Merida!

On November 17th we took a school trip to Merida, Spain. It was more or less for historical education reasons but it wasn’t too bad. It was a little boring but we only spent the day there and it didn’t take more than an hour to drive to Merida.

Merida is the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura (which is the AC that Caceres is located in) and it is a UNESCO world heritage site as well.

It was founded in the year 25BC and became one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Merida has more roman monuments than any other city in Spain.

Here are some interesting facts about Merida:

1.       The Puente Romano(Roman Bridge), is a bridge over the Guadiana River that is still used by pedestrians, and the longest of all existing Roman bridges.
   
   
   
   
2.      The remains of the Circus Maximus (1st century BC), one of the best preserved Roman circus buildings are located here.
   
   
   
   
3.    The Amphitheater of Merida, which was founded in 25 B.C.; is one of the biggest archaeological sites in Spain. It was used for gladiator purposes where men would fight beasts or beasts would fight beasts.
   
   

   

   The two holes in the walls by the entry in this picture were where the dead bodies of men and beasts were taken and thrown to be taken care of later.

   
   

   

   The two box shaped holes in the wall on either side of the entryway were the areas where the animals were kept and released from.

   
   
   
   
4.     The Roman Theater of Mérida was constructed in the years 16 and 15 BC. where a summer festival of Classical theater is presented, usually with versions of Greco-Roman classics or modern plays set in ancient times.
   
   

A view from the stage to the audience area.

These are the more interesting things that we went to see and I am glad that we went but I don’t think I would choose to go again. Merida is a very small Spanish town and although it has some good history it is one of those things where I have seen it now and I’d rather not go back to it.

Although we did have some fun messing around on the ruins a little bit here and there. (not in a destructive way so no worries) lol

Extra large of Rebecca and I

Rebecca and I after having climbed up to the top of the entry way (the side where they had the dead body area)

I really dont have anything else to talk about with Merida but don't you worry! Ive got a ton of things to write about from Barcelona! :)  

Until Next time!!!

p.s.
       Have I mentioned that I get to go home for a month during winter break??  I am soo excited!! can't wait to see my kittys!!!!!  :)