Roman fortress Ratsaria
Type: Fortress
Location: Village Archar »
In Bulgarian: Римски град-крепост Рациария »
Ratsiaria was a large and important city on the Danube. His remains are located in area of Kaleto, 1 km north-east of the present village Archar (about 27 km. southeast of Vidin).
The city was founded during the Roman Empire, but there was a Thracian settlement on this lands in IV-th c BC. In Roman times here were lived Roman patricians (aristocrats), and the nearby Bononia (today Vidin) was only a small military camp.
An important period for the town of Ratsiaria are the years of Vespasian (69-79). There are lots of findings from that time including silver and gold coins. During his administration the city was made stronger and the Danube fleet was strengthened .
In II-IIIc. Ratsiaria became one of the most important cities in the eastern areas of Upper Moesia and the lands of present Northern Bulgaria. Archaeological studies have found lots of valuable architectural fragments, sculptures, tombstones and inscriptions, sarcophagi, etc..
The city was founded during the Roman Empire, but there was a Thracian settlement on this lands in IV-th c BC. In Roman times here were lived Roman patricians (aristocrats), and the nearby Bononia (today Vidin) was only a small military camp.
An important period for the town of Ratsiaria are the years of Vespasian (69-79). There are lots of findings from that time including silver and gold coins. During his administration the city was made stronger and the Danube fleet was strengthened .
In II-IIIc. Ratsiaria became one of the most important cities in the eastern areas of Upper Moesia and the lands of present Northern Bulgaria. Archaeological studies have found lots of valuable architectural fragments, sculptures, tombstones and inscriptions, sarcophagi, etc..
