Discovery of Ancient Roman Triumphal Arch Revealed in Serbia

In the face of harsh winter conditions, archaeologists in Serbia bravely conducted a survey of an ancient Roman triumphal arch, an exceptional find in the Balkans dating back to the third century.

Discovered in December at the Viminacium site, a Roman city near Kostolac, approximately 70 kilometers (45 miles) east of Belgrade, the triumphal arch was revealed during the excavation of the main street of Viminacium, the capital of the Roman province of Moesia.

Miomir Korac, the eminent archaeologist leading the expedition, stated that this triumphal arch is the first of its kind in the area and can be dated to the early decades of the third century AD, according to Reuters.

Viminacium, a sprawling Roman city accommodating 45,000 residents, featured a diverse array of structures, including a hippodrome, fortifications, forum, palace, temples, amphitheater, aqueducts, baths, and workshops. It thrived from the first to the sixth centuries.

Korac expressed certainty about the discovery when square foundational footprints made of massive limestone pieces were uncovered, affirming the arch's existence. A crucial find was a fragment of a marble slab inscribed with the letters "CAES/ANTO," suggesting dedication to Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, famously known as Caracalla, who reigned from 198 to 217 AD.

Archaeologist Mladen Jovicic shared the belief that Caracalla ascended to the throne in Viminacium and expressed optimism about finding more pieces. The team has already discovered a finely crafted pillar and beams but aspires to uncover additional artifacts related to the arch's inscription.

Despite ongoing excavations at Viminacium since 1882, archaeologists estimate that only 5% of the sprawling 450-hectare site has been explored. Notably, the site, larger than New York’s Central Park, is unusual in that it is not buried under a modern city.

The discoveries at Viminacium include two Roman ships, golden tiles, coins, jade sculptures, religious items, mosaics, frescoes, weapons, and the remains of three mammoths.