Moesia Inferior Research Articles

Magnetometric and electrometric investigations in the Beroe submerged archaeologic site

In ancient times, Dobrogea was known as Schythia Minor or Mikra Skythia. In the Ist century BC, the respective territory was under the influence of the Pontic kingdom of Mithridate the VIth Eupator. From 28 BC it was integrated in the Roman province of Moesia Inferior by Emperor Augustus. Most Roman-Byzantine fortresses have been established by the Romans on the site of former Getic settlements: Tropaeum Traiani, Capidava, Carsium, Beroe, Troesmis, Arrubium, Dinogetia, Noviodunum, Ibida, Durostorum. The Roman-Byzantine fortress of Beroe-Ostrov grew around the Roman castrum of Beroe, where the Vth Legion was stationed in the Ist and IInd centuries. One can find here the partially unearthed ruins of a Roman and Byzantine fortress, dating back to the Ist-VIth and Xth-XIIth centuries, and nearby, those of a Paleo- Christian basilica, dating back to the Vth-VIth centuries. The latter is situated aside from the former cemetery, which has been used between the Ist -XIIth centuries. As a result of conflicts between the Dacians of Dobrogea (the Comati) and the Romans, the fortress was destroyed, and was re-inhabited once the Byzantines returned to the Lower Danube, under Emperor Ioan Tzimiskes. The Roman and Byzantine fortress from Beroe is located 3 km to the South of Ostrov village, in North Dobroudja, the north side of Moesia Inferior province. We carried out magnetometric and electrometric measurements in the Beroe archaeological site, located in the Dobrogea region of Romania. We analyzed the results to see if we could find the orientation of the walls or any other evidence of a former human presence within a limited area submerged beneath the Danube River. We showed the estimated depth of the site and the possible orientation of a wall. The geophysical data was acquired on the water (Danube River) within the submerged zone using marine equipment designed for that purpose (G822 device with cesium) with a gradient array and AGI ministing electrometer with 100 m length. The area of investigation was 100 by 50 meters, and it was located in the NE part of the site, having a grid density of 10 by 10 meters. The data we obtained in this study indicates the possible presence of submerged artefacts. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a possible magnetic contrast between the regional geological background (local limestone rocks used in the construction of the fortress walls, mortar, etc.), characterized by low, sometimes even diamagnetic magnetic properties and artifacts such as bricks, backed (fired) adobe, ceramic fragments, showing relatively high magnetic susceptibilities.

Vivo suo formula, as a possible manifestation of the interconnection of the Greek and Latin languages in Moesia Inferior

The paper focuses on a strange variant of the se vivo expression which can be found mostly in Moesia Inferior: the vivo suo fecit formula. It appears only in twelve inscriptions, but that makes up one third of all the occurrences of the se vivo fecit expression in this region. How can we account for this formula, which cannot be explained by the classical Latin grammar? This intriguing form has attracted the attention of Giovanbattista Galdi, who in 2002 dedicated a paper to the possible origin of the formula. In this paper, he claims that the vivo suo form is the result of the interconnection of the Latin and Greek languages in Moesia Inferior, since the expression usually occurs in areas populated by Greeks. Galdi attributes the emergence of the formula to the fact that the Greek language does not have a possessive pronoun (like the Latin suus), but uses the genitive case of the reflexive pronoun (ἑαυτοῦ) to express the possessive relation. According to this theory the bilingual environment in Moesia Inferior, and more specifically the aforementioned Greek structure caused a confusion in Latin in the use of the possessive pronoun (suus) and the reflexive pronoun (se). The aim of my paper is to examine Galdi’s argument and to point out the problematic elements of this theory.

