Albarregas Roman bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Albarregas Roman bridge |
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| Coordinates | 38°55′24″N 6°20′57″W / 38.923464°N 6.349177°W |
| Locale | Mérida, Spain |
The Albarregas Roman bridge (in Spanish: Puente Romano sobre El Albarregas) is an amazing ancient bridge built by the Romans in Mérida, Spain. This strong bridge is made of granite stone. It crosses the Albarregas River, which is a smaller river that flows into the bigger Guadiana River.
This bridge was an important part of the Vía de la Plata, an ancient Roman road. It has been protected by law since 1912. It is known as a Bien de Interés Cultural (which means a "Property of Cultural Interest"). It is also part of a larger World Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO for its global importance.
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What is a Roman Bridge?
A Roman bridge is a type of bridge built by the Romans. They were masters at building structures that lasted for thousands of years. Roman bridges were usually made from stone, like the Albarregas bridge. They often used arches to make them very strong.
Why did Romans build bridges?
The Romans built bridges for many reasons. They needed to move their armies quickly across rivers. They also used bridges for trade and travel. Good roads and bridges helped the Roman Empire grow and stay connected.
How were Roman bridges built?
Building a Roman bridge was a huge project. Workers would first build wooden frames or supports in the river. Then, they would carefully place large stone blocks on top. These blocks were often held together without mortar or cement. Instead, they used their precise cutting and fitting skills. The arch shape helped distribute the weight evenly, making the bridge incredibly stable.
The Albarregas Bridge in Mérida
The Albarregas Roman bridge is located in the city of Mérida. Mérida was a very important city in Roman times. It was called Emerita Augusta back then. The city was founded in 25 BC. It became a major center for the Romans in Spain.
Part of the Vía de la Plata
The Albarregas bridge was a key part of the Vía de la Plata. This was a very long Roman road. It stretched from the south of Spain all the way to the north. It was used for moving goods, people, and armies. Imagine how many travelers and traders crossed this very bridge!
Why is it important today?
The Albarregas Roman bridge is important because it shows us how skilled the Romans were. It has stood for nearly 2,000 years! It helps us understand what life was like in Roman times. It also reminds us of the amazing engineering feats of the past.
Protection and Recognition
This bridge is not just an old structure; it's a protected piece of history.
Bien de Interés Cultural
In Spain, a "Bien de Interés Cultural" is a special title. It means the government recognizes something as very important for culture or history. This title helps protect the bridge from damage or changes. The Albarregas bridge received this protection in 1912.
World Heritage Site
The Albarregas Roman bridge is also part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida. This whole area is a World Heritage Site. UNESCO gives this title to places around the world that are very important to all of humanity. It means the site has outstanding universal value. The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida became a World Heritage Site in 1993. This helps make sure the bridge and other Roman ruins in Mérida are preserved for future generations.
See also
In Spanish: Puente romano sobre el río Albarregas para niños
- List of Bien de Interés Cultural in the Province of Badajoz
