Researchers from the University of Cordoba in Spain have uncovered an ancient Roman building covering approximately 1,290 square meters, believed to have been a station for resting travelers and soldiers and changing horses on the road connecting the cities of Cordoba and Merida during the Roman era.
Location and non-excavation discovery
The website 'Heritage Daily', specializing in archaeological news, reported on Saturday that the building is located near the ancient Roman city of Milaria, close to the town of Fuente Obejuna in the province of Cordoba, southern Spain. Its features were identified through a geophysical survey relying on measuring changes in the soil's magnetic field, without the need for excavation.
Engineering and functional details
Survey results showed that the building is approximately 48 meters long, comprising eight rooms of similar size, plus a larger area likely dedicated to bathing, and an open courtyard possibly used for housing animals and parking carriages. Researchers believe the building was a service station on one of the main Roman roads, known as a 'mansio'.
Publication of results and significance of the discovery
It was noted that these stations provided places for rest, accommodation, and supplies for travelers, military personnel, and state service workers, and also allowed for changing horses and continuing long journeys. The research results were published in the journal 'Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports', adding new information about the road network and rest stations that contributed to organizing transport, trade, and communications in the Iberian Peninsula during the Roman period.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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