You probably know the famous phrase, “the die is cast,” but have you ever wondered where it comes from? Well look no further. It was here in Rimini’s Piazza Tre Martiri that Julius Caesar first spoke these three immortal words, just before he started a civil war.

There are traces of the great empire that followed all over Rimini, including the Arch of Augustus, the Roman Amphitheatre, the home of a second century Roman doctor and the Bridge of Tiberius. But we won’t only explore ancient Rome on this tour. There’s plenty from the fascinating Italian medieval period and the Renaissance, which put Italy once again on top of the world, including the impressive but unfinished Malatestiano Temple, and the austere Sigismond Castle.

You’ll find all of this in a city that isn't even famous for its architecture and history, but for its sandy beaches, exciting nightlife and the hills, fun parks and historical castles that are just a short drive inland.

Give yourself around 45 minutes to an hour to complete the tour. Please note that this tour does not require you to enter any of the ticketed sites along the way.

A weekly podcast in 15/20 minute episodes on the history of the Italian peninsula from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the present day.

There are plenty of dates, battles and rulers of course, but also a fair share of rabbits winning sieges, swords suck in uncomfortable places, naughty popes, monks getting undressed and all other sorts of mischief in the history if the colourful Italians.

The author, Mike Corradi is an Anglo-Italian English teacher living in northern Italy with a passion for travel and history.

His tours so far include Ravenna, Rimini and Naples.