In 123 BC, the Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus landed on the island of Mallorca. His mission was to conquer the Balearic Islands and suppress the local pirates who were disrupting Roman trade. After his victory, he established a new city: Pollentia. This settlement, located near modern-day Alcúdia, would become the most important Roman center in the archipelago.

Metellus chose the site for Pollentia carefully. He placed it on a small peninsula between two large bays, the Bay of Pollença and the Bay of Alcúdia. This prime location gave the Romans control over the best natural harbors on the island.

Pollentia’s location wasn't just good for mooring ships; it was a strategic masterpiece. From this vantage point, the city dominated both sea and land routes, making it a vital military and commercial hub in the western Mediterranean. Roman ships could easily patrol the surrounding waters, protecting trade routes from piracy and solidifying Rome's power in the region. Over time, this security allowed trade to flourish, connecting Pollentia to the bustling economy of the Roman world.

What began as a military camp (castra) soon grew into a thriving Roman city. Pollentia was designed with the classic Roman grid plan, complete with a forum, temples, and residential areas. As the city prospered, it was granted the status of a colony, which meant its citizens enjoyed rights and privileges similar to those in Italy.

Pollentia reached its peak during the first two centuries of the Roman Empire. It was a bustling urban center, rich with the goods and culture flowing through its port. The city's influence began to wane around the 3rd century AD due to economic instability and increasing raids, leading to its gradual decline. Still, for centuries, it stood as a powerful symbol of Roman influence in the Balearic Islands.

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The founding of Pollentia marked the beginning of a new era for Mallorca, integrating the island firmly into the Roman world.