Italica was once one of the Roman Empire`s most important cities. Founded in 206 BC by Publius Cornelius Scipio, it was the first Roman town in Spain and the birthplace of Emperor Trajan. Hadrian (of Hadrian`s Wall in England) grew up here. Much of the Roman old town lies below Santiponce but highlights of the site include the ampitheatre which could hold 20,000 spectators, and mosaics on floors of some of the villas.
