Frontiers of the Roman Empire – serie

The frontiers of the Roman empire together form the largest surviving monument of one of the world´s greatest states. They stretch for some 7,500 km through 20 countries which encircle the Mediterranean Sea. The remains of these frontiers have been studied by visitors and later archaeologists for several centuries. Many of the inscriptions and sculpture, weapons, pottery and artefacts created and used by the soldiers and civilians who lived on the frontier can be seen in museums. Equally evocative of the lost might of Rome are the physical remains of the frontiers themselves. The aim of this series of booklets is not only to inform the interested visitor about the history of the frontiers but to act as a guide-book as well.

Austria is particularly fortunate in the survival along the Danube of the remains of many military installations. These include forts and towers, some parts surviving up to two stories high. They are a most remarkable survival and deserve to be better known and more visited. I certainly hope each reader of this book will enjoy learning more about Austria’s Roman heritage.

From the Foreword by David J. Breeze.

The inextricability of the connection between the Roman limes and the lands it ran through is easily observed and there is even a regularity to be noted: some modern borders actually follow the line of the ancient defenses. At the same time there are significant differences between particular sections of the limes, resulting primarily from the topography, climate and changing strategic importance. The Bulgarian section of the limes is a perfect illustration. For a considerable distance it follows the Danube, which is at the same time the border between Bulgaria and Romania. The landform the location of major settlements at convenient river crossings, natural barriers separating the region from tribal territories and the relatively hospitable region of the Balkans all contributed to making the region north of the Haemus mons suitable for Roman urban and rural settlement, agriculture and overland commerce. The Danube was always of foremost importance. A major natural obstacle and at the same time a convenient communication route, it was easily defendable and facilitated control of trade routes, permitted quick and easy transport of goods, including army supplies, not to mention the movements of the army itself. The region was also relatively quickly Romanized, the process clearly stimulated by the presence of Roman troops transferred to the provinces mainly for the Dacian wars. Other factors of influence included civilians engaged in trade and agriculture, a rapid pacification of the local tribes and the productive coexistence of different ethnic groups, with a significant cultural input of the Greek colonies and poleis in the Black Sea littoral, which gave in effect a synthesis of different traditions, languages and cultures. Not the least in this process of cementing unity in the region was a common enemy – the Goths, Ostrogoths, Huns, Karpai and Avars to mention just a few.