The Best-Preserved Roman Buildings

A colossal castle. A subterranean shopping mall. The throne room of an imperial palace. These are some of the best-preserved Roman buildings...
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 on the web:
/ toldinstone
/ toldinstone
/ toldinstone
/ 20993845.garrett_ryan
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Tower of Hercules
1:30 Qasr Bshir
2:02 Umm el-Dabadib Fortress
2:29 Zenobia Castle
3:00 Walls of Amida
3:38 Walls of Aosta
3:56 Walls of Nicaea
4:21 Horrea Epagathiana et Epaphroditiana
4:57 Arles Cryptoporticus
5:20 Markets of Trajan
5:53 Theater of Orange
6:23 Theater of Bosra
6:43 Theater of Aspendos
7:06 Stadium of Aphrodisias
7:31 Aula Palatina
Thanks for watching!

[@gerrittbingham-maas476]

Just pre-ordered your book! I can hardly wait for September to read it. Your fantastic videos will have to do until then :)

[@toldinstone]

That's very kind of you to say. Much appreciated!

[@paulkenneally789]

@@toldinstone Baalbek was stunning!!! Absolutely massive scale. Took local taxi/bus from Beirut (10$). Tours are available, combined with Aanjar but l did my own trip, totally worth it. Remember to be aware of the political situation,it can change in a heartbeat in Lebanon. Tyre and Byblos also easily reached from Beirut. Caesarea,amazing, train to Caesarea then taxi,don’t attempt to walk from station!!! El Djem train then walk. Salute!!

[@toldinstone]

@@paulkenneally789 Much appreciated! I'm hoping to visit Lebanon next year.

[@paulkenneally789]

@@toldinstone l am sure that inspite of the Lebanon difficulties, you should enjoy the country and it’s attractions. Enjoy, see you in Leptis Magna in about 10 years!!

[@Forested-pz9cp]

Just pre-ordered as well. Very much looking forward to the read !

[@amplituhedron5582]

The walls of Lugo in Spain are pretty remarkable.

[@toldinstone]

They certainly are! I almost included them in the video, before deciding to limit myself to no more than three examples in each building category. Hopefully, I'll be able to incorporate them into a future exploration of "best-preserved Roman buildings."

[@antonxuiz]

*Galicia 😘

[@papi6586]

Yes

[@adrv7919]

@@antonxuizSí, y Galicia es una región Española, no veo necesaria tu corrección.

[@antonxuiz]

@@adrv7919 Os xentilicios non levan maiúscula en castelán saúdos

[@matthewbaez2723]

I wish too rebuild a roman city just like Castle guédelon in France. That would be one hella of a project.

[@toldinstone]

It certainly would...makes me think of the Xanten Archaeological Park

[@MrTruth-dm9vl]

if we ever get rich, i'll help you !

[@paintedweasels]

This is what minecraft was made for, unlimited terrain+unlimited structure placement means you can do it, I did...got a 10 year old roman Capitol that could have its own 'best preserved roman buildings of 2012" lol

[@dylanhartung7749]

I’m getting real tired of all the instability in the world. Let’s take the advantage, liberate Europe and start an empire. What do ya say?

[@MrTruth-dm9vl]

@@dylanhartung7749 liberate us from the liberals here in canada and i'll join

[@denizmetint.462]

It's amazing to see all the places the Romans settled. They even found a Mithraeum 20 minutes from where I grew up.

[@theyoungbonaparte3739]

In what country?

[@tinman3747]

@@theyoungbonaparte3739 I'm gonna guess Turkey from the name

[@christopheraliaga-kelly6254]

It was at Inveresk, to the east of Edinburgh, Scotland. In the 2nd century it was visited by the Imperial Procurator.

[@amplituhedron5582]

If you include aqueducts on the second part, Segovia, and Nimes, Arles amphitheatre should be there somewhere

[@toldinstone]

Stay tuned...

[@carleslazaro6117]

@@toldinstone I guess we can expect in next videos: best preserved triumphal archs, aqueducts, temples, roads, fountains, ... Can't wait for next video, thank you so much for the effort!

[@mintw4241]

I love the arles roman stuff

[@leslielutz1874]

Trying to watch your videos in order when time allows, but it's hopeless. Too tempting. So good.

