An unknown imperial Roman city reappears at the foot of the Pyrenees
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The site, unearthed by researchers from the University of Zaragoza on the banks of the Aragon, impresses with its size and the monumentality of its buildings.
A hitherto unknown archaeological complex has been discovered at the foot of the Pyrenees by archaeologists from the University of Zaragoza, reports El País . Scholars describe a site built in two distinct eras: the Roman Imperial era (between the Ier and the Ve century) and the medieval Christian period (between the IXe and the XIIIe century). The site is located 1500 meters from the center of Artieda, east of Pamplona, on the border of Aragon and Navarre. At the heart of an agricultural plot about 390 meters long and 140 meters wide, on the south bank of the river, it occupies an area of four hectares, but it is possible that the dimensions of the site could be even greater.
In 2018 the City Council of Artieda asked the Department of Archeology of the University of Zaragoza to study ruins known by various names: El Forau de la Tuta, Campo de la Virgen or Campo del Royo. Despite the imposing dimensions of the city, its ancient name is not known. The city impresses with its “buildings of enormous proportions”, its thermal baths, water supply system, streets and sewers.
To the west of the site have been preserved “an impressive collection of public works in opus caementicium», the concrete used by the Romans, as well as a “series of quadrangular structures”which are probably supply cisterns.
Archaeologists have discovered that between the IXe and the XIIIe century, a village of the type “peasant habitat” of medieval Christian times was superimposed on the pre-existing Roman one. Designs of scallops adorn some walls, as does the emblem of mounted seahorses, a fish and two dolphins. Researchers were able to identify this second village as that of Arteda Civitate, which was documented in Latin texts. The team of specialists unearthed the remains of a church, silos with circular openings dug in the basement as well as a cemetery. These elements should make it possible to learn more about the period of the High Middle Ages which is still little known.
SEE ALSO – This rare Roman statue is returned to France 50 years after it was stolen from a museum
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