Madrid, Nov. 02 (SANA) Archaeologists have uncovered a Roman temple at the ancient city of Caraca in central Spain during the site’s 10th excavation campaign, confirming its identity and religious function after geophysical surveys indicated its possible presence.
The Spanish news agency EFE reported on Oct. 30 that Emilio Gamo, one of the excavation’s co-directors, said the temple lies west of the forum, which served as the city’s civic, political and social center. Although relatively small, the structure is considered archaeologically significant, he noted.
The campaign included 55 exploratory test pits and further excavation along the city’s main street, known as the Decumanus. A stratigraphic excavation extending more than two meters deep revealed remains from the Late Bronze Age and the Roman period, indicating that human activity at the site predates the establishment of the city.
At the Roman bath complex, researchers discovered a room dating to the first and second centuries AD, with a floor decorated with stone pieces arranged in a diamond pattern using a Roman technique. Work also continued on one of the bathing pools, alongside restoration of the complex’s architectural features.
Caraca is of particular archaeological interest because extensive sections of its original urban layout have survived, with no large-scale reconstruction in later periods. This preservation allows researchers to examine the city’s streets, buildings and successive stages of development.
Further research is planned to document the discovered structures in greater detail, deepen understanding of the site’s settlement history and trace the city’s development throughout antiquity.
R A H / R.K
