Roman Fortress Sostra
The fortress "Sostra" ("sostra" in ancient Greek means girdle, bandage, barrier) is a Roman military post, built over the ruins of a Thracian settlement. It is situated south-east of village of Lomets, 12 km. north of the town of Troyan and 28 km. south of Lovech, in the valley of the Osam river.
"Sostra" was a stronghold of a military cohort of about 1000 people and an important military unit on the ancient road Eskus - Philipopolis. Besides the fortress, parts of which are visible today, Sostra was actually a big roadside complex including a village situated outside of the fortress walls. Construction of the fortress began in 147, by a order of Emperor Antoninus Pius, and during its existence has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt again. The castle finished its existence in the V century.
In the fortress were found about 30 silver Tetradrachms (Ancient Greek silver coin) coinaged on the island of Thasos, a bronze mask and lots of antique pottery and decorations. Most of finds are exihibited in Historical - craft museum of Troyan and the bronze mask - in the National Museum of History in Sofia.
