Roman Baths and Public Buildings still in use today

Roman amphitheaters used for bullfights every summer. Roman aqueducts that still carry water. Roman baths filled with bathers. A surprising number of Roman buildings are still used for their original purpose. This video explores some of the most fascinating examples.
A map showing the buildings mentioned:
toldinstone.com/the-best-pres...
If you enjoyed this video, you might be interested in my book “Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans."
www.amazon.com/Naked-Statues-...
If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere online:
/ toldinstone
/ toldinstone
/ toldinstone
/ 20993845.garrett_ryan
0:00 Introduction
1:09 Amphitheater of Verona
1:44 Arena of Arles
2:10 Nimes Arena
2:33 Proserpina Dam
3:05 Segovia Aqueduct
3:43 Aqueduct of Valens
4:13 Aqua Virgo
5:02 Bath, England
5:59 Sacred Pool of Hierapolis
6:56 Hammam Essalihine
8:25 Temple of Hercules Victor
9:07 The Pantheon
Thanks for watching!

[@hamiljohn]

Thanks for another great video, hopefully your book will be out soon, I want to read it!

[@toldinstone]

My pleasure - and thanks for your kind words about the book! If you pre-order it now (or anytime this summer), it should ship on September 1. In the meantime, you can read a few excerpts here: toldinstone.com/naked-statues-fat-gladiators-and-war-elephants/

[@_R0MA_]

@@toldinstone Shipping to Croatia?

[@toldinstone]

@@_R0MA_ Yes - though it will take a bit longer to arrive

[@toldinstone]

@Ghost Ghost I've been trying to convince my publisher to do an audiobook for months. If they agree, hopefully they'll let me read it...

[@jennifermcgoldrick6323]

@@toldinstone hello - been watching tons of your videos, thanks. Question about the Bathe springs - I thought the reason you currently can’t touch the water is because of the lead? Is there still bacteria in it? Or did Victorians continue using the baths not knowing they were giving themselves lead poisoning? Like their green wallpaper etc?

[@Mikey-no1tz]

There's a still-functioning Roman aqueduct not too from where I live in Switzerland. It was the water supply for the town until the late 19th century and is still used to feed a fountain. Amazing engineering.

[@toldinstone]

That's fascinating. Out of curiosity, where is that aqueduct? (I keep a running list of structures that I might want to mention in future videos, and that sounds like a contender.)

[@toldinstone]

@@Mikey-no1tz Thank you!

[@cherylsmith4826]

How exciting!

[@Windows95__]

@@Mikey-no1tz damn i didn't know is german speaking switzerland you guys had roman ruins too! i only thinked it was in my region (romandie)

[@bozomori2287]

@@toldinstone there is a temple converted to a mosque since 1500s, it is in algeria i think.

[@Blackadder75]

Bathing in a 2000 year old pool is now on my bucket list. I really have to visit Turkey

[@toldinstone]

It's a cool experience (though frankly overpriced, and they make you bring your own towel)

[@garyfrancis6193]

I hope they changed the water.

[@robdoubleyou4918]

Agreed. On my bucket list. I wonder of you can get “striggled” there as well! Or do let me know if there is a place where you can get striggled! 😀

[@Blackadder75]

@@robdoubleyou4918 I don't know much english slang, what does that even mean?

[@Kosmonooit]

@@toldinstone Yea I missioned there back in the back-packing days, access to those pools was hideously overpriced, I recognise that fence.

[@TheMightymolar]

The Roman amphitheater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria is used to this day. Buried for centuries it was unearthed in the 70's and hosts classical music and rock concerts. It's gorgeous.

[@gabrielschwarz8761]

I was there this summer. Amazing place, greeting from PL

[@lindgrenland]

😍 😍I wanna visit so bad. I live in Sweden, and while I love much of the old architecture and ruins we have, antiquity and rome are my favorites

[@TheMightymolar]

@@lindgrenland Bulgaria is great. You should go. They also unearthed the chariot racing stadium, but most of it is under the city.

[@Dr.Yalex.]

@@lindgrenland go... it is inexpensive and you'll love the people and the food... get on the train and go!

[@Dr.Yalex.]

@@TheMightymolar right on... ! I love Plovdiv! Did you go to the old city, where the rock stairs are? did you visit Sozopol as well?

