Researchers unveil major Roman archaeological find along Spanish Guadalete river

The search for Roman history in the middle valley of the Guadalete River has uncovered a wealth of new discoveries.

Researchers from the University of Cadiz embarked on a project to explore the middle valley of the Guadalete River, aiming to uncover and connect fragments of Roman history, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Their efforts, led by Macarena Lara, have yielded significant discoveries, including 57 unprecedented Roman-era sites.

Initiated in 2023, the project aimed to locate Roman settlements and discern potential connections between them. To facilitate their search, the team employed unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with multispectral cameras and LiDAR technology for efficient data collection without disrupting the landscape. Additionally, geo radar was used to reveal underlying wall structures and settlement layouts that were not visible from the surface.

With the discovery of 57 new Roman-era sites and the mapping of their connections through trade and communication routes, the research team entered the second phase of their project this past spring. This ground investigation not only bridged the gap between historical findings and modern technology but also revisited and cataloged earlier discoveries from the 1980s and 1990s that had previously been overlooked, enriching our understanding of Roman presence in the Guadalete River valley.

The team's initial focus was a Roman villa in Bornos, where they uncovered walls defining both residential and work areas. This comprehensive analysis of a Roman settlement in this context is a first, according to the researchers.

“Our data has provided a robust foundation for future archaeological work in the area,” said Macarena Lara. “Our goal is to continue excavations and apply innovative techniques to study the contexts and materials, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of the Roman settlements and the surrounding territory around the Bornos and Arcos de la Frontera reservoirs.”

Work continues as an interdisciplinary team diligently identifies and catalogs the archaeological materials unearthed at the villa. The researchers are optimistic that their efforts will enhance understanding of the key aspects of these sites in the mountainous region and shed light on their relationships with other locations.