This new research aims to correct these historical inaccuracies and provide a more factual account of the events.Continue reading
The Hungarian National Museum, István Dobó Castle Museum, and Lajos Hatvany Museum have embarked on an archaeological excavation of the Roman guard station at Hatvan-Nagygombos (eastern Hungary), which may be part of the military constructions initiated by Emperor Valentinian I in 373 AD.
According to Origo, in recent excavations, archaeologists discovered Roman stamped bricks and parts of a late Roman military guard post, including a watchtower and barracks, originally unearthed by Sándor Soproni in the 1960s. These findings suggest a significant Roman presence in the area. Henriett Gritz, owner of the site, alerted the István Dobó Castle Museum to the archaeological potential of her property, prompting further investigation.
Currently, the excavation is in its early stages, with recent work uncovering walls of the Roman guard post over a 20-square-meter area.
The research is being conducted with the support of multiple institutions and experts, aiming to better understand the site’s historical context and significance.
The historical significance of the site lies in its unusual distance from the Valeria province border, highlighting its strategic importance in Roman military strategy. The excavation at Hatvan-Nagygombos offers valuable insights into the scale and nature of the military infrastructure established by Emperor Valentinian I, contributing to a deeper understanding of Roman frontier defenses.
Valentinian I on a Roman gold coin (solidus). Photo: Wikipedia
The Roman limes was a system of fortifications marking the boundary of the Roman Empire. In Pannonia Province (mostly the area of the modern Hungary), it included a network of forts, watchtowers, and walls along the Danube River. Key remnants in Hungary include the fortresses at Aquincum (Budapest’s 3rd district) and Brigetio (Szőny, near the Slovakian border), crucial for understanding Roman military architecture and frontier defense.
Via Origo; Featured Image: Pixabay