Ercavica facts for kids
 Location in Castilla-La Mancha
Location in Spain
|
|
| Location | Spain |
|---|---|
| Region | Castile–La Mancha |
| Coordinates | 40°25′54″N 2°40′09″W / 40.4318°N 2.6693°W |
Ercavica (sometimes called Arcavica) was a very important Roman city. You can still see its ancient ruins today. It is located on the Santaver hill, close to Cañaveruelas in Spain.
Contents
History of Ercavica
The Roman city of Ercavica was built on a high piece of land. This land was near the Guadiela river. Before the Romans, a Celtiberian city stood a few kilometers away. It was on the other side of the river. This Celtiberian city was used as a military camp. This happened during the Sertorian War.
First Mentions and Roman Arrival
Ercavica is first mentioned in history around 179 BC. This was during a military campaign by Tiberius Gracchus. He was fighting in the lands of the Celtiberians. The ancient writer Livy tells us about it. He wrote that Ercavica was a powerful and famous city. Its people were scared by what happened to their neighbors. So, they decided to let the Romans enter their city peacefully.
Growth as a Roman City
The Roman city of Ercavica began to grow in the 2nd century BC. It was planned with straight streets. It also had a strong city wall. Many public and private buildings were constructed.
During the time of Emperor Augustus, Ercavica changed a lot. Many fancy buildings were added. These included a forum, a basilica, and temples. The city also gained the status of a municipium. This meant it had its own local government. We know this because the city even made its own coins.
Peak and Decline
Ercavica was most successful during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. It was a busy and rich city. However, from the 3rd century AD, the city slowly started to decline. People began to leave the site. By the 4th or 5th century, it was mostly abandoned.
Later, the site was used again. It was then known as Arcávica. It was mentioned in church meetings called the Councils of Toledo. At that time, it was the center for a bishop. Later, this center moved to the city of Cuenca.
Exploring the Site
The most important part of Ercavica was its Forum. This was the main public and civic center. It had many grand buildings.
The Forum Area
The main square of the Forum was rectangular. It was paved with large stone slabs. Arcades, or covered walkways, surrounded it. On the south side was the basilica. This building was used for legal matters and meetings.
On the western side of the Forum, there were small houses or shops. These opened onto the main road. This road was called the cardo maximus. It ran from north to south through the city. There was also a large stone base. An extension of the forum on the eastern side stood over a two-story cryptoporticus. A cryptoporticus is a hidden or underground hallway.
City Houses
The city's houses were built in blocks called insulae. These blocks were separated by cobbled streets. The main roads had arcades. They ran straight, crossing the cardo maximus.
One of the most famous houses is called the Medical House. Its rooms were built around a central courtyard. This courtyard had a pool called an impluvium. It collected rainwater. Four columns supported the roof around this pool.
Images for kids
-
The public baths at Ercavica
See also
In Spanish: Ercávica para niños
