Culture

Sanisera Archaeological Site

Sanicera or Sanisera archaeological site is located in the bay of Sanitja harbour, next to Cape Cavalleria. It is one of the Roman cities that were established on the Balearic island, taking advantage of one of the safest refuges on its north coast.

It was first mentioned in the 1st century A.D. in the work Naturalis Historia, attributed to Pliny the Elder, a well-known Roman writer and military man, and the large collection of remains found, such as Roman amphorae on the seabed of the harbour, confirm the theory that there was a permanent settlement in this area at this time.

Several archaeological interventions have been carried out in the area, especially in the 1980s, between 1979 and 1987. Thanks to this work, various elements have come to light that help to reconstruct the structure of the site.

Thus, it seems that Sanicera was formed by a military camp, located to the south-east of the harbour and built in 123 BC during the conquest of the island by Quintus Caecilius Metellus. On the other hand, some interesting industrial structures and a necropolis have also come to light on the west side, which would belong to the city of Sanicera, which along with Jammo (Ciutadella) and Magona (Maó-Mahón), are the three Roman cities that once existed on the island of Menorca. The city had its moment of splendour between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD and was inhabited until the 6th century.

Although no remains of the harbour have been found, several amphorae and four Roman anchors have been found within the bay, as well as the remains of a 13th-century mosque in which Roman ashlars from the city would have been used.

It is interesting to note that the Balearic population was very skilled with slingshots. As a result, the Menorcans were used as mercenaries or elite militia known as the Balearic slingers from the end of the 5th century BC. This group took part in the Punic Wars, under the command of Hannibal, and in the Gallic War, under the command of Julius Caesar. When Menorca became part of Rome, these units trained in the military camp at this site.

Finally, very close to this point you will find Sanitja Tower, a British coastal defence tower dating back to the end of the 18th century, and Cape Cavalleria, with its famous lighthouse.