A little history

In the spring of 218 BC, the great Carthaginian general Hannibal lead his 60,000 man army off of the Iberian Peninsula and over the Alps to Italy.  Meanwhile, Cartagena fell to the Romans.  It remained under Roman control until the early 400s AD when the Germanic tribes took over.  Then, in the early 700s, the Muslims began their rule of Spain for more than seven centuries.  In 1492, Islamic rule in Spain was completely overthrown.  So, you can see that this area has had a very long and tumultuous history. 
While the Romans were in power, they built a Theater.
The Roman Theater was long forgotten and buried under nearly 2,000 years of construction until finally discovered in 1987. 
Cut into the hillside in one of the city’s old neighborhoods, the 6,000 seat theater is undergoing careful archeological excavation.  You can see that it is within walking distance of the port, and was one of the sites we visited on our walking tour yesterday.

Not too far from the theater was the remains of a much more modern structure…the Plaza de Toros.
This bull ring was built in the 1850s upon the foundation of a Roman gladiatorial arena.  You can only look at it from the outside, but it is still interesting.  Bull fights are a traditional sport in some parts of Spain.  When we were in Barcelona we learned that the Province of Catalonia has voted to outlaw bull fights beginning in 2012.  I’m glad they did.  I think bull fighting is a cruel sport.
The Palacio Consistorial (the old town hall) is near the waterfront, and has recently been restored.  Construction began on this building in 1900.  Notice the wide marble pedestrian avenue that leads past the building.  It is very inviting for visitors and residents alike, to stroll into the city.

Today has been spent entirely on ship coursing through very rough seas.  I’m sure glad I brought some Dramamine along!  :)  Each floor seems like a giant pinball machine with people careening from side to side while trying to walk down the passageways.

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy