Roman City Ratiaria

The origins of Ratiaria date back to the Thracian period, possibly due to a gold mine in the area, which was attacked as early as 60 BC. The Roman garrison was founded at the beginning of the 1st century AD and developed into an important base for the Danube fleet under Emperor Vespasian. Under Emperor Trajan, Ratiaria was elevated to Colonia Ulpia Ratiaria after the Dacian Wars, granting it the highest city rights status in the Roman Empire. After 272 AD, it became the capital of the province of Dacia ripensis, thus becoming the economic and strategic center of northwestern Bulgaria. In 441, the city was conquered and destroyed by the Huns under Attila, but was later rebuilt under the Byzantine emperors Anastasius I and Justinian I. The final destruction occurred in 586 by the Avars.

The ancient city of Ratiaria is located in Bulgaria, approximately two kilometers west of the village of Archar in the Dimovo municipality, Vidin Province. The ruins are situated on a plateau at an elevation of approximately 64 meters above sea level.

The remains of the Roman city of Ratiaria can be visited today. Archaeological excavations have uncovered monumental public buildings, cult houses, parts of the fortress wall and the western city gate, as well as remains of villas and necropolises. Numerous inscriptions, sculptures, and mosaics bear witness to the city's former importance and cultural richness.

• Baba Vida Fortress (Fortress), approx. 19.6 km away
• Almus Fortress (Fortress), approx. 26.8 km away
• Belogradchik Fortress (Fortress), approx. 28.2 km away
• Roman Fortress Castra Martis (Ancient Buildings), approx. 31.7 km away