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Emerita Augusta (Mérida)

Unless otherwise indicated, pictures on this page © Marco Prins and Jan van Vliet. Photos can be downloaded and used for non-commercial purposes, but you have to acknowledge Livius.
The amphitheater of Mérida. The first gladiatorial show was performed in 8 BCE.
The same amphitheater. Here you can see it on a satellite photo.
The circus, or hippodrome, used for chariot races.
The stand along the circus.
A fourth-century mosaic showing a jockey in chariot in the hippodrome. The palm branch shows that he has been victorious. It is interesting to note that the inscription reads Marcianus nicha - which is Greek (be victorious, Marcianus) written in Roman letters. One of the horses is called Inluminator.
The temple of Diana.
Genius of the Senate, from Mérida (Spain). Photo Marco Prins. A statue representing the protective spirit (genius) of the Senate, found in the temple of Diana. It can now be seen in the Museo Nacional de Arte Romano. The following objects belong to the same collection.
An oil lamp, showing the Greek hero Odysseus passing along the Sirens. Museo Nacional de Arte Romano, Mérida (Spain). Photo Marco Prins. An oil lamp, showing the Greek hero Odysseus passing along the Sirens.
A treaty between Mérida and another town. They agree that the cities hospitium fecerunt, i.e. agree that there will be mutual hospitality.
A late-ancient relief, showing a victorious emperor. The goddess Victoria is to the right.
© Jona Lendering for
Livius.Org, 2003
Revision: 8 June 2007
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