The sacred topography of Colonia Sarmizegetusa

Abstract

The rituals carried out on the occasion of the establishment of a new Roman city prove the fact that there was a prescribed regulation. The location, orientation, as well as the scenography, translates into facts gestures and human processions with sacred character; these are the expression of a symbolic geography of religious type. The erection of sacred buildings in Colonia Sarmizegetusa was carried out during the reign of Trajan (its founder) and Severus Alexander. For the following period (Maximinus-Aurelianus), the archaeological evidence suggests the fact that the emphasis was not placed on constructing new religious buildings, but on restoring the already existing ones. The expression of religious piety persisted, and one can make reference again to the archaeological evidence, more particular to shrines, and statues. This context proves the fact that the religious life continued its cycle. However, in AD 235, at the latest, Sarmizegetusa witnessed the construction of the most numerous temples. It is noteworthy to mention that this construction boom coincides with the period when Sarmizegetusa is granted the title of Metropolis.