Italica's Romanization
The initiation of Italica's Romanization was a forced decision. Victorious after of the Battle of Ilipia 206 BC, General Publio Cornelio Escipion had seriously wounded soldiers and veterans in his charge – unswervingly faithful to his compassionate nature - he sought where to leave them to recover, before he returned to Rome. On a high zone of the Aljarafe in the Baetic valley, there was an old pre-existing Turdetan city (name unknown). It fulfilled elementary Roman garrison requirements. General Escipion defeated Hannibal in the battle of Zama 19th October 202 BC. Thereafter he was nicknamed as The African.) Reminiscent and in honour of their country of origin, the new residents named the city: Italica. At its debut, the city had the judicial status: colonia Latina (Latin colony). Italica was not given the juridical municipal category of Vicus Civium Romanorum, until Julius Caesar’s last sojourn in Italica, in 45 BC. It was granted, probably as a reward for the city’s support during the civil war against Pompei. Vicus: civilian settlement attached to military base Civium Romanorum: title for backup divisions either initially drafted as Roman citizens or, who had been accumulatively bestowed a citizenship-status in recognition for excellent service.
During the reign of Augustus, Itálica became a borough, permitting Itálica thus, the competence to locally mint its own money. Iberian denarii and 2nd century bronze coins of Emperors Augustus 1st and Tiberio have been disinterred. Symbolic military themes are also featured on the coins. It was the capital of Bética during this period of glory. During the 10th century the ruins were named 'Talica', then during the Middle Ages it was referred to as the 'Campos de Talca' and finally, as 'Sevilla la Vieja'. Italica's Situation. Italica is found in Santiponce, 9 kms from Sevilla, bordering the Autovia de la Plata, (motorway which roughly follows the Romanic Silver Route). It is the oldest and largest Roman archaeological site on the peninsular. It fell into decline when the Guadalquiver began to change its fluvial course and was abandoned when the Moors arrived. The Cartuja Olympic Stadium covers 5/% of Santiponce's municipal land. Its situation is in the Isla de La Cartuja, where the Monasterio de la Cartuja originated and is close to where the 'Expo '92 was celebrated. It is also close to a famous theme park: Isla Mágica.
There were Four Distinguished Sons of Italica. The city attained its finest pinnacle of dazzle during the reign of Trajano and Adriano, both were magnanimous with their city of origin. Local economy gained an escalating verve; the city multiplied in consequence. The Archaeology Site Itálica Amphitheatre The Amphitheatre was built north of the Italica settlement, just outside the city wall. Its construction was during Emperor Adriano’s rule and was one of the most spacious in Hispania and the third largest in the Roman Empire. There was room for over 25,000 people. Itálica’s population never exceeded 8,000. The seating was arranged in three tiers: la inma, media and suma cavea on a slope encircling the gladiators’ pit. Seen from a height, the arena had a cross-shape underneath pit, where the wild beasts were restrained until the gladiator battles began. There were several areas below the arena, dedicated to the worship of two Greek Goddesses:
The most outstanding Italica Homes. Casa de la Exedra: It had thermal baths and a gymnasium. The unique attraction of the central patio was its stunning fountain; the porch had a geometric curve, shaped like a cross. Casa de Neptuno: Only partially excavated. Thermal baths were found. The rooms were decorated with extraordinary mosaics. Casa del Patio Rodio: Casa de Hilas: This house has the best mosaics in Italica. La Casa de los Pavos Reales: The building has a spectacular mosaic featuring scenes of peacocks. There is a huge oven in the kitchen. Casa de los Pajaros: As the name suggests the decoration of the mosaics feature birds. This was the first house completely excavated. Casa del Planetario: A huge mosaic renders homage to this domicile’s particular nomenclature. It is circular, with seven ovals, representing seven planets, symbolically representing the seven days of the week in the Roman calender.
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