Italica, Roman archaeological site in Santiponce, Spain.
Italica is a Roman archaeological site in Santiponce, Spain, with wide paved streets and remains of residential buildings. The complex shows foundations of public structures, water supply channels, and floors decorated with colored stone mosaics.
Publius Cornelius Scipio established the settlement in 206 BCE as a home for wounded veterans. Under emperors Trajan and Hadrian, both born here, the town grew considerably and received new public buildings.
The name recalls the Italian soldiers who settled here after the Punic Wars and recreated elements of their homeland. Floor decorations in many houses show animal scenes and geometric patterns that once displayed the wealth of residents.
The site lies about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Seville and can be explored easily on foot. On hot days, an early morning visit is advisable since shade is limited in many areas.
The amphitheater could hold more than 25,000 spectators and ranked among the largest of Roman times. Parts of the site remain buried beneath the modern village of Santiponce and cannot be visited.
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