Baelo Claudia
The ruins lie along the beach | |
| Location | Bolonia, Province of Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°05′23″N 05°46′29″W / 36.08972°N 5.77472°W |
| Type | Settlement |
| History | |
| Founded | End of the 2nd century BC |
| Abandoned | 6th century AD |
Baelo Claudia was an ancient Roman town in Hispania, located 22 kilometres (14 mi) outside of Tarifa, near the village of Bolonia, in southern Spain. Situated on the shore of the Strait of Gibraltar, the town began as a fishing village and trading hub when it was settled approximately 2,000 years ago. Although a prosperous town at the time of Emperor Claudius, it went into a decline partially fueled by earthquakes and was abandoned by the 6th century.
The study of its architectural remains shows that the Roman town originated at the end of the 2nd century BC, and from the beginning possessed a great wealth that made it an important economic center in the Mediterranean area.