Ilipa facts for kids
Ilipa or Ilipa Magna was an important ancient city. It was built by the Iberians, who were early people living in Spain. The city was located on the right side of the River Betis, which is now called the Guadalquivir River.
Ilipa was a very important city because of its location. It was built in the land of the Turdetani people. The city had strong walls and controlled important land and river paths. These paths led to the silver mines in Sierra Morena.
The land around Ilipa was also very good for farming. This made the city even more important in the area. Ilipa got its drinking water from an aqueduct, which was a long channel that carried water. This aqueduct was about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) long! Sadly, there are no parts of it left today. Because of its size and importance, people called it "Magna," which means "the Great."
The Second Punic War and Ilipa
Ilipa played a big part in the Second Punic War. This was a huge conflict between the Romans and the Carthaginians. In 206 BC, a famous Roman general named Scipio Africanus fought against the Carthaginian general Mago Barca. Mago was the brother of the famous Hannibal.
This battle was called the Battle of Ilipa. It happened close to the city. The Romans won a major victory at Ilipa. This win basically ended the Carthaginians' power in the area that is now Spain.
After the Battle of Ilipa, Scipio Africanus started a new city called Italica. This city was a home for soldiers who had fought in the war. It was also for those who were hurt during the fighting.
What We Know Today
Later, during the time of the Visigoths, Ilipa was mentioned as a religious center.
Today, you can still find parts of the old Roman walls of Ilipa. Many other ancient objects from Ilipa are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Seville. In 2013, amazing Roman mosaics were found. These beautiful floor designs were from the 3rd century. They once decorated a domus, which was a type of private family home in ancient Rome.
See also
In Spanish: Ilipa para niños
