Augusta Emerita

Augusta Emerita, founded in 25 BC in modern Mérida, Spain, was a Roman colonia established by Emperor Augustus to resettle veteran soldiers from Legio V Alaudae, Legio X Gemina, and possibly Legio XX Valeria Victrix after the Cantabrian Wars [1][2]. It became the capital of Lusitania province and one of Hispania's largest cities, controlling over 20,000 km² [1]. The city featured three aqueducts and two fora, showcasing advanced Roman urban planning [1].