Conimbriga Ruins, Roman archaeological site and museum in Condeixa-a-Velha e Condeixa-a-Nova, Portugal
Conimbriga Ruins is an excavated Roman settlement enclosed by a 1500-meter stone wall containing a forum, basilica, thermal baths, houses, and commercial structures on a triangular plateau. A museum displays artifacts documenting the site's development from the late second millennium BCE to the sixth century CE.
Romans arrived in 139 BCE during Decimus Junius Brutus campaigns, and the settlement gained municipal status under Emperor Vespasian between 69 and 79 CE. It then developed into a significant administrative and trade center for the region.
The House of Fountains displays elaborate floor mosaics showing hunting scenes and Bacchus imagery, revealing the wealth and artistic tastes of its affluent residents. These artworks offer visitors a window into the daily aesthetic values and lifestyle of the Roman upper class.
The excavation site is easy to explore on foot, with main structures connected by paved paths leading through the ancient settlement. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and protect themselves from direct sun exposure, especially during summer months.
The Roman bath heating system used stone ducts beneath the floors to distribute hot air, allowing for sophisticated temperature control. This engineering feat demonstrates that ancient builders had technical knowledge that informed many modern heating systems.
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