CORDOBA (Corduba)		Quality of Remains
		Ease of Access
		Atmosphere & Setting

History & Occupation:

Following an early Iberian settlement somewhat to the east of the later city, Corduba is generally regarded to have been founded as a Roman city by the consul Claudius Marcellus between 170 and 150 BC. Likely started as a military settlement, Cordoba was of strategic importance during campaigns in southern Spain as it effectively controlled the Guadalquivir valley. Already a thriving and important town by the time of the civil wars in Spain, Augustus made Corduba the provincial capital in 14BC. Along with its province, Corduba thrived throughout Roman rule, becoming wealthy and achieving all the trappings of a great Roman city, including theatre, amphitheatre and even circus, though none of these survive. Decline came to Cordoba at the end of Roman rule, despite its continuing independence until the invasion by the Moors.

Remains and Visit:

Though known for its Moorish remains, there are tantalising Roman pieces all over the city. The great temple of Augustus dates from around 14BC, commemorating the promotion of the city and remains the best preserved purely Roman structure in Cordoba. The bridge, originally Roman though repaired many times, remains one of the best examples of its type. The city walls still stand in places and, though they have again been much altered and repaired over time, some small parts are Roman and the medieval walls follow much the same line. In a lovely tree-lined boulevard to the west of the walls lie the remains of a cemetary, including a mausoleum in a very familiar style. Fragments can be found all over the city, but perhaps the most important Roman building in Cordoba has only been found relatively recently during alterations to the station. Currently undergoing excavation are the remains of a palace at Cercadilla, which is believed to have been the Imperial Palace of the Emperor Maximian. Though badly preserved, the sheer scale of the complex is only hinted at by the section at the station and the future may unfold much more.

Images:

West gate	Roman Bridge	Paved Road	Mosaic in Jewish Quarter
Mausoleum	Temple of Augustus	Palace of Maximian	Aerial view (c/o Google Earth)