Las Médulas, Las Médulas, Spain

Las Médulas is a historic gold mining site near the town of Ponferrada. It was the most important gold mine (and largest open pit gold mine) in the entire Roman Empire. Las Médulas Cultural Landscape is listed by the UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites.

The spectacular landscape of Las Médulas resulted from the ruina montium (wrecking of the mountains), a Roman mining technique described by Pliny the Elder in 77 AD. The technique employed was a type of hydraulic mining which involved undermining a mountain with large quantities of water. The water was supplied by interbasin transfer. At least seven long aqueducts tapped the streams of the La Cabrera district (where the rainfall in the mountains is relatively high) at a range of altitudes. The same aqueducts were used to wash the extensive alluvial gold deposits.

The area Hispania Tarraconensis was conquered in 25 BC by the emperor Augustus. Prior to the Roman conquest the indigenous inhabitants obtained gold from alluvial deposits. Large-scale production did not begin until the second half of the 1st century AD.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Mike Walker (2 years ago)
Stunning vista and incredible history. The Roman engineering was mind boggling. A trip into the htunnels is a must unless you are claustrophobic or suffer from vertigo!

Hugo Pro B (2 years ago)
Visit to the gallery costs 3€ from 12 yrs. above and 2€ below 12 yrs.

Leo Boeren (2 years ago)
This trail at UNESCO site Las Medulas is well worth the effort to get here. Just after the parking is the aula archeologica where you can get a small map and explanation over which route to take for the duration you want. We went to La Cuevona, whereafter i took the steep path upwards to the mirador de Orellan. Walking all the way up is really worth it. The views are stunning. Downside is that the Galeria is closed between 1400 and 1700. Don't try this when it rains, too slippery. And second tip when you're doen again after seeing the mirador take the same route via La Cuevona back as the other route is boring.

James Clayton (3 years ago)
What a place , well worth a visit if in Northern Spain . The 10.6km walk is a great route with some interesting scenery. This can be found on the notice board at the car park or on AllTrails ect .

Maribel D (3 years ago)
Beautiful scenery and incredible historical area. The engineering of the Romans is incredible. Amazing at sunset !

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The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

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