[@andreacolombo9795]

I think the Cloaca Maxima in Rome should be in your next list. It was one of the world's earliest sewage systems, and although very little water runs through it in the present days, it has been continously in use for over 2500 years.

[@toldinstone]

I'm hoping to do a separate video on that. Stay tuned...

[@michaelmullin3585]

It dumped sewerage into the Tiber.

[@BlueBlue-mm7kn]

You are very wrong, the worlds earliest sewage systems was in Iran, Italy wasn’t one of them. The wester world always wanna portray Greece and Italy as one of the first, truth is those 2 countries copied everything from the East!

[@andreacolombo9795]

@@BlueBlue-mm7kn "One of the earliest", as I wrote, is very different from "First in the world" as you state I did. And your last assumption is completely wrong, in Italy we learn in primary school that the so called "Fertile Crescent" hosted advanced cities and society way before the Roman Empire.

[@Kim-lc3fv]

I was impressed with seeing the ancient public toilets in Athens.

[@rosselliot8971]

Oh, to swim among those ancient columns at Hierapolis.

[@je-freenorman7787]

You watch that crap cartoons and you will never make it

[@nocturnalrecluse1216]

Yes

[@danieljjj9949]

@@je-freenorman7787 why are you attacking him

[@Literallyryangosling777]

Among

[@je-freenorman7787]

@@danieljjj9949 We dont attack people sorry. You must be confused. I am trying to help understand.

[@MrBoyuki]

The Amphitheatre in Chester, UK is still used for theatrical events etc

[@je-freenorman7787]

They call war theater because, killing you is their entertainment.

[@vadz9733]

Maybe that's the furthest north example

[@ajrwilde14]

One in Cyprus is too.

[@sutty85]

​@@je-freenorman7787 what?

[@je-freenorman7787]

@@sutty85 what part are you confused about? Have you ever heard war , called Theater? religion is a curse to all humans. Every war is a racket. he Royals are all Lunatics and they just get the people to fight each other

[@apffh]

The Tower of Hercules in A Coruña (Spain)! It's the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world. It doesn't look exactly as it did in roman times because it went through periods of neglect and had to be restored several times, and each time they changed it a bit, but it's the same building being used for its original purpose. And that rich history is part of its charm, I think :)

[@northernskys]

It is truly amazing how many Roman buildings and structures are still in use today, almost 2 thousand years later. Their builder's would be so proud of their achievements, and of Rome's Might. Cannot imagine anything we build today, still standing. let alone, still being used, 2 thousand years from now. Another brilliant narration of History. Cheers!

[@toldinstone]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@smallbeginning2]

Actually good quality modern buildings will last longer. They're built to withstand earthquake, flood and fire. They have steel rebar and computer testing. Many a town hall etc will be standing. Cardboard and wood American homes won't. But most decent stone buildings have an excellent chance.

[@zippyparakeet1074]

@@smallbeginning2 Yeah, I think most skyscrapers for example will survive for thousands of years, even neoclassical buildings will survive for a long time along with structures such as large stadia, dams, tunnels, bunkers, bomb shelters, stuff like washington monument and other crazy megaprojects will survive for a long long time even without maintenance.

[@eolobrontolo9117]

​@@zippyparakeet1074 I can say that bridges built today, often, don't last more than 50 years, nor mankind will do.😊

[@zippyparakeet1074]

@@eolobrontolo9117 that's because they have bear the weight of 1ton+ vehicles passing over them by the hundreds to thousands.

[@MorganStoneGrether]

In the 1980s I was lucky enough to see Ray Charles perform at the Arles theater you mentioned, and I have to say it was spectacular. What a wonderful site. So glad it has lasted through the ages.

[@Spinosaurus44]

There’s a Roman bridge in Zakho, Iraq near which I live and it has been preserved quite well and still in use by pedestrians today

[@DLWELD]

It's a difficult and subtle thing you do - getting across those feelings, that frisson, that oddly moving connection to the past, that ancient buildings can evoke. Well done.

[@madyjules06]

@DLWELD absolutely beautiful comment

[@TheJimprez]

WOW! I live in Quebec where nothing goes beyond the 1600s. Its amazing how sturdy and sound those 2000 year old buildings were.

[@worldcomicsreview354]

The Egyptian Pyramids were built closer to the existence of wooly mammoths than to today. But, to be fair, those are more artificial mountains.

