Birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian, Italica reached its golden age in the 2nd century under the rule of the latter.
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Next to the municipality of Santiponce stands the old Roman town of Itálica, close to Seville. It was founded by Publius Cornelius Scipio in 206 BC, after defeating the Carthaginians at Ilipa, during the 2nd Punic War. Birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian, Italica reached its golden age in the 2nd century under the rule of the latter. Its main attraction is a large amphitheatre which could hold 25,000 spectators and was one of the largest in the empire. Other public buildings which have survived to this day are the theatre, the baths and the Traianeum. Also of great interest are aristocratic mansions, such as that of Los Pájaros (the Birds), the Planetarium and La Exedra, which are decorated with beautiful mosaics. |