A ‘hidden empire’ unearthed by archaeologists after discovering long-lost Roman city
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Reported by the Independent:
Archaeologists in Spain have uncovered a trove of ancient Roman settlements that could point to the existence of a “hidden empire” previously unknown to historians.
When researchers from University of Cádiz embarked on their exploration in the Guadalete area in 2023, they only expected to find a few remnants of Roman influence.
Instead, they unearthed 57 sites revealing a complex interconnected web of settlements that may reshape the understanding of Roman history in the area.
The sites were scattered across the Spanish regions of Arcos de la Frontera, Bornos Villamartin and Puerto Serrano and were originally linked by trade and communication routes along the Guadalete river.
Experts believe the sheer number of settlements and their strategic locations suggest the area was far more significant during the Roman era than previously thought.
The excavation led by Professor Macarena Lara marks the first time these sites have been studied offering fresh insights into the Roman Empire’s presence in southern Spain.
Many of these locations were first identified in the 1980s and 1990s but had not been fully explored until now.
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