Ancient Sites Photo Gallery
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Turkey, Kaunos: The Baetyl SanctuaryThe flat terrace above the agora and harbour of Kaunos has a long history of sacred use. In late antiquity a three-nave Christian church was constructed here. Before that (from the first century BCE) the site was a temple and temenos dedicated to Zeus Soteros. Earlier still (perhaps fifth century BCE) is this unusual round structure, built at an angle to the axis of the later temple.
When first uncovered, the structure’s purpose seemed mysterious. But the mystery was partially solved when archaeologists sank a trench underneath the central flat circular slab and found a large, roughly conical baetyl, 3.5m in height resting on bedrock about 6.5m below the present surface. This sacred stone, associated with the eponymous founder of the city, appears as a design on several of the city’s coins.
Note that the inner ring wall is plastered on its interior surface, suggesting that quantities of water (or other liquids) were involved in whatever rituals were conducted here.
Abu Galyon
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Greece, Epirus, Kassope Street in Kassope and view to the southGreece, Epirus, Kassope Street in Kassope and view to the south
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kassope_2016-05-09_13.06.21.jpg
9 May 2016 Rjdeadly
Kassope or Cassope was an ancient Greek city in Epirus. Kassope occupies a magnificent and remote site on a high platform overlooking the sea, the Ambracian Gulf and the fertile lands to the south, and with the slopes of the Zalongo mountain to the north. It is considered one of the best remaining examples of a city built on a rectilinear street grid of a Hippodamian plan in Greece. The first settlements on the site are from the Paleolithic. However the city of Kassope was founded in the middle of the 4th century B.C. as the capital of the Kassopaeans, a sub-tribe of the Thesprotians. It belonged to the Aetolian League. Cassope or Cassopia is mentioned in the war carried on by Cassander against Alcetas II of Epirus, in 312 B.C. The city flourished in the 3rd century BC, when large public buildings were built. Kassope also minted its own coins. It was destroyed by Roman forces in 168-167 B.C. Kassope was abandoned in 31 B.C. when the remaining inhabitants resettled to Nikopolis the region’s new capital. The visible remains include the Cyclopean walls, an agora, a theater, the prytaneion. Joe Sermarini
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Turkey, Antalya, Archaeological Museum of Antalya.Statue attributed to Julia Soaemias, mother of Elagabalus.
Photograph by Will Hooton*Alex
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Syria, The Roman theater of Gabalah (Jableh, Syria)Jableh (Arabic: جبلة Ǧabla), also spelt Jebleh, Jabala, Jablah or Gabala, is a coastal city on the Mediterranean in Syria, 25 km north of Baniyas and 25 km south of Latakia, with c. 80,000 inhabitants (2008). In antiquity Jableh was an important Roman city, one of the main remains of this period is an amphitheater, capable of housing c. 7,000 spectators. Near the seashores even older remains were found dating to the Iron Age or Phoenician Era. Less than 1 kilometer of the city center lies the ancient site of Gibala, today known as Tell Tweini. This city was inhabited from the third millennium BCE until the Persian period. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JablehJoe Sermarini
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Italy, Pompeii, July 2008A picture high up on the wall of the brothel, depicting what the paying customer could expect in the room beneath it.Mark Z
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Turkey, Istanbul (Constantinople) The Land WallThe Land Wall of Theodosius stretches for 6.5 km from the Golden Horn to the Sea of Marmara. The first phase (a single wall with towers) was complete by 413; after a major earthquake in 447 the Wall was rebuilt and strengthened (a second outer screen and a moat were added), just in time to discourage Attila the Hun from attacking the city. The fortifications included 96 guard towers, each 18-20 m in height and spaced roughly 55 m apart. The Land Wall remained a formidable defensive barrier until the advent of artillery in the 15th century. Even in ruins, and with vegetables growing in the moat, it's still an impressive sight today. Abu Galyon
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Iran, The Anahita temple in Kangavar (Kermanshahr)I found a coin in this location, unfortunately not a Parthian or Sasanian drachm, but a rusty Byzantine bronze follis from the 11th cent. AD. The Silk Road was everywhere!
