We are lucky to live in one of the most historic countries in the world. By Spain Civilizations of all kinds have disappeared and we have an immeasurable heritage. NOW Mérida was once again the protagonist thanks to an award of National geographic.
Spain is closely linked to the Roman Empire and, among its cities, few places accumulate as many monuments and archaeological finds as Mérida. We all know its spectacular Roman theater, but In 2024, he was rewarded for another discovery.
In 2023, this happened in the archaeological site of Huerta de Otero one of the most surprising discoveries. Thanks to the work of archaeologists and historians, they discovered a large mosaic of Medusa.
A year later, the magazine National geographic named this discovery as the Best national discovery of 2024 in our country. The most spectacular thing is that it is in perfect condition.
What is the best historical discovery in Spain in 2024?
He large mosaic of Medusa It was discovered in July 2023 during excavations carried out by the Barraeca II Vocational School of Mérida City Hall.
It is a polychrome mosaic of approximately 30 square meters. Its function was decorate one of the main rooms of a domus Roman and presents in its center the image of Medusaframed by an octagonal medallion.
Surrounding the central figure are four peacocks which symbolize the seasons of the year, as well as floral motifs, animals and masks.
According to the Mérida City Hall, the archaeologist and instructor of the Barraeca II Vocational School José Vargas affirms that this is a very typical representation in these discoveries: “The appearance of the image of the Medusa is typical of mosaic paving stones from the 2nd century AD. c. as a prophylactic or protective sign for the inhabitants of the domus“.
The clearest example of the importance of mosaic is that the magazine National geographic awarded him the award for the best discovery or national historic find of 2024.
This is the first year they have held the competition and The prize was voted on by the readers of +HISTORY. It had to compete with other discoveries such as the Neanderthal cave in the Lozoya Valley (Madrid), the aboriginal tomb of La Guancha (Canary Islands) and the Paleolithic hut of La Garma (Cantabria).
Why is the historic discovery of Mérida so important?
Mérida is one of the cities most closely linked to ancient Rome that we have in Spain. In practically every corner we can discover a new fact about its history, since It was one of the most important places in the territory of Hispania..
The Medusa mosaic has an exceptional character due to the quality of its ornamental details and which was discovered in practically perfect condition.
Félix Palma, director of the Monumental City consortium, considers the Huerta de Otero site to be an exceptional place “not only for the jellyfish mosaic but also for the paintings and sculptural motifs”.
