Enclosed is a photo of Merida as originally built by the Romans. The bridge served to provide access across the river connecting the south of Spain to Lisbon Portugal. It was probably an important commerce point to allow access to exploiting Spain as a colony. The bridge is the same Roman bridge I took pictures of a few days back. Merida got its name as a tribute to the soldiers who fought for Emperor Augusta. Augusta's son-in-law lived and ruled here in the beginning of the town.
The Visgoths (Northern European) overran the Romans in 400sAD. Soon after the Moors took over the city in 700sAD. They built a fortress next to the bridge entrance to defend against invasion. The Moors would hold onto Merida until 1250 when the Christians took it over.
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