Research project · GEOINCA · FECYT

Rediscovering Roman Gold

The images and videos shown feature Las Médulas for demonstration purposes.

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Documented mines

Processed photographs

500

Flight videos

100

Towns analysed

Gold Landscapes in Rural Areas

The AURVILLAGE project is a science communication initiative led by the Geoinca research group at the University of León and funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Its main objective is to bring decades of scientific research on Roman gold mining closer to the general public and to show how this activity transformed the landscape of the province of León nearly two thousand years ago.

Among the planned activities the following stand out

The production of a documentary lasting between 60 and 90 minutes on the main Roman gold mines in León.

The creation of an interactive guide and teaching materials.

The organisation of outreach activities aimed at the general public and educational establishments.

The involvement of specialists in geology, archaeology, geomorphology, engineering, science communication and technologies such as LiDAR and drones, to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on mining heritage.

The project’s philosophy is based on a fundamental idea: the landscape we see today across many parts of León is not simply a natural landscape, but the result of one of the greatest engineering achievements of the ancient world. Understanding how this landscape was shaped allows us to better interpret the history of the region and enhance its value as a scientific, educational, and tourism resource.

Ultimately, AURVILLAGE aims to connect science, heritage, landscape, and rural development, bringing academic knowledge to wider society through engaging formats such as documentaries, digital tools, and participatory activities.

SCIENCE, LANDSCAPE AND TERRITORY

Scientific Outreach

To promote awareness of the Roman mining heritage of the province of León from a scientific and accessible perspective.

Enhancing the Value of the Landscape

To highlight the value of the cultural landscapes shaped by gold mining during the Roman period, recognising them as historical, geological, archaeological, and territorial heritage.

Rural Development and Tourism

To contribute to the development of rural areas by using heritage as a tool to promote scientific and cultural tourism and encourage people to remain in and settle in these areas.

Conservation and Awareness

To raise awareness of the need to conserve these landscapes, particularly following the wildfires that have affected sites such as Las Médulas and other ancient mining areas.