Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida

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Augusta Emerita: A Roman Colony Turned Spanish City - The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida

The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, located in the Extremadura region of western Spain, offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of the Roman Empire's influence in Hispania. Founded in 25 BC by Roman Emperor Augustus, this ancient city, originally named Augusta Emerita, served as a resettlement destination for Emeriti soldiers from the veteran legions of the Cantabrian Wars.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

The colony of Augusta Emerita, which became present-day Mérida in Estremadura, was founded in 25 B.C. at the end of the Spanish Campaign and was the capital of Lusitania. The well-preserved remains of the old city include, in particular, a large bridge over the Guadiana, an amphitheatre, a theatre, a vast circus and an exceptional water-supply system. It is an excellent example of a provincial Roman capital during the empire and in the years afterwards.

Encyclopedia Record: Augusta Emerita

Augusta Emerita, also called Emerita Augusta, was a Roman colonia founded in 25 BC in present day Mérida, Spain. The city was founded by Roman Emperor Augustus to resettle Emeriti soldiers from the veteran legions of the Cantabrian Wars, these being Legio V Alaudae, Legio X Gemina, and possibly Legio XX Valeria Victrix. The city, one of the largest in Hispania, was the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, controlling an area of over 20,000 square kilometres (7,700 sq mi). It had three aqueducts and two fora.

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