Acueducto de San Lázaro, Merida Emérita Augusta was founded as a Roman colony in 25 BC under the order of the emperor Augustus to serve as a retreat for the veteran soldiers (emeritus) of the legions V Alaudae and X Gemina. Roman aqueduct of San Lázaro was constructed in 10 BC - 10 AD for the transport of water to Emérita Augusta at the time it was also the capital of the province of Lusitania