Southern Spain is known for its stunning landscapes, sun-kissed beaches and historic cities adorned with Moorish architecture.
Walking through Andalusia today, you may not realize that this region played an important role in the Roman Empire: it is the birthplace of three Roman emperors, whose legacies still resonate in the ancient ruins and rich cultural heritage of the area.
Let’s go back in time to explore southern Spain’s fascinating Roman past.
Related reading: The best places to visit in Andalusia
In a hurry? Book this private tour of Itálica
Private tour of Italica | Origins of the emperors: Explore the ancient Roman city of Itálica and the 16th-century palace-museum of the Countess of Lebrija on a private guided tour with transportation included.
➡️ Visit Itálica and the Lebrija Palace with guide and private transportation.
➡️ Explore Game of Thrones filming locations.
➡️ Discover the ancient mosaics, amphitheater, baths and mansions of Itálica.
➡️ Tour the Lebrija Palace museum and its archaeological treasures.
The Roman legacy in Andalusia, southern Spain
The ancient province of Baetica, located in modern-day southern Spain, was one of the richest parts of the Roman Empire. Its fertile lands produced olive oil, wine and wheat, which were exported throughout the empire. From this prosperous region emerged three emperors: Trajan, Hadrian and Theodosius I, each of whom left a lasting legacy in Roman history.
The 3 Emperors of Southern Spain
Trajan: the first emperor of Baetica
Trajan was the first Roman emperor born outside Italy, in a city called italicanear what is now Seville. His reign lasted from 98 to 117 AD. C., a time that is often remembered as one of the most prosperous periods of the empire. Under Trajan, Rome’s territory grew to its greatest extent, stretching from Britain to the Middle East.
A visit to the archaeological site of Itálica offers a glimpse of the grandeur of the frontier of the Roman Empire, with its impressive amphitheater, intricate mosaics and well-preserved streets.
Hadrian: the builder emperor
Hadrian, successor and adopted son of Trajan, was also born in Italica. Hadrian’s reign was marked by his efforts to consolidate rather than expand. That said, you may be familiar with Hadrian’s Wall, an archaeological ruin in England. Hadrian’s influence spread throughout the Roman Empire.
He was a lover of Greek architecture and culture and his legacy lives on through the numerous buildings he built throughout the empire, from the iconic Pantheon in Rome and his luxurious villa at Tivoli. Visiting southern Spain today, his influence remains, particularly in Itálica, which he transformed with impressive building projects throughout the city.
Theodosius I: the last emperor of a united Rome
Unlike Trajan and Hadrian, Theodosius I was born in Cauca: present-day Coca, near Segovia. As the last emperor to rule the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire, Theodosius is best known for making Christianity the official religion of the empire.
Although the division of the empire marked his reign, his impact on shaping the religious landscape of Europe endures to this day.
Visit Itálica: a step back in time
No exploration of the Roman history of southern Spain would be complete without a visit to Itálica, just a short drive from Seville. Our exclusive, guided tour offers a personalized journey through this ancient city, which was founded in 206 BC by the Roman general Scipio Africanus and highly developed by Hadrian.
Accompanied by your private guide, you’ll learn all about Itálica’s magnificent history while admiring the impressive ruins, including its well-preserved amphitheater, which once held 25,000 spectators. The intricate mosaics that adorned the homes of the city’s elite are well preserved and beautiful to behold.
Once you have fully experienced Itálica, you should head to the Palacio de Lebrija in the center of Seville.. This magnificent 16th century house has been reused as a museum. It is filled with the archaeological treasures of Itálica and offers an insight into the combined history of the Roman Empire and Andalusia – a must-see experience for history lovers and the perfect way to complete your understanding of this phenomenal archaeological site.
Price: €589 (for two people)
Duration: 3 hours
Including:
- Private 5-star tour guide.
- Transportation between sites
- Hotel pickup
- Entry tickets to Itálica.
- Tickets to the Lebrija Palace
- Italica Tour
- Italica Amphitheater
- Game of Thrones filming locations
- Visit to the Lebrija Palace
- Mosaics and artifacts from Itálica.
For those interested in the rich and complex history of the Roman Empire, southern Spain offers a unique opportunity to explore its ancient past. From the ruins of Itálica to the vibrant cities of Seville and CordovaWhere Roman architecture and history still influence culture, this region invites visitors to step back in time.
As you walk these ancient streets, you will feel the echoes of the emperors who once ruled the world, their legacy immortalized in the stones beneath your feet.
