Exploring Viminacium: New excavations on the legionary fortress

Abstract

Viminacium is located in Serbia, close to the confluence of the rivers Mlava and Danube. Previous investigations of Viminacium included only small parts of the legionary fortress related to the Legio VII Claudia, while recent archaeological excavations comprised also the North-western part of its defensive system. During the excavation campaigns in 2002, 2003 and 2016–2018, remains of the Northern (porta praetoria) and Western Gate (porta principalis sinistra), ramparts, corner and interval towers, as well as a part of a V-shaped ditch, have been excavated. Unearthed parts indicate the details of the ground plan of the defensive system and the whole fortress. Based on recent excavations it was possible to suggest at least two construction phases. A primal defensive system dates back to the Flavian period. It consisted of ramparts made of earth and wooden planks, while the curtain of the ramparts and towers were made of the locally queried naturally baked clay and mortar. The stone fortress was built during the 2nd century AD and its defensive walls were backed with the older ramparts. The defensive system was disrupted during the 4th century AD and along the ramparts graves from the late 4th century were set. Excavated parts of the architecture and related archaeological layers improved our knowledge and understanding of the history, planning and building process of Viminacium legionary fortress, as well as the history of military units that had been stationed there.