Publications
Architectural Characteristics and Stratigraphic Analysis of the Northern Sector of Almus Castrum (Dacia Ripensis): New Data from Archaeological Research of the Danube Limes in Bulgaria
New archaeological research at Almus Castrum, Bulgaria, reveals critical insights into the transformation of a Roman military fortification into a Late Antique settlement. The study, spanning 2014–2023, establishes a precise chronology for the site's development using stratigraphic analysis and significant artifacts, including a 1st-century AD golden phalera and lead exagia. By integrating numismatic evidence from the Constantinian era and ceramic typology (terra sigillata), the research provides essential data supporting the nomination of the Danube Limes as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This work sheds light on the architectural evolution of Almus Castrum, transitioning from a specialized military castellum to a fortified civitas, offering valuable context for understanding Roman frontier dynamics in Dacia Ripensis.
European approaches to the Roman limes between heritage and tourism: Examples of good practices for the Transylvanian limes
The Transylvanian sector of the former Roman province of Dacia Porolissensis holds significant potential for sustainable archaeological tourism, yet it remains underutilized due to a lack of functional integration and coordinated management. A comparative analysis with established European models, such as Hadrian's Wall and the German Limes system, reveals that route-based organization, institutional cooperation, and diversified visitor experiences can generate substantial economic benefits, including increased tourism flows and regional development. While Western Europe demonstrates more advanced heritage valorization, the Transylvanian Limes could serve as a valuable resource if transitioned from a descriptive archaeological perspective to an integrated, tourism-oriented framework. This study highlights the need for strategic planning to unlock its potential for sustainable growth.
Ignorantia de Barbaris. Complacency, Boastfulness and Security in the Roman Worldview in the Face of the New Bordering Peoples in the Mid-third Century A.D.: From Contempt to Bewilderment
A shift from complacency to bewilderment characterized the Roman response to new barbarian peoples, such as the Goths, during the mid-third century AD. This study reveals how Rome's traditional sense of security and boastfulness eroded under pressure from migrating groups, leading to administrative and military abandonment of provinces like Dacia. To cope with this disruption, Roman sources began investigating and assimilating these new groups' origins with ancient ones, such as the Getae and Dacians, laying the groundwork for long-lasting identity confusion and appropriation. This phenomenon extended across Europe from the 4th century onward, reshaping cultural and political realities.
Tangible cultural heritage in the Botna river basin
A comprehensive inventory of the Botna River basin's tangible cultural heritage, encompassing 157 sites with over one-third being archaeological, reveals significant potential for UNESCO World Heritage nomination. The research, leveraging official databases and advanced methodologies including drone imagery and QGIS analysis, highlights the basin's underappreciated historical and geographical diversity. Notably, some identified sites may strengthen the cross-border significance of Trajan's Wall, aligning with Romania's existing 'Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia' UNESCO listing (2024). This study underscores the basin's value for heritage promotion and valorization.
On the Fringes of the Empire: Multidisciplinary Investigations at the Roman Fort in Ungra, Transylvania
A Roman fort near Ungra, Transylvania, reveals new insights into the military strategies and defensive networks of Dacia during the Roman Empire. The fort's strategic location, featuring a double ditch and rampart system, along with evidence of both timber and stone construction phases, suggests it played a pivotal role in controlling key communication routes and defending against threats. Multidisciplinary investigations, including satellite imagery, drone surveys, geophysical studies, archaeological excavations, and digital reconstructions, uncovered significant artifacts such as ballista projectiles, sling stones, and metallurgical slag, indicating active military use for both defense and offense. The fort's proximity to the auxiliary fort at Hoghiz further implies an interconnected network of defenses, enhancing our understanding of Roman frontier dynamics in Transylvania.