Schatz
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Iran, The Anahita temple in Kangavar (Kermanshah)or what is left of it. It dates back to Sasanian times (around 500 AD) and was dedicated to the goddess of water and fertility, Anahita, the only female in the Old Persian pantheon. Originally built on a square base, the temple must have been an impressive structure. As late as 1840, a traveler reported having seen 8 massive intact columns.
Schatz
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Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars ProvinceBahram II in combat with a mounted Roman
Schatz
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Iran, Ardashir I, 224 - 242 ADThe investiture of the first Sasanian king, Ardashir I, by Ahura Mazda (left), a rock relief in Naqsh-e-Rostam north of Persepolis.Schatz
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Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars ProvincePart of the relief showing Hormizd II (303-309 AD) toppling a mounted enemy.Schatz
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Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars ProvinceThe grandee relief of King Bahram II (276-293 AD) surrounded by his entourage
Schatz
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Iran, Naqsh-e-Rostam, Fars ProvinceThe Sasanian king Shahpur I (241-272 AD) with his characteristic hairdo, the korymbos, in front of two prisoners, the supplicant Roman emperor Valerian and Philip the Arab after the battle of Edessa in 240 AD
Schatz
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Iran, Pasargadae (Fars province), a UNESCO World Heritage SiteA massive wall of the fortified terrace at Pasargadae called Throne of Solomon’s Mother
On a plain surrounded by gently rolling hills, about 25 mi north of Persepolis, king Kyros II (the Great) founded the first capital of the multinational Achaemenid empire in the middle of the 6th cent. BC. What is left of it are the remains of 2 royal palaces, a large fortified terrace, and the mausoleum of Kyros II (at the time of my visit heavily scaffolded and therefore unphotographed). After Kyros’ death the capital was used for a while by his successor Kambyses.
Schatz
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Iran, Pasargadae (Fars province)Part of one of Kyros’ two royal palaces, the audience hall.
Sections of massive columns and a relief showing a bull being led by a guard. The 2 square covered structures in the center may have been put up later as protection for exposed column bases.
Schatz
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Spain, Naveta des TudonsPlace: Naveta des Tudons, Menorca
Country: Spain
The Naveta des Tudons is the most famous megalithic chamber tomb in Minorca. It was used between 1200 y 750 BC. It is a collective tomb which contained, when it was discovered in 1975 at least 100 men and different objects like bronze bracelets or bone and ceramic buttons.
The legend says that two brothers were competing for the love of a girl. To decide who would be the chosen one, they started a construction, and the first one to finish it would marry the girl. One of them decided to build the naveta and the other one a well. The time run and when the last stone was going to be placed on the naveta, the other brother shouted: "Water, water!!". Then, the brother who was building the naveta, very angry, threw the last stone (the one that is missing on the top) into the well, killing his brother. Then, feeling remorse for what he had done, he killed himself. It is said that the girl died alone and was buried in the naveta.Viriathus
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Italy, Rome, The Painted Garden of LiviaThe painted garden of Livia Augusta was located at her country residence in Prima Porta, 15km north along the Via Flaminia. It was decorating the walls of a windowless underground room which was probably used as a summer room.
The painted garden runs along the four walls depicting plants and trees in different periods of time with overlapping flowering and mature fruits. Plant species depicted include: umbrella pine, oak, red fir, quince, pomegranate, myrtle, oleander, date palm, strawberry, laurel, viburnum, holm oak, boxwood, cypress, ivy, acanthus, rose, poppy, chrysanthemum, chamomile, fern, violet, and iris. Birds are present almost everywhere.
In 1950 the frescoes were detached from the villa and transferred to the Museo Nazionale Romano di Palazzo Massimo, close to Stazione Termini, and located at the third floor.
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Italy, Aquileia - mosaic floorPost-Theodorian North hall (middle of the 4th century)J. B.
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Italy, Aquileia - mosaic floorRam and battle between Cock and Tortoise. The Cock is symbol of the light of a new day, thus representing Christ, the "light of the world". The tortoise, whose Greek name means "dweller of the darkness", is instead of the symbol of Evil.
