The Villa was constructed in the 4th century AD, as the center of a huge latifundium (agricultural estate) covering the surrounding area. The villa kept this role for less than 150 years. The villa was damaged and perhaps destroyed during the domination of the Vandals and the Visigoths. The outbuildings remained in use, at least in part, during the Byzantine and Arab periods. The site was abandoned in the 12th century when a landslide covered the villa.