The ultimate creations of the Romans astounded posterity

Below are famous architectural masterpieces that have overcome the harsh ravages of time and represent the incredible level of development of the ancient Romans at that time, introduced by CNN.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the seven new wonders of the world and a must-visit place when visiting the capital Rome (Italy). With a maximum capacity of up to 80.000 seats, this is the world's largest ancient arena ever built.

The Roman Coliseum was built between 70 and 72 BC. At its peak, this site became one of the main entertainment centers, greatly loved by the ancient Romans.

Famous for its characteristic four-story domed architecture, the arena is nearly 50 meters high and was used to organize sports activities, wrestling, and dramatic performances in ancient times.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

Pompeii and Herculaneum are two ancient Roman cities that were buried more than 2.000 years ago, after the two-day eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

The story of Pompeii and Herculaneum has become a popular subject for many disaster films. Archaeologists have found more than 1.000 bodies of victims buried in that terrible eruption.

Although forgotten for more than 1.000 years, this site is still recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and welcomes more than 2.500.000 visitors each year. .

Pont du Gard

Pont du Gard is a three-story bridge located in the south of France, in the province of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. This bridge serves to carry water from the Vzes region in the north to the city of Nimes in the south of France.

This place is not only famous for its majestic beauty, but is also an incredible masterpiece of meticulousness and peak construction techniques of the ancient Romans.

With typical Roman dome-shaped architecture, the stones that make up the Pont du Gard are cut so precisely that mortar is not even needed to bind them together.

Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna is located in Libya and is definitely the top name on the list of the most impressive Roman architecture. This is the most important Roman city located in Africa.

This little-known ancient city was once extremely prosperous thanks to trade activities with Africa, but Leptis Magna was gradually submerged by desert sands after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Visitors can visit remaining relics such as characteristic columnar structures, domed houses and sculptures.

Pantheon

The Pantheon was built in 27 BC, and was the pride of the ancient Romans. This temple is famous for its beautiful circular dome architecture. This is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built more than 2.000 years ago.

According to experts, the two most important factors contributing to the lasting value of this project are the excellent quality of construction mortar and the careful selection of construction materials.

From the heavy basalt in the foundation, to the bricks and limestone for the walls, to the lightest layer of pumice in the center of the dome, all demonstrate the builder's extremely high level of expertise.

Palatine Hill

Rome is known as the "City of Seven Hills", but only one hill plays an important role: Palatine Hill.

Palatine Hill has prehistoric origins. Legend has it that this is where the great Roman Empire originated. This hill was also an important spiritual place during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC).

Palatine Hill displays many remaining frescoes from the reign of Emperor Augustus and Queen Livia - the most beautiful and best preserved ancient works of art in Rome.

Porta Nigra

The ancient city gate of Porta Nigra is known as a famous tourist destination in the city of Trier, Germany. This work is considered a living monument recording the mark of ancient Roman civilization.

Throughout the history of ancient Rome, Germany was the final frontier that only the bravest emperors dared to set foot on. This makes Porta Nigra have a very special historical mark.

According to historical documents, Porta Nigra was built from gray sandstone, featuring the design of two twin towers parallel to each other. With its high scale and complexity, Porta Nigra is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and has become a can't-miss destination for those who love the history of the Roman Empire.

Aphrodisias

This ancient monument is named after Aphrodite - the goddess of love in Greek mythology. Located in southwestern Türkiye, in the upper valley of the Morsynus River, the Temple of Aphrodisias has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.

The temple's remains are extremely well preserved, including tall stone columns typical of Roman architecture, a semicircular theater and marble areas for important political meetings. .

According to experts, the Aphrodisias Temple plays an extremely important role in the field of research on Roman sculptural architecture. More than anywhere else in the world, the Temple of Aphrodisias is the best place to learn about ancient Roman marble sculptures.

Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are the finest example of a Roman bath, and one of the largest thermal water complexes of antiquity, built from about 5 million tons of stone.

In the past, this public bath served more than 8.000 people every day for three centuries. Although only ancient vestiges of the past remain, the Caracalla baths are still an impressive place and associated with the thousand-year history of the capital Rome.