Abyla

Abyla (called even Ad Septem Fratres or simply "Septem") was a Roman colony in Mauretania Tingitana.It was an ancient city that existed in what is now the downtown of Ceuta.

Characteristics

Septem's location in the southern side of the Gibraltar Strait has made it an important commercial trade and military way-point for many cultures, beginning in the fifth century BC with the Carthaginians (who called for the first time the city with the name "Abyla").

It was not until the Romans took control of the region in 42 AD that the port city, then named "Septem Fratres", assumed an almost exclusively military purpose. The city become a Roman colonia with full rights for the citizens under emperor Claudius.

Septem flourished economically in the Roman Empire and developed one of the main production places for fish salting commerce and industry. The city was connected with southern Roman Hispania not only for commerce, but even administratively. Efficient roman roads connected Septem with Tingis and Volubilis, facilitating trade but even military movements of legions.