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Numantia (Spain)

By K. Kris Hirst, About.com

Definition: The ruins of Numantia are located in the Upper Duero valley of northern Spain, about 7 kilometers from the modern town of Soria. Founded in the third century BC, Numantia was the most important walled settlement in the region, making it a target of the Roman empire. The Celtiberian inhabitants of Numantia bitterly fought off the invasion of the Roman empire, preferring in the end to be destroyed rather than occupied; the town was destroyed in 133 BC. The Roman town was built on the ruins of the first.

Archaeological investigations of Numantia began in the mid-19th century, and most recently by the Universidad Complutense, under the direction of Alfredo Jimeno.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.

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