Beyond the River, Under the Eye of Rome
Roman perceptions of Danubian peoples, particularly the Sarmatians, were distorted by ethnic and ecological stereotypes that undermined imperial frontier management, leading to mismanagement of border wars and migrant crises from the 1st to 5th centuries CE. These misconceptions, reinforced by Rome's military and economic power, shaped social structures and group identities in the region, with lasting consequences for later interactions with Goths and Huns. The study draws on textual, inscriptional, and archaeological evidence to reveal how these stereotypes influenced critical political and military events, including Trajan’s Dacian campaign and the Marcomannic Wars.
Csaba Szabó. Roman Religion in the Danubian Provinces: Space Sacralisation and Religious Communication during the Principate (1st–3rd Century AD)
Roman Religion in the Danubian Provinces reveals that sacralized spaces and religious communication were pivotal to understanding Roman religiosity during the Principate (1st–3rd century AD). The study challenges traditional spatial, theoretical, and chronological boundaries by analyzing micro, meso, and macro sacralized spaces—ranging from personal shrines to urban centers and pilgrimage networks. Using a systematic model of space sacralization alongside methodologies of lived religion and glocalization, the research demonstrates how religious practices adapted locally while reflecting broader Roman cultural phenomena. Key insights include the role of urban centers like Carnuntum as hubs of religious communication and the dynamic nature of Mithraic worship across diverse communities. The work bridges gaps in scholarship by integrating Central Eastern European research into English discourse, offering a comprehensive framework for studying religion in this heterogeneous region.
Once again on the roman military equipment in Barbaricum near the Roman Dacia
A recent analysis of Roman military equipment found beyond the Dacian limes in Barbaricum reveals new insights into the distribution and origin of these artifacts during the late 2nd to mid-3rd century AD. The study, which builds on earlier research, examines ten items, including weapon accessories and belt/baldric fittings, discovered in Wallachia and other regions linked to Roman Dacia. Notably, nine pieces date from the end of the 2nd century AD to around 260 AD, with origins traced to Roman Dacia or Moesia Inferior, while one item from a Vandal settlement in Medieșu Aurit is confirmed as imported from Dacia Porolissensis. The findings suggest that these artifacts were widely distributed within the Danubian provinces and reflect types common across the Roman Empire, providing evidence for military interactions and trade networks along the frontier.
The Empire at High Tide
During the second century CE, the Roman Empire reached its zenith in power and territorial extent under the reigns of five 'good' emperors: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. This period marked significant expansion, with Trajan adding Dacia and Mesopotamia to the empire's domain. However, it also witnessed increasing instability, including prolonged conflicts along the Danube frontier and debilitating wars with Parthia. The study highlights the adverse impact of the Antonine Plague on the empire's fabric, underscoring a critical juncture in its history where prosperity coexisted with mounting challenges.
Alexandru Popa, The Frontiers of the Roman Empire in Eastern Dacia. Preliminary Results of Research Conducted in the Context of the Romanian National Limes Program
Romania's bid to inscribe its Dacian Limes and Danubian Roman Border segments as part of the UNESCO Frontiers of the Roman Empire (FRE) site underscores the significance of these archaeological landmarks. These frontiers, stretching across Transylvania, represent a dynamic contact zone between the Greco-Roman world and local civilizations north of the Danube. The Romanian National Limes Program, coordinated by the National Limes Commission in collaboration with institutions like the National Heritage Institute and the National History Museum, aims to document both visible and invisible traces of this frontier. This initiative not only highlights Romania's rich archaeological heritage but also emphasizes its role in preserving and communicating these historical narratives on a global scale.
The Frontiers of the Roman Empire in Eastern Dacia. Preliminary Results of Research Conducted in the Context of the Romanian National Limes Program
Romania's bid to inscribe the Dacian Limes and segments of the Danubian Roman Border as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Frontiers of the Roman Empire' highlights its significance as a dynamic contact zone between the Greco-Roman world and local civilizations north of the Danube. The Romanian National Limes Program, coordinated by the National Limes Commission, involves multiple institutions including the National Heritage Institute, National History Museum, and regional museums, to prepare the nomination. This initiative aims to document both visible and invisible traces of the Roman frontier, emphasizing its role as a cultural bridge rather than a strict border. The program also ensures seamless communication between national and international partners, underscoring Romania's commitment to preserving and promoting this globally significant archaeological heritage.
