Relics Romano style, Mérida, Spain
Walk in Roman footsteps
What is amazing about this ancient site is that it is yours to discover. You’re free to tread the boards of whence thespians performed or brush shoulders along the shadowy passages of where armoured gladiators clashed.
Memories of the movie Gladiator spring to mind.
The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.
Teatro
The site where the imposing theatre stands today, was originally constructed between 16 and 15 BC. Further significant renovations were undertaken around the end of the 1st century and beginning of the 2nd century, which included the main façade.
The big dig
It wasn’t until the late 19th century that a full excavation of the site was carried out, as centuries of earth had slowly been swallowing up the ancient ruins. Prior to this only the upper tiers of the seating were visible.
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No comfy seating
The towering semicircular seating around the theatre, would originally have been built to accommodate 6,000 people. The Roman upper section still remains encircling the theatre, and the lower tiers have since been replaced.
The first rows of seating would have been frequented by the higher social classes of the time, with the marbled semicircular orchestra in front.
A helpful guide
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Eyewitness books, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Witness it yourself
Audiences are now being entertained annually and have been since 1933, within these magnificent ruins. The classical performances form part of the Mérida Classical Theatre Festival.
Anfiteatro
In 8 BC the Romans constructed the amphitheater, which was built adjacent to the theatre. This impressive arena, of which a large portion can still be seen today, originally would have seated 15,000 spectators.
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Gladiators
You are able to wander around the upper section of the amphitheatre, which then leads you down through a tunnel onto the arena floor itself. Bypassing a depiction of the styles of attire, that an 8th century BC gladiator would have worn to combat.
Not only would Romans have been entertained with different categories of gladiatorial fighting, they were also known to have fought animals (beasts).
The animals were kept under the centre section of the arena known as fossa bestiaria. They were stored within the multiple rooms and tunnels, prior to them being released to fight.
Although now not quite politically correct, but to witness the striking ancient stadium was not to be missed.
Inspired to visit Mérida?
Although we didn't stay in Mérida, we would consider it for another trip. There's plenty of history in this town.
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