Factoría romana de salazones, Roman fish preservation factory in Villa Vieja, Algeciras, Spain
Factoría romana de salazones is a Roman production complex with multiple rectangular basins of varying sizes that served for fish preservation. The site featured auxiliary buildings and processing areas that supported the daily operations of this ancient industrial facility.
The complex developed between the 1st and 5th centuries as part of the Roman city of Iulia Traducta. This settlement was established by people from North Africa and grew into an important center for fish processing.
The factory demonstrates ancient methods of fish preservation that people around the Mediterranean relied on for food and trade. These techniques shaped how communities in the region obtained and distributed their catch.
The site is undergoing restoration to create an open-air museum with walkways, safety railings, and information panels throughout the grounds. Visitors should follow the marked paths and use the new facilities to better understand the layout and purpose of each area.
Excavations revealed two separate production complexes with different architectural designs at this location. The distinct layouts suggest that different production methods or time periods operated alongside each other at this site.
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