ABOUT SOME MONETARY FINDS IN FUNERARY CONTEXT FROM MOESIA INFERIOR

The article analyses a number of four monetary forms of funerary accumulations that were found either accidentally or as a result of preventive archaeological excavations. These coins are dated during the early Roman period, were found near fortified centers (Carsium and Noviodunum) and vici type settlements (Poiana, not far from the capital of the province, Tomis) located in the territorial area of the province of Moesia Inferior. A total number of 19 bronze coins are listed, of which five sestertii, six dupondii and eight asses. The three small batches of coins and the hoard fall in the category of the funerary items voluntarily (intentionally) deposited in graves. All of them (but especially the first three) illustrate the often identified custom of leaving in the graves coins that were out of circulation for several decades or even longer. The coins had only a symbolic value, being mere decorative objects. The identified coins seem to generally confirm a carefully made selection of the reverse representations, according to a decision taken by the deceased’s family for his last trip. Thus, the iconographic selection illustrates the “fashionable” mentalities and superstitions specific for the corresponding chronological periods. However, sometimes, these superstitions can also be personal, which is why the analyses have to be done differently for each situation. The presence of several coins in deposits or hoards may be linked with a particular belief regarding the necessity of paying for several passes during their trip to the underworld.

Reconstructing the phases of the fortifications of the legionary fortress at Novae (Moesia Inferior)

Since 1960, archaeological research in the area of the legionary base at Novae (fig. 1) has yielded many traces of its defensive system.1 Although the results were published regularly in field reports,2 information on the fortifications remained inadequate due to the methodologies and measuring equipment used in those days. Even with the new discoveries made in the 1980s and 1990s, most notably the earth-and-timber defences, many crucial issues including the chronology and construction sequence remained unresolved.3 Therefore in 2005 a review of the early excavations began within the framework of a postexcavation project, “Per lineam munitionum”. It involved recording all visible architectural and archaeological remains from previous seasons of fieldwork through the cleaning and deepening of old trenches. If the original stratigraphy was found to be too disturbed, soundings were extended. Advanced methods such as geodesy, photogrammetry and 3D modelling significantly improved the interpretation. In several years of topographic survey almost all of the early trenches were located, the general plan updated and corrected,4 and a detailed digital terrain model (DTM) produced (fig. 2).

NOTES ON THE FAMILY LINKS FROM LOWER MOESIA

Departing from the quantitative data specific for Moesia Inferior from the Romans 1 by 1 database, and from the qualitative information from a previous paper, [1] the present work has as goal to provide an overview on the attested family relations types in Moesia Inferior over a period of three centuries, in an attempt to map the corresponding epigraphic habits and specificities. While we are aware that a general approach might seem less prolific, since the specificities of each settlement, as well as of each century are lost in the generalisation, the intention is to contextualise the data and to highlight the general trends, bringing also forward some examples, from which more particular case studies can be further developed. [1] VARGA [et al.] 2018, 37-63.

Fragmentarische Militärdiplome aus der Zeit von Domitian bis Commodus

A total of thirteen fragments of diplomata militaria are published. They date from the period between Domitian and Commodus: one each from the reign of Domitian, Nerva, Trajan and Commodus, and two each from the reign of Pius, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. But five alone date back to Hadrian, including the first he issued for the army of Egypt. There are two each for the troops of Moesia inferior and Pannonia superior, one each for Dacia inferior, Aegyptus and either for an Italian fleet or the Praetorians. Six more are for auxiliary troops, but remain unknown for which province.

Ex Africa ad Danubium: Africani in Moesia Inferior (I-III secolo d.C.)

The epigraphical evidence of Moesia Inferior suggests the presence of several Africans during the I-III centuries A.D.: they are mostly soldiers and military officers, but after the middle of second century A.D., with an increase in the Severan age, the Africans play a leading role in provincial administration.

L. MIHAILESCU-BÎRLIBA, RURE VIVERE IN MOESIA INFERIORE. LA POPULATION DANS LE MILIEU RURAL D’UNE PROVINCE PÉRIPHERIQUE DE L’EMPIRE ROMAIN

The present submission is a review of L. Mihailescu-Bîrliba’s book on the rural areas of Moesia Inferior. The book is an exhaustive and comprehensive overview of the population attested in here during the Roman period. Besides putting together all sources on this matter, it offers an analytic insight into the social, economic and cultural realities of the province’s rural inhabitants.

