Cartagena Spain - Part 2

Of course the Romans were not going to stand by and let a prize like that newly built city through their fingers. In 209 BCE, they attacked it from all fronts, aided by a squall that made it easier to cross the lake on one side of the city. This was called the Battle of Cartagena - and it was fast and brutal. The Carthaginians fought valiantly but they were outnumbered and outflanked. The Roman soldiers were instructed to kill everyone, then plunder the city, which they did with great gusto, according to the re-enactment we saw. 

When the Romans built cities, they built really magnificent cities, with facilities such as a theatre, a forum, baths, and wide parallel roads. But apparently they were so impressed with the city wall, they kept it and altered their plans accordingly to make best use of it. 

The Romans loved theatre, so the theatre they built in Cartagena had a huge stage with all kinds of very ingenious facilities to move props around, and so forth. While the Greeks, who were not war-like in the way the Romans were, preferred tragedies, the Romans loved comedies, especially ones involving love triangles. 

Over time, however, the Romans too were gone and in the centuries that followed their lovely theatre fell into ruins - a real tragedy if ever there was one. It was built over and disappeared from view. But when a cathedral next to the site was being restored in 1987, the builders found the start of the ruins, and the rest is history. The city's history was gradually uncovered, and the museum that houses it is incredible. 

After seeing the documentary we had to move through the museum up to a height of about 4 storeys, with some simple yet lovely displays on view on the way up. (Most of the artefacts from the site are on display at another museum.) The model of the theatre in particular was superb. We then walked through quite a long stone tunnel that apparently was under the cathedral, and then out in the open air, and there it was - this wonderful Roman theatre that is being restored, along with the surrounding area! What an awesome sight!

I will write one more post about the city in general. On speaking with other passengers who undertook other tours, it transpired that we all really liked this Spanish port city, so it is one I can highly recommend visiting. 

This photograph and the next three are views of the model of the the Roman theatre from different angles.

This is what happens to limestone when it has been buried for thousands of years.  Marble fares much better, as can be sen in the following photographs. But how great the artistry can still be seen. 

The room with the model and small number of artefacts. The remains of two columns and of a statue at the back are in marble. 

Travelling up inside the tall museum - on escalators, thank goodness. 

Signs showing when the theatre was built. 

Part of one of the marble sculptures depicting Roman gods.  

Our first glimpse of the Roman theatre with its stage on the left. 

To restore the theatre, use was being made of sections of columns to build up the seating.  The elite of Roman society sat  closest to the stage.