Located in a corner of Spain, there is a place where the grandeur of the Roman Empire seems to come alive, as if transcending time: the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida.

The remains of the city from 2,000 years ago, such as theaters, arenas, and aqueducts, blend into the city today and give visitors a sense of the weight of history and a moving experience.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain why this city is so special as a World Heritage Site, its urban life during the Roman era, its technological masterpieces, and the unique charms of Merida that cannot be found in other ruins.

By the time you read to the end, I'm sure you'll want to visit the place, so please stick with me.

Overview of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida

What are the Archaeological Sites of Mérida?

The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida is a site located in the city of Mérida and its surrounding areas in the southwestern Spanish region of Extremadura.Ancient RomeRuins of cities from the eraFounded by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 25 BC, the city was called Augusta Emerita at the time and prospered as the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. A variety of ruins remain in the city and its surrounding areas, including a theater, an amphitheater, an aqueduct, a forum, temples, and bridges, in a multi-layered structure.Roman Empire: urban culture, architecture, and social lifeThis is what we continue to convey today.

Its remarkable historical and cultural value was recognized and it was registered as a World Heritage Site (cultural heritage) in 1993.

Where are the archaeological sites of Mérida?

The archaeological sites of Mérida are scattered throughout the city of Mérida, the capital of Extremadura in southwestern Spain, and its surrounding areas. It is located about 330 km southwest of the capital Madrid, and is easily accessible from other major cities such as Seville and Badajoz. The main ruins are concentrated in the city center, and many of the sights are within walking distance, but some are also scattered in the suburbs.

Merida, which developed as a key transportation hub since ancient Roman times, is still a popular destination for tourists from both inside and outside of Spain. Geographically and culturally, it is one of the most representative Roman ruins in Spain.

Historical background of the archaeological site of Mérida

History and purpose of the construction of Mérida

Merida (ancient name: Augusta Emerita) was founded in 25 B.C.Roman EmpireBuilt by the first emperor AugustusIt was done.

It all started as part of a policy to settle distinguished veterans (emeriti) after the Roman Empire pacified the Iberian Peninsula (Hispania). The name "Emerita" itself means "veterans," and the city was established as the capital of the province of Lusitania. Augusta Emerita was designed based on the latest urban planning of the Roman Empire, and is characterized by the fact that public facilities such as theaters, amphitheatres, temples, forums, and aqueducts were developed early on.

Mérida established the Roman Empire's rule and became one of the most important centers for the establishment of Roman culture in the Iberian Peninsula.

Role under the Roman Empire

Merida is in the province of Lusitania.It served as the administrative, military, economic and religious center of the city.Modeled on the urban system of Rome itself, theaters and forums were used by citizens for political, cultural and social activities, while temples and public baths were used for religious and hygienic purposes.

Especially in military terms, it functioned as a key point in strengthening control over the Iberian Peninsula, and was also a node on trade routes that were essential for the flow of goods and people. The prosperity of this city is a successful example of the Roman Empire's provincial control policy and infrastructure development.

What makes Mérida different from other Roman cities?

The main features of Merida are:It is a "colonial city" whose main settlers were veterans.The city's name also contains the meaning of "veterans," and it reflects the will of its rulers more strongly than ordinary Roman cities. As the capital of the province of Lusitania, it also developed cutting-edge infrastructure (theaters, aqueducts, bridges, etc.) at an early stage. Furthermore, the preservation of the existing ruins is one of the best in Spain, and the diversity and scale of the ruins stand out compared to other cities. It is a model case of consolidating the administrative, military, religious, and economic centers of provincial rule into one city, and is extremely valuable for understanding urban structure and the regional development of Roman civilization.

Why the Archaeological Site of Mérida was declared a World Heritage Site

The Archaeological Site of Mérida has been inscribed under criteria (iii) and (iv) and we will explain the reasons for its evaluation under each criterion.

Reasons for evaluation of registration criterion (iii)

The archaeological site of Mérida has been recognised as a "unique, or at least exceptional, testimony to a living culture", meeting UNESCO's World Heritage criteria (iii).

