"Portus Vitoriae", the Roman Port

Educational justification

Today's port has experienced a long and varied process of change throughout time. If we go back in time to the beginning of the port and to a specific period, we find ourselves in Roman times. After Santander was conquered and occupied, the port was founded under the name "Portus Victoriae". Roman civilization has left its mark on various locations around the bay that we can see today. The students can discover important places in Santander that will help them to place not only the Roman period, but also where the Romans settled, which will help them understand some essential aspects of this historic period.

Description of the work to be undertaken:

How?: If we take ourselves back to the first century BC., we enter a very different period from where many changes have arisen. It is a good idea to read file 5. The picture provided shows the location of the port during this period. On a map of Cantabria you'll find interesting places referring to the Roman period, such as Julióbriga.

Using the photo of Santander in the file, we can identify the areas and buildings that were then located on solid ground, as well as others that have been built on land taken from the sea.

It could be useful to visit the excavations being carried out underneath the cathedral, which are an important point of reference in terms of the Roman period in Santander.

Where?: In the classroom and in the cathedral crypt.

When?: Before (reading, looking at prints etc.), during and after the visit.

Using what?: The relevant file. The book "El Puerto de Santander en la Cantabria Romana". (The Port of Santander in Roman Cantabria) Ed. Santander Port Authority 1995, is a useful reference book.

Assessment: For the teacher to decide.

Activity objectives:

To enable the students to understand the origins of the Port of Santander.

To enable the students to recognise some of the most important locations connected in some way to the Roman occupation.

To identify where the Roman "Portus Victoriae" was located in Santander.

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"Portus Sancti Emeterii", the medieval port

Educational justification

The medieval period famously influenced the area surrounding the Port of Santander. From Castile, Santander was one of the most important gateways to the sea. The commercial boom experienced by the town of Santander continued to develop and this meant that a number of improvements were made to the construction of its quays. Throughout its history, the port continued to set its pace and adapted itself to the requirements of the time. It is important for the students to discover that there is a reason behind the changes. Each change is important, as the aim is to meet new requirements. Port activity in medieval times emphasised the importance of Santander, then a town. Understanding our city's history helps us to understand the present. Street names, specific buildings, the remains of city walls, etc. can help students to place this period and to identify its most notable aspects.

Piece of work linked to the following stage areas:

Knowledge of the surrounding area and Spanish language.

Description of the work to be undertaken:

How?: Carefully read the text on page 30 of this file. It is a good idea to have a map of Santander visible so that the students can locate the places mentioned. On page 31, we can see the development of Santander up until 1400. In the print on page 32, the students can highlight the differences in terms of what they know about the Port of Santander. Using this print they can summarise the most interesting aspects of this period. By means of a puzzle, the following page suggests placing the drawings that represent specific elements of the city and port on the image at the bottom of the page. When they are placed, you can talk about their current location in the city of Santander.

Where?: In the classroom.

When?: During and after the visit.

Using what?: The relevant file.

Assessment: For the teacher to decide.

Activity objectives:

To enable the students to understand the Port of Santander's importance in medieval times.

To identify where the most important changes have taken place in and around the port from medieval times up to the present.

To enable the students to identify and link specific places in Santander with the medieval period.

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Santander, colonial metropolis

Educational justification

This new period is closer to our experience. Many of the changes that take place during this period follow current patterns. The students can go into this subject in depth, using the present as a starting point in terms of the customs and habits that dominated this period, where the population increased and new buildings were constructed that took land from the sea.

History continues to give us the details of every one of the changes experienced by the port in terms of the commercial activity that dominated. Access to Santander improved with new road links. The students can put this period of history in context when they see the activity that prevailed over the port and how it influenced the city of Santander.

Piece of work linked to the following stage areas:

Knowledge of the surrounding area and Spanish language.

Description of the work to be undertaken:

How?: The teacher can read the historical summary shown on page 34 of the students' chapter. The accompanying pictures give an idea of how the city grew around the bay. The difference in years between the different pictures can be calculated and you can try to explain the reason for this growth. A new puzzle helps the students to identify some specific locations and types of vessel from this period on the map. A visit could be arranged to some of these places or others that are related to this period: paseo Pereda, the new quay area, the cathedral, calle Arrabal, the train station, etc.

Where?: In the classroom.

When?: Before and during the visit.

Using what?: The relevant file and photos, pictures or books from the period (middle of the 18th century and the 19th century).

Assessment: For the teacher to decide.

Complementary material: Photos or pictures of the Bay of Santander from 1750 to 1950. You can consult the excellent books that include iconography (photos, paintings, drawings, prints, etc.) relating to the Port of Santander: "El Espejo Constante. Memoria Fotografica de Santander y su Puerto 1861 - 1950" (The constant mirror. Photographic memory of Santander and its Port 1861-1950); and "Vistas y Visiones. Imagen Artística de Santander y su Puerto 1575 - 1950" (Views & Visions. Artistic view of Santander and its Port 1575-1959). Both books were published by the Santander Port Authority in 1994 and 1995 respectively.

Activity objectives:

To allow the students to discover the most significant changes in Santander throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

To help the students identify aspects of the city and the port that arose during this period and which we can see today.

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