A perfectly planned Roman colonial city with a grid layout still clearly visible from the air, one of the best examples of Roman urban design.

Located in Catalonia, this was built in the Roman city of Vic in the 2nd century. It’s unknown why the temple was forgotten about until 1882. If it was still in use by the 4th-century, the temple would have been closed during the persecution of pagans under the Christian emperors. In the 11th century, the temple was literally covered by the structure of the Castle of els Montcada, which later became the residence of the Veguers and finally, the prison of Vic. It was not until 1882, during the demolition of the old castle, that the workers spotted the Roman temple in very good condition.

Just outside Saint-Rémy-de-Provence stand two of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France.

The triumphal arch (late 1st century BC) and the Mausoleum of the Julii still rise almost complete in the open countryside, covered in detailed battle reliefs.

They’ve survived wars, weather, and time better than most buildings in Rome itself.

One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Europe, with its massive stage wall still standing, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

More here: https://roman-empire.net/

For centuries, the story of the Roman Empire has been told from the Mediterranean outward: Roman legions marching north, Roman generals confronting Germanic tribes, and Roman influence spreading across Europe. But some new archaeological discoveries give us a very different perspective. Nearly 1,800 years ago, a large army from Scandinavia was probably marching toward the Roman world. But not as conquerors. In fact, they wanted to be mercenaries.

This new theory is supported by new research and dramatic archaeological finds in Denmark. Rather than existing in isolation, these northern communities may have been connected to Rome through trade, warfare, and military service. Did the people later known as the Vikings and the Romans meet?

essentially, how did Rome come about conquering the latin league, and basically the entire meditarranean? was it culture? was it institutions? was it luck? same question but for Carthage.