Barcino: The Roman Origins of Barcelona

The Roman Foundation of Barcino

Despite legends attributing its foundation to Hercules or hypotheses regarding Hamilcar Barca's famous Carthaginian saga, Barcino was established as a Roman law colony. This is confirmed by archaeological evidence and all classical sources. Barcino, officially named Colonia Iulia Augusta Paterna Barcino Faventia, was founded by Emperor Augustus in 14 BC, following the Cantabrian Wars and administrative reforms in the central and northeastern regions of the Iberian Peninsula. It stands out as a significant foundation among other late Roman cities of present-day Catalonia.

Geography, Resources, and Early Economy

The city was built on a small hill, known in the Middle Ages as Mount Taber (15 meters above sea level), situated in the fertile plain between the Llobregat and Besòs rivers, and between Collserola and the sea. The surrounding territory (ager) was subjected to centuriation, a systematic division of land among settlers, leading to intense exploitation. While wine was produced, grain cultivation was also significant. Fishing, especially for oysters, was another common practice. Other local resources included iron mines in the region and Montjuïc sandstone, the building material par excellence for most of Barcino's structures. Trade was another driving force for the city, with the Llobregat River serving as an important communication route inland.

Barcino's Urban Planning and Layout

The colony's extension, surrounded by walls with towers and four gates, covered no more than ten hectares. It respected the structure of typical Roman foundations; its enclosure was rectangular, though its corners were cut to accommodate the hill's relief.

Main Streets and Grid System

Two main streets, originating from the four gates, formed a cross: the Decumanus Maximus stretched along the sea-mountain axis, now occupied by Carrer del Bisbe and Carrer de Regomir. The Cardo Maximus ran perpendicular to the first (Besòs-Llobregat axis), corresponding to the current Carrer de la Ciutat and Carrer del Call. Both the main streets and the side streets (minor Decumani and Cardines) were originally wide, equipped with sewers, and formed a grid system. The first settlers were of Italic origin, and the population was small, at most about 2,000 people.

Population, Significance, and Administration

Due to its population and extension, Barcino was a small city compared to other Augustan foundations, despite the magnificence of its public spaces, including the forum and temple. This likely explains why it was conceived from the outset as an administrative and religious center for a wider area, encompassing pre-existing urban centers and other villas of Laietània.

Public and Private Life in Barcino

Private Residences and Mosaics

Remains of several types of private domus have been found, especially under Plaça del Rei and its surroundings (visible today at the Museum of City History), Carrer del Bisbe, and Plaça Sant Miquel. From other private houses, beautiful mosaics, such as those depicting the Three Graces and a circus race, have been rescued. However, insulae (apartment blocks) have not yet been identified.

Public Baths and Prominent Families

The public baths, now located under Plaça Sant Miquel, were donated to the city by the Minicius Natal family in 125 AD. This family, alongside the emperor, was one of the most prominent in Roman Barcelona, belonging to the highest social category, the Senatorial class. We even know that Lucius Minicius Natal participated with a quadriga in the Olympic Games of 129 AD.

The Forum and Imperial Temple

Barcino's forum was located at the confluence of the Cardo Maximus and Decumanus Maximus, covering a wide area. A grand temple, likely dedicated to the Imperial cult, was erected in the last quarter of the 1st century BC. There is no evidence of other major public buildings from this period. Two aqueducts supplied water to the city.

Fortifications and Barcino's Later Role

Of all the preserved Roman ruins in Barcelona, the most impressive are undoubtedly its walls. The original foundation wall was significantly enhanced in the 4th century AD. This period marked economic prosperity for the city, despite political and military instability within the Empire.

Visigothic Capital and Early Christianity

The new fortifications and strategic location gave Barcino a more prominent role in the Late Antiquity period, even surpassing the traditional Roman capital, Tarraco. It became the capital of the Visigothic kingdom (415 AD, 507-510 AD, and 531-548 AD). Furthermore, Christianity became increasingly prevalent. From the 5th century, the first known Christian basilica emerged, whose remains, including its three naves, can be seen under the Cathedral, along with a baptistery and the Royal Palace.