The Best Attractions In Navelgas

THE ROMANS AND THE ASTURIAN GOLD - ASTURIAS (ESPAÑA - SPAIN)

At the end of the first century the Romans had a strong presence in the north of the Spanish peninsula. The legions of Roman soldiers, lead by Augustus Caesar, were finding it difficult to conquer the region but with the knowledge that the area was rich in precious metals, especially gold, the Romans fought on, finally defeating the local Astures and setting up a system of mining the would change the shape of the region and culture of ever more.

Today, Asturias has a rich mining heritage that has spanned over a millennium and visitors to the region can see firsthand how this was brought about by vitising the Archeological museum of Oviedo and the Gold museum of Navelgas.

Better still, there are plenty of physical remains left behind by the Romans such as man-made aqueducts and Roman villas...... which are great for those with a keen interest in Roman history.

The Romans also utilized the local hilltop forts of the Celts/Astures called Castros to store the mined gold as they were considered to be the most protected places while the gold was waiting to be shipped to Rome. There are many remnants of these Castros dotted throughout Asturias and despite been of huge historical importance, they also offer a wonderful and tranquil place to visit. Hundreds of Castros remain unexcavated but there are plenty that have been and a visit to Castros such as San Chuis and Coaña should be considered a must when visiting Asturias.

The story of Roman influence in Asturias is a fascinating one and visitors to the region will marvel as they travel through the national parks and reserves that are today as they where when the first Romans set foot in Asturias. Following the story of the Romans is a great way to discover some of the most wonderful locations in this region.

We would like to offer a special thank you to Narciso Yanguas and Patricia Arguelles for all their help in developing the script for the video.

We would also like to thank Archeologist and presenter of the video Alfonso Fanjul Peraza for giving up his time to film and offering advice.

If you wish to have further information about the Romans and their impact on Asturian life then don't hesitate to get in contact with us at info@whereisasturias.com

whereisasturias.com

Mountains and lakes (and an ancient Roman gold mine) in Northern Spain

Video features mostly the Picos of Europa (the lakes Enol and Ercina of Covadonga, the Basilica Santa Maria la Real de Covadonga, Mirador de la Reina in Covadonga, Oseja de Sajambre, Gorge of Los Beyos, Sella River).
It also includes the World Heritage Site of Las Medulas (an ancient Roman gold mining site) near Ponferrada and the Barrios de Luna reservoir both in the province of Leon.

Music is Adiemus by Adiemus from the album Songs of Sanctuary