Roman Ruins of Quinta do Ervedal

Location

The Roman Ruins of Quinta do Ervedal are located in the rural area of Quinta do Ervedal, belonging to the village of Castelo Novo, in the municipality of Fundão. The site is peacefully nestled at the foot of the southern slope of the Serra da Gardunha mountain range, a natural landscape offering a serene and picturesque setting. Nearby, the Ribeira de Alpreade stream flows, complementing the rural ambiance.

A Roman-Era Settlement

This archaeological site holds the remains of a Roman settlement that flourished in the region between the 1st and 5th centuries AD. Excavations have revealed various structures, indicating a significant and lasting Roman presence. Although its exact classification, such as a villa or vicus (a secondary agglomeration), is still subject of study by archaeologists, the vast dispersion of materials indicates that it was a place of great importance within the Roman occupation network.

Remains of Daily Life

Among the most notable discoveries are two Roman bath complexes, separated by approximately fifty meters, testifying to the sophistication and habits of the era. The analysis of exhumed materials, such as fine ceramics, lucernas (oil lamps), and amphorae, has allowed for an understanding of this settlement's integration into the Roman trade routes of the Iberian Peninsula, revealing consumption patterns and connections to various parts of the Roman world.