THE CULT OF JUPITER AND OF JUNO REGINA IN THE RURAL AREAS OF MOESIA INFERIOR

The author analyzes the occurrences of the cult of Jupiter and Juno in the rural milieu of Moesia Inferior. He concludes that most of text which are related to this cult in the whole province come from the rural area. He is connecting the mentionning of this cult with the presence of communities of cives Romani consistentes and the Roman army in the villages of Moesia Inferior.

Romans 1by1. A Database Manual

The present paper has the goal to document the usage of the Romans 1by1, a database which records the people attested in the epigraphic sources coming from the Roman provinces; so far, we have registered Dacia, Moesia Inferior and Moesia Superior in full and are currently working on the epigraphy of Pannonia. The information started to be collected in 2015, and it is still in progress, the intention being to extend the geographical area as much as possible. The database represents an extremely useful resource in the study of ancient population, as well as a very user- friendly research tool, which allows primary browsing and selective, advanced searches alike.

Medieval Bulgarian Toponyms of Romanic (Non-Protoromanian) Origin

The present article is focused on the medieval toponymy of Romanic (but non-Protoromanian) origin preserved in the territory of modern Bulgaria and some neighboring regions where (during the Middle Ages) Old Slavonic and Middle Bulgarian interacted with Romance vernaculars and probably with some Paleobalkan languages. The aim is to shed light on the phonology of these vernaculars, on their contacts with some of the Paleobalkan languages, and on the degree of their proximity to Protoromanian and on their interaction with Old Slavonic and Middle Bulgarian. The investigation is based on several kinds of sources: Works of antique and late antique Greek and Latin historians and geographers who offer a lot of information about the Balkan toponymy up to the end of the 6 th century. The Latin and Greek epigraphy from Moesia Inferior and Thrace. Medieval sources – here the emphasis is on the Old Slavonic (of Bulgarian origin) and Middle Bulgarian works, documents and epigraphic material. In conclusion, an attempt is made at describing the areal distribution of some of the extinct Romance vernaculars.

Neue Diplomzeugnisse für die Truppen in den Donauprovinzen aus dem 2. Jh.

In the article seven new military diplomas are published: one for the troops in Moesia inferior from 13th May 105, a second for the troops of Dacia from 17th February 110, a third for the troops of Moesia superior under the governor Prifernius Paetus, a fourth for Dacia Porolissensis from October 142, a fifth for the troops in Pannonia inferior from 151 under the governor Nonius Macrinus, a sixth for the troops of Moesia superior under the legate Curtius Rufus from 157 and a diploma for the troops of Moesia inferior under the governor Vitrasius Pollio.

Las campañas en Mesia durante la primera guerra dácica de Trajano (101-102 d. c.): la última tentativa expansionista del Estado dacio

Las operaciones desarrolladas en Mesia Inferior en los meses de verano y otoño del año 101 d. C., durante la primera guerra dácica de Trajano, supusieron la última gran manifestación de las ambiciones expansionistas del Estado dacio en la Europa danubiana y a punto estuvieron de inclinar seriamente contra de Roma la balanza de la contienda. La contundente derrota sufrida por los dacios y sus aliados a manos de Trajano en Mesia Inferior, por contra, sentenció el resultado de la guerra y selló indirectamente el destino final del reino dacio. A lo largo de estas páginas abordamos un detallado análisis de estas operaciones, su alcance y sus implicaciones estratégicas, mediante una concienzuda revisión de las fuentes literarias, epigráficas e iconográficas, combinado con un apropiado conocimiento del escenario del conflicto, sus características y su impacto sobre el desarrollo de la campaña.

