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Empúries
42.1347° N, 3.1206° E
About
Empúries (Catalan: Empúries [əmˈpuɾiəs]) was an ancient Greek city on the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia, Spain. The city Ἐμπόριον (Greek: Ἐμπόριον, Emporion, meaning "trading place", cf. emporion) was founded in 575 BC by Greeks from Phocaea. After the invasion of Gaul from Iberia by Hannibal the Carthaginian general in 218 BC, the city was occupied by the Romans (Latin: Emporiae). In the Early Middle Ages, the city's exposed coastal position left it open to marauders and it was abandoned. Empúries is located within the Catalan comarca of Alt Empordà on the Costa Brava. The ruins are midway between the town of L'Escala and the tiny village of Sant Martí d'Empúries.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Necropolis long use
7th century BCE
Founding by Phocaean Greeks
575 BCE
Move to mainland (Neapolis founded)
c. 550 BCE
Conquest of Phocaea
530 BCE
Roman intervention during Second Punic War
218 BCE
Viking raids and abandonment
mid-9th century
Early Christian presence
3rd century CE
Resumption of coinage under local count
1078–1117
First official archaeological excavations
1908
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Defensive Structures
Military Installations
Public and Civic Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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