The Domus Augusta in two urban landscapes of Baetica based on the sculptural evidence: Italica (Santiponce, Seville) and Asido (Medina Sidonia, Cadiz

Abstract

Throughout the Julio-Claudian dynasty, the urban landscapes of many cities in Hispania underwent important changes. Thus, they developed new public spaces adapted to Roman models, including the construction of new forums, religious centres and theatres. Not only did architecture take on a new significance, the sculptural programmes also flourished, among which the imperial representations are especially noteworthy. In many cases, they are related to the emerging imperial cult, already manifest at the local level in Baetica during the reign of Augustus. We analyse two cases of particular relevance, Italica (Santiponce, Seville) and Asido (Medina Sidonia, Cadiz). Both have important statuary programmes dated in the Julio-Claudian period.