The Roman Theater of Mérida, built around 15 BCE, is considered a Spanish cultural icon. The consul Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa funded its construction, while subsequent emperors bankrolled extensive renovations. During the Middle Ages, most of the building was covered with earth. According to local folklore, the upper tier of seats, which remained visible through the ages, hosted several Moorish kings who assembled to decide Mérida’s fate.