Gerulata: a Fort on the Road from Taliata to Egeta

Abstract

Since the earliest times of Roman military presence in the Balkans, the Danube had a vital role. The elaborate system of fortifications on the Danube limes was connected by roads, one of the most important ones being Via militaris, leading to the Black Sea. Apart from the main road following the Danube, there were alternative ones. After Porečka reka, the Danube bends and goes into the Dacian territory for 26 km, making a big curve. So, in order to get from Taliata (Donji Milanovac) to Egeta (Brza Palanka), by following the Danube road, it would take more time than by using an alternative one, across the Miroč mountain. The fort of Gerulata was erected to protect this alternative road. On Tabula Peutingeriana it is represented as one of two stations on this road, VIII miles from Taliata.