A little-known fact about Serbia is that 17 Roman emperors were born on its territory, with Central Serbia under Roman rule for 800 years. Evidence of this history was unearthed in December, when a triumphal arch was discovered at the archaeological site of Viminacium, an ancient Roman city located near the town of Kostolac, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) from Belgrade. ) to the east. Dating back to the third century, it is one of just a few found throughout the Balkans.
The first triumphal arch of the era: The Romans and the Arc de Triomphe
Chief archaeologist and one of Serbia’s leading archaeologists, Miomir Korac, claimed that the discovery occurred while excavating the main street of Viminacium, capital of the Roman province of Moesia, according to Reuters . “This is the first such triumphal arch in this area… It probably dates from the first decades of the third century AD,” Korac said.
It was built in the style of a tetrad, a rectangular monument with arched aisles, or, in this case, a single aisle and a carved field placed above the arched section. The arch has basic dimensions of 10.40 x 6.25 meters (34.12 x 20.5 feet), dimensions that mirror those of the Arco dei Gavi triumphal arch in Verona, with a height of 12.70 meters ( 41.6 feet).
Model of the Roman Imperial Arch found in Viminacium. (Serbian Archaeological Institute)
An important clue pointing to its historical context appears in the form of a piece of marble slab bearing the letters CAES/ANTO. The inscription suggests that the dome was dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, also known as Caracalla, who ruled from 198 to 217 AD, a report in a local Serbian newspaper said .
Based on the discovered artifacts, archaeologists conclude that the triumphal arch was built in the late second century or at the latest in the early third century AD.
“We were completely surprised to discover that a main road section of Viminacium was missing the roadbed and auxiliary works. Instead of them, we came across a square-shaped foundation, built of huge pieces of limestone. We continued to excavate and discovered three more such feet! This is clearly the foundation of a four-tower, a building with four pillars and walkways on four sides. Dr. Saša Redžić, quoted by Arkeonews, said there is no doubt that it is one of the trademarks of Roman architecture: the triumphal arch or triumphal arch.
Arial image of the location in Viminacium where the Roman triumphal arch dedicated to Caracalla was found. (Serbian Archaeological Institute)
The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic and influential example of ancient Roman architecture. These structures were skilfully crafted by the Romans, drawing on their mastery of vaulting and cupola construction.
The triumphal arch was designed to commemorate important events and individuals in Roman society, including victorious generals, the founding of new colonies, the construction of roads or bridges, and the passing of cities. imperial palace or coronation of a new emperor. These architectural masterpieces serve as lasting symbols of the power, victory and pride of the Roman people, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of ancient Rome and beyond. that too.
Emperor Caracalla and the excavation of Viminacium: Important in Roman history
The mystery surrounding the dedication of the triumphal arch has been unraveled from the nearly frozen ground. Emperor Caracalla, who spent his formative years in a military camp with his father Septimus Severus, actively participated in battles from the age of 15.
Historical records reveal an important event in Upper Moesia’s capital Viminacium: the declaration of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, commonly known as Caracalla, as Caesar, ruler and successor of his father Septimius Severus in 195. Three years later, he assumed this position. title of Augustus.
Researchers, aware of the importance of the arch, determined that it was erected to commemorate this important event in the history of the empire: the plaque only confirms this hunch.
In her statement to the local press, Dr. Ilija Danković said:
“The research plan meant that we first had to excavate the main street of Viminacium – Decumanus. We located and discovered a 10.4 meter wide road paved with smooth stones, then we came to a complex network of sewers. The excavation confirmed that there were colonnades on both sides of the road.”
Many parts remain of the base of the triumphal arch. (Serbian Archaeological Institute)
Viminacium, also known as Viminatium, is famous for being an important city and capital of the Roman province of Moesia, located in present-day Serbia. It was once the capital of Upper Moesia, which includes a vast territory spanning much of eastern Serbia, Kosovo, northeastern Albania, northern areas of North Macedonia (Upper Moesia), northern parts of Bulgaria , Dobruja of Romania and small segments of southern Ukraine (Lower Moesia).
Excavations at Viminacium have been underway since 1882, but archaeologists believe they have only scratched the surface, having explored just 5% of the vast area. Spanning about 450 hectares, surpassing the scale of New York’s Central Park, Viminacium stands out by not being overshadowed by a modern city.
Finds from these excavations include two Roman ships, gold bricks, coins, jade sculptures, religious artifacts, mosaics, frescoes, weapons and even human remains. of three mammoths.