Post-Theodorian North hall (middle of the 4th century)J. B.
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Italy, Aquileia - forumJ. B.
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Spain, Talaiot de Torellonet VellPlace: Torellonet Vell, Menorca
Country: Spain
The talaiot is the most significant structure of the prehistorical culture of Minorca and Majorca. Its characteristics are very varied but always bears a similarity with a tower. Although some talaiots have been found with an interior room, generally, the area that is used more frequently would be at the top, which is now mostly in ruins.
Nonetheless, the large talaiot depicted in this photo, Torelló 1, still has a well preserved door-window open to the south. It seems that the construction had diverse buildings embedded around it.
Although the excavation of the superior camera gave Roman chandeliers and ceramics, the remains of a factory of brass foundry was found west of the talaiot (where several molds, a faulty axe and Talaiotic ceramic were located) which seem to date the construction of the monument before the beginning of the 1st millennium BC.
Viriathus
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Spain, Torre d'en Galmés, MenorcaPlace: Torre d'en Galmés, Menorca
Country: Spain
Torre d'en Galmés is situated on a small hill that dominates most of the southern part of the island Minorca. On clear days it is possible to see the mountains of neighbouring Majorca. In prehistoric times it would have been possible to observe a large numbers of talaiotic towns from this position which leads to think that Torre d'en Galmés exercised a position of authority.
The Cartailhac Circle, named in honour of the eminent French archaeologist Émile Cartailhac, author of "Primitive Monuments on the Balearic Islands (1892)", was inhabitated between 250-50 BC. Its external wall is made with flagstones placed vertically on a baseboard.
In the interior, we see the remains of a central patio, with numerous fallen architectural elements (mullions, lintels, pilasters...), and three rooms around it.
To each side of the entrance there is a small covered space, with the roof below the superior level of the stones of the external facade, which seems to indicate that, at least above these spaces, there was a floor.
Viriathus
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Spain, Torre d'en Galmés, Menorca - The Cartailhac CirclePlace: Torre d'en Galmés, Menorca
Country: Spain
Torre d'en Galmés is situated on a small hill that dominates most of the southern part of the island Minorca. On clear days it is possible to see the mountains of neighbouring Majorca. In prehistoric times it would have been possible to observe a large numbers of talaiotic towns from this position which leads to think that Torre d'en Galmés exercised a position of authority.
The Cartailhac Circle, named in honour of the eminent French archaeologist Émile Cartailhac, author of "Primitive Monuments on the Balearic Islands (1892)", was inhabitated between 250-50 BC. Its external wall is made with flagstones placed vertically on a baseboard.
In the interior, we see the remains of a central patio, with numerous fallen architectural elements (mullions, lintels, pilasters...), and three rooms around it.
To each side of the entrance there is a small covered space, with the roof below the superior level of the stones of the external facade, which seems to indicate that, at least above these spaces, there was a floor.
Viriathus
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Croatia, Split - Diocletian's palace, basementRomans who escaped from near Salona in 7th century reocupied Diocletian's palace. They lived in higher floors above basement. These rooms was gradually filled by garbage through holes in ceiling so basment remained preserved until these days. J. B.
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Croatia, Split - Diocletian's palace, basementRomans who escaped from near Salona in 7th century reocupied Diocletian's palace. They lived in higher floors above basement. These rooms was gradually filled by garbage through holes in ceiling so basment remained preserved until these days. J. B.
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Croatia, Split - Diocletian's palace, temple of Jupiterinterior with modern statue
Temple was converted to babtistery later.J. B.