Recent Archaeological Investigations in the Meseș Gate pass (Dacia Porolissensis). The Roman Frontier Watchtower from Poguior Hill
Recent archaeological excavations at the Meseș Gate Pass in Dacia Porolissensis have shed light on the Roman frontier watchtower located on Poguior Hill, a critical component of the Roman limes system. The study reveals that this watchtower was part of a strategic network designed to monitor and control transit through one of the empire's key northwestern frontiers during the province of Dacia's existence (106–271 CE). Unlike earlier fortifications by prehistoric, La Tène, or medieval communities, the Roman system integrated linear defenses such as walls, watchtowers, and valley fortlets to ensure organized surveillance. The excavation provides new insights into Roman frontier organization, emphasizing the tower's role in maintaining security along this historically significant transit route.
Alexandru Popa, Frontiera Imperiului Roman din Dacia în drum spre Lista patrimoniului mondial. Pro bleme și responsabilităţi pentru cercetarea arheologică, protecția patrimoniu lui și turism / The Limes of the Roman Empire in Dacia on its way to the World Heritage List. Problems and responsibilities for archaeological research, heritage preservation and tourism
Romania's bid to list the Frontiers of the Roman Empire (Limes) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores the critical intersection of archaeological research, heritage protection, and sustainable tourism. The study clarifies diverse interpretations of 'limes' while emphasizing the distinct responsibilities of stakeholders—archaeologists, policymakers, and tourism industries—in both the nomination process and post-inscription stewardship. It highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to preserve these ancient frontiers, balancing scientific inquiry with cultural and economic imperatives. The research serves as a timely call to action, addressing challenges such as funding, legal frameworks, and public engagement essential for safeguarding this global heritage.
Dalmatians and Dacians—Forms of Belonging and Displacement in the Roman Empire
This study reveals that the Dacian Wars (106 CE) and subsequent Roman conquest of Dacia reshaped identities through forced displacement, with young Dacian men conscripted into the Roman army serving in distant regions like Eastern Egypt. Meanwhile, Dalmatian miners exploited Dacia's gold and silver wealth, creating shared experiences that fostered new senses of belonging alongside persistent group identities. The research traces these transformations by analyzing historical records and archaeological evidence, highlighting how war and economic exploitation intertwined to redefine cultural affiliations along Rome's frontiers.
Visualization techniques for an airborne laser scanning‐derived digital terrain model in forested steep terrain: Detecting archaeological remains in the subsurface
Researchers have uncovered 79 previously unknown subsurface archaeological structures, part of the ancient Roman Empire's defensive system (limes), using advanced visualization techniques on airborne laser scanning data. These structures, confirmed through ground inspection, were detected in a steep, forested area within Porolissum, Romania. The most effective methods—principal component analysis, simple local-relief model, sky-view factor, and positive openness—achieved over 75% detection accuracy for feature extent. The findings suggest that this region was strategically deforested during the Roman period. This study demonstrates the potential of cutting-edge remote sensing technology to identify buried ancient structures, a crucial step in compiling data for potential UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination.
Caracalla and Dacia. Imperial Visit, a Reality or Only Rumour?
New evidence challenges the long-held belief that Roman Emperor Caracalla visited Dacia in 213, traveling as far north as Porolissum. Analysis of recent inscriptions from across the Roman Empire indicates Caracalla was likely in the Orient post-October 213, after defeating the Alamanns near Raetia, rather than on a northern frontier expedition. While he may have briefly stopped at Drobeta or Tibiscum—where he could have visited Apollo’s temple—logistical constraints and his recorded arrival in Nicomedia by December 17 make a journey to Porolissum implausible. The study also debunks the link between tile-stamps from Legions VII Gemina Felix (Leon) and III Gallica (Porolissum) with Caracalla’s movements, citing no historical precedent for such vexillation replacements during his eastern campaigns.
