Pollentia

Pollentia was an ancient Roman city located on the island of Mallorca (Majorca), one of the Balearic Islands of Spain. Its ruins are situated near the modern town of Alcúdia, in the north of the island.

Pollentia was founded in 123 BC by the Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus after he conquered the islands. The city served as the capital of the Balearic Islands under Roman rule and became an important port and trading center in the western Mediterranean.

The archaeological site of Pollentia includes the remains of a Roman theater, a forum, residential areas, and a necropolis. The theater, which is well-preserved, could seat approximately 2,000 spectators. The forum was the central public space of the city, where political, economic, and social activities took place. Remains of houses and other buildings provide insights into the daily life of the city's inhabitants.

The decline of Pollentia began in the late Roman period, and the city was eventually abandoned. Its importance was superseded by Palma (Palma de Mallorca), which became the dominant city of the island.

The archaeological site of Pollentia is now a significant tourist attraction and a valuable resource for understanding Roman history in the Balearic Islands. Ongoing excavations and research continue to reveal more about the city's past.