Archaeological evidence suggests that the Romans were in what would later become the province of Segovia by the 2nd century BC. The Romans conquered the land from the indigenous Celtiberians so they could exploit the territory. There is evidence that the local population was evicted for a time but their settlements seem to have been reoccupied as early as the 1st century AD. The territory was eventually structured around three single municipalities: Duratón, near the present-day village of the same name, Coca and Segovia. In all three places there was an abundant indigenous population, which was gradually Romanised, speaking and writing Latin and adopting all the cultural patterns of the Roman world. Between these three cities, there was a large number of smaller settlements, the so-called ‘villae’, farmhouses for growing crops in the surrounding area. These were often second homes and part of large estates. 

The construction of the Segovia Aqueduct is a symbol of profound changes in the indigenous world and its gradual adaptation to the Roman way of life. It is a work of prestige, for the builders and for the city. In the upper part of the aqueduct, there were notable houses and baths, the remains of which have been partially studied. As well as bringing water from the mountains to the town, the aqueduct was an important symbol of political propaganda and as such, public works like this were often subsidised by central or municipal politicians. 

In the last three decades, developments in the old part of the city have allowed us to learn a little more about what Roman Segovia was like. Although the remains are always partial, as they are usually emergency excavations of foundations, those that have come to light reflect important buildings, both public and private. Studies suggest, in the 12th-13th century, Segovia was at the height of construction activity, and rock was sought for the foundations of new buildings. This led to the destruction of previous remains or the accumulation of materials as fill, within which remains of ‘terra sigillata’, mural paintings, mosaics, coins and glass have been found. 

Further evidence of Roman Segovia is epigraphic. It appears throughout the perimeter of the medieval wall, where we find abundant remains of stelae and pedestals with inscriptions that reflect Segovian society in Roman times. 

Given that the remains that have been found are not visible, artefacts of the Roman city can be seen in the Museum of Segovia, where they have been placed and are on exhibition. These include objects, not only from the capital, but also from the numerous Roman sites in the province.