Colonia Salaria, Roman colony near Úbeda, Spain.
Colonia Salaria is a Roman settlement located on elevated ground overlooking the Guadalquivir River valley. The archaeological remains consist of visible stone walls and other architectural features scattered across the site.
The settlement was founded during the reign of Augustus and served as a major hub for salt commerce and long-distance trade networks. It connected the port city of Carthago Nova with trade routes extending through the Guadalquivir valley.
The settlement evolved from an Iberian city called Iltiraka to become one of eleven Roman colonies in Tarraconensis, with its own mint for coin production.
The site sits roughly 15 kilometers southeast of Úbeda on elevated terrain that offers views across the surrounding countryside. Wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and vegetation covers parts of the ruins.
Research from 2019 revealed that significant structures lie buried beneath the current ground surface at the site. These discoveries suggest the presence of an amphitheater and a racing track that remain unexcavated today.
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