On August 1, 2024, a significant event took place at the archaeological site of Mellaria, in Fuente Obejuna (Córdoba, Spain), where the latest discoveries from the excavations carried out between 2022 and 2024 were presented.

The excavations have been led by the University of Córdoba in collaboration with the Fuente Obejuna City Council, revealing interesting findings that shed light on the rich history of this ancient Roman city.

Since 2022, three excavations have been conducted, and approximately 25 hectares have been surveyed using advanced geophysical methods. The first excavation, carried out in 2022, led to the discovery of a monumental fountain that captured the attention of the archaeological community.

The Water Cycle in Mellaria

In 2023, excavations focused on an area near the Cerro de Masatrigo, with the goal of locating the “house of waters”, an essential element in the urban cycle of Mellaria. The investigations were successful in finding the castellum divisorium, an ancient structure that was remodeled to house two water decantation basins and several additional fountains.

The "castellum divisorium" found in Mellaria
The “castellum divisorium” found in Mellaria. Credit: University of Cordoba

This building represented the endpoint of the aqueduct, where water was made drinkable and distributed via lead pipes to public fountains, like the one discovered in 2022.

These findings have allowed Mellaria to boast one of the most complete and documented water cycles in the province of Córdoba, as well as all of Baetica and Hispania.

The water intake points have been precisely identified, most of which are georeferenced, along with the route of the main channel and its branches. Additionally, the surge wells and cleaning wells, the point of water reception in the city, and its distribution in the public fountains have been identified. An inscription has even been found mentioning the municipal officer who financed this ingenious hydraulic system.

The Via Corduba-Emerita and the Funerary Monuments

The 2024 campaign has focused on a building located at the eastern end of the city’s outskirts, more than 700 meters from the previous finding and near the N-432 road.

Aerial and geophysical surveys have revealed approximately 1160 meters of the layout of the Via Corduba-Emerita, a route that passed through Mellaria and connected Córdoba with Medellín.

This section of the road is flanked by funerary monuments, following the norm in Roman cities where burials were usually carried out outside the city walls. In the eastern necropolis sector of Mellaria, a section of at least 450 meters of the road has been identified, accompanied by monuments and buildings with different functions.

Another view of the excavations in Mellaria
Another view of the excavations in Mellaria. Credit: University of Cordoba

One of these buildings, approximately 1000 square meters, has been the focus of recent excavations.

A Unique Cenotaph in the Necropolis

The excavation of almost half of this building concluded on July 31, and more campaigns are planned to fully recover the enclosure. What makes this site particularly fascinating is its function as an honorary cenotaph dedicated to a famous figure who neither died nor was buried in the city.

The location of the aedicule has been discovered, along with fragments of a “funerary” marble statue larger than life-size, although no urns or chambers related to an in-situ burial have been found.

In addition, two klinai, reclining structures of a total of four documented geophysically, have been recovered, where banquets were held in honor of the illustrious figure. These banquet areas featured water systems that emanated from the honoree’s position, symbolizing the life and wealth provided to those who came to celebrate his memory.

Detail of the excavations in Mellaria
Detail of the excavations in Mellaria. Credit: University of Cordoba

This enclosure, approximately 30×30 meters, shows a clear influence of classical Mediterranean funerary customs. Rectangular benches have been documented on the facade, arranged in pairs adjacent to the honorary monument. In the rear, a spacious garden housed pits with grave goods related to rites in honor of the deceased, as well as some empty pits likely intended to hold vegetation.

A Mystery to Solve

Although the name of the honoree remains a mystery due to the lack of epigraphy, this celebratory monument is exceptionally rare in Córdoba and uncommon in Hispania.

This type of monument is a remarkable testimony to Roman funerary practices, which often included tributes to notable figures through imposing architectural structures.

The enigma of the identity of the figure honored in this cenotaph remains an open question for future archaeological investigations. Upcoming campaigns could unravel more clues about this historical figure and his connection to Mellaria.

SOURCES

Universidad de Córdoba

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