Depart from Seville and journey a few minutes north to the village of Santiponce, the site of one of the most important and largest Roman ruins in Spain. Upon arrival at the well-preserved ruins of the Roman city of Italica, discover wonderful examples of Roman architecture, mosaic work and city layouts. Founded in the year 206 BC by General Publius Cornelius Scipio as a place of settlement for soldiers wounded in the battle of Illipa, the Roman settlement of Italica is the oldest in Spain and served as an important military outpost. Its name references the first settlers who came from Italy, and it was the birthplace of Marcus Ulpius Trajan (53 AD) and his successor, Aelius Hadrian (76 AD). Marvel at the massive amphitheater, one of the largest in the Roman Empire with a seating capacity for up to 25,000 people. Wander through the tunnels where the gladiators would have walked and stand in the den that housed the lions. In the center of the arena is a great pit that would have been covered by a wooden structure and was used for gladiator and wild animal sports.  Episodes from the Game of Thrones television series were filmed in and around the Roman ruins of Itálica. The Roman amphitheater was the setting of the Dragonpit, where several key characters held a summit in season seven. After the visit of Italica you will visit the monastery of San Isidoro del Campo, a medieval fortress from the Mudejar, Gothic and Baroque periods. Then, travel back to Seville.