Secrets of Archaeology Season 1 Episode 19 Roman Imprint On The West

Secrets of Archaeology season 1 episode 19, "Roman Imprint On The West," explores the impact of Roman civilization on the western region of Europe. This episode takes viewers on a journey from the ancient city of Tarragona in Spain to the Roman baths in Bath, England as it uncovers the legacy of this great empire across the continent.

The episode begins in Tarragona, one of the most important Roman cities in Spain. The city's most significant Roman remains are the amphitheater, the circus, the aqueduct, the forum, and the walls that surround the old town. The amphitheater is a testament to the entertainment the Romans enjoyed, and it could hold up to 15,000 spectators. The circus, which was a stadium used for chariot races and other competitions, was destroyed over time, but its ruins are still visible today. The aqueduct supplied the city with water, and its construction was an engineering feat of ancient times. The forum was the heart of the city, and it was where the market was held and political debates took place. The walls that surrounded the old town, which were built between the third and second centuries BC, are still impressive, and their great engineering allowed them to withstand attacks from invaders.

The episode then travels to Bath, England, where Roman influence is also evident. The Roman Baths are a complex of four buildings, which was a social hub that brought people together to bathe and relax. The baths are made from Bath stone and contain hot springs that were believed to have healing properties. The episode highlights how the Romans' passion for luxurious living and socializing influenced their architecture, as is demonstrated by the intricate design and decoration of the baths. The episode further explores the cultural influence of Rome on England, from the construction of the temples dedicated to the gods of Rome to the creation of a road network.

The episode moves on to Merida in Spain, where the ruins of the Emerita Augusta, one of the most important cities in Hispania, are located. Emerita Augusta was a political, administrative, and cultural center of the western Roman Empire. The theater of Merida is one of its most intriguing sites, known for its grandeur and its impressive acoustics. Also located in Merida is the "Puente Romano," or Roman bridge, which was built in the first century BC and remained functional to this day. It is striking to think of how the Romans managed to build such an integral structure that has lasted for over 2,000 years.

The episode wraps up in Portugal, where the Roman influence is also evident. The Roman Temple of Evora is a temple from the Roman era, located in Evora. The temple is surrounded by a group of buildings that date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. The Roman Temple of Evora is an important symbol of the Roman Empire's presence in western Europe. The Temple is particularly impressive due to its design and size, and remains one of the most well-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world.

In "Roman Imprint On The West," viewers are treated to a deep exploration of the impact of Roman civilization on the western region of Europe. It is fascinating to learn about the mastery of ancient engineering that enabled the creation of structures that are still functional to this day. The episode highlights the strong cultural influence that still shapes Europe to this day, from architecture to religion. Those interested in history and architecture will find this episode especially worth watching.