Aquae Flaviae facts for kids
The landscaped springs of the ancient Roman thermals
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 Location in Portugal
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| Alternative name | Aquæ Flaviæ |
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| Location | Chaves |
| Region | Trás-os-Montes |
| Coordinates | 41°44′20″N 7°28′08″W / 41.739°N 7.469°W |
| Type | Settlement |
| History | |
| Cultures | Roman |
Aquae Flaviae (also called Aquæ Flaviæ) was an ancient Roman city. Today, it is known as Chaves, a town in Portugal. It was once an important religious center, serving as a bishopric (a region managed by a bishop). Now, it is a Latin Catholic titular see, which means it's a historical title for a bishop, but without a real territory to govern.
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Discovering Aquae Flaviae: A Roman City
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The area where Aquae Flaviae was built has many hot springs. The Romans often settled near such natural resources. They also looked for places with valuable minerals.
Aquae Flaviae was a very important Roman city, or municipium, in the northwest region. We know this from old writings found there. It was built on a small hill next to the Tâmega River. This area was good for farming and had many hot springs. It was also close to gold mining areas.
Why Was Aquae Flaviae Important?
The city was in a key location. It was between two other major Roman cities: Bracara and Asturica. It also connected to important mining districts like Três Minas and Jales. This made Aquae Flaviae a central hub for trade and travel.
What Did the City Look Like?
We don't know much about the exact layout of the city. However, we have found some important clues.
- An aqueduct brought water from a reservoir and dam.
- There were signs of a theater or amphitheater.
- Parts of a cemetery (necropolis) have been found.
- Sections of the city wall are still visible.
The Famous Roman Baths
The name "Aquae Flaviae" means "Waters of Flavius." This name suggests that hot springs were very important to the city. For a long time, we didn't know much about the Roman baths here. But recent digs have uncovered exciting new information.
Archaeologists found parts of another Roman bath structure. It was connected to a hot spring in a place called Largo do Arrabalde. They found large stone pavements and a block of opus caementicium (Roman concrete). These are the first confirmed Roman bath remains found within Chaves.
Many old inscriptions found in the city also talk about the hot springs. Some are dedicated to nymphs (nature spirits) and other gods like Isis. This suggests that people worshipped the healing powers of the thermal waters.
The Trajan Bridge: A Key Structure
The most famous building in Aquae Flaviae is the Trajan Bridge. It crosses the Tâmega River. This bridge was very important for the city's growth. It served as a major crossroads, controlling routes to the mining areas.
Two inscriptions on the bridge celebrate its construction or repair. They mention the Roman Emperor Trajan. Another famous inscription is called the Padrão dos Povos. This stone lists the different local groups that depended on Aquae Flaviae. It also mentions the Roman army unit, the Legio VII Gemina Felix.
How Aquae Flaviae Was Founded
The city was founded by the Romans, but the exact details are unclear. An ancient geographer named Ptolemy suggested it was built in the territory of the Turodi people. Other old writings found in the area support this idea. They show that the Turodi people lived there.
Aquae Flaviae as a Bishopric
Aquae Flaviae became a bishopric (a region led by a bishop) in the 300s AD. This religious importance lasted until the Arabic conquest in the 700s AD. In 1969, the title of "Bishop of Aquae Flaviae" was brought back. It is now a titular see, meaning it's an honorary title for a bishop without a real territory.
See also
In Spanish: Aquae Flaviae para niños
Images for kids
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The landscaped springs of the ancient Roman thermals
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The Roman bridge of Chaves constructed during the era of Vespasian and Trajan
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The commemorative columns that mark the bridge and Roman settlement in Aquae Flaviae
