Italica was the first roman city founded on the Iberian Peninsula in 206 BC. Venus is welcoming us on a warm sunny afternnon.It was the birthplace of emperors Trajan (53-117CE) and Hadrian (76-138 CE) — as well as many senators — this city was important to the Romans and well maintained in ancient times.Hadrian, born to a senator — was probably the most educated of all emperors — focused on protecting, promoting and enriching life in all the Roman empire cities like revitalizing Italica his home town. We were wondering maybe Volubilis in Morocco also?This area was quite wealthy and had many mosaics like these in the upper baths.The House of the Planetarium had this incredible floor mosaic representing the 7 days of the week (circa 150 CE). The celestial bodies that changed position in the sky are clearly depicted. They include the Sun, Moon and the 5 planets visible with the naked eye: Mars, Mercury, Jupiter (in front as he is the main roman god), Venus (center of floor, protector of love), and Saturn.House of the Birds — with exquisite details of 30 bird variety, expertly rendered.We follow the wonderful stone walls to the Amphitheater.The corridors under the seating have been well preserved and we get a sense of their height as well as their curving length. Italica Amphitheater.What a panorama view of the Italica Amphitheater — imagining seating in the stands enjoying all sorts of events from this vantage point along with 25,000 other spectators!
