The Romans

Living in Britain it's easy to forget how enduring the Roman civilisation is. Buildings not only retain wonderous roof structures constructed nearly two thousand years ago but original doors retain original locks and keys, sculptures are as fresh as the day they were carved and contemporary written accounts of life are many.

Built by Hadrian from 119 to 128 A.D. the dome of the Pantheon is still intact and marvelous today despite official vandalism from the more recent past.

Murals from an excavated room in Pompeii

Existing buildings are impressive but even more amazing are the sculptures and artifacts that decorated their interiors

Even small fragile items survive