Las Médulas

World Heritage

Spain

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In the 1st century AD, Roman authorities began mining gold in this area of northwestern Spain using a technology based on water power. After two centuries of mining, the Romans withdrew, leaving behind a desolate landscape. In the absence of subsequent industrial activity, surprising traces of this remarkable ancient technology can be seen everywhere, such as steep walls on the hillsides and large areas of tailings, now used for agriculture.

# Hydraulic Technology