Archaeoseismological study of tilted foundations at Felix Romuliana, Gamzigrad, Serbia

A study of the Gamzigrad-Romuliana palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Serbia, reveals that severe foundation damage and structural destruction observed at the site were likely caused by natural forces rather than human activity. The research found strong correlations between foundation inclinations and natural terrain slopes, suggesting slope instability triggered by heavy rainfall or seismic activity. Historical earthquake records indicate that such events could have occurred in the 3rd century CE, with predicted seismic ground motions capable of inducing soil slumps on the alluvial fan where the palace stands. The study combines archaeoseismological analysis with geological data to propose natural causes for the observed damage, offering new insights into the resilience and vulnerabilities of ancient structures in seismically active regions.

Hinzen, K.-G., & Bülow, G. v. (2026). Archaeoseismological study of tilted foundations at Felix Romuliana, Gamzigrad, Serbia. Mediterranean Geoscience Reviews, 8(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42990-025-00213-2