[@toldinstone]

That's very kind of you to say

[@stevusl2412]

There are the remains of a Roman lighthouse in Dover England. It stands 4 stories high👍

[@da90sReAlvloc]

He won't acknowledged that because it's English and he chooses to only believe that America is rome

[@dereinepeterpan5637]

An example for an incredibly preserved roman gate house is the Porta Nigra in Trier, Germany.

[@HipixOFFICIAL]

Dr. Ryan, please never change this presentation style! This is so much better than fancy editing, overly hyper voices, and annoying instrumentals.

[@toldinstone]

I'm very glad you enjoy the style of my videos. If in doubt, I figure, less is more.

[@toldinstone]

@@PBFoote-mo2zr :)

[@issith7340]

You missed the best preserved, and most unfortunate one: Agia Sofia, cathedral of constantinople

[@cs40660]

the fact that it still stands is a sign of how fortunate it is.

[@majormarketing6552]

Nothing fortunate about thar shithole town these days

[@justasingledoor5178]

@@majormarketing6552 Turk moment

[@cia3058]

*Mosque of Instanbul

[@sixeros4435]

@artist Cathedral of Byzantium. 😎

[@gregorioeduardo]

It’s probably lesser known than many, but the cryptoporticus in Coimbra, Portugal still exists in its entirety. I’ve actually spent some time walking through the different areas. It’s fascinating.

[@toldinstone]

I've never visited Coimbra. I'd like to see that someday...

[@giabread]

There is a quite well-preserved Roman theater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria too, though not nearly as large as the ones inthe video. Still, it's also in use to this day. It always gives me a chill - a good, fascinated chill - when I see buildings this old still being used for their original purpose. How many generations of people have they seen pass through? How many fates are tied to them?

[@Michael_the_Drunkard]

You mean Philippopolis

[@mattc9998]

Trier was, for me, was a really surprisingly good collection of Roman ruins in an equally unexpected place.

[@evbbjones7]

This is fast becoming one of my favorite channels on KZbin! Extremely high quality presentation and research sir, I'll be keeping an eye out for your book.

[@toldinstone]

Thank you! I'm very glad that you enjoy my videos, and hope you'll find my book at least as interesting.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

These videos are wonderful glimpses of historical sites. Your narrative style fits perfectly.

[@evanscreekbrahman7511]

Love the content, presentation and production quality of these videos!

[@magnificus8581]

This is AWESOME! Thank you for these!

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome!

[@janisswope5766]

Just found out about your channel. I’m enthralled. I love history and to learn about these buildings is so interesting! I never knew that there were this many structures left. Thank you and I will subscribe!

[@toldinstone]

I'm very glad that you enjoy my videos. Thanks for subscribing!

[@Jaapkore]

Amazing photos and knowledge Sir. Thanks for sharing !!

[@marcoranieri1688]

Very interesting video, my compliments. But you forgot to mention the best preserved roman ancient temple: the Pantheon. Furthermore for what concerns the wall, I would have mentioned the Aurelian wall still surrounding part of the city of Rome, still a very well done video though. Keep it up!

[@BlackMasterRoshi]

he did mention the Aurelian walls

[@jedwards1975]

I'm a new subscriber who has fallen in love with Roman history. Thank you so much for your work, I value it.

[@toldinstone]

I'm very glad to hear that. Thanks for taking the time to tell me (and welcome aboard)!

[@walterht8083]

I really liked the walls of Lugo, they are still in use by people walking on top of them to use them as a shortcut, or even for running/jogging, since they form a full circle

[@Myhappyplace65]

Garrett. Your videos are awesome. Thank you for all the information. I love Roman History and your knowledge on all these places and buildings make Roman History even more fun. THANK YOU ! for what you do. I will getting your book :)

[@toldinstone]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it.

