Publications
Beyond the River, Under the Eye of Rome
Roman perceptions of Danubian peoples, particularly the Sarmatians, were distorted by ethnic and ecological stereotypes that undermined imperial frontier management, leading to mismanagement of border wars and migrant crises from the 1st to 5th centuries CE. These misconceptions, reinforced by Rome's military and economic power, shaped social structures and group identities in the region, with lasting consequences for later interactions with Goths and Huns. The study draws on textual, inscriptional, and archaeological evidence to reveal how these stereotypes influenced critical political and military events, including Trajan’s Dacian campaign and the Marcomannic Wars.
Once again on the roman military equipment in Barbaricum near the Roman Dacia
A recent analysis of Roman military equipment found beyond the Dacian limes in Barbaricum reveals new insights into the distribution and origin of these artifacts during the late 2nd to mid-3rd century AD. The study, which builds on earlier research, examines ten items, including weapon accessories and belt/baldric fittings, discovered in Wallachia and other regions linked to Roman Dacia. Notably, nine pieces date from the end of the 2nd century AD to around 260 AD, with origins traced to Roman Dacia or Moesia Inferior, while one item from a Vandal settlement in Medieșu Aurit is confirmed as imported from Dacia Porolissensis. The findings suggest that these artifacts were widely distributed within the Danubian provinces and reflect types common across the Roman Empire, providing evidence for military interactions and trade networks along the frontier.
The Empire at High Tide
During the second century CE, the Roman Empire reached its zenith in power and territorial extent under the reigns of five 'good' emperors: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. This period marked significant expansion, with Trajan adding Dacia and Mesopotamia to the empire's domain. However, it also witnessed increasing instability, including prolonged conflicts along the Danube frontier and debilitating wars with Parthia. The study highlights the adverse impact of the Antonine Plague on the empire's fabric, underscoring a critical juncture in its history where prosperity coexisted with mounting challenges.
The Northern Frontier
Excavations at the Roman fort of Vindolanda, spanning over forty years, have revealed significant insights into the management and dynamics of Rome's northern frontier in Britain. The study highlights a period of relative stability along the Stanegate, marked by controlled movement through fortified garrisons and often friendly interactions between Roman troops and local peoples. Notably, letters from Vindolanda provide detailed information about military units stationed there, including the Tungri and Batavi, during the late first and early second centuries. This research sheds light on Rome's strategic adjustments following its withdrawal from northern Scotland around 86–87 AD, coinciding with aggressive campaigns in Dacia under Emperor Trajan.
Visualization techniques for an airborne laser scanning‐derived digital terrain model in forested steep terrain: Detecting archaeological remains in the subsurface
Researchers have uncovered 79 previously unknown subsurface archaeological structures, part of the ancient Roman Empire's defensive system (limes), using advanced visualization techniques on airborne laser scanning data. These structures, confirmed through ground inspection, were detected in a steep, forested area within Porolissum, Romania. The most effective methods—principal component analysis, simple local-relief model, sky-view factor, and positive openness—achieved over 75% detection accuracy for feature extent. The findings suggest that this region was strategically deforested during the Roman period. This study demonstrates the potential of cutting-edge remote sensing technology to identify buried ancient structures, a crucial step in compiling data for potential UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination.
The Evolution of Roman Frontier Concept and Policy
Roman frontier policy during its expansion was characterized by a unique approach that balanced defense with permeability, allowing for the free movement of people and goods—a stark contrast to modern frontier concepts. This study reveals that despite Rome's ideological claim of infinite territorial reach, its actual frontiers evolved dynamically over a millennium, adapting to challenges posed by external threats. The research highlights Dacia as a prime example of this complex system, where frontier development peaked during the 2nd century AD, reflecting Rome's innovative strategies for securing its borders while maintaining cultural and economic exchange. By analyzing historical records and archaeological evidence, the study reconstructs how Roman frontier policies evolved in response to territorial expansion and external pressures.
The Southwestern Limes of Roman Dacia and Beyond - New Surveys and Excavations
Research on the southwestern frontier of Roman Dacia reveals that the Sarmatian Iazyges penetrated the marshy plains east of the river Tisza significantly earlier than previously believed—immediately after the Marcomannic wars (post-180 AD)—rather than at the end of the 3rd century AD. This challenges long-held assumptions about the timeline and extent of their expansion. The study used GPS to precisely locate Roman military sites, map them geo-referenced, and analyze their relationship with ancient landscapes, as well as investigate the so-called 'Roman walls' in southwestern Romania. By integrating surveys, excavations, and spatial analysis, the research provides new insights into the dynamics of frontier defense, settlement patterns, and the interactions between Roman forces and neighboring tribes.
Changing Identities in the Oecumene: Geography and Architecture in the Greco-Roman World
A groundbreaking study establishes a direct link between the symbolism of Roman architecture and the geography of empire, revealing how territorial expansion shaped identity constructs. By applying the Greek concept of 'oecumene' (known world), the research demonstrates that Roman identity was fluid and influenced by conquest, as exemplified in Trajan’s Forum and the Pantheon. The study uniquely bridges ancient and contemporary perspectives, questioning how globalization's expectations of boundless communication zones affect spatial/geographical identity understanding. This work synthesizes insights from architecture, geography, and ritual, drawing on extensive research, including a Rome Scholar project and a Paul Mellon Rome Fellowship.
Noi cercetari la Porolissum / New Researches at Porolissum
Archaeological research at Porolissum, a Roman fort in Dacia, has identified a previously unknown ballistarium—a specialized building for storing artillery projectiles and war machines. Excavations between 2010 and 2012 uncovered a 25 × 10-meter structure near the fort's main gate, characterized by five distinct habitation layers dating from AD 140 to 180/190. The discovery of approximately 90 stone projectiles (9 cm diameter) and other military artifacts, along with parallels from British auxiliary forts, confirms its role as a ballistarium. Additionally, geophysical surveys revealed extensive civilian habitation, including large stone buildings and dwellings, expanding knowledge of the Roman town municipium Septimium Porolissensis.
Forts and Landscape on the Southwest Border of Roman Dacia
A comprehensive survey of the southwest border of Roman Dacia reveals significant insights into the landscape and strategic placement of Roman forts. Researchers from Babeş-Bolyai University employed advanced methods to record GPS coordinates, fort characteristics, and landscape features, providing detailed maps and textual analysis. This study enhances our understanding of the Roman Empire's frontier dynamics in Dacia, offering a nuanced perspective on how these structures integrated with their surrounding environment.
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