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ITALICA MNAR

2021, Ciudades romanas de Hispania

The archaeological site of Italica is defined by two distinct zones. On the one hand, the area that is occupaid for the Santiponce´s historical center, corresponding to the ancient city center (13.6ha) (Fig. 1). And on the other hand, the northern sector (38ha more) that is an urban extension constructed during the Hadrian's rule (Fig. 2). Geographically, Italica developed on the western bank of the alluvial plain at the lower Guadalquivir valley. Since the 9th century BC, there was a high density of settlements in this region, which grew in the 1st century (Ferrer, 2018). Three issues explain the outstanding role of Italica in the Classical Archaeology; Firstly, it is one of the first roman sites to be researched. The early studies began in the 18th century. As a result, an exceptional collection of archaeological artefacts was recovered (Rodríguez Hidalgo, 2012). Furthermore, in the middle of the 19th century, the first scientific investigations were carried out (AA.VV., 2012). Moreover, Italica is the prestigious hometown of two of the most admired emperors. However, the stratigraphical register is very destroyed by robber cuts and therefore pretty poor in the historical center of the village.