[@zerotwoisreal]

no joke the oldest stuff where i live is from 1860

[@faithlesshound5621]

Those Roman buildings may be 2000 years old, but some Egyptian temples still more-or-less standing are 3500 to 4000 years old: but they were buried in the sand for about half of that time.

[@alukuhito]

The First Nations people left the land in pristine condition, and we just built ugly cities on it. I think they are just as impressive, if not moreso, than the Romans. Thousands of years of living with nature.

[@absolutelyyousless7605]

@@alukuhito The North American natives razed their forests, harvested so many trees that the south-west & plains became barren, and also attempted to build ugly cities over the land, you have no high-ground here m8.

[@commonwealthrealm]

And the Amphitheater of Verona will host the Closing Ceremony of the Milano 2026 Olympic Winter Games!

[@mistypeaks1303]

I didn't expect to see you here, Commonwealth 😂

[@Mannnnnnnn]

Not if the world ends

[@internetexplorerchan2697]

I Love your Tloz content.

[@agamemnonpadar5706]

My dad was a teacher for ancient latin and greek. He would have loved your videos as I do. Some of the sites you show we have visited during our family holidays.

[@GoodVideos4]

And, to think that those aquaducts didn't have pumps or anything, and only carried water by gravity. Amazing.

[@HugoMRB]

The best kind of engineering is the one which is simple, yet, effective

[@GoodVideos4]

Roman architecture and engineering being centuries ahead of its time.

[@therealhellkitty5388]

Gravity and one hell of a siphon action.

[@fastertrackcreative]

The more complex something is the more than can go wrong. My computer is just over 2 years old and is malfunctioning not infrequently.

[@dimactavicus]

@@fastertrackcreative Well, you wouldn't really want to downgrade to an Abacus, wouldn't you? It's sturdy, that's for sure.

[@Dimitri88888888]

Wow, most of these I had never even heard of, amazing work 🙂

[@toldinstone]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jrideout2802]

Guys, it is Friday night, I've consumed two beers (which now makes me kinda tipsy these day), and I'm excitedly watching the the new toldinstone video on Roman history. I think I might be officially old. I like it.

[@toldinstone]

As I see it, you now have the wisdom and experience to appreciate the finer things...

[@0ff868]

don't worry man, you are not old at all I'm 26, it's past midnight, I have smashed some whiskey, watched like 7 toldinstone videos in a row, and had a great time apparently history lessons and alcohol are made for each other

[@recruitmentch]

Hi. There is a bridge in Zakho in Kurdistan Iraq that is called Dalal. Whilst its actual date of construction is not for certain, it is widely believed that it is a Roman era bridge, due to its similarities to another Roman bridge in Northern Syria. The bridge is still in use today. Regarding other roman buildings still in use today, I'd advise that you look more into Croatia. Also. There is another beautiful Amphitheatre in Lyon. It is also still in use today for shows etc.

[@petarspajic7648]

In my city (Split) we still use the Roman aqueduct that was restored in the 19th century. We also use some churches that were temples in the roman times. The most famous of them being the cathedral of Saint Dominus which is the oldest Christian cathedral still in use.

[@eoinlittle320]

I recently visited Nîmes to see the Maison Carée, the Árennes, the Tour Magna and the Pont du Gard. It was incredible! They are all so much larger than you’d ever imagine and just standing near them felt amazing! Love your videos! :)

[@adinamedrea5303]

In Romania we have Baile Herculane (Hercules baths), it is a small resort with thermal springs which was used by the romans who conquered this teritory and it is still in use today. New investors are slowly reviving this old resort and tourists are there all the time. The springs are said to have great effects on bones, painful back and joints etc. Also, in Budapest, Hungary there is also the Szecheny Fürdo, a thermal bath which dates back to the romans and is still in use today. I was there for 1 day, the water is warm and relaxing, highly recommended for good health.

[@stankythecat6735]

I was at the theatre in Arles yesterday .. it’s amazing . It blows my mind that the stone Seats are still in use

[@Avraham420]

Thank you for providing the quality content that assuages my guilt for going down a youtube rabbithole. I may have spent the last hour watching videos, but they've all been about fascinating places that I've added to my map of places to visit (and attributed to you so I remember why I have this saved place!)

