The Importance of Graphics for Understanding the Architectural Transformation of the Forums of Hispania Through Four Examples

The architecture of Roman public spaces in Hispania, and specifically of the forums, developed from the reign of Augustus onwards, in line with his policy of strengthening the cities, with the generalisation of closed and tripartite forums, commonly known as imperial forums. These public monuments underwent different transformations over the following two centuries, with different characteristics and sequences depending on each case. These modifications range from a process of monumental enrichment, with the use of luxury materials in its decoration, as in the case of the forum of Itucci/Torreparedones (Baena. Córdoba), passing through a more profound architectural development, as in the forum of Baelo Claudia (Bolonia, Cádiz), and even going as far as complete remodelling, as in the forum of Conimbriga (Condeixa-a-Velha, Portugal), or the construction of monuments attached to the forum and integrated into it, as in Augusta Emerita (Mérida, Cáceres). All of this derived from the need to adapt to the new urban needs, characteristic of Roman society, and which survived until the decline of Roman power. The architectural analysis of these complexes is completed by means of their graphic representation, based on the archaeological planimetries, allowing a better visualization of their constructive evolution.