Empúries

Emporiae coins 5th 1st century BCE

Empúries Map

Greek vessel - Empúries - 2005-03-27

Roman Wall - Empúries 2005-03-27

Mosaic - Empúries (Domus) 2005-03-27

Empúries is an ancient city located on the northeast coast of Catalonia, Spain, near the town of L'Escala. It was originally founded in 575 BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea as a trading post. The city was known as Emporion in Greek, which means "trading place". This name reflects its origin as a center for commerce and interaction between Greeks and the indigenous Iberians. Over time, Empúries became a significant Mediterranean hub, attracting merchants, traders, and settlers from various cultures.

History

The history of Empúries is a tale of two cities: the original Greek settlement and the later Roman city. The Greek city, known as the Palaiapolis (Old City), was established on a small island at the mouth of the Fluvià River. Due to silting and changes in the coastline, this island is now part of the mainland. In the early 5th century BC, the Greeks expanded onto the mainland, founding the Neapolis (New City).

The Romans arrived in the 2nd century BC, during the Second Punic War, initially as allies of the Greeks against the Carthaginians. After the war, the Romans took control of the region, marking the beginning of Roman Empúries. The city served as an important military and trading post during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Empúries was one of the entry points for Roman culture and technology into the Iberian Peninsula, including the introduction of the Latin language, Roman law, and architectural techniques.

Archaeological Site

Today, Empúries is a significant archaeological site that offers insights into ancient Greek and Roman civilizations on the Iberian Peninsula. The site includes remains from both the Greek and Roman cities, such as the Greek city walls, the agora (public square), and the Roman forum. One of the most notable discoveries is a mosaic floor from a Roman villa, depicting scenes from Greek mythology.

The archaeological site also features the remains of a Christian basilica from the early Christian period, indicating the spread of Christianity in the region. The Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia-Empúries, located near the site, houses many of the artifacts found during excavations, including pottery, sculptures, and coins.

Cultural Impact

Empúries played a crucial role in the cultural and economic exchanges between the Greeks, Romans, and Iberians. It served as a gateway for the introduction of Greek culture into the Iberian Peninsula, including art, philosophy, and political ideas. The Roman conquest further integrated the region into the Roman Empire, bringing Roman legal, architectural, and religious traditions.

Preservation and Tourism

The site of Empúries is a designated archaeological park and a popular tourist destination. Efforts to preserve the ruins and provide educational resources for visitors are ongoing. The site offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events to promote the understanding of ancient Mediterranean civilizations.

See Also

• History of Catalonia
• Ancient Greece
• Roman Empire
• Archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula