Roman Provincial Forum (Mérida) facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
Trajan's Arch
|
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| Location | Mérida, Extremadura, Spain |
| Part of | Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida |
| Criteria | Cultural: (iii)(iv) |
| Inscription | 1993 (17th Session) |
| Area | 0.7827 ha (1.934 acres) |
| Buffer zone | 20.87 ha (51.6 acres) |
The Roman Provincial Forum was an important public space in the ancient Roman city of Emerita Augusta. Today, this city is known as Mérida, Spain. The forum was built around the 1st century AD.
Emerita Augusta was a very important city. It was the capital of a Roman province called Lusitania. This is why the forum was called "provincial." It was a central place for people to meet and do business. In 1993, the Roman Provincial Forum, along with other Roman buildings in Mérida, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's a special place that is protected for everyone to enjoy.
What Was the Roman Provincial Forum?
The Roman Provincial Forum was a large, open square. It was surrounded by a grand, covered walkway called a portico. In the middle of this square stood a large temple. You could enter this area through the impressive Arch of Trajan.
During the rule of Emperor Claudius, the temple was decorated with lots of beautiful marble. This made it look even more magnificent.
Exploring the Forum's Buildings
The forum area included several important structures:
- The Arch of Tiberius was a triumphal arch. It was located at the end of the cardo maximus. This was the main street of Emerita Augusta. The arch was built from granite and stood almost 14 meters (about 46 feet) tall. It was originally covered with marble, making it shine brightly.
- A temple was also built during the time of Emperor Tiberius. This temple was a key part of the forum's design.
See also
In Spanish: Foro romano provincial de Mérida para niños
