Merida was a retirement colony for veterans of the successful Cántabras wars (Spanish Campaign) for the retired members of the Roman Legions and thus the city had many elaborate entertainment venues (theaters, coliseums, etc.)

In the town center orange trees grow. Although the oranges look ripe, no one is picking them to eat

Just down the street from the center is the Roman temple of Diana

The bridge is the ancient Roman Bridge, one the main entrance to the city. The wall behind Terry is the old City wall at the Bridge entrance

Near the modern Bull Ring (where bull fights are held) is the site of a large Roman House. The bull ring is likely to have been built near or on the site of a Roman Form (shopping Center) and given the size of the house it belonged to an important person.

More views of the house and the cellar in the house

Left: a detail of mosaic in Roman House near bull ring. Right: Detail of mosaic in house near Roman Theatre.

The Roman Theater that seated over 6000 and was built about 50 AD. Terry standing in the presidium

The Roman coliseum in Merida, located next to the Theater