Novae (fortress)
Bulgaria

Novae (fortress)

Roman legionary fortress on the Danube, Bulgaria

Location

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Historical Context

About

Novae was initially one of the few great Roman legionary fortresses along the empire's border, forming part of the defences (limes Moesiae) along the Danube in northern Bulgaria. The settlement later expanded into a town in the Roman province of Moesia Inferior, later Moesia Secunda. It lies about 4 km east of the modern town of Svishtov. The fortress is one of the few along the limes to have been excavated and now open to the public.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileNovae_-_Bishop_complex_with_main_catedral.jpg
FileNovae_Principia.jpg
FileNovae_plan.jpg
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Seat of a bishop and church construction

5th–6th centuries

Danube frontier established

30 BC

Fortress founded by Legio VIII Augusta

c. 45 AD

Legio I Italica replaces Legio VIII

69–70 AD

Novae becomes a legionary base in Moesia Inferior

86 AD

Gothic attack under Cniva

250 AD

Latest legion inscriptions

430–432 AD

Justinianic rebuilding

527–565 AD

Roman soldiers' burials discovered

2018

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

FortressesDefensive WallsTowers
category

Military Installations

Barracks
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Miscellaneous Features

Castellum divisorum
category

Water Management Features

AqueductsReservoirsFountains
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Public and Civic Structures

Public BathsAmphitheatresAdministrative Buildings
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Burial and Funerary Structures

CemeteriesGraves
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Industrial and Craft Structures

WorkshopsGlassworks
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Religious and Ritual Structures

Churches
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Artistic and Decorative Features

Inscriptions
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

TownsVillasVillagesHouses
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Environmental and Natural Features

Terraces
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Transportation and Communication Structures

RoadsBridges
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Bulgaria

Coordinates

43.61° N, 25.39° E