[@frankmitchell3594]

The Basilica at Trier in Germany is another Roman building still in use. The Roman city gate, the Porta Nigra is also still standing and is very impressive.

[@orbit1894]

We use lots of Greek and Roman theatres in Turkey for concerts and plays, it doubles the experience simply due to amazing athmosphere. Its mindblowing to think about that someone from Italy, Spain and Turkey can share a similar experience because of Roman heritage.

[@sebbo_h7121]

As someone who lives in Rome, your work is great, you use this platform in a perfect way 👍

[@toldinstone]

I'm very glad to hear it!

[@malkomalkavian]

You have that most important possession of a KZbinr. A distinctive and pleasant voice :) Thank you

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome

[@chungusdisciple9917]

So glad to see you starting to get the recognition you deserve. This is one of the best history channels out there, looking forward to your future content.

[@therockstandard3068]

Definitely agree

[@toldinstone]

Thank you! Let's hope that the slow climb toward recognition continues...

[@gerhard6105]

In 1987 we went to Turkey and we also visited Pamukkale. We were laying there and had annice day. In the afternoon we visited Hierapolis and i climbed all the way up the theatre structure and had an amazing view over the entire area. There was much wind up there. My mother made a picture from that moment. I was 14 then. In the beginning of the journey we also visited Istanbul again and visited the enormous, still water tight, waterreservoir with the many pilars in it. We were invited by our Turkish neighbours and when we were there, near Emirdag, we visited many old sites. Their oldest son brought us to many places in the mountains were Christian people lived. My father drove both trips to Turkey with his own car. It was my best holiday ever. Regards from 🇳🇱

[@morenofranco9235]

TOLDINSTONE, This is Fascinating! Thank you, again.

[@porkscratchings5428]

Your vids are great and we really enjoy them all, thank you!

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome!

[@mm-tu4dd]

thank you for taking the time to make these precious videos

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome

[@SwitchFlipMan]

I've been looking for a channel like this for so long! Keep up the good work my guy

[@toldinstone]

Thank you!

[@yvonneemmert9185]

WOW! All your research blows my socks off! A+

[@Jenult]

I learn more from your videos than almost any others, thank you.

[@loxodoncyclotis1823]

Great video, but you didn't mention any theatres. The one in Orange, France is still in use today, it's even renowned for its stage acoustics.

[@toldinstone]

I talk about the Orange theater in the prequel to this video, "the best-preserved Roman buildings."

[@nealkellytheoriginal]

@@toldinstone sick burn

[@pasoapasonails6052]

It would be amazing if you make a similar video with ancient Greek buildings or theaters that are still used today. Like Epidavros or Panathinaiko stadium!

[@Filip-pz7wu]

Very interesting as always, found your channel a day or two ago and have been binging the videos. Very calm and relaxing presentation and of course, very "lived-in" for the building ones. Great content!

[@toldinstone]

Thank you! I'm very glad you're enjoying my videos.

[@sanpedrosilver]

Pula & Nimes was just awesome to see. Looking forward to seeing more Roman aqueducts ! Great video here! Thx Doc

[@kingjoe3rd]

Thanks for these videos they have really taught me a lot especially how you put in to perspective as to why a lot of Rome is buried.

[@toldinstone]

I'm very glad to hear it

[@justjoe942]

Enjoyed this very much, thanks. I was stationed at Incirlik, Adana, Turkey in the early eighties and I always enjoyed crawling around on history. You couldn't throw a stone in that city without hitting something Roman in origin.

[@d.l.l.6578]

Your presentations are excellent, professional and articulate.

[@janedoe805]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone! This was extremely interesting! ♥️👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@gregmuon]

Great video. Just bumped into this. It should be noted that bullfighting is a form of the Roman "beast hunts" that has survived into modern times.

[@rl2638]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing about these places. I love Roman history and being in Rome and Pompei and other sites is an unique experience I had the opportunity to do. Looking forward to visit some of these places!

[@lillygate401]

I also love Roman history, I'm English and come from a town

[@lillygate401]

My town was built by the eomans

[@kiyoaki1985]

Out of these, I've seen several, but the ones that impressed me most were the aqueduct at Segovia and the baths in Pamukkale, which I used when I was there. I remember the water was really nice and the bath itself was very comfortable

[@efig5605]

Gr8 video man! Keep posting this kind of content!

