Merida (Little Rome) Spain
02 November 2017
warm no rain
Merida or Little Rome As It Is Referred To
We had not heard of nor had planned to come here. Leiann found about it looking for interesting places to see in Spain. She told me that there were Roman ruins there so I said let’s go check it out. We are now really glad we came. Merida is called little Rome because it was an important Roman City out on the edge of the frontier. The city dates back to 24 BC! We toured many of the sites to include the theater, amphitheater (for gladiator fighting, lions vs Christians and such) the aqueduct, the Roman baths, temple of Diana, the big arch, museum, temple of the cult, a church built in 500 A.D. and a few more. Lots to see in two days. We also learned a little history: Cortez (concured the Aztec)and Pizarro (concurred the Inka) were both from near here as were many other young men who sought their fortunes on the exploration of the high seas. This area is called the Extremaduro (literally “The hard place”). Men left here seeking a better life for a reason. It’s very hot here in summer and very dry. The one thing that does well here is the raising of pigs and the region is famous for it’s pork raised on acorns. They say the higher the diet is in acorns the higher the price of the meat, which is referred to as “Presunto”. It is dried and legs of “Presunto” hang in store windows everywhere. And of course nice wine is still dirt cheap, Leiann is currently drinking a 2014 bottle she likes that cost 1.59 Euro! OK that’s it for now stay tuned and be sure to check out the photos in the gallery.