On Some Discoveries of the Warsaw University Expedition at Novae (1960–1983)
On Some Discoveries of the Warsaw University Expedition at Novae (1960–1983)

Summary/Abstract: The text offers a survey of the results of the archaeological explorations of the Bulgarian-Polish expedition, which started in 1960 on the territory of the Roman city of Novae, on the right bank of the Danube, near Svishtov. The localisation of the settlement became possible owing to the data from the Roman itineraries, different ancient written evidence and finds on the surface: mostly inscriptions and building ceramics with a seal bearing the name of the First Italic Legion, which was known to have been stationed in Novae. The shape of the fortification was confirmed based on archaeological data, the fortress walls and towers were traced, as well as the city gates, which were found to have undergone several successive phases of reconstruction. The principia with its two building phases was localised in the city’s central part. The building was demolished in the early 4th century, and then new habitation followed, this time of a civilian nature. A marble head of Caracalla was found in the stratum of the demolition, and in some of the rooms from that period – bronze ingots, lead pipes and a coin hoard. It is assumed that the accumulation of metal objects was connected with the smelting of metal. Five or six street levels were found by means of drilling not far from the principia. Ruins from the military hospital that had been built in the early 2nd century were unearthed in the northwestern part of the fortress. Inscriptions dedicated to Asclepius and Hygeia were found and the building was apparently heated by means of the hypocaust system. The forum was localised and close to it a large Christian basilica was explored.

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