16 V i s i t www.theculturalexperience.com C a l l 0345 475 1815 Early Periods THE ROMAN EMPIRE'S WESTERN EXTREMITY THE ROMANS IN PORTUGAL AND EXTREMADURA The conquest of Lusitania, the most westerly of Rome’s possessions began in the 180s BC after raids by the Lusitani tribe into Rome’s province of Further Spain. Lusitani were a fierce tribe, the Roman writer Pliny derives their name from the wild rites (lusus) of the wine god Pan. Long wars of expansion followed with the Lusitani at times giving as good as they got. One chieftain, Viriathus, remains a Portuguese national hero to this day. The area was eventually tamed by Caesar in the 60s BC. It was made a separate province in around 25 BC by the Emperor Augustus and given a new, purpose-built capital at Merida whose Roman name means “The Emperor’s City for veterans”. Two famous governors who would have known Merida were the short-lived emperors Otho and Geta. The province was a peaceful one, but never quite forgot its military roots. Units of Lusitanians are found in the Roman army and legionary veterans from Merida are even found buried at Chester. As well as these Celtiberian tribesmen, the area also contained pure Celts as town names like Mirobriga and Conimbriga show and some Phoenician traders had also ventured here. In prehistory the region was an important outpost of the Tartessic culture. Day 1 – Outward Travel. Fly London to Lisbon and drive to Coimbra where we check-in to our wonderful art-deco hotel for one night. We will have time to explore this important university city including its fine Roman cryptoporticus before we enjoy an introductory talk and dinner. Day 2 - Conimbriga and Alcantara. We start our tour proper in amongst the ruins of Conimbriga, the best preserved Roman town in Portugal. We will explore many of the surviving buildings and great houses dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries: Repuxos House with its wonderful garden with its original hydraulics and fantastic mosaics; the tunnels and stalls of the amphitheatre; the thermal baths and of course its forum and wonderful museum. Thence to the stunning bridge over The wealth and peace brought to the former province of Lusitania by the Romans are reflected in the magnificent monuments left for us to admire across the province and their variety allows us to see not just the richness of city life, but also the source of the riches and infrastructure which allowed that life to flourish. This novel archaeological tour takes us through the Portuguese regions of Estremadura, Beiras and Alentejo and the Spanish region of Extremadura. Whilst we will visit many important Roman sites such as Conimbriga and Emerita Augusta, we will also learn how they generally settled in this western extremity of their empire at remote villas, infrastructure sites and even extant factories. We explore some of the region’s great cities such as Coimbra, Caceres, Evora and, of course, Lisbon. We will enjoy some great historic hotels staying at Portuguese Pousadas and Spanish Paradores and sample the delicious regional cuisine for which they are renowned. The tour is led throughout by Roman historian Dr Andy Fear of Manchester University, who will provide insight, analysis and inspiring narrative to this fascinating period of history. 2 – 9 April 2018 8 days with Dr Andrew Fear Activity Level 2 Essentials Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guide throughout. Tour price: £2375 Single supplement: £325 Deposit: £225 Without flights: £2200 "Well organised, clearly experienced and willing to go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience." Roman Theatre in Merida