Ruins said to be of Nabancia.

Category: Archaeology > Villa

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar > Marmelais de Baixo

Location

The so-called Ruins of Nabância are located in the area of Marmelais de Baixo, in the municipality of Tomar, district of Santarém. They are set in a peaceful environment that invites visitors to explore a distant past.

Roman Legacy and Historical Importance

This archaeological complex corresponds to the remains of a remarkable Roman villa, an important rural estate of the period, and not a city, as was once supposed. The grandeur and organization of the findings attest to the site's relevance in Classical Antiquity. Its historical and cultural importance was officially recognized with its classification as a National Monument in 1910.

Origins of the Name and Local Traditions

The toponym "Nabância" is often associated with the Nabão River and Nabia, a pre-Roman deity linked to water, suggesting an ancestral connection between the site and its natural surroundings. It is crucial to note that, although ancient literary traditions link these ruins to a supposed Roman city of Tomar, modern archaeological research shows that it is a vast villa, and that the present-day city of Tomar was founded much later, during the Middle Ages.

The site is also mentioned in medieval historical documents, such as the "Divisão de Wamba," which reinforces its continued relevance throughout the centuries. Furthermore, local popular tradition associates these ruins with the legend of Saint Iria or Irene, a prominent legendary figure in the region.

What the Ruins Reveal to the Visitor

While exploring the so-called Ruins of Nabância, the visitor has the unique opportunity to observe the remains of structures that once made up this wealthy Roman rural estate. Although time has eroded much of what once existed, the remnants offer a glimpse into the architectural complexity and organization of such a villa, providing a gateway to understanding the life, economy, and culture of the Roman era in the region.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabância

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