Ilerda: Unearthing Roman History in Lleida

Ilerda: Unveiling Ancient Roman Remains

Ilerda: The remains of ancient Roman buildings are dated to the late second century BC. However, the city's foundation likely began in the early first century BC. Under Augustus, it earned the title of Municipium and underwent significant monumental construction.

Several classical sources refer to Ilerda, particularly concerning the battle between supporters of Caesar and Pompey (49 BC), described by Caesar in De Bello Civile. Archaeological excavations have begun to shed light on the Roman city buried beneath later constructions. However, the discovered structures are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the city's layout.

The wall encompassed the entire Seu Vella hill and extended down to the old courses of the Segre and Noguerola rivers, covering a total area of 23 hectares. The challenging terrain influenced the town's structure, with a steep upper section and a lower section set between the promontory and the two rivers. Sadly, much of the Roman foundations were destroyed.

The Medina and Public Spaces

The industrial area of the city corresponded to the eastern part, where the street plan widened. Here, the Cardo Maximus and Decumanus Maximus likely intersected. A large avenue led to public baths erected in the second century AD. This remarkable building may have retained its function, in some form, until the Muslim era in Lleida. The forum was probably located near the old bridge (possibly the current site of Saint John).

Other remains include parts of domus and a possible stretch of the Cardo Maximus, while the nature of other structures remains uncertain due to incomplete excavation.

Decline and Rebuilding

During the third century AD, Ilerda appears to have suffered a severe crisis, with many buildings abandoned, according to archaeological evidence. In 449, the Suevians and Bagaudae attacked the town, which was subsequently rebuilt.