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:

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."

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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!

[Mikey-notz]

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.

[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.

[Blackadder]

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

[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!

[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 :)

[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.

[LLavery]

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

[andreacolombo]

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.

[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.

[Spinosaurus]

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

[rosselliot]

Oh, to swim among those ancient columns at Hierapolis.

[TheJimprez]

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

[agamemnonpadar]

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.

[commonwealthrealm]

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

[petarspajic]

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.

[Baresi-Unico-Capitano]

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.

[Dimitri]

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

[stankythecat]

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

[GoodVideos]

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