[@DrewsReviews07]

There’s a Greek amphitheater in Taormina Sicily that is still used for concerts. It simply amazing to me that these structures still stand at all.

[@ethanmassey1216]

Keep up the great videos!

[@jakobtrahey846]

!! EL TICO EL MAS MUCHO TACO !!?

[@jakobtrahey846]

@John Higgins como sabes donde vivo!?!

[@toldinstone]

Thank you!

[@Sumermak]

Great video as usual! I look forward to these! Thank you!

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome!

[@NSJonesy94]

Loved this and the last video, just the kind of things I've been hoping you'd look at! Thank you!

[@toldinstone]

My pleasure!

[@GypsyHeart2012]

Thank you, some really great examples and information, I have been to some, and want to go see more. Especially the temple of Apollo in Didyma.

[@toldinstone]

My pleasure! The Temple of Apollo is wonderful, despite the tawdry resort town that surrounds it.

[@ms.donaldson2533]

You build things around "Hot Springs" and then without warning, the nearby volcano erupts and everything gets destroyed. Relocate the structure and restore the story again..... repeating history :) Love your videos - LOVE the book!!! Thank you

[@tylerjackson8476]

Your channel is so cool, thanks for the countless hours i spend watching ur vids😄

[@kathycagg6531]

Fascinating! Beautiful presentation! Thanks

[@toucansam3]

I visited the Coliseum 10 years ago and I still rank it among the greatest moments of my life.

[@krisconrad6980]

Good video. Fascinating. The Roman ruins just take me back to when I was there. The amphitheater in Verona is amazing. It's perfectly useful and well maintained. The Roman engineers were incredible with the simple technology they had. Why couldn't the English have used chlorine to kill the bacteria so people could still use the bathes? I think that was an excuse to close down the use. Thanks for posting such a great video.

[@toldinstone]

Very glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Yowzoe]

Yes it is surprising that they don’t use the baths and Bath today, though there must be a good reason to be had with a little research. I bet in the future it will be open

[@matteobertotti]

Simple technology? We still haven't figured out how to reproduce the concrete they used.

[@banditmc12]

@@matteobertotti that’s a myth, we know it’s components, but for some reason don’t use it. There are good KZbin videos on the subject if you’re interested

[@matteobertotti]

@@banditmc12 No, that's not a myth. The fact that you know that diamond is made of carbon doesn't mean you know how it gets created. Of course we know what Roman concrete is made of (spoiler: concrete), but that doesn't mean we could recreate it. We use reinforced concrete, which is as resistant, but not as durable. Their concrete underwent a refining process which is lost to us.

[@markblocker3310]

Really enjoy your videos; well done!

[@takahirokono6637]

You have nice angles for watching civilizations. Thank you!

[@NomadicBrian]

No idea so much of the Roman buildings were still in use around the world. Very interesting. Thanks.

[@Jules-kx5cs]

Another brilliant video. Thank you! I got to bath in the Roman pool at Khenchela a couple of years back pre-virus. Some have bucket lists, I had a Roman bath list. 😂 Algeria has the best Roman ruins I’ve seen anywhere. There are some early Byzantine fortifications build out of Roman temples and triumphal arches that are still used by shepherds too.

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome! I've always wanted to see the baths at Khenchela. With any luck, next year...

[@AXEL-fg5gi]

Not far from it there is the roman city of Timgad. It's very well preserved.

[@grendel_nz]

Excellent to see photos and views unseen before. Thank you :)

[@autumnalburn]

Calming voice, thank ya!

[@elliottferris5929]

The Hadrian's temple in piazza di pietra almost fall in the category above mentioned,unfortunately only a side remained standing...!

[@toldinstone]

So close, and yet so far!

[@Angelfeather100]

Loved the clip! The Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens is still in use. I am about to finish your book, what a treat! Very easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable! GARRETTUS MAXIMUS: “Are you not entertained?!” READERS & SUBSCRIBERS: “👍”

[@amiti7]

Beautiful compilation thanks

[@jx1659]

My first visit - I subbed. Fascinating!

[@paparas99]

There is also the Aqueduct that Hadrian began constructed in Athens in 125 CE and completed fifteen years later (140 CE), during the reign of Antoninus Pius. The aqueduct was repaired, and put into operation again in the 1850's operating up until 1940.

