Exploring Viminacium: new excavations on the legionary fortress

Abstract

Viminacium is located in Serbia, close to the conuence 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 theNorth-western part of its defensive system. During the excavation campaigns in 2002, 2003and 2016–2018, remains of the Northern (porta praetoria) and Western Gate (porta principalissinistra), ramparts, corner and interval towers, as well as a part of a V-shaped ditch, have beenexcavated. Unearthed parts indicate the details of the ground plan of the defensive system andthe 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 oframparts made of earth and wooden planks, while the curtain of the ramparts and towers weremade of the locally queried naturally baked clay and mortar. The stone fortress was built duringthe 2nd century AD and its defensive walls were backed with the older ramparts. The defensivesystem was disrupted during the 4th century AD and along the ramparts graves from the late4th 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.