Museu Històric de Sagunt

The Museu Històric de Sagunt, also known in its original name as Museo Histórico de Sagunto, is a treasure trove of history nestled in the charming town of Sagunto, in the province of Valencia, Spain. This museum is not just a repository of artifacts but a journey through time, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich and varied past of this ancient city.

The Origins and Evolution of the Museu Històric de Sagunt

The origins of the Museu Històric de Sagunt can be traced back to the Renaissance period when travelers and scholars were drawn to Sagunto by its historical and literary fame. Since the 15th century, these early enthusiasts documented and described the city's monuments, many of which have since been lost to time. The first formal museum in Sagunto was established by Dr. Palos between 1787 and 1788, who dedicated a room in the Casa de la Vila to house Iberian and Roman inscriptions. This modest collection was known as the Cuarto de les Pedres.

In 1860, Vicente Boix and the chronicler Chabret Fraga expanded the collection by adding architectural elements discovered in the castle and the city. This led to the formation of the Conjunto Monumental, which eventually moved to the Roman Theatre. To accommodate the growing number of archaeological finds, the Museo Histórico Militar was constructed in 1925 in the Plaza de Armas of the Castle. By 1952, the archaeological museum was built adjacent to the Roman Theatre, and in 1962, it was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument along with its collections.

The collections were transferred in 1990 when part of the museum's roof collapsed. However, it wasn't until 2007 that the Museu Històric de Sagunt found its new home in the Casa del Mestre Peña, a building dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, located in the Jewish Quarter of Sagunto. Due to the limited space, the exhibits are periodically rotated, ensuring that there is always something new to discover.

The Museum Today

Today, the Museu Històric de Sagunt is a state-owned institution managed by the Generalitat Valenciana. The museum's collections have been continuously enriched since the 15th century, aiming to restore and preserve the ancient history of Sagunto, particularly its Iberian and Roman periods. The museum is divided into two floors, each offering a unique perspective on Sagunto's past.

Exploring the Ground Floor

The ground floor of the museum is dedicated to the archaeological history of Sagunto. Visitors can embark on a chronological journey starting from the Iberian period. This journey highlights the process of Romanization that followed the Second Punic War, culminating in a vision of Sagunto as a fully Romanized city. The exhibits on this floor showcase a wealth of artifacts, including ceramics, tools, and everyday items that paint a vivid picture of life in ancient Sagunto.

The First Floor: A Glimpse into the Economy and Urban Evolution

The first floor of the museum is home to the economy room, which explores Sagunto's commercial relationships with the broader Mediterranean world. Through the displayed artifacts, visitors can learn about the city's trade connections with Phoenicians, Ionians, and Athenians. The adjoining rooms focus on the urban evolution of Sagunto during the Roman period, highlighting the aesthetic tastes and lifestyles of its inhabitants through various exhibits.

The Prehistoric Period

Although the prehistoric finds in Sagunto are relatively scarce, the museum does feature some notable artifacts from this period. Highlights include bone and stone beads, handmade ceramics, and flint tools from the Picayo cave and the Pic dels Corbs. These items date back to around 2000 BCE, offering a glimpse into the earliest known history of the region.

The Iberian-Roman Collection

The Iberian-Roman collection is the most extensive in the museum, housed on the lower floor. The Castle Hill was the site of the Arse edetana, playing a significant role in the military events of the time. Excavations at the Els Tres Pouets site have yielded a wealth of materials dating back to the 4th century BCE. The Iberian city was a hub for imported Mediterranean goods during the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, as evidenced by the artifacts on display.

One of the museum's most important pieces is the Iberian Bull, a stone sculpture that exemplifies the artistic prowess of the Iberians. The ceramic collection, both imported and Roman, is highly regarded, featuring items ranging from 6th-century BCE Ionian cups to imperial sigillatas. The museum also boasts a diverse array of amphorae, anchors, and anchor stocks from the Roman era.

Architecture and Sculpture

The architectural collection within the Conjunto Monumental showcases Sagunto's significant urban development. Notable elements include two blocks from a Doric entablature decorated with triglyphs and metopes featuring bull heads and paterae with umbos. The most remarkable sculpture is a Hellenistic-style female head in marble, representing the museum's oldest Roman statue.

The Lapidarium

The museum's extensive epigraphic collection is the finest Latin lapidarium in the Valencian Community, spanning from the Republican period to the Late Empire. These inscriptions provide invaluable insights into the lives and events of ancient Sagunto.

In conclusion, the Museu Històric de Sagunt is not just a museum but a portal to the past, offering visitors a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Sagunto's rich history. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the museum's diverse collections and captivating exhibits make it a must-visit destination in Sagunto.