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October 28th, 2026
Daily puzzle · Medium · Streets map
Theme: Cities That Were Founded as Roman Colonia
Rome expanded its power not just by conquest but by planting veteran colonies across its provinces, many of which grew into today's great cities. Mérida was founded as Augusta Emerita for retired soldiers of Augustus's legions, Timgad rose as a perfectly gridded colonia in North Africa, and Xanten began as Colonia Ulpia Traiana on the Rhine frontier. Plovdiv's Roman name was Trimontium, settled as a colonia under Emperor Philip, while Petra-adjacent Jerash — Gerasa — thrived as a Decapolis city deeply shaped by Roman urban planning. Together they trace how Rome's legions became city-builders from Iberia to the Levant.
1
Mérida, SpainMérida preserves one of the best-surviving Roman theatres and amphitheatres in the world.
2
Xanten, GermanyXanten sits on the site of the Roman colony Colonia Ulpia Traiana, now an archaeological park.
3
Plovdiv, BulgariaPlovdiv's ancient Roman theatre still hosts performances in the heart of the modern city.
4
Jerash, JordanJerash contains one of the most complete Greco-Roman provincial city layouts anywhere.
5
Timgad, AlgeriaTimgad was laid out in a strict grid plan for Roman army veterans in North Africa.