Philippi

Philippi is famous not as a town but as the site of the final battle between Octavian and Anthony on one side, and Brutus and Cassius on the other. It was here that the fate of the Republic was decided. This was a major battle with around 100,000 men on either side. The battle was actually two battles fought on the same plain several days apart. On the first day Marc Antony took Cassius' camp while Brutus took Octavian's, but due to the confusion of battle Cassius thought that all was lost and killed himself leaving Brutus to lead the troops in the next confrontation. He wasn't up to it. Apparently the Liberators were in front of the town while the Caesarean forces formed up further out. It would be really difficult to overstate the importance of these battles. Because of this the Republican cause died for good. Cicero was already murdered, Cato had killed himself a few years before, and now Cassius and Brutus joined him. The only major figure left for the Republicans to form up with was Sextus Pompeius. At this point Antony and Octavian were the unquestioned masters of Rome.

Brutus: Why comest thou?
Ghost: To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.

 

At Philippi our luck ran out. These guys intended to honor the strike and they were manning the place to make sure that nobody snuck in anyway. But although we may not have gotten to go into the site we could still see most of it from the roads.Still unfortunate given that its two hours east of Thessaloniki.

Actium

This little beach was the site of the battle of Actium. This was the battle that really determined the course of the Roman world. It was the final battle between Octavian (the future emperor Augustus) and Mark Antony. Mark Antony's fleet was destroyed and he was forced to flee with Cleopatra to Egypt where they awaited Octavian's arrival.

Nicopolis

This is the classical city of Nicopolis. We didn't even know this place existed until we drove past it. The name means Victorious city. That's abut all I know.

Brindisi

I have very little to say about Brindidsi.

Rome

It would be hard for a place to make a worse impression on me. Rome ruined my entire trip. What was supposed to be a three-week victory lap with my friends became shortened by a week and lost the main goal. Turkey was the country that I'd been pining for all year but I needed to get other people interested in order to afford the rental car. The sites are too far away to rely on public transport. It was to be the perfect conclusion to my trip. Greece and Italy were almost an afterthought, added on to attract interest. Rome killed that. Some cheeky little bastard with a cruel smirk stole my wallet on the subway. So no Driver's License and no Credit Card, the two things necessary to pick up my prepaid car in Turkey. Not only did I lose four months worth of planning and dreaming in a heartbeat but I lost all the hotels and equipment that I paid for in advance. So I paid full price for Turkey and gained nothing but bitterness from it.Way to leave an impression Rome.

I can't believe that I'm saying this but Rome is an ugly city. I'd honestly rather spend time in New York. At least that city's honest about what it is. Rome passes itself off as the epitome of culture but while I was there all that I saw was a typical modern city with the occasional relics scattered throughout. Not that those relics aren't worth pursuing, but the city adds nothing to them. I can only assume that we missed the nice bit somehow (we stayed mostly on the east side of the city). Admittedly, having my life ruined didn't improve my opinion any but I was disappointed before that. Either the west side is infinitely superior in every way or Rome is the most overrated city in existence. Finding it hard to believe the latter I can only assume it's the former. Someday I will return to Rome and spend a few days there to determine the truth of it for myself.

Whether or not there is some hidden beauty in Rome it is a mean city. New York is an apt comparison. Nobody cares what happens to you and you're unlikely to get a sympathetic ear from the authorities. Anyone visiting should take my advice and be vigilant at all times. Rome can seriously mess up your life.

Nîmes

COMING SOON
Les Grands Jeux Romains à Nîmes