Archaeologists in Spain have uncovered the remnants of an ancient Roman forum, shedding light on its likely special purpose and significance in integrating local communities into the ancient empire. The excavation took place in the town of Ubrique in Cádiz, where the forum of Ocuri was unearthed by a team consisting of students, volunteers, and researchers from the University of Granada.
The central terrace of the town’s hill, known as “Cerro de la Mora”, was suspected as the site of the Roman forum as far back as the end of the 18th century, thanks to the theories proposed by local scholar Juan Vegazo. Forums in ancient Roman cities acted as hubs for social activities, public speeches, and community gatherings.
During the excavation, archaeologists discovered what appeared to be an enclosure wall of the central square of the forum. This wall, measuring about one meter in height and 16 meters in length, revealed ancient architectural features typical of public buildings dating back to the High Roman Empire between the first and fifth centuries AD.
Initially, it was believed that the structures at the site existed until the late third century AD, but further investigation led researchers to conclude that the area was continuously inhabited until the end of the 4th century. Coins found on the premises, including one bearing a Christogram, provided valuable insights into the site’s extended occupation period.
The discovery of ceramics from North Africa, a monumental altar, decorative architectural fragments, and evidence of Roman syncretic religious practices related to water further enriched the findings. Additionally, the identification of a medieval defensive structure in the vicinity hinted at visual connections between this site and other fortifications nearby.
By studying the buildings and artefacts at the site, researchers were able to trace ancient trade routes linked to the Gibraltar region, offering a deeper understanding of the Roman presence in southern Iberia. The forum and its surrounding structures played a crucial role in the amalgamation of Roman and local cultures, facilitating a hybridisation process that characterised the region during that era.