[@elkiness]

I am really enjoying these. Late at night, I saw about 7...each beautifully done. (I don't want to go through them too quickly!) I live in Israel, so much is familiar from our ruins here. Casaeria, in Jerusalem, Bet Shean, etc. We also have several wonderful Crusader forts--Montefort, Afeq in Hertzlia, etc. I'd love to see a video about them. I worked as a volunteer at Matzda in 1965, with Yigal Yadin. From the top, you could see the outlines of the Roman camps below. While I was there we found a Roman sandal!--looked like a sandal would lying in a street for while--preserved by the dry desert air. Roman history and Jewish history are intertwined in many places and times... As an artist I've made many objects and reproductions for museums here--one is a glass layered scene of the Sea of Galilee town in Roman times, placed next to the real view in a window.

[@whisper1776]

This is an awesome video, thank you so much for making it!

[@bmac6088]

Just found your KZbin and I can’t stop watching .. keep talking about the romans lol I can’t get enough

[@davek7706]

Just wanted to say thank you for putting out such great content! I've been perusing videos about antiquity for years on KZbin and only found your videos recently. Wish I'd found them years ago! I think if you keep at it it will eventually blow up! Most of the stuff on youtube is cut and paste from tour guides, your stuff is much more original and interesting.

[@toldinstone]

Thank you! I'm very glad you enjoy my videos (and also hope that my channel continues to grow)!

[@Forested-pz9cp]

Totally agree

[@spy1948]

this channel is like the mark felton of late antiquity. fantastic work!

[@AnthonyHJohn]

Very cool - thanks for posting

[@markgrunzweig6377]

Thank you again, so simple, but mindful! Which makes it, so much more enjoyable.

[@toldinstone]

I'm very glad to hear it!

[@SindreGaaserod]

Wow, what a great video! Thank you!

[@Forested-pz9cp]

As usual..awesome video! I’d like to see one about Barbegal, or Roman food production in general, in case you’re accepting suggestions.

[@toldinstone]

Thank you! I've always wanted to visit the mills at Bargegal - I missed the site when I was in Arles - and I hope to make a video on Roman food production in the relatively near future.

[@raph2k01]

Huge fan of your channel. The concise facts about rome/greece coupled with a deeply realistic social view make this content very entertaining and academic at the same time. Keep it up!

[@toldinstone]

Thank you!

[@raph2k01]

@@toldinstone I'm even back to rewatch it a couple more times!

[@mariazimdars4058]

Remarkable people those ancient Romans, and so are you, by bringing to us such wonderful historic places. Keep up the great work. Thanks

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome!

[@blakedurrant9399]

What a way to end work. Thanks Garrett!

[@toldinstone]

My pleasure!

[@sparklesparklesparkle6318]

great video I love all your work!

[@malkomalkavian]

Really excellent, concise and inspiring. Thank you :)

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome!

[@nicolasgodoy578]

Thanks for sharing this

[@lagalil]

I appreciate how much effort you put into trying to pronounce “A Coruña” right. Great video

[@alaingadbois2276]

Excellent video. You seem to find many hidden gems that are hardly ever talked about. In every video there is something new to discover! The lighthouse is a good example. You should do a complete video on the Market of Trajan. It is a remarkable and complex structure.

[@toldinstone]

Very glad you enjoyed the video! And as it happens, I plan to explore the Markets of Trajan in the relatively near future, so stay tuned...

[@thomasvarley380]

Fascinating and a testament to human determination and innovation . Thanks for this .

[@Kezzeract]

This channel is such a gem!

[@toldinstone]

Thank you!

[@Macarite]

love this channel and your manner of delivery! Can't help but think that more pictures/visuals would really improve the experience though. Very good nonetheless :))

[@bonsai5753]

You got the best channel on KZbin

[@ixlnxs]

It suddenly dawns on me I have seen so many of these over the years. And still surprised to find a few missing, like the Maison Carrée in Nîmes.

[@T_Mo271]

Excellent work!

[@toldinstone]

Thank you!

[@shadowboxer47]

I love your channel. Thank you so much.

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome

[@lukemckee9772]

Great content, some great detail

[@toldinstone]

Glad to hear it

[@NicoLReino]

I feel honored to see my city (A Coruña) in your caption 😊

[@jimclarke1108]

Amazing, thanks for the great videos

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome

[@starlonga]

I love this channel

[@elliottferris5929]

Wonderful video.thanks!

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome!

[@meganoneill2216]

No need to save time, would have enjoyed and in-depth look at each place! Thanks for the video :)

[@Sarke2]

Very interesting video, for many of this i didnt know.

