Roman Hispania
Augusta Emerita
Today: Mérida, Spain
- Years
- 25 BCE–409
- Role
- Capital of Lusitania
The legate Publius Carisius founded it in 25 BCE on the orders of Augustus, to settle the discharged soldiers of the legions X Gemina and V Alaudae who had fought in the Cantabrian wars. From about 15 BCE it was capital of the new province of Lusitania, and from the end of the 3rd century of the whole diocese of Hispania. Its theatre, amphitheatre and circus, the bridge over the Guadiana and the Milagros aqueduct make up the most complete Roman ensemble in the peninsula.
What to see today
- Teatro romano de Mérida (Teatro de Augusta Emerita): Theatre, c. 16 to 15 BCE
- Anfiteatro de Mérida (Anfiteatro de Augusta Emerita): Amphitheatre, 1st century BCE
- Circo romano de Mérida (Circo de Augusta Emerita): Circus, 1st century
- Puente romano de Mérida (Puente de Augusta Emerita): Bridge, c. 25 to 1 BCE
- Acueducto de los Milagros (Acueducto de Augusta Emerita): Aqueduct, 1st century
- Templo de Diana (Templo del foro de Augusta Emerita): Temple, 1st century
- Presa de Proserpina: Dam, 1st century BCE