Lusitano-Roman Villa of Santa Vitória do Ameixial

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Évora > Estremoz > Santa Vitória do Ameixial > Monte dos Pretos

Location

The Lusitano-Roman Villa of Santa Vitória do Ameixial is located in the homonymous parish, in the municipality of Estremoz. Situated in the area known as Monte dos Pretos, a considerable part of its historical structures extends beneath the current village. The surroundings feature the characteristic Alentejo landscape, offering a setting of tranquility and direct contact with the region's rural history.

A Window to Ancient Rome

Classified as a National Monument, this archaeological site offers a glimpse into the Roman presence in the Iberian Peninsula. Built between the late 1st century BC and the early 4th century AD, the villa was part of the Roman province of Lusitania. Its existence reflects the territorial organization and daily life during Antiquity, showing how this location in Alentejo was integrated into the vast Roman network.

Remains of a Rich Rural Property

A visit to the site allows exploration of the remains of a villa which, due to its characteristics, was a rural property of considerable size and affluence. The ruins of the pars urbana, the residential area of the owners, can be identified, including rooms and corridors, many of them paved with mosaics. Evidence of a thermal area and an ingenious water management system, with a rock-hewn tank for rainwater collection, are also visible. The villa's structure also revealed spaces dedicated to agricultural and service activities, highlighting its functionality and the complexity of life that developed there.

Significant Archaeological Discoveries

The importance of this villa is notable due to the archaeological discoveries made there. Besides the various geometric patterns that adorned the floors, one of the most famous finds was the Ulysses mosaic, a piece of art now on display at the National Archaeology Museum in Lisbon. Other mosaics, such as one depicting a panther drinking, were also identified. These discoveries, along with a valuable treasure of about three thousand coins, attest to the prosperity of its ancient inhabitants and the economic and cultural relevance that the Villa of Santa Vitória do Ameixial held in Roman times.

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