Miróbriga

Last updated
Mirobriga
Mirobriga (20).jpg
The ruins of the main temple at the forum
Mirobriga
Alternative namesCastelo Velho de Santiago do Cacém

Termas de São Brás

Herdade dos Chãos Salgados
General information
Type Roman ruins
Architectural style Roman
Location Santiago do Cacém
CountryFlag of Portugal.svg  Portugal
Coordinates 38°0′34.88″N8°41′1.74″W / 38.0096889°N 8.6838167°W / 38.0096889; -8.6838167
OwnerPortuguese Republic
Technical details
MaterialStone
Website
http://mirobriga.drealentejo.pt/
Map all coordinates using: OpenStreetMap

Mirobriga or Mirobriga of the Celts (Mirobrigensis qui celtici cognominantur - Plin. Nat. IV 118) Openstreetmap logo.svg was an ancient town in the westernmost part of Lusitania during the Iron Age and Roman Times that was mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy.

Contents

Despite some debate, [1] the city is generally associated with the archaeological site of Castelo Velho de Santiago do Cacém (Herdade dos Chão Salgados) located near the village and civil parish of Santiago do Cacém, in the municipality of the same name in the south-west of Portugal.

The ruins were first mentioned by André de Resende in the 16th century, who also made the association with the toponym. The site is also known as Roman ruins of Mirobriga and Roman city of Mirobriga. [2] [3]

Archeology revealed that the site has been occupied since the Iron Age, at least since the 5th/4th century BCE, but possibly going back to 9th century BCE.

With the Roman colonization came the need to administrate the new incorporated territories. As such, in some cases cities were created anew while in others, existing indigenous settlements were transformed to meet the requirements. The original settlement developed into a city in Roman times, and was occupied until the Early Middle Ages.

The Forum occupied almost the entire area of the previous settlement, and around it a commercial area was developed.

The two Balneae or Thermae, set side-by-side, are among the best preserved in Portugal. Several domestic buildings have been identified in the last decades, mostly consisting of peristyle houses.

Relatively close to the baths, there is a bridge with a single arch.

The Circus, the only one whose entire ground plan is completely known in Portugal, is located further from the centre, approximately 500m to the south.

History

The layout of Mirobriga showing the chapel of Sao Bras (1), residential villas (2), thermae (3), bridge (4), accommodations (5), market (6) and forum (7) Mirobriga.JPG
The layout of Mirobriga showing the chapel of São Brás (1), residential villas (2), thermae (3), bridge (4), accommodations (5), market (6) and forum (7)

Iron Age

The name of Castelo Velho (portuguese for Old Castle) is a recurrent folk toponym for ancient sites and ruins, usually referring to sites predating Roman occupation. Material culture indicates a strong continental (celtic) influence, and, if this is really is the site of Mirobriga, the suffix -briga is also an indicator of the ethnic-cultural nature of the inhabitants.

The current state of the investigation suggest that the earliest occupation may go back to 9th century BCE. However, the known structures date only to the 4th–3rd century BCE.

This settlement is thought to have occupied only the hill of Castelo Velho and its slopes, an area of about 11,800 m2.

Because investigation has mainly focused on the Roman remains, the Iron Age occupation of the site is still largely unknown. Only one building has been excavated. It is usually referred to as the "Celtic temple", although its sacred function is still debated and could have equally been a domestic building. [4]

In Roman times the forum occupied almost the entire hill, possibly destroying the previous settlement. [2]

Roman period

By about the second half of the 1st century Roman occupation began, expanding the site and occupying an area of 28,000 m2. At this time the thermal baths and paved road along the southeast were constructed, reflecting the Flavian economic prosperity. [2] Around the first half of the 2nd century, the construction of the Oriental baths and hippodrome was begun, followed by the second phase of construction in the second half of the 2nd century and 3rd century.

Around the second half of the 2nd century, there were signs of abandon, that may reflect the period of political crisis caused by barbarian invasions during this period. By the end of the 4th century, there is a marked reduction in the population, although a level of continuity persisted on the site: primarily around the small Chapel of São Brás. [2]

Architecture

Forum area Mirobriga (35).jpg
Forum area
Small, single-arch bridge Mirobriga (62).jpg
Small, single-arch bridge
A partial view of the Thermae Mirobriga (59).jpg
A partial view of the Thermae

Castelo Velho hill (245 metres) dominates the site that is one kilometre north-west from the urban centre of modern Santiago do Cacém, which overlooks the northern plain of Chãos Salgados. [2] Miróbriga is situated in a privileged location, on the ancient roadways of the region with access to the coast. Within close proximity is the Windmill of Cumeadas.