Merida was a provincial city during the Roman Empire, and its urban planning, public buildings, social systems, etc.A contemporary example of the Roman influence on the Iberian PeninsulaIt is one of the most important historical sites in Rome. A variety of ruins, including a theater, an amphitheater, an aqueduct, a forum, and a temple, remain in good condition, and they bear witness to the social life, religion, entertainment, and infrastructure technology of the time. In particular, it has a unique historical background as a settlement city by veterans, and serves as cultural evidence that clearly conveys the characteristics of Roman provincial society.

These are of outstanding international value in showing how the Roman Empire promoted the development of local cities and spread civilization.

Reasons for evaluation of registration criteria (iv)

Criterion (iv) of the inscription states that the archaeological site of Mérida is an "outstanding example of an important stage in human history".An excellent example of Roman urban planning and construction techniquesIt is recognized as such.

Theaters, amphitheatres, aqueducts, forums, triumphal arches, bridges, and other structures remaining in and around the city all have the typical elements of a Roman city at a high level. The theaters and aqueducts in particular are a collection of architectural techniques, and their functional beauty and scale can still be experienced today. The entire city was designed in a well-planned manner, with the transportation network and public facilities rationally arranged, clearly demonstrating the principles and technological innovation of Roman urban planning.

Reference: UNESCOArchaeological Ensemble of Mérida (No.664)"

Highlights of the Archaeological Site of Mérida

Roman Theatre

Mérida's Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano de Mérida) was built around 16 BC and is one of the city's most famous ruins. The theatre is a large facility that can accommodate about 6,000 people, and its semicircular auditorium (cavea), stage architecture, gorgeous colonnades, and sculptural decorations have been beautifully preserved. The "Scaenae Frons" behind the stage are lined with multi-tiered marble columns, and still remind us of its former grandeur.

During the Roman era, it served as a social and cultural center for the citizens, hosting plays, poetry readings, and music festivals. Even today, the Mérida International Ancient Theater Festival is held every summer, allowing modern audiences to experience ancient Roman art on the same stage as 2,000 years ago. Its great appeal is its excellent state of preservation and the fact that it is still in use.

Amphitheater

The Amphitheater (Anfiteatro Romano de Mérida), built on land adjacent to the Roman Theater, is said to have been completed in 8 BC and is a huge facility that could accommodate an audience of about 15,000 people. This amphitheater was mainly used for entertainment events that were popular with Roman citizens, such as gladiator fights and competitions with wild animals. The seating surrounding the oval arena, the underground structure, and the design of the entrances and exits all speak to the high level of entertainment and architectural technology of the Roman Empire.

Currently, the ruins are well preserved, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the time, and you can walk inside the ruins and experience the powerful entertainment culture of ancient Rome. It is a ruin worthy of being called the "twin pillars" of the city, along with the Roman Theater.

Milagros Aqueduct

The Milagros Aqueduct is a gigantic piece of Roman infrastructure built to supply drinking water to the ancient city of Mérida. Its magnificent double arch structure, measuring 830 meters in length and 25 meters in height, is the largest and best preserved of all the Roman aqueducts still standing in Spain. It drew water from nearby Lake Proserpina to the city center, supporting the foundation of urban life. The arch, made of red bricks and granite blocks, still has an imposing presence even after nearly 2,000 years, and is still a beloved symbolic landmark of Mérida today. You can experience its scale and intricacy up close while walking under the aqueduct, making it a must-see spot that conveys the pinnacle of Roman civil engineering technology to the present day.

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What did you think?
As an impressive World Heritage Site that conveys the breath of the magnificent Roman city to the present day, it's definitely worth visiting at least once to experience the historical romance and local atmosphere.

By Ito

Graduated from the Faculty of Letters at Keio University. During his time at university, he majored in Western history and wrote his graduation thesis on the issue of racial discrimination in America in the 20th century. He will obtain the World Heritage Examination Level 1 in 2021 and the Art Examination Level 2 in 2024. While serving as CTO of a startup company, he also promotes World Heritage sites through World Heritage Quest.

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