Six Months of Wandering: Italica

We made an interesting excursion to the ancient roman settlement of Italica, just north of Seville. The setting was striking; a vast plane dotted with ruins assembled around a grid of ancient roads. Or at least it was striking to be there. It was also striking because there were many little hidey holes and traps for the children to fall into. How lucky we are not to be either an animal in the pits to be slaughtered in the arena nor a prisoner sent blindfolded into the arena to fight a gladiator for freedom; aaah! the glory of Rome! The trip to Italica was inspired in part by the earlier trip to Volubilis in Morocco. Italica was not nearly as free and easy about access and is actually in the middle of a small town just outside of Seville. In some spots the walls of modern houses descend straight down onto parts of the ancient Roman town; excavation must wait. The visit to Italica inspired a visit to Seville's Archaeological Museum, where most of Italica's treasures are held.