[@TWOCOWS1]

Thanks Doc. Very nice job. How about those durable Roman roads? I know some of them in England are routinely used, particularly in Somerset.

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome! I'm thinking about doing a whole video on Roman roads and bridges.

[@generalputnam8387]

@@toldinstone Yes, please do.

[@Synthwave89]

Fascinating video and topic!

[@albinlindmark1383]

Thanks a lot! Looking forward to more great content!!

[@toldinstone]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidpo5517]

For those wishing a return to the good old days, the words “lead-lined pool” should bring you back to us modern mortals.

[@slome815]

While I certainly like modern comforts, lead is really not that much of a problem most of the time. Do you often drink pool water? You would be suprised how many older buildings still have at least some lead pipes for drinking water. We installed them right up to the 50's. I know my house still has some. It's not even a problem, the hard water in most tap water lines lead pipes with calcium scale, and there's no measurable lead in the water.

[@nigelmansfield3011]

I've been to most of these, and others, what beautiful and evocative places they are. I've even been been to see the structures built by Roman prisoners of war in Iran after the defeat of the emperor Valerian by the Sassanid Shah Shapur 1st. Great sites for history buffs like me.

[@GasserNorm]

Excellent video! Keep doing what your doing, it's fantastic.

[@toldinstone]

Thank you!

[@kmvoss]

Thank you for this content. Very informative.

[@albertconstantine5432]

Super! Thank you. Such a great channel. Oh, Bath's Roman baths were famously in use much before the late 19th c., and late-19th-c. construction was not a discovery but an enhancement. Queen Anne, consort of James I, used the baths in 1619, and the height of prominence was late 18th and early 19th c.

[@toldinstone]

Thanks! And yes, I should have been clearer about Bath - all I meant was that the Roman pools were fully cleared in the late nineteenth century.

[@Yowzoe]

Why can they not be cleaned up enough to be in use today, I wonder?

[@faithlesshound5621]

I am amazed that James I's consort used the baths, since her husband, "the wisest fool in Christendom," famously never bathed at all as an adult. His predecessor, Elizabeth I, took a bath once a month "whether she needed it or not." Her father, Henry VIII, had a new-fangled bath put in at Hampton Court and required his physician's attendance when he made use of it. During an outbreak of plague he ordered the public heated baths or "stews" (which doubled as brothels) at Lambeth closed since the fear was that bathing would let disease enter through the open pores of the skin.

[@riograndedosulball248]

"The temple of Augustus and Livia, in Vienna - France" Got a little brain knot before remembering that there is another Vienna, that isn't in the province of Noricum

[@blorac9869]

Enjoyed, TYVM!

[@Bbuffalofan1]

Saw the Arles Amphitheater and Pont du Gard on a high school trip to Europe. Very awe inspiring.

[@theotmt7906]

when you build something so well that it is still being used 1000 years later

[@edryctan672]

2000 years later, you mean. 1000 years is the copy pasted HRE

[@LaFlaneuse0]

@@edryctan672 a failed copy paste more like. Pressed V instead of C and have to go back to redo the copy.

[@smithwesson3771]

My lord to build any structure to last 2 k years .. just speechless 😶

[@superdivemaster]

Great Video !!!

[@jamesmuldowney5500]

Great video Thank you

[@vespasian606]

As you note when a building is put to use it's chances of survival greatly increase. When maintenance is withheld and condition worsens the cost of repairs is often cited as a reason for demolition. We need a long term plan to ensure that culturally significant building get the legal protection and resources to ensure their survival. As an example the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of numerous libraries most constructed in the classical style. Most are now gone for the sake of short term gain.

[@eljanrimsa5843]

But maintaining buildings actually is expensive. Why would you spend scarce public money on elegant, but not exceptional 20th century buildings? I would rather prioritize the continued function of public libraries.

[@faithlesshound5621]

@@eljanrimsa5843 Public libraries in the UK began throwing out their older books in the 1980s to make space for audio cassettes and later videos and DVDs, which were not free to borrow. Then they got rows of PCs. Children and students don't read books any more, so councils are closing libraries and museums to save money to spend on social care. The Carnegie libraries are fading away like the Library of Alexandria did under Christianity.

