The Roman water deposits of Los Diegos in Los Alcazares
The 2000-year-old ruins in Los Narejos were used for unknown purposes!
Very little is known about the function and purpose of these Roman remains in the Los Narejos district of Los Alcázares other than the fact that they were built between the 2nd century BC and the 3rd century AD.
There is no certainty over whether they formed part of a larger complex of constructions, but they may have been related to the water supply infrastructures serving a Roman villa or agricultural concern, possibly for the treatment of esparto grass prior to weaving or for treating clay for pottery, or for creating salted fish products… no evidence has been found to resolve the mystery.
What is known is that the walls are made out of “opus caementicium” cement, containing small pebbles and ceramic fragments, and lined with “opus signinum”. This is one of the facts which helps to date the remains mainly to the later period of the Roman Republic, most likely the 3rd century AD. Examination of the composition of the cement shows the remains of many small marine creatures endemic to the Mar Menor, suggesting that the water was collected from the nearby beach.
The structure unearthed as recently as 1990 during excavation work measures 7.45 by 13.70 metres and only two of the pools are interconnected.
The structures can be seen in Avenida Radio Baliza Óscar in Los Narejos (click here for map).
