History Aquae Flaviae

the roman bridge of chaves constructed during era vespasian , trajan



the commemorative columns mark bridge , roman settlement in aquae flaviae

the northwest peninsular region area of hot springs , roman settlements linked exploitation of valuable natural resources.

aquae flaviae principal municipium civitas in northwest (from epigraphic findings) implanted in trás-os-montes, on small hill on banks of river tâmega, in roman province of gallaecia. fertile area, hot springs abound, in addition mining region responsible extraction of gold. located in strategic place between roman cities of bracara , asturica, mining districts of três minas , jales, located southwest of civitates.

little known of urban fabric although there important points: aqueduct supplied water reservoir , dam in abobeleira, there theatre/amphitheatre, vestiges of necropolis , sections of wall.

with respect thermal activity, lack of archaeological excavations means little known of alleged ancient roman baths. modern excavations have begun uncover remains of roman baths structure associated hot spring in largo arrabalde consisting of large pavement slabs , block of opus caementicium associated thermal spring. these first known thermal remains safely within chaves. further, within civitates many complicated votive epigraphs respond thermal worship. there 2 inscriptions dedicated nymphs, lost inscription dedicated tutela , isis, suggest thermal cult.

architecturally, notable feature of city, bridge of trajan, on tâmega river, existence marked period of exceptional development within city. functioning crossroads, controlled routes mining districts. remains of 2 epigraphic inscriptions located on bridge, commemorating construction or remodelling emperor trajan, aroused various interpretations, padrão dos povos. padrão dos povos mentions civitates dependant of aquae flaviae: aquiflavienses, avobrigenses, bibali, coelerni, equaesi, interamici, limici, naebisoci, querquerni , tamagani, roman legio vii gemina felix legion.

aquae flaviae founded rome, although details of founding remain obscure. ptolemy suggests founded in turodi territory, theory has been strengthened existence of epigraphic evidence documenting presence of turodi.