Roman city of Ammaia

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Portalegre > Marvão > Olhos D'Água

Location

In Alentejo, in Marvão, the ruins of the Roman city of Ammaia are located in the locality of Olhos D'Água, in the parish of São Salvador da Aramenha. The site is situated in a valley within the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, on the left bank of the Sever River. From here, one can observe the imposing fortress of Marvão, which stands proudly in the Alentejo landscape.

Roman Past and Decline

The city of Ammaia was founded at the end of the 1st century BC, during the Augustan period. It developed rapidly, achieving the status of Civitas under Emperor Claudius and, later, that of Municipium during the reign of Vespasian. Its strategic location, at the crossroads of important Roman roads connecting urban centers such as the provincial capital, Emerita Augusta (modern-day Mérida), and the region's wealth in mineral resources, such as quartz and gold, were crucial for its growth and prosperity.

However, between the 5th and 9th centuries, Ammaia went into decline and was progressively abandoned. Much of its materials were reused over the centuries in the construction of buildings in neighboring localities, including parts of the Marvão's own wall.

Archaeological Discoveries

Classified as a National Monument since 1949, the precise identification of Ammaia as this ancient Roman city is due to studies from the mid-20th century. Systematic archaeological excavations, initiated in 1994, have been revealing a vast and organized city. Today, it is possible to observe significant structures such as the South Gate, with the remains of its towers and an adjacent public square, or part of the Forum, the civic center of the city, where the podium of a temple can be seen.

The Public Baths and part of the road network, such as the Cardo Maximus, which organized the urban layout, have also been identified. In 2019, a notable discovery revealed the existence of an amphitheater at the site. Many of the most relevant findings, including everyday artifacts, are displayed at the Site Museum, installed in the old Quinta do Deão, in the vicinity of the ruins. The particularity of its preservation, with many structures and objects buried by a layer of earth, suggests a possible cataclysm that, ironically, helped to preserve a large part of the ancient city.

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