Valencia: Sagunto
BY: SEONG HYUN HWANG
JORDAN JOZWIAK
Théâtre de Sagonte. (On-line image). Available <http://www.theatrales.uqam.ca/images/Sagunto.jpg> February 16, 2007.
Time period- When was the Roman theatre built? What was it like?
The Roman theatre was built in the middle of the 1st century. However, it was not until 1896 that it was declared as a Spanish national monument. Many theatres in Sagunto, under the influence of Roman empire, was the place of drama and music performance. The place was very popular because at that time, the denizens of the state were ignorant of education and focused to fulfill his or her pleasure by gambling, fighting, and so forth. It was one of the largest and renowned places on this planet Earth. 
Regional Importance- How does this landmark reflect or help define the culture of this region and/or Spain as a whole?
Sagunto has a strong historical cultural influence on Spain. It was the place where El Cid freed his people from Islamic and other rules, and Sagunto was also the landmark of the start of the Spanish culture for it had provoked and allowed many theatrical performances which represented the culture of Valencia as a whole. This region was not only used as a theater, but also used as the place of trading and socializing with many of its neighboring countries. 
Roman Theatre. (On-line image). Available <http://www.aboutspain.net/spain/images/sagunto.jpg> February 16, 2007.
History: Present/Past- Describe the history of Sagunto and its region.
All of these has started during the 5th century B.C. when the people of Celtiberos settled in the old temple of Diana near the church of Santa Maria. The city fluorished and survived by trading goods and services with Greek and Phoenician states. Around 219 B.C. Saguntum became one of the largest and the most prosperous town and rivaled with its neighboring colonies including Greece and Rome. However, a constant peace did not last long. Hannibal, a war general of ancient Rome, attacked and besieged the city of Saguntum, or Sagunto which led to the bloodlust move of the Second Punic War. After several months of water and food shortages, Sagunto was captured by the Roman armies. Sagunto, by its name, is an ancient city in Valencia. Sagunto was a place to house a mint. The remains received its honor and its Catholic patron saint, a bishop named Sacerdos. During the early 8th century, the town of Morviedro grew, on the other hand, Sagunto declined. In 1098, the city was conquered by El Cid from Islamic and outside influences. Compare its structure with past, it is harshly damaged, but the reconstruction in the late 19th century has boosted and examined Sagunto once again. 
Statue of El Cid. (On-line image). Available <http://web.jet.es/vliz/cid.gif/> March 4, 2007.
FLYING EL CID??
People- Who built it? Who lived there and buried there?
Sagunto is an ancient city in Valencia, Spain. Celtiberians lived during the 5th century B.C. And the place was somewhat diverse; Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans all lived and traded in this wonderful region. Its Catholic patron saint, a bishop named Sacerdos, was buried after his battle with unknown physical illness. El Cid visited Sagunto during his reconquest, and Roman general Hannibal triumphantly had conquered the remains and had had them under the control of Roman hands. Those people living prospered and lived a happy life in general. 
Architecture- Style and time period?
The style of Sagunto's Roman theatres were built, most with the help of Roman architecture and technology. These were built in 219 B.C. when Hannibal conquered the city of Sagunto. Its circular dome and large space in the center stage made it perfect for viewing in all directions and created a considerable amount of space for thousands of people to sit and watch the different kinds of performances. Comparing with the modern architectures, it bears almost every aspects in making solid building. Hard bricks and even stairs were one of those key aspects. 
Works Cited
"History." Sagunt: A virtual trip. 1994. Valencian Community. 19 Feb 2007 <http://www.upv.es/cv/saghistr.html>.
"Monuments." Sagunt: A virtual trip. 1994. Valencian Community. 19 Feb 2007 <http://www.upv.es/cv/sagmonms.html>.
"Second Punic War." Second Punic War. 2003-2007. UNRV History. 3 March 2007 <http://www.unrv.com/empire/second-punic-war.php/>.
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