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Iberian Cultures: The Mediterranean and Transatlantic Blueprint

Roman Theater Merida, Spain | The Seven Chairs | House of the Theater | Basilica House

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Roman Spain Manifested in Art and Architecture The Roman Empire's era of rule over the Iberian peninsula left an undeniable mark on Spanish legacy and history, beginning a period of "Romanization" that encompassed several aspects of life, including the art and architecture of this region. Much of the artistic styling and architectural features of Roman rule are still visible in contemporary times, demonstrating the tremendous and lasting impact that the empire had on Spain.

The era following the Roman empire’s conquest of the Iberian peninsula witnessed a subsequent period of what some scholars call “Romanization”, in which the region experienced a transformation of its political practices, religion, and overall culture. One area in which this assimilation of Roman culture and way of life was most prevalent, and continues to be very visible in modern-day Spain, was the art and architecture of the Iberian peninsula. Spain even experienced a revitalization of Roman culture during the 10th through 13th centuries, demonstrating its enduring impact and the area’s nostalgic desire to "call back" to this era. The preservation of Roman architecture and pieces of art, combined with the allusions back to Roman style during the Romanesque period, reveal the significance that the empire had on its cultural history.
The Aqueduct of Segovia is one such Roman architectural feature that despite the passing of time, has remained as an important landmark and emblem of Roman influence in Spain. Following the conquest of the city of Segovia by the Romans in around 90 BCE, the aqueduct was constructed in 50 A.D in order to bring water from the Rio Frio to the growing city of Segovia. The contiguous arches present on the aqueduct, also known as "arcades", were a key architectural feature of the Roman style of architecture. Beyond the impressive height and width of the two-tiered structure, the structure consists of granite stone held together with nearly no mortar. A possible reasoning for this design choice was to make the structure more resistant to long-term erosion from water flow. The aqueduct was operational in Spain until 1973; its longevity as a functional piece of infrastructure is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Romans.

Other semi-preserved pieces of Roman architecture include the Ruins in Itálica and the Mérida theater in Spain. Elementum integer enim neque volutpat ac. Aliquet risus feugiat in ante metus dictum. Leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id eu nisl nunc. Ut placerat orci nulla pellentesque. In egestas erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi porta. Enim eu turpis egestas pretium aenean pharetra magna ac placerat. Tortor at auctor urna nunc id cursus. Purus sit amet luctus venenatis. At imperdiet dui accumsan sit amet. Arcu dui vivamus arcu felis bibendum ut tristique et. Urna porttitor rhoncus dolor purus. Id aliquet risus feugiat in ante. Tincidunt augue interdum velit euismod in. Suscipit tellus mauris a diam maecenas sed enim. Tincidunt id aliquet risus feugiat in ante metus dictum. Porta lorem mollis aliquam ut porttitor leo a. Ac tincidunt vitae semper quis lectus. Tincidunt dui ut ornare lectus sit. Fermentum et sollicitudin ac orci phasellus.

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