[@gabrielaribeiro6155]

That is one of the points that I hope most viewers take away from this video. If a building is constantly used throughout the ages, then it will hardly fall into ruin. For example, plenty of marvelous monasteries would be in better condition today if they had been adapted into schools (or something of the sort), rather then left as mere tourist attractions, once the building's use as a monastery ended.

[@maxmccullough8548]

@@eljanrimsa5843 considering the internet is a thing, would rather see the buildings preserved and the books digitized.

[@fritz404]

Could you do a video covering Roman architecture in Egypt?

[@toldinstone]

I plan to do a whole series on Roman Egypt - I visited a few years ago, and have quite a few pictures - but haven't yet decided when to release those videos. Stay tuned...

[@fritz404]

@@toldinstone great to hear!

[@ryanellis4474]

Excellent video! Thank you for making this! Come kick it with yours truly in Detroit some soon Saturday!

[@fu2201]

Great work

[@Yamezzzz]

I literally live in Bath, Somerset, right next to the Roman Baths, I thought this video was about my little city but it's amphitheatres in Italy lol

[@93corollausa94]

can you swim in em?

[@Yamezzzz]

@@93corollausa94 Not really, it's a full museum with lots of things to see, and it's 2000 year old plumbing. It's easy to not realise how old that is. It even has under floor heating from Roman times. You can only swim there during special events with a special ticket. 99% of people don't ever swim but everyone dunks their hand in to feel the warmth and you can drink the (cleaned) bath water from a fountain in the museum, which has been a revered medicine for thousands of years, but it tastes like old pennies so ew.

[@alaingadbois2276]

Very informative! You may be interested to know there are Roman pools still in use in Gafsa, Tunisia. Also, between the island of Djerba and the coast, the connecting jetty is attributed to the Romans and is also still in use.

[@toldinstone]

Thank you! I was unaware of those.

[@alaingadbois2276]

@@toldinstone I lived in Tunisia for 3 years in the early seventies. You could visit ruins from the Punic era all the way to the recent French occupation. Some sites were well guarded, but for many others you could just walk in and play in the ruins ( I was around 10). In Sbeitla, I remember climbing in and out of a cruciform baptismal basin covered in mosaics! It is astounding to think this was allowed and seemed normal back then...There are many well preserved Roman buildings in Tunisia (Dougga for ex.) that deserve to be talked about.

[@toldinstone]

@@alaingadbois2276 I spent a week in Tunisia in 2014, but that wasn't nearly enough to see what the country had to offer. I hope to return soon, and to make a few videos for this channel.

[@alaingadbois2276]

toldinstone Looking forward to these eventually. You've got material for decades of videos!!!

[@toldinstone]

@@alaingadbois2276 I know - it's overwhelming, but in an encouraging way!

[@negrotski]

excellent videos truly

[@onceANexile]

Excellent channel.

[@sagidasyed6314]

0:36 plz tell me the name of this temple and its location please please 🤗🤗😘😘😘

[@mg4361]

temple of Portunus in Rome, Italy

[@sagidasyed6314]

@@mg4361 thankyou so much 🤗🤗😘😘😘😘❣️❣️❣️❣️😅

[@alanzeleznikar]

Does San Nicola in Carcere qualify here? Or maybe the Mamertine Prison? Also, video suggestion: the several "layer cake" churches in Rome (Santa Pudentiana, Santa Agnese in Agone, Santa Cecilia and of course San Clemente). Love these videos.

[@toldinstone]

Both San Nicola and the Mamertine Prison are excellent examples of the urban continuity that makes Rome so special. As it happens, I'm planning to make a San Clemente video in the relatively near future. Stay tuned...

[@forzastella1]

Lovely video, thank you for sharing!

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome!

[@ammotomma]

Great video!

[@DrSales-zl3kq]

When a thought of Plato becomes a thought to me, - when a truth that fired the soul of Pindar fires mine, time is no more. When I feel that we two meet in a perception, that our two souls are tinged with the same hue, and do, as it were, run into one, why should I measure degrees of latitude, why should I count Roman years.

[@toldinstone]

Standing in the Pantheon, I think, has much the same effect

[@digge2210]

"Look what they had to do to mimic a fraction of our Architecture"

[@CGMediaproductions]

I was once strolling around Istanbul as a teenager visiting relatives, until i stumbled upon the aqueduct of Valens. I remember that i immediately started to research every bit of it.

[@oishik4779]

great Video, learned some new stuff