Forum

To the east of the baths is a small, single-arch bridge (at 38°00′33″N8°41′01″W / 38.00926°N 8.6836°W / 38.00926; -8.6836 (Bridge) ), that provided access along the west–east access that leads to the Forum (at 38°00′38″N8°41′02″W / 38.01042°N 8.68393°W / 38.01042; -8.68393 (Forum) ), an Imperial temple (to worship the Roman Emperors) and a temple dedicated to Venus. [2] [3] Between these two are the remains of an older temple dedicated to the local divinity. North of the forum are the ruins of the market and the visitor's houses, separated by another road. [2] [3]

Baths

The settlement is structured around Roman roads with many paved accesses. Around the west–east axis are the ruins of the residential homes. To the east, are the former baths constructed over a canal and composed of two buildings in a "L" shape ("Western Baths" and "Eastern Baths", at 38°00′34″N8°41′03″W / 38.00932°N 8.68407°W / 38.00932; -8.68407 (Thermae) ). [2] [3] [5] Each building has an entry into the massage hall, a gymnasium, changing room, the bathing space, which included the frigidarium (cold baths, tepidarium (warm baths) and caldarium (hot baths), and a communal latrine. [2] [3] The halls are warmed by a hypocaust system that heated the floors of baths, which was located in the south part of the buildings. It was a subterranean system formed by pillars and arches, with tile, that allowed the circulation of warm air to produce heated environments, supported by kilns.

Circus

The Circus, located at 38°00′08″N8°41′01″W / 38.00224°N 8.68369°W / 38.00224; -8.68369 (Circus) , was a rectangular space with curved seating on the northern end, while segmented seat on the south, used for chariot or horse races. [3] It was a 370 metre by 75 metre space, bisected by a spine with posts on either end and a triumphal arch on the south entrance. [2]

Protection of the site

On 1 June 1992, the Instituto Português do Património Arquitectónico (IPPAR) (forerunner of Institute for the Management of Architectural and Archaeological Heritage took over the management of the site, by Decree-Law No.106F/92. [2] This was followed in 1996-1997 by the acquisition of the lands that surrounded the site, as part of the ZEP-Zona de Protecção Especial (Special Protection Zone) designation.

On 1 February 1999, a dispatch (No.180/99) from the Ministries of Equipment, Planning and Territory Administration, Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Culture, recognized the importance of safeguarding the Roman ruins, and authorized the construction of an Interpretative Centre. [2]

The project began in 2000, in a project designed by architect Paula Santos, that included a 700 m2 space. The Interpretative Centre (the most recent addition) is located on an elevated area at the entrance to the site, with several paths leading away from this site into the ruins. [3]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castle of Salir</span> Castle in southern Portugal

The Castle of Salir is an Almohad fortress, located in the civil parish of the same name, 16 kilometres from the municipality seat of Loulé in the Portuguese Algarve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alandroal</span> Municipality in Alentejo, Portugal

Alandroal is a municipality in the Portuguese district of Évora located on the eastern frontier with Spain along the right margin of the Guadiana River in the Central Alentejo region. It is located 341 metres (1,119 ft) above sea level, northeast of Évora and southeast of Estremoz. The population in 2011 was 5,843, in an area of 542.68 km².

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santiago do Cacém</span> Municipality in Alentejo, Portugal

Santiago do Cacém is a municipality in Setúbal District in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 29,749, in an area of 1059.69 km2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman ruins of São Cucufate</span>

The Roman ruins of São Cucufate is a Romanesque archaeological site, located on the ruins of a Roman-era agricultural farm in the civil parish of Vila de Frades, in the municipality of Vidigueira, in the southern Alentejo, Portugal. The convent, which dates back to Middle Ages, was dedicated to the martyred saint Cucuphas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman ruins of Villa Cardillio</span>

The Roman ruins of Villa Cardillio is an archaeological site located in central Portugal. Situated in the rural civil parish of Santa Maria, it is located approximately 3 km from the centre of the municipal seat of Torres Novas. Receiving its name from a mosaic pavement onsite, the specific translation of piece is still unclear, but assumed that the site was owned by a couple. The ruins were first excavated in 1962, yielding hundreds of coins and well as ceramics, bronze works, Assyrian and Egyptian glass works. Also revealed were some jewellery and a statue of Eros.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monastery of Dumio</span>

The Monastery of Dumio, is a former paleo-Christian monastery in the civil parish of Dume, municipality of Braga, in northwestern Portugal. Originally a Roman villa, it was the base of a basilica by Suebi tribes, and later Christian monastery headed by Martin of Braga in the 6th century. The re-discovery of the Roman ruins in the late 20th century resulted in archaeological excavations that unearthed its former use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castle of Paderne</span> Castle in Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal

The Castle of Paderne is an ancient fortification located in the civil parish of Paderne, municipality of Albufeira, in the Portuguese Algarve. It was constructed in the later 12th century by Berbers, in an area around 7.5 kilometres (4.7 mi) inland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Porches)</span> Fort in Porches, Lagoa, Portugal

The Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha is a medieval castle situated in the civil parish of Porches, in the municipality of Lagoa in Portuguese Algarve. Inside the fort is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, of uncertain date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castle of Alvor</span> Medieval castle in Alvor, Faro, Portugal

The Castle of Alvor is a medieval castle in the civil parish of Alvor, in the Portuguese district of Faro: considered to be a significant military monument associated with the nearby Castle of Silves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila</span>

The Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila are the remnants of a historical villa in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Its vestiges lie in the vicinity of the resort and marina of Vilamoura, in the civil parish of Quarteira, municipality of Loulé Municipality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman villa of Ammaia</span> Roman ruins in Portugal

The Roman ruins of Ammaia are located in Portugal within the Nature Park of the Serra de São Mamede, a mountainous expanse of forest in the civil parish of São Salvador da Aramenha, municipality of Marvão, along the border with Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castle of Faria</span> Castle in Gilmonde, Barcelos, Cávado, Portugal

The Castle of Faria is a castle in the northern Portuguese civil parish of Gilmonde, municipality of Barcelos, in the Cávado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castle of Freixo de Numão</span>

The Castle of Freixo de Numão, is a Portuguese medieval castle in civil parish of Freixo de Numão, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, in the district of Guarda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman ruins of Casais Velhos</span>

The Roman ruins of Casais Velhos are the remains of a Roman town, in the municipality of Cascais, Lisbon District, Portugal that included baths, two cemeteries, remains of a wall and ceramic artifacts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman Thermae of Maximinus</span> Cultural heritage monument in Braga, Portugal

The Roman Thermae of Maximinus, are the archaeological ruins of a monumental building and public baths, whose construction was integrated into the urban renewal of the civitas of Bracara Augusta, the Roman provincial capital of Gallaecia. The large public/civic construction consisted of a building, housing the baths and a theatre, although the archaeological excavations continue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cathedral of Idanha-a-Velha</span> Church in Centro, Portugal

The Former Cathedral of Idanha-a-Velha is the decommissioned medieval Catholic cathedral of the former bishopric of Egitânia, in the Freguesia of Monsanto e Idanha-a-Velha, in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, in the central Portuguese district of Castelo Branco.

The Castro of Castelo Velho is a Chalcolithic settlement in the civil parish of Terena, municipality of Alandroal in the Alentejo Central area of the Portuguese Alentejo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman ruins of Milreu</span>

The Roman ruins of Milreu are the remains of an important Roman villa rustica located in the civil parish of Estói in the municipality of Faro, Portugal, classified as a Monumento Nacional. The Milreu ruins constitute the most prominent and well preserved evidence of Roman presence in the Algarve. They are mainly composed of the remnants of a once luxurious villa with annexed thermae and several surrounding buildings, including a temple, mausoleum and industrial and commercial structures. The archaeological site still preserves part of the once exuberant mosaics that decorated the floor and walls of the villa. A 16th century house is also located in the area, alongside an interpretation centre.

A castro is a fortified settlement, usually pre-Roman, associated with the Celtic culture. These are frequently found in Portugal, usually in the North, but can also be found elsewhere. The word castro comes from the Latin castrum, which means "hill fort".

References

Notes
  1. d'Encarnação, José (1996). "Problemas em aberto na epigrafia mirobriguense". Conimbriga. 35: 129–146. doi: 10.14195/1647-8657_35_6 . hdl: 10316/42388 via Universidade de Coimbra.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Mendonça, Isabel (1992). SIPA (ed.). "Área do Castelo Velho, com as ruínas da cidade romana adjacente/Estação Arquelógica de Miróbriga/Ruínas de Miróbriga" (in Portuguese). Lisbon, Portugal: SIPA – Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitectónico.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 IGESPAR, ed. (2011), Área do Castelo Velho com as ruínas da cidade romana de Miróbriga (in Portuguese), Lisbon, Portugal: IGESPAR - Instituto Gestão do Patrimonio Arquitectónico e Arqueológico, archived from the original on 1 October 2012, retrieved 26 July 2011
  4. Fabião, Carlos (1998). O Mundo Indígena e sua Romanização na área céltica do território hoje português-vol. 1. Dissertação de Doutoramento. [S.l.]: Fac. Letras da Universidade de Lisboa. Policopiado. pp. 232–233
  5. "Os balneários de Miróbriga (Filomena Barata)". Portugal Romano. 2012-06-22. Retrieved 2014-05-04.
Sources