Merida

So glad that I took a rest day here to explore,  and I only touched on all the history here. Over 2000 years ago,  a city-state halfway across the Mediterrean fought pitched battles here to extend their domain over the known world.



Merida was founded in 25 BC, with the name of 'Emerita Augusta' (meaning the veterans – discharged soldiers – of the army of Augustus, who founded the city; the name Mérida is an evolution of this) by order of Emperor Augustus, to protect a pass and a bridge over the Guadiana river. The city became the capital of Lusitania province, and one of the most important cities in the Roman empire.


Crossing the Puente Romano, a bridge from roman times and still in use.  Entering Merida.

With Jose (Spain), Beverly (USA) and Karen (Netherlands), having the "Menu of the Day", at a restaurant along the Rio Guadiana.

Puente Lusitania in the background.  Walking in the municipal park driveway along the Rio Guadiana.

Rio Guadiana, which runs thru Merida.

Our hostel,  the Molina de Pan Caliente

Puente Romano

The Roman bridge, which I crossed earlier in the day. 

Channel along the Rio Guadiana. In the municipal park.

Street named in honor of John Lennon

This building dates from and is representative of Arabic times.

Typical plaza

Plaza de Espana ( every city has one  )

I travel thousands of miles,  hikes dozens of miles and end up at a Burger King.

Historical heritage

I can imagine the veteran roman soldiers and their families coming here for a theatrical preformance 2000 years ago.

The Roman Theater in Merida. Altho' being restored, much of the original structure remains.

Me sitting in a Roman theater built around 15 b.c. Used to stage theater.

The gladiator arena.  Through this portal came men fighting to the death for life,  glory and honor. 

Here sat the VIPs.

For a really bad fighter,  the crowd made the sign of the raise thumb and then drew it across their throat to signify an unhonorable death for the mortally wounded combatant.