Archaeologists in Spain have made a remarkable discovery that could shed new light on the Roman Empire’s presence in the Iberian Peninsula.
A team from the University of Cádiz, led by Professor Macarena Lara, has unearthed 57 Roman-era sites in the Sierra de Cádiz region, far exceeding their initial expectations.
“The objective is to know the interaction of the Bay of Cadiz with the settlement of the Guadalete River depression during the Roman period, an aspect practically unknown until now,” the research team explained in their report. This finding could potentially reveal a network of settlements that formed what some are calling a “hidden empire.”
The excavation project, which began in 2023, focused on areas surrounding Arcos de la Frontera, Bornos, Villamartin, and Puerto Serrano.
These sites are all interconnected by the Guadalete River, suggesting they may have been part of a larger, organized system of Roman settlements.
‘57 New Roman Sites Discovered in the Guadalete River Valley in Cádiz, Spain’https://t.co/nVPiv60Lhg@Sarah404BC #AncientWorld #AncientRome #Rome #ClassicalStudies #ClassicalCivilization
— Kerry (@KerryLPhelan) August 15, 2024
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To uncover these hidden structures, the team employed advanced technology. They used geo radar, a tool that sends radar pulses underground to detect hidden objects. This allowed them to locate wall structures from ancient residences that weren’t visible from the surface.
Additionally, they used multispectral cameras to capture images and colors typically invisible to the naked eye, helping them investigate sites that had been untouched since their discovery decades ago.
One of the key sites excavated was the Roman villa of El Canuelo in Bornos. Here, the team uncovered walls separating residential and work areas, providing insights into the layout and organization of these ancient settlements.
While the Romans conquered Spain in 264 BC, the exact age of these newly discovered structures remains unknown. The research team is now conducting a second phase of investigation to better understand how these sites are linked and to develop a more comprehensive picture of Roman presence in the Guadalete River valley over 2,000 years ago.
Professor Lara emphasized the importance of this discovery and the team’s future plans: “The data we have has allowed us to generate a solid base of archaeological information and documentation to continue with research in the coming years in this environment.”
She added that their main objective is to continue excavations and surveys using non-traditional techniques and tools, aiming to obtain a holistic vision of the Roman settlement and the surrounding territory.
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This discovery marks the first time ancient Roman settlements in this area have been extensively analyzed. As research continues, it may provide valuable insights into the extent of Roman influence in the region and how these settlements interacted with each other and the wider empire.