[@sjaakhouthuijzen3755]

Thanks alot, for this informative video ❤🙏

[@toldinstone]

My pleasure!

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Looking forward to the second video! I'd love to just sit and think in that stadium of Aphrodisias.

[@toldinstone]

Very glad to hear it!

[@randomobserver8168]

All excellent but at 4:58 I couldn't help but marvel that something really meets the definition of "intact". That's amazing.

[@randomobserver8168]

7:31 viewer just whistles in awe.

[@MikeS29]

Excellent list! I enjoyed my visit to the theatre in Orange almost a decade ago now.

[@toldinstone]

Very glad you enjoyed it!

[@ld4083]

This is so relaxing

[@jacobstreets8445]

This brings history to life. I would love to see these places.

[@toldinstone]

I know the feeling

[@shredwell2326]

thanks I enjoyed that, well done.

[@toldinstone]

Much appreciated!

[@natalierose1072]

Just subbed cuz your channel is fascinating

[@toldinstone]

Thank you, and welcome aboard!

[@dmdrosselmeyer]

I've been to the theater in Orange, France. It was very impressive, but the coliseum at Nîmes was even cooler. They still use it for modern events

[@evnejg94]

Sweet video! But you could make an entire video over the preserved Roman constructions within modern day Spain.

[@susytomable]

Thank you.

[@toldinstone]

You're welcome!

[@lesand5484]

When the church that one used to visit as a child is featured in the video as the highlight, it's very exciting. In Trier you can also see the ruins of 2 roman baths, 1 amphitheater and a roman city gate that - ironically - was also once turned into a church.

[@SJam491]

The vintage-style cover of your book is most appealing.

[@lechtwardowski7520]

Great job, Doctor. Didn't knew about Qasr Bshir, it is the place I want to visit. Eastern limits of the Empire are very interesting. Would be great to watch Your video about Dura Europos or preserved armenian monuments of ancient era.

[@toldinstone]

Thank you! I once visited the ruins of the legionary camp at Lejjun, only a few kilometers from Qasr Bshir, but I was afraid to risk my rental car on the rocky road out to the fortress. Next time... If you haven't seen it, by the way, I have a video on the ruined Armenian cathedral of Mren that you might enjoy.

[@julianciahaconsulting8663]

good research!

[@toldinstone]

Thanks!

[@Trick37MP]

@giabread mentioned the theater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, which I've seen...and agree with. Under the main walking zone in Plovdiv is a Roman stadium. The circular part in under the street next to a Mosque. But, another well-preserved part is located under a 5-story-tall shopping mall. The mosaics and seats are preserved, and a statue of Jupiter and marble columns greet you at the entrance.

[@WCronin-kz1ln]

I got to visit Caesarea in Northern Israel last October. Fabulous

[@f9658]

I love the architecture

[@themechanictangerine4337]

The best preserved Roman walls are the walls of Lugo in Galicia, Spain, the same region where the tower of Hercules lighthouse shown at the beginning of the video is located.

[@yuriramondino1372]

I suggest you to look up the "Macellum di Pozzuoli" also called "Tempio di Serapide", one of the best preserved markets

[@ftr1453]

Excellent content, as usual. You have discovered for me some great places that I didn't know. About your book, do you know if it's going to have an Spanish translation in the short term? I would love to read it without missing anything.

[@toldinstone]

Thank you! Unfortunately, my publisher tells me that the book will only receive a Spanish translation if it sells well, so we may have to wait...

[@darkhumor.8384]

Ur voice is so calming 😌

[@denizmetint.462]

Almost fell asleep once.

[@toldinstone]

Thank you - I wish my normal speaking voice had that effect on people...

[@Will-Parr]

Excellent

[@toldinstone]

Thanks

[@frankese7358]

This is a great list although I miss a few: the Maison Carrée (Nimes), the Pantheon of Agrippa, the aqueduct of Segovia, the Arena of Nimes, Baalbek, and the walls of Lugo. I can imagine that it was too many, Greetings!

[@alukuhito]

6:00 The Cure played at the Theatre of Orange in the 80s and made a video of the show. It's pretty cool to see a modern band play in an ancient theatre. Kind of like Pink Floyd in Pompeii back in the 70s.

