Empúries, in the municipality of La Escala, In the northeast of Spain, It houses the Museum, archaeological site and ruins of ancient Greco-Roman port cities. It is 740 kilometers from Madrid and 140 Kilometers north of Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast.
The first inhabitants of the area lived from their agriculture and livestock. The privileged location of this town on the sea favored the arrival of navigators sought to exchange merchandise, With which the population was also favored since they could offer their products to foreigners. So it was that they began to relate to the Greek people.
In the 5th century, the Greeks, from Foce, In Asia Minor, They would found a city that would have in principle commercial ends, It would therefore be a port city. The city is first in the area of St. Martí d 'Empuries, what, While today it is linked to the continent, At that time it was an island, and then refound the city in the place that excavations are found today. Empúries Prospera, Its activities develop and evolve and its population increases, becoming the largest Greek colony in the Iberian Peninsula.
In the second century BC, the first arrivals of the Romans occur to Empiv. It is an important city that had a forum, an amphitheater and that was gradually walled. The hot springs on which it would be built in later times are also visible, a paleo -Christian basilica. Today you can also be seen, many of the mosaic laborious ones with which they paved their buildings. The Romanization of the Peninsula begins from here with which and by founding the Roman Empire other important cities in the area, Like Tarraco, Today Tarragona, Empúries goes into decay.
What can be visited today in this archaeological site are mostly remains belonging to what was the Roman city. Mostly the Greek remains are located at lower levels, Although some excavations have exposed part of the Greek city in whose center a market is located, And an agora.
Among the best preserved remains stand out:
The wall: This wall suffered various modifications throughout its history, which can be seen in several sectors of the same. Together with the acropolis area, there is still part of the defense systems. But mostly the wall that is preserved today was built in the second century BC. With towers that protected the entrance door to the city.
Serapieion: It is a sanctuary dedicated to Egyptian goddesses, ISIS AND SEAPIS that was built in the 1st century BC. Probably by a merchant from Alexandria. It has a rectangular shape and contains a Doric style temple.
Asklepieion: It is a temple dedicated to the Greek God of Asklepios medicine and in turn therapeutic center. in front of which an altar is located for ceremonies, offerings and sacrifices.
Peristilo house: It is a house that brings together the characteristics of Greek housing with central courtyard surrounded by columns (peristilo) in the middle of which a cistern is preserved.
Agora and Stoa: The agora, Greek public life center, Its construction corresponds to the second century BC. It is rectangular and on three of its sides are columns porches that allowed access to various public buildings. Towards the north is the Stoa that houses a serious stores for business.
After the tour of what were the Greek and Roman cities, It is possible to finish the visit in the Museo, where a variety of objects found in the various excavations are offered as tools, coins, Utensils, mosaics, Registration, etc. Here you can better understand the evolution and development of the area from its first settlers to its different conquests as well as obtaining much more detailed information than this simple description that I present here today.
For those interested in history and for those curious and adventurous, The archaeological site of Empúries And your museum are a recommended visit where to learn and meet, Enjoying at the same time on the route that due to its favorable location in front of the Mediterranean will be more than pleasant. Being able to finish off our beach excursion that is attached to the whole and which is easily accessible. This little cove invites the deserved rest and is really a pleasure after the tour.
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sources consulted obtained through information provided by the monuments themselves, museums and sites visited, Tourist Information Offices, uba-fau.