The Roman Forum in Mérida, Spain, is an archaeological area that served as a main public space for the Roman city of Emerita Augusta. Founded in 25 BC by Emperor Augustus, the city was the capital of the Lusitania imperial province, which included most of Portugal and the western central portion of Spain.
For over 2,000 years, the relics of this city have remained mostly intact, showcasing common features of a Roman city such as theaters, temples, forums, and arenas. In addition to the Roman Forum, the city featured a Provincial Forum built in 50 AD. These sites were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.
Significant monuments within the ensemble include the Temple of Diana, which was dedicated to the imperial cult during the reign of Augustus, and the Temple of Mars. The site also contains a 1st-century portico with niches for statues, a basilica, and baths. Mérida preserves more important ancient Roman monuments than any other city in Spain.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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