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Croatia, Split - Diocletian's palace - temple of Jupiterlater converted to babtisteryJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, ColosseumJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Baths of Caracallahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baths_of_CaracallaJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Baths of Caracallahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baths_of_CaracallaJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Baths of Caracallabuilt between 212 AD and 216 AD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baths_of_CaracallaJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Temple of Venus Genetrixchurch of Santi Luca e Martina; curia; arch of Septimius Severus
... I think so many different types of building in the one picture you can find only in Rome.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Basilica Ulpia and Trajan's columnChurch of the Most Holy Name of Mary at the Trajan Forum in the background.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Aqua Claudia (aquaduct)entrance to San Stefano RotondoJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Aqua Claudia, Part of the aquaduct near Basilica of St. John LateranJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Original ancient door from Curianow it is in Basilica of St. John Lateran ... seat of Pope until he moved to VaticanJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Porta San Giovannigate in the Aurelian Wall
gate was built for pope Gregory XIII
(near San Giovanni in Laterano)J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Porta Asinariagate in the Aurelian Walls built 270-273 AD
(near San Giovanni in Laterano)J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme - DiscobolosPalazzo Massimo alle TermeJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, HermaphroditePalazzo Massimo alle TermeJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, sarcophagus Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
there is also great collection of roman coins.J. B.
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Italy, Ostia - house near forumJ. B.
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Italy, Ostia - house near forumJ. B.
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Italy, Ostia - capitol on forumJ. B.
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Turkey, Istanbul, Princes Islands, Proti10-6-2015
The Monastery of the Transfiguration, on the island of Kınalıada (Proti).
A place of exile and burial of many members of the Byzantine aristocracy, including Emperors.
The earliest of which is said to have been Leo V (813-20 AD) but the most famous was Romanus IV (1068-71 AD).
Note the Corinthian capital in the foreground.
Like many ethnic Greek Church complexes in Turkey, this is often closed.Constantine IV
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Italy, Ostia - mosaique floorJ. B.
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Italy, Ostia - mosaiqueJ. B.
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Italy, Ostia - theatrerebuilt by CommodusJ. B.
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Italy, Ostia - mosaiqueJ. B.
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Italy, Ostia - temple of CeresJ. B.
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Italy, Ostia - mosaiqueHippocampsJ. B.
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Italy, Ostia - mosaiqueJ. B.
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Turkey, Istanbul, Monastery of the Mother of God at the Spring7-6-2015
The full name of this ancient complex is "Monastery of the Mother of God at the Spring" but it is often known as "Zoödochos Pege" (Life-giving spring).
The Turkish name of it and the area is "Balıklı" which translates as "place where there are fishes" due to the presence of fish in this spring.
The era of the first Church complex around this spring is given either from the time of Emperor Leo I (457-74 AD) or Justinian I (527-65 AD).
Earthquakes and enemy invasions saw numerous rebuilding of this complex through the centuries.
The last was after the Pogroms of the 1950's.Constantine IV
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Italy, Rome, Colosseum, Flavian AmphitheatreHere's yet another pic of the famous Roman landmark, only this time, I used the "Pano" feature on my iPhone, allowing the entire northern half to be viewed. Mark Z
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Italy, Rome, Temple of Hadrianbuilt by Antoninus Pius in 145 AD
now occupied by the Borsa bankJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Column of Marcus AureliusIt was built in 176 or later after death of Marcus Aurelius to celebrate victory over Marcomani and Quadi and Sarmatians. J. B.
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Turkey, Istanbul, Maiden's Tower2-6-2015
The first recorded structure on this islet dates from 1110 AD when Emperor Alexius had a tower constructed on it.
This tower was linked to another tower on the European side (the Mangana district) by an iron chain.
This tower was connected to the nearby Asian coast by a causeway upon which was built a wall.
A number of additions and uses have happened to the tower since then, the last of which were steel supports after the devastating earthquake of 17 August 1999.Constantine IV
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Italy, Rome, Ara PacisIt was built to honor the triumphal return of the Roman emperor Augustus.
It was consecrated on 30 January 9 BC.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, National Museum of Rome, Suicide of a Gaul Pallazo Altemps
Roman copy of Hellenistic original 230-220 BC, one of the bronze groups commissioned from Greek sculptors by Pergamon king Attalus I after his recent victories over the Gauls of Galatia.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Mausoleum of Hadrian and Pons Aeliusbuilt between 135 AD and 139 AD
bridge was built in 134 AD
Hadrian and Sabina,
Antoninus Pius and Faustina,
Lucius Verus,
Marcus Aurelius,
Commodus,
Septimius Severus and
Caracalla were buried here.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, PantheonJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Pantheonbuilt by Agrippa 27 BC
rebuilt by Hadrian into present shape in 123 AD
M AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIVM FECIT
In 609 panteon was converted into church of St. Mary and the Martyrs.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Pantheonbuilt by Agrippa 27 BC
rebuilt by Hadrian into present shape in 123 AD
remains of Neptune's basilicaJ. B.
