Rome holds a special place in Liverpool history for a great many reasons. For football fans, of course, it has been the stage of many historic victories. Jürgen Klopp even decided to rewatch the famous triumphs of 1977 and 1984 in Rome before his side were to meet Roma in Europe. On these videos, the German manager will have witnessed a 3-1 win over Mönchengladbach and a win the European Cup Final on penalties against Roma on their home turf.
Still, being a city in England, of course, the glorious Ancient Romans managed to make their way to the northwest. Not only did their nearby settlements have a profound impact on the trajectory of civilisation here, but being so well documented has further allowed their influence to remain in the minds of modern folk to this day. You could look generally to the entertainment media that we all enjoy or more specifically to our very own activity park.
While not as imperious and domineering, Rome remains incredibly relevant today. Best of all, even with Rome being some 1,069 miles away from Liverpool by air, you can experience it right here in the northwest.
Rome’s place in Northwest England’s history
Naturally, the northwest’s history with the Roman Empire begins with the first steps of Julius Caesar on British soil in 55 BC. Just 15 years later, the Roman army had made its way across the country to Chester, setting up a permanent camp there. At the time, there were tribes of the Cornovii and Brigantes, given the catchment term Picti for their paint and tattoos. Prior to 268 AD, Romans were in and around Otterspool, built roads and buildings, and continued to remain there. In 410 AD, however, the armies began to depart these shores.
The Romans were most assuredly here, in what we now call Liverpool, but the extent to their activities isn’t entirely known. This is why one of the first significant tracked dates in Liverpool’s history is often cited as 1207, which marked the planning of a new town. Now, we can see Rome’s fingerprints all over the place – in Chester, especially. There’s the Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Gardens to explore there. Much more close to home, in 2021, more of Rome was found in Liverpool.
In the south of Liverpool, Otterspool Park and Promenade covers many Roman artefacts and constructions. The catch is that the area was once used as a landfill, predominantly during the 1930s. This was then transformed to the scenic route that we know today where the adventure centre and its seasonal events are held. Knowledge of Roman occupation have been known since the discovery of coins here in the 19th Century. Luckily, those fascinated by Rome don’t have to dig up Otterspool to experience it in the city.
Getting in touch with the Roman roots
Obviously, the first and best place to turn to in Liverpool is the World Museum. Not only is the historic building teeming with exhibits for you to examine and learn about – many of which pertain to local discoveries – but the World Museum also puts on special exhibitions. As recently as 16 February, there was the Return of the Gods exhibition. It centred on the famous tales of the ancient Greek gods, many of which were adopted by the Romans. So, it also opted to include a Roman villa experience, as well as several Roman sculptures from the Vatican City.
If you daren’t face the harsh weather, though, Rome can be just a few clicks or taps away. TV shows like the German-made Barbaren from 2020 is one of the best recent looks at Rome’s conquests. With the Roman theme being so popular, you could easily turn to a casino betting site as an alternative. Among those listed as “Top Games,” Rome: Fight for Gold and Action Boost: Gladiator stand as the most appealing. In both, the gladiatorial setting of Ancient Rome is leant into.
Naturally, with those pit fights being so icon and filled with action, they make for a great basis for a slot game, let alone any other kind of entertainment media. That, neatly, brings us to the best movie made with Ancient Rome as the focus – Gladiator. Gladiator 2 will be here on 22 November, for which, people across Liverpool will flock to the likes of ODEON Liverpool ONE, SHOWCASE Cinema de Lux, and even Picturehouse @ FACT. For more of a hands-on activity with the Romans, even when it’s not time for a summer party, you can go to The Romans Activity Park.
It’s difficult to escape the influence of Ancient Rome anywhere in England, but why would you want to? There’s much to enjoy in and around Liverpool alone if you feel yourself itching for a taste of the glory of Rome this year.
