Mérida, Spain

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Mérida (Extremaduran: Méria) is the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It has a population of 55,568 (2008).

It was founded in the year 25 BC, with the name of Emerita Augusta (meaning the bachelors – discharged soldiers – of the army of Augustus, who founded the city; the name Mérida is an evolution of this) by order of Emperor Augustus, to protect a pass and a bridge over the Guadiana river. Two veteran legions were the former settlers: Ⅴ Alaudae and Ⅹ Gemina. The city became the capital of Lusitania province, and one of the most important cities in the Roman empire. Mérida preserves more important ancient Roman monuments than any other city in Spain (including a triumphal arch of the age of Trajan); because of this, the "Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida" is a World Heritage site.

During the Visigothic period the city maintained much of its splendor, especially under the sixth-century domination of the bishops, when it was the capital of Hispania. Bishop Paul brought the diocese great wealth, making it the wealthiest in Spain. Bishop Fidelis rebuilt the cathedral, and under the bishop Masona it became the site of the first recorded hospital in Spain.

Source: Wikipedia