Sensing the Corduba-Emerita Road: New transects of the route identified in the north of Córdoba

Abstract

The Corduba-Emerita Road, together with an extensive network of secondary roads, was the first link in the chain that allowed Rome to acquire the renowned copper of Corduba (Andalusia, Spain) mentioned by Pliny, as well as many other metals that were extracted from the Sierra Morena mountains and transported to the Eternal City. Numerous obstacles, such as the vast territory, mountainous areas, and changes in the landscape, have obscured evidence of Roman infrastructures. Recent discoveries using remote sensing methods have provided valuable information about the Roman system of penetration, control, and administration in the Baetica domains. This article presents the methodology developed using LiDAR, orthoimages from light aircraft and drone flights, and other tools to gain deeper knowledge of Roman roads in mountainous environments where field research has often been complex and unfruitful.