Southampton was founded approximately 2,000 years ago by the Romans, who established it as a seaport. Its strategic maritime importance has played a significant part in how Southampton developed and even today, is integral to the city's identity.

Southampton staked its claim in the history books as the port from which the Mayflower set sail for the New World in 1620. It was also from here that the Titanic began her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.

And still today, the city's ports are important docks for the cruise industry. With over 240 cruise ship movements a year, Southampton is arguably the cruise capital of Europe. It was from Southampton that Cunard's new luxury liner the Queen Mary II set sail on her maiden voyage in 2004.

Whilst it is difficult to overemphasise the city's strong links with the ocean, there is plenty to offer visitors on terra firma. As Southampton's strategic importance grew, it became a target for foreign armies and marauding pirates. The Normans built a castle and ringed the city with defensive walls and towers to protect themselves against attacks. It is still possible to see some complete sections of these defences.

Still strategically important centuries later, Southampton was targeted by the Luftwaffe and was heavily bombed during WWII; large parts of the old city were destroyed as a result. Much of it has since been rebuilt and the heart of the modern city is now based around the Civic Centre.

A new-look Southampton will also emerge over the coming years. The city will see the creation of a Cultural Quarter, and a new city plaza is planned to overlook the medieval walls and the popular West Quay shopping centre. There are also plans to locate an indoor arena near the new plaza that will provide a multi-purpose facility for music concerts, indoor sporting events and ice-skating on an Olympic-size ice rink.