Page 57 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

THE HIST OR Y OF SP AIN  55

Gladiator Mosaic Where to See
Mosaics were used
as decoration both Roman Spain
indoors and out. Like Mérida, Tarragona (see
Themes range from pp228–9) has extensive Roman
mythical episodes ruins, and Itálica (see p482) is an
to portrayals of daily excavated town. A magnifi cent
life. This 4th-century Roman wall rings Lugo in Galicia
AD mosaic shows (see p103). Built in Trajan’s rule, the
gladiators in action bridge over the Tagus at Alcántara
and has helpful (see p414) has a temple on it.
labels to name the
fighters and show
who is dead or alive.

The gardens were used as a
foyer during intervals by the
Hispanic nobility, dressed in
elegant togas.
Emporion, a Roman town, was
built next to a former Greek
Stage building in colony in the 3rd century BC.
granite and marble The ruins include grand villas
and a forum (see p220).
Scaena,
the platform
on which
the actors
performed

Segovia’s Roman aqueduct
(see pp368–9), a huge monument
with 163 arches, dates from the
end of the 1st century AD.

Visigothic Cross
Although Visigothic kings seldom
Roman Theatre, Mérida ruled long enough to make
an impact on society, the
Theatre was an extremely popular form early Christian Church grew
of entertainment in Hispania. This powerful. Fortunes were spent
reconstruction shows the theatre at on churches and religious art.
Mérida (see p414), built in 16–15 BC.

415 Visigoths establish 446 Romans attempt to win
their court at Barcelona back rest of Hispania
409 Vandals and their 476 Overthrow of the last
Mosaic from Mérida allies cross Pyrenees Roman emperor leads to end
into Tarraconensis of Western Roman Empire
200 300 400 500
AD 74 Emperor 312 Christianity officially
Vespasian grants recognized as religion under 589 Visigothic King
Latin status to all 258 Franks cross rule of Constantine, the first Reccared converts
towns in Hispania, Pyrenees into Christian emperor from Arianism to
completing process Tarraconensis and The Codex Vigilianus, Catholicism at Third
of Romanization sack Tarragona
a Christian manuscript Council of Toledo

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