Random old Bing wallpapers

It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the Battle of Ilipa, Roman general and statesman, Publius Cornelius Scipio, built a settlement for the veterans who helped defeat the Carthaginians. Located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, it was named Italica, after the Italian origin of its inhabitants. The city was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and played a significant role in the Romanisation of the region, then known as Hispania—today Spain. Italica flourished in the centuries following its founding, especially during the rule of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, who were born there.

The ruins of Italica are the remains of a once-bustling urban center. Its most emblematic feature is the amphitheatre, seen in today's image. One of the largest in the Roman Empire, it could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, more than double the city's population. Beyond this, there are remains of impressive public buildings, a temple built in honour of Trajan, baths and villas decorated with stunning mosaics. Italica is an archeological gem preserved in time, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire.

The Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon is one of England's most visited churches. Set on the banks of the River Avon, more than 200,000 tourists visit the church each year. The current building dates from 1210 and is popularly known as Shakespeare's Church, as it is the place of William Shakespeare's baptism, marriage and burial.

Shakespeare’s date of birth is unknown, but the famous playwright and poet was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and baptised in the church on 26 April 1564. At the age of 18, in November 1582, he got married here to Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children. Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616, at the age of 52, and his grave is located inside the church, just in front of the altar.