Juliobriga facts for kids
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Juliobriga (also known as Spanish: Julióbriga or Latin: Iuliobriga) was a very important city in Roman Cantabria. Many ancient Roman writers, like Pliny the Elder, mentioned it. Today, you can find the ruins of Juliobriga near the village of Retortillo in Campoo de Enmedio, Spain.
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History of Juliobriga
Juliobriga was founded during the Cantabrian Wars (29–19 BC). These wars were fought between the Romans and the native Cantabri tribes. The city became a strong symbol of Roman power in the region.
How Juliobriga Got Its Name
The name Juliobriga comes from two parts. The first part, "Julio," honors the Roman emperor Augustus. His family name was the gens Julia. The second part, "briga," is an old Celtic word that means "fortress" or "hilltop settlement." This word was often used in place names across ancient Spain.
Why Juliobriga Was Important
Juliobriga was built in a very good spot, in the Besaya valley. This location allowed the Romans to control trade routes. These routes connected the Douro river to the Bay of Biscay. This made Juliobriga a key center for moving goods and people.
The city grew steadily over time. It was most important between the end of the 1st century and the early 2nd century AD. After this period, fewer people lived there. By the 3rd century, the city was completely abandoned.
Rediscovering Juliobriga
The ruins of Retortillo were first thought to be Juliobriga in the late 1700s. This idea came from a historian named Enrique Florez. Since then, many historians and archaeologists have studied the site. Some of Spain's most famous experts have worked there.
The ruins of Juliobriga are very important. The Spanish Government officially declared them a Heritage Site (Spanish: Bien de Interés Cultural) on March 29, 1985. This means they are protected and valued for their historical importance.
