Ancient Roman Forum Discovered in Spain!
Archaeologists from the University of Granada have unveiled an extraordinary find in Andalusia, southern Spain. In the town of Ubrique, on a hill known as Cerro de la Mora, researchers have uncovered remnants of an ancient Roman forum—an exciting breakthrough that confirms a centuries-old theory.
This remarkable discovery aligns with an idea first proposed by the 18th-century scholar and archaeologist Juan Vegazo. Vegazo, who originally found evidence of defensive walls, a thermal bath complex, and a burial ground on the same hill, believed a Roman forum might also be present. However, despite these findings, the forum itself had remained a mystery—until now.
Leading this significant excavation, Professor Macarena Bustamante Álvarez, along with her team of archaeologists, students, and volunteers, set out to investigate and finally verify Vegazo’s theory. “The main objective of the excavation was to confirm Vegazo’s hypothesis that the hill’s central terrace was the site of the forum,” Álvarez explained in a statement issued by the University of Granada.
Photo Credit: University of Granada
A Long-Awaited Discovery
The team’s dedicated efforts were rewarded when they uncovered a section of the forum’s central square wall, standing around three feet high and stretching over 52 feet in length. This discovery, along with remnants like statue pedestals and fragments of columns, strongly indicates the presence of large public buildings that characterised Roman forums.
The site yielded even more fascinating finds: a monumental altar surrounded by various decorative architectural elements, including column bases and shafts, which hinted at the elaborate nature of Roman religious rituals. These relics are thought to reflect the rich fusion of Roman cultural elements with local Iberian traditions, particularly those associated with water-related rites. In its prime, the forum likely served as a vibrant gathering space at the heart of the ancient city’s social and religious life.
Signs of Trade and Transformation
One of the most intriguing aspects of the find was the discovery of North African ceramics and Roman coins, suggesting that Ubrique remained inhabited until the late 4th century CE, extending its known period of settlement. Among the coins found was one with a Christogram, marking the first known Christian iconography at the site and offering a glimpse into the spread of Christianity during the later years of the Roman Empire. The artifacts also reflect the ancient trade routes that connected the region with the nearby Gibraltar area, illustrating the interconnectedness of the ancient world.
Photo Credit: University of Granada
A Strategic Site Across Centuries
Beyond the Roman-era relics, the team identified the foundations of a medieval defensive structure, indicating Cerro de la Mora’s strategic importance well into the medieval period. This structure would have maintained visual contact with other fortifications throughout the Cádiz mountains, showcasing the hill’s long-standing role in safeguarding the surrounding landscape.
A Legacy Fulfilled
The University of Granada’s recent findings not only bring Vegazo’s long-standing hypothesis to fruition but also open new pathways for exploring Roman consolidation in southern Spain. This excavation sheds light on how the Roman Empire interacted with local cultures in the Iberian Peninsula, blending traditions and securing lasting influence across centuries.
As researchers continue to study this ancient forum, they may reveal even more about life in Roman Spain—building on the legacy of scholars from centuries past and enriching our understanding of how empires integrate and adapt to local identities.