🏟 SEGÓBRIGA - Antigua ciudad Romana en Saelices

Summary

This video explores the ancient Roman city of Segobriga, located on the Iberian Peninsula. Initially founded by Celtiberians around the 5th century BCE, it was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE. Segobriga became a key city in Roman Hispania, with well-preserved ruins such as its theater, amphitheater, and forum. The city’s significance is showcased through structures like the judicial basilica, monumental baths, and inscriptions, with archaeological discoveries revealing its cultural and economic importance. Segobriga offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman urban life, serving as an open-air museum of history.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Iberian Peninsula in the 2nd century BC was home to various peoples such as the Carpetani, Turdetani, and Celtiberians, before being conquered by the Romans over two centuries.
• 🏙️ Segobriga is a notable example of a Roman city discovered and recovered, likely founded around the 5th century BC by Celtiberians and conquered by Romans in the 2nd century BC.
• 🌿 The Archaeological Park of Segobriga is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in ancient Hispania, with Roman-era ruins serving as an open-air museum.
• 🎭 The amphitheater and theater are standout features of Segobriga, with the theater being one of the smallest but best-preserved in Hispania, evoking a strong historical connection.
• 🗿 Excavations of Segobriga began in 1789, coinciding with the French Revolution and the dawn of modern history in the West.
• 🛠️ Major discoveries such as the theater and amphitheater were made in the 1960s, with the amphitheater capable of holding up to 10,000 spectators for gladiatorial and animal combat events.
• 🏛️ The Forum was the heart of Segobriga’s public life, designed with colonnades to allow activity year-round despite the region’s extreme weather conditions.
• ⚖️ The judicial basilica was an important part of Segobriga’s central area, housing both judicial proceedings and economic activities related to the region’s lapis specularis (transparent stone) industry.
• 💆 The monumental baths near the theater reflect the urban lifestyle of Segobriga, serving as a space for relaxation and socialization.
• 🗿 Significant archaeological finds include Roman stele and statues, such as the 16-year-old Roman slave Cunda and the bust of Agrippina, the granddaughter of Emperor Augustus.

Q & A

What was the state of the Iberian Peninsula in the 2nd century BC?

The Iberian Peninsula was a melting pot of various peoples, including the Carpetani, Turdetani, and Celtiberians. It took two centuries for the Roman armies to conquer almost the entire territory.

What is Segobriga, and when was it likely founded?

Segobriga is an example of a Roman city that was rediscovered and recovered. Its foundation likely dates back to the 5th century BC, probably established by the Celtiberians.

Where is Segobriga located?

Segobriga is located near the town of Saelices in the province of Cuenca, Spain, on a hill called 'Cerro de Cabeza del Griego.'

Why is Segobriga considered important in Roman history?

Segobriga gained great importance during Roman times. Its well-preserved archaeological remains, especially from the Roman period, make it a significant open-air museum today.

What are the key features of the archaeological site of Segobriga?

The most notable features include the amphitheater and the theater. The theater, though small, is one of the best-preserved in ancient Hispania. The amphitheater could host up to 10,000 spectators, showcasing the city's importance.

What historical events marked the beginning of excavations at Segobriga?

Excavations began in the late 18th century, specifically in 1789, a significant year due to the start of the French Revolution and the beginning of the modern era in the West. The Real Academia de la Historia initiated these excavations.

What role did the Forum play in the daily life of Segobriga?

The Forum was the heart of Segobriga, where daily activities occurred regardless of weather conditions. It was a covered forum with porticoes, ensuring its functionality in both hot summers and cold winters.

What was the significance of the 'lápis specularis' in Segobriga?

'Lápis specularis,' a type of transparent gypsum used for windows, was a major economic driver in Segobriga. It was closely connected to the city’s economic activity, as reflected in its central position near the Forum.

What were the monumental baths in Segobriga, and what remains can be seen today?

The monumental baths, or 'thermae,' were a place for relaxation in urban life. Today, visitors can see remnants such as ticket offices and the drainage system of the city.

What significant artifacts have been found in Segobriga, and where are they displayed?

Notable artifacts include funeral steles, such as one commemorating a Roman slave girl named Cunda, and a bust of Agrippina, granddaughter of Emperor Augustus. Many of these artifacts are displayed at the Interpretation Center.