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Mérida
The "Anfiteatro Romano" at Mérida. Built
in the 1st or 2nd century AD. The original stone blocks were cut perfectly
by the Romans and fitted without mortar. The Moors took most of the blocks
to build fortifications.
In the background are some of the walls of the
Moors' Alcazaba or fort. The statue is the mother wolf or "la loba" with
the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. This is near the river "Rio Guadiana"
at a bridgehead, thus the fortification.
Inside the walls of the Alcazaba you walk on this
Roman road.
"La Puente Romana" is now used only for foot traffic. Much of the structure has been rebuilt and repaired over the centuries, but some 11 spans on the far side are supposed to be original. This river, "Rio Guadiana" flows into the Alantic at Lisbon.
All that remains of the "Circus Maximus", built
to hold 30,000 mead crazed chariot racing fans. The "spine" in the middle
is about 1/4 mile long. The site is fenced off and is probably the subject
of archeological investigation. Almost all of the stones were taken for
use in other projects by the Morocs.
Partially restored Temple of Diana. This is in
the middle of town. The house was built in the 1600's and incorporates
some of the original columns.
These young ladies were preparing to perform in
the Teatro Romano. There were dozens of kids dressed in the traditional
costumes of the area.