Images

The Seleucid Empire was founded 312 BCE upon the breakup the Macedonian Empire. Alexander Balas ruled from 150-145 BCE.

Near the decumanus of the Roman town of Augusta Emerita (modern-day Mérida in Spain) some parts of a temple, erroneously assigned to the goddess Diana on its discovery, have been incorporated into a 16th century palace. The building, built...

Launceston Castle in Cornwall, England. It is an example of a motte and bailey castle and was first built in the 11th century CE and added to in subsequent centuries.

A diagram of the motte-and-bailey castle of Huntingdon Hill, England. 11th century CE. Huntingdon was an urban centre with a mint, a market and several churches. The castle's construction was initiated by William the Conqueror in 1068 to...

A detail from the Bayeux tapestry showing the motte and bailey structure of Dinan during the 11th century Norman conquest of Britain. The wooden palisade sits atop the motte or mound. (Centre Guillaume le Conquérant, Bayeux, France)

Rochester Castle, Kent, England, which was built from the late 11th-12th century CE and which has one of the best-preserved tower keeps anywhere.

An aerial view of Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey, Wales. Built from the 13th century CE by Edward I (r. 1272-1307 CE), it is considered one of the finest examples of a medieval castle with concentric defensive walls.

Caerphilly Castle, Wales, built from 1268 CE and famous for its artificial water defences.

The gatehouse of Chepstow Castle, Wales. It was built by Sir William Marshal c .1190 CE

Author of Rome: A History in Seven Sackings Photo by Liana Miuccio