[@PrimoMagazine]

Mr. Ryan, any chance you can make a video of the Greek and Roman public artworks still standing outside Italy? This current video is especially re-assuring. We see so many countries, former colonies, if you will, of Rome, that recognize the history and artistry of Rome to preserve and celebrate such relics and ruins. I wonder if the same can be said of statues.

[@bane8305]

I've been to many of these places in Turkey this is awesome

[@feffe4036]

Ive been to Aspendos. Very nice place to visit.

[@brennancrane6822]

Was that a Constanta reference? Leave on a high note. Love it

[@terrythetuffkunt9215]

Tried to pre order your book from amazon but i couldnt? Im in Australia. Looking forward to the book when i can get it!!!

[@toldinstone]

Thanks, first, for your interest in my book. I really appreciate it. "Naked Statues" is supposed to be available wherever books are sold online (or so my publisher tells me). It seems to be available on this Australian site: www.booktopia.com.au/naked-statues-fat-gladiators-and-war-elephants-garrett-ryan/book/9781633887022.html If that link doesn't work, please let me know!

[@terrythetuffkunt9215]

@@toldinstone thankyou! I will look at that today. It was a few weeks ago i tried amazon, so i dont want to put anyone off from using Amazon if that is their preferred method. It may just be a regional thing for me 👍

[@toldinstone]

@@terrythetuffkunt9215 Hopefully, it was just a fluke. Please let me know if you have any further problems!

[@jakethejeweler3092]

0:43 those chairs held up really well

[@dima97]

I've been to chitenitza before and I can say that the stadium in this video looks really similar to the one near chitenitza

[@nancyM1313]

Enjoyed 😁

[@toldinstone]

Glad to hear it!

[@pangweekiat3517]

Can you do a companion video on the best-preserved Greek buildings?

[@calartian85]

Subscribed

[@dompedroii4656]

A really good work

[@toldinstone]

Thank you

[@Insectoid_]

Brilliant 🤩

[@toldinstone]

Thanks!

[@kwebax9909]

Romans were really good at this. There is a very well preserved stone bridge close to my home village in Galicia, Spain. Quite something!

[@cerberus6654]

In Montréal there is a Metro station called St-Mathieu which is the direct descendant of the Aula Palatina. It plunges down on the side of the former shore of the Champlain Sea deep into the ground and is composed of elongated brick walls and arches with high clerestory windows. As a teenager on a bright winter day I used to like to glide up and down the many levels of elevators just marvelling at this place. And yes, usually after smoking a joint. I haven't seen more than a handful of the Roman stadiums still extant but back in the 70's I sat during a warm summer evening in the one in the hills above Nice and listened to a concert of Vivaldi's l'Estro Armonico and something moody by Monteverdi and, let me tell you, I wept.

[@alaingadbois2276]

Montréal, Canada? There is no station with that name.

[@cerberus6654]

@@alaingadbois2276 I lived there a long time ago - the one I am referring to is Lucien l'Allier. Sorry, my mistake.

[@toldinstone]

Shadows of the past...

[@alaingadbois2276]

Cerberus That's quite alright! I thought that Lucien L'allier could be what you meant. The massive height of the brick walls does evoque Roman architecture.

[@lagazettedesfrancais8155]

Well done. Thank you/

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome

[@CommunismNeverWorked]

This channel might just be the greatest gift KZbin brought me. Keep up the great work. Great to even young curious minds.

[@novak7970]

I have seen some of the ruins in Turkey but not the Hippodrome. Cheers a easy watch and informative.

[@toldinstone]

Glad to hear it!

[@marydonohoe8200]

Haven’t seen the second part yet, so I’m assuming you’ll cover aqueducts-great one in Segovia, Spain and of course the Pont du Gard in

[@marydonohoe8200]

...France! 🥴

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Nice!

[@toldinstone]

Thank you!

[@wolfattacker1]

God damn this is beautiful

[@franciscosamir5256]

I am lucky enough to work in S'Argamasa, a beach in Ibiza island, and 50 meters from my kayak rental we have a Roman aqueduct, very worn-out but you can still feel it