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Spain, Torralba d'en SalordPlace: Torralba d'en Salord, Menorca
Country: Spain
Torralba d'en Salord is a prehistoric talaiotic settlement located on the island of Minorca between the towns of Mahon and Alayor. Chronologically, it lies between 1000 BC and the Roman conquest. Although it lasted until the Middle Ages.
The large T-shaped monument that is depicted in the photo is called a Taula, and it's probably a sanctuary. A U-shaped wall encloses the Taulas; these precincts are 3000 years old, but the age of its central monuments is unknown. This Taula measures 5 meters tall and it's the largest of its kind.
Viriathus
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Italy, Rome, Republican templesLargo di Torre Argentina
Wikipedia: "Temple of Juturna built by Gaius Lutatius Catulus after his victory against the Carthaginians in 241 BC. It was later rebuilt into a church, whose apse is still present.
Circular temple with six columns remaining, was built by Quintus Lutatius Catulus in 101 BC to celebrate his victory over Cimbri; it was Aedes Fortunae Huiusce Diei, a temple devoted to the "Luck of the Current Day"."
J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Vatican Museums, Marble bustsVatican MuseumsJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Arch of Titusbuilt by Domitianus
commemorate victory of Titus in Jerusalem in the first Jewish–Roman WarJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Unidentified Bust, Museum on PalatineMuseum on PalatineJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Palace of Domitianon PalatinJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Domitian's stadium on PalatinJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Arch of Dolabella(the Porta Caelimontana)
built by consul Publius Cornelius Dolabella in 10 AD.
It was part of Aqua Marcia and later Aqua Claudia leading to Palatin.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Circus Maximus600m x 200m
+- 320000 spectators
last race in 549 ADJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Temple of Hercules VictorForum Boarium
built in the later second century BC
In 1132 the temple was converted to a church, known as Santo Stefano alle Carozze.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Temple of PortunusForum Boarium
built in 75 BC
converted to church in 872J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Porticus OctaviaeBuilt by Augustus in the name of his sister, Octavia Minor, after 27 BC.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Theatre of MarcellusTheatre was built in 13 BC and was named after Marcus Marcellus, Emperor Augustus's nephew, who died five years before its completion.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Temple of Apollo SosianusName derives from its final rebuilder: Gaius Sosius.
Construction begun in 34 BC.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Pons Aemiliusthe oldest stone-bridge in Rome
bridge with six wholly stone arches was comleted in 142 BC
bridge was destroyd in 1598 AD by flood.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pons_AemiliusJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Pons FabriciusOldest bridge in Rome - built in 62 BC and still existing in its original state.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Porta San Paologate in Aurelian wallsJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Pyramid of Cestiusbuilt in 12 BC by Gaius Cestius Epulo
base: 29.6 m (100 Roman feet)
high: 37 m (125 Roman feet)
inscription:
C · CESTIVS · L · F · POB · EPULO · PR · TR · PL
VII · VIR · EPOLONVM
OPVS · APSOLVTVM · EX · TESTAMENTO · DIEBVS · CCCXXX
ARBITRATV
PONTI · P · F · CLA · MELAE · HEREDIS · ET · POTHI · L
inscription from 1663: INSTAVRATVM · AN · DOMINI · MDCLXIIIJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, ColosseumJ. B.
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Italy, Rome, Colosseum50000 spectators
It has been estimated that about 500000 people and over a million wild animals died in the Colosseum games.J. B.
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Italy, Rome, Temple of Venus and RomaThis is largest roman temple and it was designed by emperor Hadrian himself. Temple was finished by Antoninus Pius and repaired by Maxentius after fire. In 850 after earthquake pope Leo IV built Santa Maria Nova over ruins. In 1612 after renovation church was renamed to Santa Francesca Romana.J. B.
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