Archaeologists from the University of Granada have announced the discovery of the remains of an ancient Roman forum in Ubrique, Spain’s Andalusia region.
“The main purpose of the excavations was to confirm the hypothesis proposed by local scholar Juan Vegaso at the end of the 18th century that the central terrace of the hill, known as Cerro de la Mora, was the site of a Roman forum. City”, University of Granada. Professor Macarena Bustamante Alvarez her colleagues said in a statement.
At the site, archaeologists unearthed what appears to be a wall surrounding the central plaza, about 1 meter (3.3 feet) high and 16 meters (52.5 feet) long.
They also discovered a series of architectural elements indicating large, clearly public buildings dating back to Roman times.
“We confirmed the presence of a monumental altar with decorative architectural remains,” the archaeologists said.
“These include the bases and axes of columns, as well as other evidence of statue plinths and column remains scattered throughout the city.”
“We were also able to re-examine some of the buildings at the site and outline an area that shows Roman religious practices, especially those related to water.”
Ruins of an ancient Roman forum in Ubrique, Andalusia, Spain. Image credit: University of Granada.
According to researchers, the ruins continued to be inhabited until the end of the 4th century AD.
“This is confirmed by coins found in the area, one of which bears a christogram, the first example of Christian iconography found at the site,” they said. Ta.
“Additionally, North African pottery allowed us to extend the period of occupation of this site, which was previously thought to last until the third century AD.
“It also helped us understand the trade routes that are closely connected to the Campo de Gibraltar region.”
In addition, scientists have unearthed the possible basis of a medieval defensive structure.
“This building would have provided a visual link between this site and other surrounding fortifications that would have been used to monitor this mountainous area of Cadiz,” they said. Ta.
“This excavation provides an overview of a space important for understanding the arrival and settlement of the Romans in the southern Iberian Peninsula and their intermixture with communities already settled in the area.”
Source: www.sci.news
