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Culture
Celtiberian city of Uxama Argaela
The ancient Celtiberian city of Uxama Argaela is situated on the hill of El Castro, on the banks of the river Ucero, in the town of Osma, Soria. The location is approximately 58 km from the provincial capital.
The city's origins can be traced back to the second Iron Age (4th century BC), when a Celtiberian settlement was established on the hill. This settlement subsequently gained significant political influence in the area.
Subsequently, in the 2nd century BC, the city came under the control of the Roman Empire, during which period it was rebuilt and extended, and a city wall was constructed. During this period, Uxama Argaela was structured as an important communication and logistics hub, as the road that linked Asturica with Caesaraugusta ran through it. It was also an important defensive bastion that controlled the Ucero valley.
In the 7th century, the Muslim troops captured the hill, fortifying the existing Roman defensive system that encircled the city and adding a series of watchtowers along the Ucero riverbank to enhance security and vigilance against Christian troops.
The archaeological remains discovered at this site date back to the ancient Roman city, specifically to that constructed during the reign of Emperor Tiberius, around the 1st century AD. This was a period of significant growth and urban expansion for the city, with the construction of several suburbs, many of which still stand today.
Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered several houses, including the house of Los Plintos, built in the time of the Emperor Claudius (1st century AD), and others such as the house of Sectile, the house of La Cantera and the house of La Atalaya. All the buildings are constructed using Adobe on stone foundations and feature frescoed murals inside.
The ancient city's nerve centre was in the highest part of the hill, on an arcaded square. This area housed the public buildings, including the remains of what may have been a temple and a basilica. To the north of the square would have been the forum, which still preserves Corinthian capitals and various sculptural remains.
To supply water to the city, Uxama had several cisterns, which stored and distributed the water. Additionally, the city had a large underground cistern or water deposit and an aqueduct, also underground, which collected water from the source of the river Ucero.
The remains discovered on the hill of El Castro have been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1997 and are now considered an important site.