Perge is home to a bathhouse, stadium (the biggest in Asia Minor) and theater.

 

Perge, Turkey

Many of the ruins here date back to the Roman occupation which began around 188 BC. Located to the east of modern-day Antalya in the Aksu area, Perge is home to a bathhouse, stadium (the biggest in Asia Minor) and theater.
Slide 15 of 46: In the northeast of Spain, modern day Catalunya, sit the Roman-Greco ruins of the town of Empúries. Overlooking the Balearic Sea, these ancient ruins are perfect for combining history with a beach break. Here you’ll find the remains of everyday life – streets, houses, mosaics, temples and drainage systems. Just 90 minutes from Barcelona, when you've paid a visit to the ruins there's plenty to see and do in the Catalan capital too. 
 

Empúries, Spain

In the northeast of Spain, modern day Catalunya, sit the Roman-Greco ruins of the town of Empúries. Overlooking the Balearic Sea, these ancient ruins are perfect for combining history with a beach break. Here you’ll find the remains of everyday life – streets, houses, mosaics, temples and drainage systems. Just 90 minutes from Barcelona, when you’ve paid a visit to the ruins there’s plenty to see and do in the Catalan capital too.

Slide 16 of 46: The largest Roman home ever found in Britain, Fishbourne is located in Chichester, West Sussex, on England’s south coast. It is believed to date back to around AD 75 – 30 years after the Roman conquest. Home to the oldest gardens in the country, this vast, lavish residence also boasts fine mosaics including the impressive 'Cupid on a Dolphin' (pictured). Discover more secrets of Sussex – Meghan and Harry's royal county – with our guide. 

Fishbourne Roman Palace, UK

The largest Roman home ever found in Britain, Fishbourne is located in Chichester, West Sussex, on England’s south coast. It is believed to date back to around AD 75 – 30 years after the Roman conquest. Home to the oldest gardens in the country, this vast, lavish residence also boasts fine mosaics including the impressive ‘Cupid on a Dolphin’ (pictured).Slide 17 of 46: Thanks to its strategic location where the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley meet, this ancient Roman-Byzantine city was a big deal. Today, the national park is home to the ruins of a 2nd-century AD Roman theater and the reconstructed main street as well as bathhouses, bridges, fountains and gateways.

Bet She’an National Park, Israel

Thanks to its strategic location where the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley meet, this ancient Roman-Byzantine city was a big deal. Today, the national park is home to the ruins of a 2nd-century AD Roman theater and the reconstructed main street as well as bathhouses, bridges, fountains and gateways.

Slide 18 of 46: Second in size only to Rome’s magnificent Colosseum, this impressive theater is found to the north of Naples and once sat in the heart of ancient Capua. Building of the colosseum was started by Emperor Nerva and continued by Trajan and Hadrian, who completed it in AD 138. While little remains of this once 60,000-seat amphitheater, having been systemically sacked and ravaged by the Visigoths, Vandals and Saracens, it is still worth a visit.

Capua Amphitheatre, Italy

Second in size only to Rome’s magnificent Colosseum, this impressive theater is found to the north of Naples and once sat in the heart of ancient Capua. Building of the colosseum was started by Emperor Nerva and continued by Trajan and Hadrian, who completed it in AD 138. While little remains of this once 60,000-seat amphitheater, having been systemically sacked and ravaged by the Visigoths, Vandals and Saracens, it is still worth a visit.

Slide 19 of 46: Once the capital of Mauritania, this ancient city near Meknes is one of the finest Roman ruins in north Africa. It was a hugely important Roman outpost and inhabited until the 11th century. A visit here is best combined with a trip to nearby Moulay Idriss, where the ruler and founder of the Idris dynasty arrived in 789.

Volubilis, Morocco

Once the capital of Mauritania, this ancient city near Meknes is one of the finest Roman ruins in north Africa. It was a hugely important Roman outpost and inhabited until the 11th century. A visit here is best combined with a trip to nearby Moulay Idriss, where the ruler and founder of the Idris dynasty arrived in 789.
Slide 20 of 46: Set within a dense forest, Olympos is a little harder to get to than others on this list but it's well worth the effort. The ruins are just inland from Olympos Beach near Çıralı on Turkey’s south coast and small streams run through the remains of temples, tombs, a theater and a church.

Olympos, Turkey

Set within a dense forest, Olympos is a little harder to get to than others on this list but it’s well worth the effort. The ruins are just inland from Olympos Beach near Çıralı on Turkey’s south coast and small streams run through the remains of temples, tombs, a theater and a church.
Slide 21 of 46: Located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast to the east of Algiers, Tipaza (formerly Tipasa) was a small trading post during its life under the Roman Empire and a key strategic base for the conquest of Mauritania. There are three key sites to explore here – the two archaeological parks and the Royal Mauritanian Mausoleum. The UK and US foreign offices suggest tourists in Tipaza should be vigilant at all times.

Tipaza, Algeria

Located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast to the east of Algiers, Tipaza (formerly Tipasa) was a small trading post during its life under the Roman Empire and a key strategic base for the conquest of Mauritania. There are three key sites to explore here – the two archaeological parks and the Royal Mauritanian Mausoleum. The UK and US foreign offices suggest tourists in Tipaza should be vigilant at all times.

Slide 22 of 46: This impressive Roman theater in southeast France was built in the early 1st century and is one of the best preserved in the world. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the hope of distracting citizens from the political unrest, it still functions as a working theater today.

Roman Theatre of Orange, France

This impressive Roman theater in southeast France was built in the early 1st century and is one of the best preserved in the world. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the hope of distracting citizens from the political unrest, it still functions as a working theater today.

Slide 23 of 46: Often upstaged by neighboring Pompeii, this ancient Roman town in Campania was also destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Unlike its sister site, it was a pyroclastic surge (fast moving gas and volcanic matter) that buried the town in mud and rubble and killed most of its inhabitants. This meant that even paper and wood were preserved, making it very different to other archaeological sites. Discover the secrets of Pompeii that are only just being uncovered.

Herculaneum, Italy

Often upstaged by neighboring Pompeii, this ancient Roman town in Campania was also destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Unlike its sister site, it was a pyroclastic surge (fast moving gas and volcanic matter) that buried the town in mud and rubble and killed most of its inhabitants. This meant that even paper and wood were preserved, making it very different to other archaeological sites.Slide 24 of 46: Near the Strait of Gibraltar, this ancient town was an important maritime port for the Romans and connected continental Europe with north Africa. It's a great example of what everyday life in a small Roman town was like and highlights include the remains of a fish factory, the still-standing columns of temples and the baths, fed by aqueducts.

Baelo Claudia, Spain

Near the Strait of Gibraltar, this ancient town was an important maritime port for the Romans and connected continental Europe with north Africa. It’s a great example of what everyday life in a small Roman town was like and highlights include the remains of a fish factory, the still-standing columns of temples and the baths, fed by aqueducts.
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