Augusta Emerita, which we now call Mérida, was indeed a significant Roman colony founded in 25 B.C. It became the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, covering most of modern-day Portugal and part of western Spain. This ancient city was a center of commerce and culture, boasting impressive structures such as the Temple of Diana, a well-preserved Roman theater, and a large amphitheater. Today, Mérida is renowned for its rich collection of Roman monuments, which are among the best-preserved in Spain, attracting scholars and tourists alike who are eager to explore its historical grandeur.