The Roman Roads South of Berzovia: Some Observations and the Results of New Research
The Roman Roads South of Berzovia: Some Observations and the Results of New Research

Summary/Abstract: The roads examined in this paper were part of the main Roman route along the western limes of the province of Dacia. Known primarily from the information preserved in the Tabula Peutingeriana, this route has repeatedly attracted the attention of researchers over time. Such interest is well founded, given the strategic importance of the road, which connected not only the major Roman military camps north of the Danube (including Berzobis, Apulum, Potaissa, and Porolissum), but also the main urban centers in the region (such as Viminacium, Tibiscum, Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, and Napoca). However, despite centuries of research, large sections of this communication line are still poorly documented. For instance, for most of it is still not possible to indicate the exact route taken, nor is it possible to carry out a rigorous analysis of the topographical and technical parameters. In this context, a series of field surveys were recently conducted in the area south of Berzovia, resulting in the identification of several road segments. These segments were built on an embankment composed of clay, sand and gravel and were paved with dressed stones. Altogether, the road segments identified to date between Surducu Mare and Berzovia have a total length of around 12 kilometres, representing 46% of the entire length of approximately 26.5 km of this section. This study aims to present the results of the field surveys conducted between Surducu Mare and Berzovia. The first part of the paper will also provide an overview of the data available in the literature, while the last part will present some observations drawn from this research.

• Details
• Contents