Roman Foundations: The Origins of Barcelona and Mérida

The Origins of Barcino

The foundation of Barcelona occurred as a Roman colony. Barcino was founded by Emperor Augustus in the year 10 BC, following the Cantabrian Wars and administrative reforms in the northeast of the peninsula. It stands as a significant example among the late Roman cities of the region.

Urban Structure and Infrastructure

• Layout: The colony was bounded by walls with towers and four gates, featuring a rectangular enclosure adapted to the hill's relief.
• The Forum: Located at the confluence of the Decumanus Maximus and Cardo Maximus.
• Temple: A great temple was raised in the last quarter of the 1st century BC, likely dedicated to the Imperial cult.
• Water Supply: Two aqueducts supplied the city, originating from Collserola and the Besòs river.

Of all the Roman remains preserved in Barcelona, the walls are undoubtedly the most impressive. The foundation walls were largely reinforced in the 4th century AD, providing the city with a strategic role during the final period of antiquity.

The Development of Emerita Augusta

Around the year 25 BC, Augustus founded the colony of Emerita to settle veteran legionnaires from the wars against the Cantabrians and Astures. Its location in a valley made it the communications hub of the entire west of the Iberian Peninsula.

Architectural Legacy

Since the late 3rd and 4th centuries, the city experienced renewed development through the administrative reforms of Diocletian. Several public buildings were reconstructed, and many mansions and rural villas were enriched.

Key Monuments

• Forums: The city features two forums; the main one retains parts of the portico and the Temple of Diana.
• Theater: The grandest and best-preserved structure in Mérida, inaugurated in 15 BC and reformed several times.
• Amphitheater: Inaugurated in 8 BC, it is of considerable size despite being built with modest materials.
• Circus: Built in the 1st century AD outside the walls, it could accommodate around 30,000 spectators.

The urban grid followed the classic Roman foundations of the Decumanus Maximus and Cardus Maximus. Furthermore, vital hydraulic infrastructure remains, including two aqueducts that transported water from the nearby Proserpina and Cornalvo reservoirs.