When travelers dream of the Mediterranean, they often imagine whitewashed villages. But beneath the Old Towns lies a deeper story of the ruins of empires that once made this region the center of the known world.
Around the year 0, Mediterranean culture was at a peak. Rome had consolidated its in its early stage, while Greece had just experienced its Golden Age, where democracy and philosophy had kicked into gear.
Greece: Walking among the Gods
Starting in Greece, in part because its cultural influence is slightly older, is a good place to start your journey through classical thought and the inspiration for Rome itself. In Athens, the Acropolis stands dramatically over the modern city. And as you climb the marble steps, it is easy to imagine the year 0 as a living reality: temples in use, orators speaking in the Agora, with all sorts of processions winding toward the Parthenon.
Yet its far from just Athens that was politically relevant, as walks stretch from Sparta to Crete. Walking trails within these areas are perfect for getting up close, with the likes of Delphi, where pilgrims sought wisdom from Apollo’s oracle.
Croatia: Rome’s Adriatic outpost
From Greece, cross the sea to Croatia, to where the Roman legacy feels extremely alive. Split is one such attraction with many hiking routes and ruins – home to Diocletian’s Palace, which was a fortress built by an emperor who retired to the Adriatic in the 4th century AD. Unlike many ruins though, this palace was never really abandoned, and instead grew and adapted into the modern city itself. Its courtyards have a bunch of cafés, boutique shops and hidden passageways.
Farther north is Pula, which has an amphitheater to rival the Colosseum in Rome (it really does look the same at first). You can stand on the arena floor and picture the roar of crowds two thousand years ago. And along the Dalmatian coast, smaller Roman settlements have their own stories and ruins.
For travelers who prefer structured itineraries, companies such as Orbis Ways design walking routes that string together these archaeological sites with coastal paths and charming hotel town stays.
North Africa: The Empire’s southern shore
While Greece and Croatia anchor the northern Mediterranean, let’s not forget the southern coast tells its own story. Around the year 0, Roman Africa was actually booming as its cities had a bunch of trade and agriculture for a long while now. Carthage, once Rome’s main rival, had by then become a prized bit of the empire. Its baths and theatres still stand in Tunisia.
Further east in Libya is Leptis Magna, which is one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere in the world – and far fewer visitors than in the Balkans, Italy or France. Walking through, you can see the forum and market besides the basilica and it really feels like stepping into a Roman daydream.
For those with the time and imagination, a journey through Med isn’t just about beach and beer, but ruins and walls that run for miles on end. The year 0 marked not only a high point for Rome but also a moment when the whole Mediterranean basin had a shared culture and strong economy.
Helinika Staff