Roman villa discovered in La Rioja from aerial photo

In Tricio, a small village in La Rioja with fewer than 400 residents, the discovery of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century AD has been confirmed. This find, which was made fortuitously from an aerial photograph taken in 2009, showcases the rich historical past of the region, known in Roman times as Tritium Megalon.

The villa, located beneath a cereal field, reveals Tricio's significance as a production center for terra sigillata, fine pottery widely traded throughout the Roman Empire. The village's strategic location, with access to roadways and the Ebro River, facilitated its development as an important settlement in antiquity, where a military detachment of the Legio VII Gemina Felix was even stationed.

## Why it matters This discovery not only enriches La Rioja's cultural heritage but also emphasizes the relevance of modern archaeology, where technologies like aerial photography can unveil hidden secrets of history. Additionally, the revelation of this Roman villa may attract tourist interest to the region, promoting greater awareness of its historical legacy.

## What we know The find was confirmed on September 14 by a team of archaeologists who have begun to investigate the structure and its historical context. The study of the villa is expected to provide new insights into daily life and social organization in this significant Roman center.

## What remains unclear Specific details about the size or structure of the villa have not yet been published, nor is it known what impact this discovery will have on future archaeological research in the area. It is also unclear whether there will be further excavations to explore the site more thoroughly.