The Evolution of Roman Frontier Concept and Policy
Roman frontier policy during its expansion was characterized by a unique approach that balanced defense with permeability, allowing for the free movement of people and goods—a stark contrast to modern frontier concepts. This study reveals that despite Rome's ideological claim of infinite territorial reach, its actual frontiers evolved dynamically over a millennium, adapting to challenges posed by external threats. The research highlights Dacia as a prime example of this complex system, where frontier development peaked during the 2nd century AD, reflecting Rome's innovative strategies for securing its borders while maintaining cultural and economic exchange. By analyzing historical records and archaeological evidence, the study reconstructs how Roman frontier policies evolved in response to territorial expansion and external pressures.
The Southwestern Limes of Roman Dacia and Beyond - New Surveys and Excavations
Research on the southwestern frontier of Roman Dacia reveals that the Sarmatian Iazyges penetrated the marshy plains east of the river Tisza significantly earlier than previously believed—immediately after the Marcomannic wars (post-180 AD)—rather than at the end of the 3rd century AD. This challenges long-held assumptions about the timeline and extent of their expansion. The study used GPS to precisely locate Roman military sites, map them geo-referenced, and analyze their relationship with ancient landscapes, as well as investigate the so-called 'Roman walls' in southwestern Romania. By integrating surveys, excavations, and spatial analysis, the research provides new insights into the dynamics of frontier defense, settlement patterns, and the interactions between Roman forces and neighboring tribes.
Changing Identities in the Oecumene: Geography and Architecture in the Greco-Roman World
A groundbreaking study establishes a direct link between the symbolism of Roman architecture and the geography of empire, revealing how territorial expansion shaped identity constructs. By applying the Greek concept of 'oecumene' (known world), the research demonstrates that Roman identity was fluid and influenced by conquest, as exemplified in Trajan’s Forum and the Pantheon. The study uniquely bridges ancient and contemporary perspectives, questioning how globalization's expectations of boundless communication zones affect spatial/geographical identity understanding. This work synthesizes insights from architecture, geography, and ritual, drawing on extensive research, including a Rome Scholar project and a Paul Mellon Rome Fellowship.
Noi cercetari la Porolissum / New Researches at Porolissum
Archaeological research at Porolissum, a Roman fort in Dacia, has identified a previously unknown ballistarium—a specialized building for storing artillery projectiles and war machines. Excavations between 2010 and 2012 uncovered a 25 × 10-meter structure near the fort's main gate, characterized by five distinct habitation layers dating from AD 140 to 180/190. The discovery of approximately 90 stone projectiles (9 cm diameter) and other military artifacts, along with parallels from British auxiliary forts, confirms its role as a ballistarium. Additionally, geophysical surveys revealed extensive civilian habitation, including large stone buildings and dwellings, expanding knowledge of the Roman town municipium Septimium Porolissensis.
The Marcommanic Wars
The Marcomannic Wars, spanning from the accession of Marcus Aurelius to 171 CE, marked a critical turning point for the Roman Empire, signaling the onset of prolonged northern frontier instability that foreshadowed the empire's fifth-century decline. This period saw unprecedented pressure on Rome's Danube frontier, with multiple Germanic and Sarmatian tribes launching coordinated attacks. The conflict began under Marcus Aurelius' rule, exacerbated by the diversion of legions to a Parthian war (162–166 CE), which left the northern front vulnerable. Two new legions were raised in 165–166 CE to counter the threat, but an invasion by northern German tribes, including Lombards and Obii, destabilized Pannonia. Despite Roman efforts, the war was complicated by a severe plague that delayed military campaigns and claimed significant lives, including Emperor Lucius Verus' death in 169 CE. The study highlights how this prolonged conflict reshaped Rome's strategic priorities and resource allocation, setting precedents for future imperial challenges.
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