Benicató Roman Villa in Nules is the first of its kind to be discovered in Plana Baixa. Nestled among the orange groves 700m south-east of El Caminàs, the site was discovered in 1888 during agricultural work in the pujol of Benicató. The villa was established in the 1st century BCE and was in use until 4th century AD.
Benicató Roman Villa is unique in that it was used for agricultural and residential purposes. In the centre, a quadrangular peristyle with a circular pond stands out among the 17 surrounding rooms. Two of these rooms have mosaics with geometric and vegetal patterns, highlighting the importance and sophistication of the villa.
The rural mansion has a porticoed patio with a central pond to collect rainwater. Some of the rooms have stuccoes and mosaics while others were used for domestic life. There are heating systems and wineries.
References:The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.