1) ROMAN PERIOD 1 BC – 5AD
The presence of the Romans in the area of Villanueva de los Infantes during the period of 100BC – 500AD has been verified by the many artefacts and architectural remains that have been uncovered. Investigations, still in the preliminary stages, lead us to believe that the majority of the discoveries are connected with farming (crops and livestock) and control of the River Jabalón valley.
The community was scattered and not necessarily continuously inhabited during the Roman period. The main centres in the Campo de Montiel have been identified as Mentesa (Villanueva de la Fuente), Almedina or Laminium (Alhambra) where there is even evidence of the presence of important Hispano Romano families, e.g. the Licinii.
Future investigation will allow us to gain deeper insight into the Roman period in this area where the roads and cultural influences of the high tableland, the east and the south of Iberia.
2) THE BRIDGE AT TRIVIÑO
The bridge of Triviño crosses the River Jabalón. It is 100m long and 5m wide, built of blocks of stone (ashlar) and masonry with a cobblestone footpath.
The origin of the work is visible in the southern part with a central arch and two overflow channels, which is probably from the Roman period. From this we can ascertain the course of the riverbed and the importance of the route between the tablelands and the Betica area (Andalusia). This route was part of the road from Laminium and Mariana (near La Puebla del Principe) to Castulo (Jaén).
The importance of the route required various extensions of the bridge until the valley became progressively less important. During the reign of Carlos III a raised dyke and new arches were added to the north.
3) DAILY LIFE DURING ROMAN TIMES
The Roman period archaeological finds from the area of Villanueva de los Infantes allow us to reimagine the landscape and the daily life of it’s inhabitants. We can trace the cultural and technological evolution by the actual events that happened here.
The herringbone bricks (opus spicatum) and the tessellated mosaics show some of the building and flooring techniques. Weaving weights, brooches (used as safety pins for clothing) knives, ceramic crockery and coins are other representative examples of daily life during the hispano/romanic period. These are examples of simple domestic usage to more significant symbols of power and ostentation.