The remains of the ancient town can be visited
Ancient BuildingHisarya (Chisarja, Хисаря)
Ancient Town Augusta
The Ancient City of Augusta, today known as Diocletianopolis, is a significant Roman settlement in Bulgaria, distinguished by its well-preserved ruins and rich history. Located in the modern city of Hisarya, the remains bear witness to a once flourishing metropolis renowned for its mineral springs and strategic importance.
History+
The region around Hisarya was already settled between 5000 and 6000 BC and later hosted a Thracian settlement belonging to the Odrysian kingdom. Following the Roman conquest, a large settlement was built near the mineral springs starting from 46 AD. In 293 AD, Emperor Diocletian elevated the site to city status and renamed it Diocletianopolis. Extensive fortifications with massive walls and vigorous construction activities followed. The city developed into an important center and episcopal see, especially after the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century AD. Archaeological findings confirm ten early Christian basilicas from the 4th to 6th centuries. Historical sources describe Diocletianopolis as the third-largest city in the province of Thrace. After invasions by Goths, Avars, and Slavs, the city declined, before a new settlement, modern Hisarya, emerged on its ruins in the 17th century.
Location+
The Ancient City of Augusta is located in Hisarya, in the Plovdiv district of Bulgaria, at an altitude of approximately 355 m above sea level.
On site+
Visitors can today explore the impressive remains of the ancient city. Particularly well-preserved are the city walls, which in many places still reach a height of 11 meters, as well as the 13-meter-high southern city gate. In the central city park “Momina Salsa,” one can find the remains of a two-story residence and the 2000 m² Baths of Diocletianopolis, which are among the few surviving Roman baths in the Balkans. An amphitheater, built in the first half of the 4th century AD, is also preserved in excellent condition. The Necropolis of Diocletianopolis, 300 meters south of the city walls, is also accessible and impresses with its corridors, burial chambers, and floor mosaics.
Nearby+
- Thracian Fortress (Ancient Buildings), approx. 13.6 km away
- Ancient City Philippopolis-Roman Stadium (Ancient Buildings), approx. 39.2 km away
- Ancient City Philippopolis-Roman Theater (Ancient Buildings), approx. 39.3 km away
- Ancient City Philippopolis-Roman Forum (Ancient Buildings), approx. 39.6 km away
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hisar_kapia.JPG?uselang=de
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 42.4987, 24.7059