Stunning Trier: A Roman city in Germany founded over 2,000 years ago

The Roman Empire at its height was a truly outstanding state, which was able to extend its power over a vast territory. But unlike many other conquerors, the Romans put a lot of effort and money into the development of the newly annexed lands. They built bridges, dams, defensive fortifications, erected new cities with palaces and amphitheaters. These structures were built so high quality that some of them have survived to the present day. For example, in Germany, the city of Trier is located, which was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago.

Trier is located in Rhineland-Palatinate in the west of the country, near the border with neighboring Luxembourg. Due to the ancient Roman origin and the excellent preservation of some monuments of that era, the city is often called "Northern Rome". The city was founded during the reign of Octavian Augustus in 16 BC and is the oldest city in modern Germany.

In ancient times, the northern border of the Roman Empire passed here, which needed reliable defense and constant protection. First, a Roman military camp was located in these places, and after that a city was founded, which was called Augusta Treverorum. During the empire, the city was constantly growing, its population was growing rapidly. But the border situation affected the life of the city: several times it was attacked by warlike tribes of the Alemanni, Vandals, Huns and Franks. But the city was quickly restored, and by the 4th century its population reached 100 thousand people.

One of the main attractions of Trier, preserved from the time of the Roman Empire, is a magnificent stone bridge over the Moselle River. But, despite the fact that the bridge is called Roman, its name does not accurately reflect the essence, since only the stone supports of the bridge date from the period of antiquity. Although the spans and other parts were rebuilt in a later period, the bridge can still be considered the Roman heritage of the city.

Another Roman attraction, the city gate of Trier - Porta Nigra is perfectly preserved to this day. It is known for certain that they were built in 170 AD, which is why they are slightly younger than the city itself, which in the last century had magnificently celebrated 2,000 years since its foundation.

In the 4th century AD, the reign of Emperor Constantine began the construction of the Cathedral of Trier, St. Peter, which is also well preserved to this day.

Around the same period, the Basilica of Constantine was built, which served as the throne room.

In addition to the above structures, in Trier are preserved Roman baths. It should be noted that Roman baths played an important role in the life of society, and therefore, in any major Roman city, along with amphitheaters and temples, there were always terms. And even in the distant provinces, where the Romans built their cities from scratch, the construction of the term was a matter of prime necessity. After all, all the Romans - from representatives of the nobility to commoners - loved to spend time in terms, often spending the whole day on it. For a small fee, people could get into the thermal pools and enjoy all the benefits there.

But the Roman Empire collapsed, and in the V century the city of Trier became part of the Frankish kingdom. After that, he more than once fell under the rule of various rulers and was part of several European state entities. But despite the rich history and many architectural monuments of later centuries, Trier forever remained a city founded by the great Romans.

Watch the video: Germany: The Roman Trier (April 2024).