MERIDA, a city of Spain in the province of Estremadura. It is situated on the south side of the river Guadiana, in a strong situation, but by no means in a fruitful country. It was a place of great importance during the prevalence of the power of the Romans in Spain. The monuments left of that people now claim the admiration of all travellers. The circus, the theatres, and a bridge of fifty arches, are still in tolerable preservation, and numerous interesting inscriptions have been discovered amongst the ruins. It contains six monasteries, and 4500 inhabitants.