Segobriga facts for kids
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 Location in Spain
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| Location | Spain |
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| Region | Castile–La Mancha |
| Coordinates | 39°53′06″N 2°48′47″W / 39.885°N 2.813°W |
Segóbriga was an important ancient city. It was home to both Celts and Romans. Today, you can visit its amazing ruins. These ruins are on a hill called cerro Cabeza de Griego. This hill is close to the town of Saelices in Spain.
Scientists have found many important buildings here. These buildings have been saved and you can see them in the Archaeological Park. Segóbriga became a National Monument in 1931. Now, it is a protected cultural site.
Even though the city is in ruins, it is very well preserved. It is much better than many other old sites in Spain. Walking through Segóbriga helps you imagine what life was like long ago.
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What's in a Name?
The name Segóbriga comes from an old language. This language was called Celtiberian. It was spoken by the Celts long ago.
The first part, Sego-, means victory. You can see this part in other city names like Segovia. The second part, -briga, means city or fortress. You can find this ending in names like Juliobriga.
So, Segóbriga means something like "Victory City" or "Triumphant Fortress".
Segóbriga's Past
People lived near Segóbriga a very long time ago. In 1888, a burial site was found in a cave. This cave is known as cueva de Segóbriga. It was from the Bronze Age, about 4,000 years ago.
Scientists found human bones and old tools there. This shows that Celtiberian people lived in the area.
Experts think Segóbriga started as a Celtiberian fort. It was built on a hill to protect the area. The Cigüela river helped defend it like a moat. We haven't found the fort itself. But a piece of pottery from 500 BC shows people lived here early on.
The first time Segóbriga was written about was by a Greek writer named Strabo. He wrote that a Roman general fought near Segóbriga. This was during the Wars of Sertorius, around 80 BC. This shows Segóbriga was in the middle of Celtiberian lands.
Later, a Roman writer named Pliny the Elder wrote about Segóbriga. He mentioned a special stone called lapis specularis. This stone was like clear gypsum. People used it to make window glass.
This stone was very important to Segóbriga's economy. Pliny said it was mined in "100,000 places around Segóbriga." He also said the clearest stone came from deep wells near the city. One of these mines is still found in a nearby village today.
Roman Times
After the Romans took over in the 2nd century BC, Segóbriga became an important Celtiberian city. After some wars around 72 BC, it became a major center. It controlled a large area in central Spain.
Around 12 BC, during the time of Augustus, Segóbriga changed. It stopped paying tribute to Rome. Instead, it became a municipium. This meant it was ruled by Roman citizens. This made the city much more important.
This change led to a huge building boom. Many grand buildings were constructed. These included public places for fun and a strong wall. You can still see parts of this wall today. The city also started making its own coins.
By the time of Emperor Vespasian, around 80 AD, Segóbriga was at its peak. The theater and amphitheater were finished. The city was fully part of the Roman Empire.
Decline and Later Years
By the 3rd century AD, important families still lived in Segóbriga. But in the 4th century, its main buildings were left empty. This shows the city was slowly becoming a smaller, more rural place.
Even during the Visigoth period (starting in the 5th century), Segóbriga was still important. Remains of churches and a large burial ground have been found. Bishops from Segóbriga even attended important church meetings in Toledo.
The city likely became empty after the Muslim invasion of Spain. Its leaders probably fled north to Christian kingdoms. A Muslim fort was built on the hill's top during this time.
After the Reconquista (when Christians took back Spain), people moved. They went to the town of Saelices, about 3 km north. This new town was near the spring that fed Segóbriga's aqueduct.
The old hill of Segóbriga became known as "Cabeza del Griego." People even took stones from the ruins to build a monastery nearby. Over time, Segóbriga was forgotten. Only a small church built on the old Roman baths remained.
Protecting Segóbriga
The beautiful area around Segóbriga is now at risk. A company wants to build a wind farm nearby. This means putting up 14 tall wind turbines. These turbines would also affect the Historic Site of Uclés.
Because of this, the Segóbriga Archaeological Park is now on a "Red list of endangered heritage." This list is from a group called Hispania Nostra. They work to protect historical sites.
What You Can See Today
When you visit Segóbriga, you can see many amazing structures.
From Celtiberian Times
- The necropolis (a burial ground outside the city walls).
From Roman Times
- The city wall and the North Gate.
- The Amphitheater of Segóbriga: This huge oval building was used for gladiator fights. It could hold 5,500 people.
- The Theater: People watched plays here. It had special seats for important guests.
- The Monumental Baths: These were large public bathhouses. People went there to wash, relax, and meet others.
- The Forum: This was the main public square. It was the center of city life.
- The Acropolis: The highest part of the city, likely with important buildings.
- The rock sanctuary of Diana: A place of worship for the goddess Diana, outside the walls.
- The aqueduct: This brought water to the city from far away.
- The quarries: Where stones were dug out for building.
- The circus: This was planned for chariot races, but it was never finished.
From Visigoth Times
- The basilica of Cabeza de Griego: A church built outside the city walls.
Images for kids
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An ancient coin from the Segóbriga mint.
Learn More
- Archaeological Park of Segóbriga
- Antonio Tavira y Almazán
See also
In Spanish: Segóbriga para niños
