Preserved Ancient Roman Site in Spain Set Ablaze After Firework Went Astray [Watch]

One of the well-preserved Roman ruins in Spain was damaged. The incident happened during the Castell a la Mar event in Calpe.

Roman Ruins Damaged by Fireworks

The Baños de la Reina, an old site that dates back to the Roman Empire, was one of Spain's best-preserved ancient Roman communities when a firework went awry and straight for it during a local town celebration, according to local news station CCMA (via Newsweek).

According to LaMarinaAlta.com, the Castell a la mar was launched next to the Baños de la Reina archaeological site, between the Cantal Roig beach and Cala del Morelló.

With roots in the first century AD, it is one of the most significant Roman sites in the Iberian Peninsula. Mosaics, villas, and Roman water wells are among the visible remnants, and just a fourth of the settlement has been explored thus far.

Images and videos taken during the incidents were shared on social media. It depicted the location on fire, with massive flames consuming the ruins.

Locals in the area watching the fireworks display immediately phoned the authorities, who arrived to put out the fires. Although the fire was put out, it's unclear how much damage was done.

The Calpe City Council expressed gratitude to the firefighters for their prompt arrival at the scene. There were no alleged injuries.

The site was then evaluated on August 7 to ascertain the extent of the damage and any potential corrective work that could be required, according to the CCMA.

Some locals were reportedly furious that the fireworks were set so close to the archaeological site.

More About The Roman Ruins in Spain

The Romans called this peninsula Hispania, with Roman ruins all over it. The Baños de la Reina is one of the most striking and significant for historians. Experts praise the settlement's layout, architectural style, and mosaics, many visible in great detail.

Archaeologists know from the excavations that the area formerly housed a sizable settlement and villas furnished with various amenities.

Preserving places like this one for future generations is crucial because new Roman-era finds are constantly uncovered.

There are a lot of historical Roman sites across Spain. According to Peta Stamper, the Romans landed in the country during the 2nd century BC and established Iberian provinces known as Hispania.

Among Spain's most popular Roman sites are the magnificent Baelo Claudia, Segovia Aqueduct, and the Merida Roman Theatre. One of the first discovered on the Iberian Peninsula is the Empuries site in Catalonia, home to the remnants of an ancient Greco-Roman city and military camp. Additionally, UNESCO has referred to the Lugo Roman Walls as "the finest surviving example of late Roman military fortifications."

In a previous report from Science Times, an ancient Roman bath was also discovered in Germany. The complex was believed to be around during the Roman Empire.

It was a great discovery because Romans enjoyed their baths and used the time for socialization. Aside from keeping the Romans clean, the baths also functioned as a venue for various other cultural and social events.

Check out more news and information on Archaeology in Science Times.