Why Are There No Ancient Cities in Europe like in Greece and Italy?

Why Are There Fewer Ancient Cities in Europe Outside of Greece and Italy?

When one thinks of ancient cities, the mind naturally gravitates towards iconic locations like Rome, Athens, or Pompeii. This is no coincidence, as Italy and Greece are considered the cultural heartlands of the classical world. Even in modern day Türkiye, there are lots of Roman ancient cities like Ephesus and Pergamon in Izmir. However, what about the rest of Europe? Why don’t we see as many well-preserved or widely recognized ancient cities in other European countries?

The reality is that Europe outside of Greece and Italy has a rich historical tapestry, but its urban landscape evolved quite differently. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why ancient cities are not as prevalent in regions such as Central, Northern, and Western Europe, and we’ll uncover some of the lesser-known ancient settlements that do exist.

Early Civilization: The Rise of Greece and Rome

As you see in the cover picture, the ancient cities founded by Romans are near to each other and founded in specific places in Europe and Asia Minor which is modern day Türkiye. Ancient Greece and Rome stand out because they were among the first regions in Europe to develop complex, structured societies with extensive urbanization. By the time Greece was building monumental cities like Athens in the 5th century BCE, much of Europe was still occupied by small, tribal communities. The Greek city-states were pioneers in building cities with distinct architectural styles, which set the foundation for urban development in the Mediterranean region.

Rome, which rose to prominence a few centuries later, built on Greek influences and developed an empire that spanned across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The Roman Empire not only built its own cities but also transformed smaller settlements across Europe into Roman-style cities, laying out grids, constructing amphitheaters, and establishing forums and baths.

While these cities became part of the vast Roman network, their original identities were overshadowed by Rome’s grandeur. Thus, even though many cities in countries like France, Germany, and Spain were built during the same period, they are often seen as Roman colonies rather than independent ancient cities.

Tribal Societies and the Lack of Urbanization

Prior to Roman conquest, much of Europe was inhabited by tribal societies such as the Celts, Gauls, and Germanic tribes. These groups did not develop cities in the same way the Greeks and Romans did. Their settlements were often smaller, with a focus on agriculture and fortifications rather than monumental architecture.

For example, while the Celts built fortified hill forts and oppida (large fortified settlements), these structures were not designed to serve as cities in the classical sense. Instead, they were more akin to seasonal gathering spots. This is why, even though regions like modern-day France (Gaul) and parts of Britain were inhabited by sophisticated societies, they did not produce the kind of enduring urban centers we associate with the ancient world.

The Romanization of Europe: Not All Cities Were Created Equal

During its height, the Roman Empire constructed cities across Europe, some of which have survived to the present day. However, the level of development varied greatly. Cities in Italy and Greece often received more attention, resources, and monumental architecture, as they were closer to the heart of the empire. Cities in the provinces, on the other hand, were sometimes built more for administrative purposes and military strategy rather than as cultural centers.

Take, for example, Vindobona (modern-day Vienna, Austria) or Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (modern-day Cologne, Germany). These cities were primarily military outposts or trading hubs, lacking the grandeur of Rome or Athens. While they played a crucial role in the empire, they were not built to the same architectural scale or with the same level of embellishment as cities in Italy and Greece. This is one reason why many of these cities do not have as prominent a place in our understanding of “ancient cities” today.

Post-Roman Transformation: Medieval and Modern Urban Evolution

After the fall of the Roman Empire, many Roman cities were abandoned, destroyed, or transformed into medieval towns. Wars, invasions, and changes in political control further eroded the identity of these ancient cities. For example, cities like Aquincum (modern-day Budapest, Hungary) or Carnuntum (Austria) lost their prominence and eventually disappeared as urban centers.

Many modern European cities did originate from these ancient settlements but have since evolved drastically, losing much of their original Roman or pre-Roman layout. As a result, they are often not considered “ancient cities” in the same sense as Athens or Rome, which have retained much of their classical heritage.

Lesser-Known Ancient Cities in Europe

Despite these challenges, Europe still holds many fascinating ancient cities outside of Greece and Italy. Here are a few examples worth exploring:

• Carnuntum (Austria): Once a major military and trading center of the Roman Empire, Carnuntum features well-preserved ruins, including a reconstructed Roman villa and amphitheater.
• Virunum (Austria): An important Roman provincial capital located in present-day Carinthia.
• Aquincum (Hungary): Located in modern Budapest, this ancient Roman city served as an important military base on the Danube.
• Augusta Raurica (Switzerland): A well-preserved Roman city near Basel, complete with an amphitheater, baths, and an extensive archaeological museum.
• Tarraco (Spain): The ancient Roman capital of Hispania Tarraconensis, boasting a large amphitheater and numerous other ruins.

These sites may not have the global fame of Pompeii or the Parthenon, but they offer rich histories and insights into the spread of ancient civilization across Europe.

Ancient Cities Beyond Greece and Italy

While Italy and Greece hold the majority of Europe’s most famous ancient cities, this doesn’t mean that the rest of Europe is devoid of historical urban centers. From Roman ruins in Austria to Celtic oppida in France, there is a diverse range of ancient sites waiting to be explored. However, the legacies of these cities are often intertwined with the narrative of Rome’s expansion, which may explain why they are not as celebrated or well-known.

As modern archaeology continues to uncover more about Europe’s ancient past, we can expect these lesser-known cities to gain more recognition in the coming years. For travelers and history enthusiasts, venturing beyond the classical heartlands can reveal fascinating stories of Europe’s complex and multifaceted history.