Italica, located near present-day Seville in Spain, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities on the Iberian Peninsula. Just a short 15 minutes drive north of the Seville, Italica offers both history buffs and Game Of Thrones nerds like us, a facinating glimpse into Roman life and dragon pits. 

Italica is most famous for being the birthplace of two Roman emperors—Trajan (r. 98-117 AD) and his successor Hadrian (r. 117-138 AD). Both were among the most celebrated emperors of Rome, with Trajan known for expanding the empire to its greatest extent, and Hadrian famous for Hadrian’s Wall in Britain.

Italica boasts one of the largest Roman amphitheaters, capable of holding up to 25,000 spectators. This is particularly impressive since the town itself had a much smaller population, meaning it likely hosted regional events or gladiatorial games that attracted people from surrounding areas. This has been compared to the football club Wrexham building Wembley stadium as home pitch. 

Italica is an excellent example of Roman urban design. It had wide streets laid out in a grid pattern, complete with public baths, temples, and elaborate houses with impressive mosaic floors, some of which are still visible today. It is amazing to walk around the streets and houses of Italica. Some of the remaining mosaic floors are stunning to behold.

The Game of Thrones Connection: Italica’s stunning amphitheater was used as a filming location for “Game of Thrones”. It was featured as the Dragonpit of King’s Landing in season 7 of the show, it was awesome to stand on the place where Drogon landed to great applause during the meeting of all involved in GOT. It is an awesome place.