- The discovery of El Forau de la Tuta reveals an unknown imperial Roman city in Artieda, Zaragoza.
- The presence of a thermal complex with an exceptional black and white marine thiasos mosaic is noteworthy.
- Roman jewelry acted as a powerful status symbol, reflecting the mastery of ancient goldsmithing.
- The site shows a cultural transition from the indigenous Vascon population to Roman citizenship.
When we think of the Roman Empire, the first things that come to mind are the coliseums or the endless roads, but there's a fascinating world in the smallest details. We're talking about those pieces of jewelry that, far from being mere adornments, were authentic declarations of power and social prestige worn by the elites of the time.
But history isn't written only in gold and precious stones, but also in stones and cement. Recently, the map of ancient settlement in the western Pre-Pyrenees has had to be redrawn thanks to the discovery of a forgotten city in Zaragoza, a site that shows us that there are still buried secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The Forau de la Tuta: A resurgent city in Artieda
Near Artieda, specifically in the Jacetania region, the archaeological site of El Forau de la Tuta has been unearthed. This discovery is undoubtedly one of the most significant milestones in Aragonese archaeology in recent times. It is not simply a settlement, but an urban center from the Imperial period that compels historians to reconsider how the territory was organized in this area of contact between Hispania Citerior and Gaul.
Although some clergymen and scholars had already mentioned remains in the 18th and mid-20th centuries, it wasn't until 2018 that a serious and systematic investigation was launched. The interdisciplinary team found that the city covered approximately four hectares , with a regular street grid and sewers that allow us to imagine the daily hustle and bustle of two thousand years ago.
Treasures underground: The mosaic and the baths
One of the highlights of this archaeological site is its public baths. There, a marine thiasos mosaic has been unearthed , its state of preservation astonishing. This work, covering more than 150 square meters, features erotes riding seahorses, accompanied by dolphins and fish, all executed using a reverse bichrome technique (white figures on a black background), a rare sight on the Iberian Peninsula.
This thermal complex, dating from the late 1st to early 2nd century AD, is not only an aesthetic gem but also demonstrates the city's level of sophistication. The use of opus spicatum and hydraulic moldings confirms that it was a monumental building, designed for the enjoyment and hygiene of the citizens, following the most advanced principles of Roman urban planning.
The identity of its inhabitants: The Vascones
What makes El Forau de la Tuta truly special is who lived there. Thanks to epigraphy, that is, the funerary inscriptions found, it has been deduced that it was a ciuitas (city) inhabited by Vascones . The names found, such as Agirnes or Hyahenis, clearly belong to the Aquitanian-Vasconan linguistic area.
It's fascinating to see the social evolution reflected in the stones: initially, they were pilgrims without Roman citizenship , but over time, thanks to the privileges granted during the Flavian period, they became fully integrated citizens with Latin names. This tells a fascinating story of assimilation and cultural adaptation that lasted until the 3rd century AD.
The art of goldsmithing: Jewels that tell stories
If we move from architecture to personal objects, Roman jewelry was a world apart. These weren't just accessories; they were symbols of rank and wealth . The goldsmiths of the time worked magic with gold, silver, and precious stones, creating pieces that we can admire today in places like the National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida.
Among the most common pieces we find:
- Rings and bracelets that marked the hierarchy of the bearer.
- Necklaces and earrings crafted with astonishing technical precision.
- Broochs which served both to hold up clothing and to display social status.
These small works of art are the perfect complement to understanding daily life in cities like Augusta Emerita or the now rediscovered city of Artieda, reminding us that elegance and power have always gone hand in hand in human history.
Modern technology to uncover the past
To bring all this knowledge to us, tools that seem like science fiction have been used. From remote sensing and LiDAR analysis to the creation of a digital twin of the site. This allows researchers to monitor the site and, in the future, enables the public to visit it sustainably.
After the Roman period, the area did not remain empty. During the Middle Ages, between the 9th and 13th centuries, the site was repopulated as a farming village , linked to the Leyre Monastery. This continuity in the use of the land is a perfect example of how human settlements adapt and are reborn from the ashes of previous civilizations.
This journey from the grand mosaics of the Artieda baths to the delicacy of the gold rings teaches us that the history of Rome is not only in books, but in the land we walk on and in the small treasures that have survived the passage of millennia.
