Merida was founded in 25 BC by Publio Carisio in the reign of Emperor Augustus and was originally named "Augusta Emerita". It served as the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. Merida became an important city for the economy, military, and culture of the Roman Empire, growing to have more prominence than Athens. Some of Merida's most important surviving Roman monuments include the 16 BC theatre constructed by consul Marco Vipsanio, a large 1st century circus located outside the city walls, and the Roman bridge spanning the Guadiana River.
2. Merida was created in 25 BC by Publio Carisio in Augustus Octavius age. At the beginning, its name was “Augusta Emerita”. The city was the capital of Lusitania province. Merida was a very important city for economy, military, culture… During the Empire Merida was one of the most outstanding cities, even more than Athens. The most important monuments are: The theatre, that it was constructed in 16 BC by the consul Marco Vipsanio. Along the history it suffered some changes. The circus, it was built in the first century. It was very big and therefore it was out of the city´s wall. The Roman bridge, cross Guadiana river. The Aqueduct of Miracles, the Temple of Diana, the Arch of Trajan…
