Snake underground

The observation of archaeological remains is compatible with the watching of fauna. In some cases both activities are correlated.

In the Roman ducts to collect water for Emerita Augusta, we can observe different amphibians and reptile species. In this case we found a horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis).

Sunset in the dehesa

The landscape in the South West of Iberian Peninsula is dominated by the “dehesa”. Dehesa is a human transformation of the Mediterranean forest to increase the productivity for livestock. Extensive pasturelands in which remain oak trees (Quercus sp.). Despite its artificial origin, the dehesa includes a diverse community of animal and plants.

Dehesas are the result of human modifications that began in the Neolitic period. Many cultures have put their marks in the dehesa.

Currently many remains can be observed in the dehesas around Mérida.

Carved stones

In the landscape around Mérida, rivers were the most important elements for humans during prehistoric periods. 

From the Paleolithic to Chalcolithic period, humans inhabited areas highly influenced by rivers. In these areas an important lithic industry was developed.

 Currently, along the riverbanks near Mérida we can find stones that were carved by people more than five thousand years ago.

Cave paintings

Around 5,000 year ago, during the Chalcolithic Period, the region in which Mérida is located was inhabited by people that lived in small towns.

These people had crops and livestock, but an important part of their subsistence still depended on hunting and the harvesting of fruits. Moreover, religion and beliefs bear an important role in these societies.

Paints and a nest of Red-rumped Swallow

One of the many forms of beliefs representation was the painting over rocks. Currently, within the region of Mérida, a relatively high density of these cave paintings has remained.