Amfiteatru Porolissum

About

Established as a Roman military camp during Trajan's Dacian Wars in 106, Porolissum quickly grew through a thriving trade with the local Dacians. By 124, it was declared the the capital of the province Dacia Porolissensis. Even though it stood at the edge of the empire, the large military camp still featured the signs of civility, including a necropolis, amphitheatre, baths, and temples. While preliminary excavations of the site began in the 19th century, large scale, systematic excavations didn’t begin until 1977. Even though excavations are ongoing, the site is open to visitors, who can make their way through the reconstructed gatehouse, with its twin arches, and into the hilltop area of the city proper. Roaming the ruins visitors can see the remains of a temple to Jupiter, complete with columns, the amphitheatre, and the foundations of other buildings. Of course, from its hilltop position, the site offers stupendous views of the surrounding countryside.