Roman House Core

Category: Archaeology > Museum

District: Beja > Mértola > Mértola

Location

The Casa Romana Nucleus in Mértola is situated in the heart of its historic center, directly beneath the current Mother Church of the village. This privileged location, adjacent to the imposing Castle, places the site within an urban setting of great historical and landscape value, offering a unique perspective on the continuous human occupation of Mértola. Its central position allows for an understanding of the density and superposition of the different layers of the village's history, from its Roman foundations to its current configuration.

This archaeological nucleus thus reveals itself as an integral part of Mértola's oldest urban fabric, highlighting how the village developed over the remains of ancient Myrtilis. Its proximity to the castle wall and the Mother Church underscores the strategic and central importance of the area over the centuries, from Roman times to the present day.

Daily Life in Roman Myrtilis

This remarkable archaeological nucleus unveils the foundations and remains of a dwelling from the Roman period, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life in ancient Myrtilis. The excavation has brought to light the original layout of the house, with its distinct compartments, and provides a basis for imagining the domestic spaces and routines of its former inhabitants. The structures and organization of this residence can be directly observed, telling the story of a vibrant past.

The architectural details on display help to compose a portrait of a Roman residence in the province of Lusitania. Visiting this space is an opportunity for direct contact with the material heritage left by this civilization, allowing for an immersion into the architecture and way of life of the Roman era in Mértola.

A Strategic and Urban Heritage

The exploration of the Casa Romana Nucleus offers a window into the construction techniques and materials used in Roman times. Despite being a dwelling of a functional character, its remains tell the story of a town that was an important river port center in Alentejo. This site highlights the scale and influence of Mértola as a strategic point during the Roman presence in the Iberian Peninsula, given its connection to the Guadiana River and trade routes.

The Casa Romana Nucleus is a testament to the complexity of urban and social life of the time, allowing for an appreciation of the heritage that Mértola continues to reveal. It represents a fundamental fragment in understanding the importance of ancient Myrtilis in the regional and Roman imperial context, demonstrating its vitality as a trading post and civilizational center.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt