Information
Landmark: Roman City of Nicopolis ad IstrumCity: Veliko Tarnovo
Country: Bulgaria
Continent: Europe
Roman City of Nicopolis ad Istrum, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, Europe
Overview
Nicopolis ad Istrum, a thriving Roman city in the province of Moesia Inferior, stood just outside today’s town of Nikyup in northern Bulgaria, where its worn stone streets still catch the afternoon sun.Roman Emperor Trajan founded it in 106 AD to mark his triumph over the Dacians and the creation of the province of Moesia, a stone reminder of conquest and new borders.The city sat in a prime spot on the main Roman road from the Danube into the Balkan interior, and for centuries its markets bustled with life.Nicopolis ad Istrum stood just a short ride from the Danube, its river trade and Roman offices humming with activity that made it a vital hub for both commerce and governance.Being so close to the river made it easy to trade with communities around the Black Sea and in Thrace.The city followed classic Roman planning: straight cardo and decumanus streets, a bustling forum, grand public buildings, and steaming bathhouses.The city was famous for its remarkably intact walls and gates, solid stone barriers that once kept enemies at bay.It showcased an array of Roman public buildings-a basilica, grand theaters, ornate temples, and an aqueduct that carried cool water to its people.Inscriptions and weathered statues hint at devotion to Roman gods and emperors, with records pointing to imperial cult worship.Over time, Nicopolis ad Istrum grew into a thriving hub of trade and agriculture in the region.Thanks to its strategic location, the city commanded the Danube limes-a vital artery for soldiers and merchants-and bustled with workshops turning out pottery, amphorae, and fine textiles.After the 5th century AD, repeated raids by Goths and Huns slowly drained its life until it was left in silence.By the 6th century, Nicopolis ad Istrum lay mostly deserted, its streets silent under drifting dust.Today, it stands as a valuable archaeological site, where worn stone columns still catch the afternoon sun.Archaeologists have unearthed coins worn smooth from countless hands, carved inscriptions, and a trove of artifacts that reveal vivid details of life in the Roman Empire.Among the most striking finds are the remains of the Roman baths, fragments of the old city walls, and the basilica, later repurposed for Christian worship.You can see it all yourself-the site sits just outside Nikюpol and welcomes visitors.You can wander through the weathered stones of Roman streets at Nicopolis ad Istrum, gaining a glimpse into the empire’s history in the Balkans.This site stands as a key piece of Bulgaria’s Roman heritage and a vivid reminder of the empire’s reach across the region.For anyone fascinated by the archaeology and history of ancient Roman cities in the Balkans, it’s a must-see stop-think weathered stone arches and sun-warmed ruins.