Regarding one Rare Roman Amphorae Type from Tyras

The paper deals with the publication of amphorae finds from Tyras classified as the early variant of type VIII according to A. Opaiţ. These vessels are attributed as one of the rarest varieties of the late Roman pottery ware. In Tyras these vessels are represented by several fragments of profile parts. Their center of production has not been localized yet. However judging by the visually distinct features of the clay composition, one can assume that they were made in the Eastern Mediterranean. The morphological features indicate that these amphorae were intended for transportation and storage of wine. The spread area of such vessels is the territory of provinces Moesia Superior and Moesia Inferior. They are very rare in the North Pontic region. The only known sample was found at the “Sovkhoz 10” cemetery located in the vicinity of Chersonesus. Almost all amphorae of this type were found during the excavations of Roman military camps or cities, where Roman soldiers were stationed during the 2nd — 3rd centuries CE. Such a distribution of findings is hardly accidental and may be related to the provision of Roman military contingents. That observation may also apply to Tyras, where the vexillatio was shifted from the Moesia Inferior since the beginning of the 2nd century CE. The Roman military presence in the city is evidenced by the epigraphic and archaeological data. Perhaps, the variety of transport amphorae under study occurred in Tyras together with Roman soldiers from Moesia Inferior when shifting the vexillatio or during further rotations of troops during the 2nd — first half of the 3rd century CE. It is also likely that the wine contained in these vessels was imported from the Lower Danube River region as a result of mediatorial commercial trade.

A Magical Amulet from Durostorum (Moesia Inferior)

The paper analyzes a magical amulet discovered in 2007 by Radu Petcu in the civilian Roman settlement of Ostrov-Durostorum, province of Moesia Inferior. The intaglio, made of lapis lazuli, is a ring stone and depicts the so-called Pantheos or Polymorphic Deity . Following a description of the iconography, a history of research on the interpretation of this deity is presented. An interpretation of the Greek texts on the obverse and reverse of the intaglio is then offered, assisted by a review of comparanda. Finally, the conclusions are made, envisaging the apotropaic role of the amulet and the importance of the new vox magica. Keywords: Magical Amulet; Durostorum; Pantheos; Polymorphic deity; vox magica.

Geschäftsmänner zwischen Makedonien und Moesia Superior

In this paper on the basis of the funerary inscription of a conductor named Gamicus, which was found in Hagio Pnevma (territorium of the Roman colony of Philippi), are examined the relations between Macedonia, Moesia Inferior and probably Epirus. Gamicus seems to belong to the senatorial family of Pontii; they are attested in the inscriptions from Ulpianum and its region and were even related by marriage with another senatorial family, i.e. the Furii. Both families owed their social position to the mines. Apart from the well known senator Gaius Furius Octavianus and his mother Furia Caecilia, the activity of the domus Furiana is known by the presence of its vilici and servi. Epigraphical testimonies show that the large estates of the Furii as well as the Pontii were situated in the southern part of Ulpianum and in the northwestern part of Scupi.
 Although the gentilicium Furius is also widespread in the province of Macedonia, of particular interest to our subject, however, seem to be two inscriptions from the territorium of the Roman colony of Philippi. The first one is the epitaph erected by M. Varinius M. l. Celer for himself, his wife Varinia Marita, his daughters Primigenia and Pyralis as well as his son-in-law Furius Alcimus. Τhe second inscription (probably a dedication) lists the military offices of D. Furius Octavius Secundus, originally from Cures Sabinis, as well as the privileges bestowed to him by two colonies, Actia Nicopolis et Ulpia... The identification of Furius Alcimus with an homonymous libertus maternus of Furius Octavianus, referred in a passage of Ulpian, should be excluded. On the other hand, the presence of D. Furius Octavius Secundus in Philippi may nevertheless be connected to the exploitation of mines and quarries of this region. Furthermore, it is possible that he is an ancestor of C. Furius Octavianus and has prepared the requirements for the wealth of the domus Furiana and its adlectio in senatum.

Florin Curta, Monede, castre şi schimburi comerciale în peninsula Balcanică (sec. VI – începutul sec. VII) / Coins, Fortifications, and Commercial Exchanges in the Balkan Peninsula during the Sixth and the Early Seventh Century

The nature of settlements in the 6th century Balkans is a matter of current debate. Amphorae and hoards of iron implements and weapons have been discussed in relation to that controversy. The archaeological evidence, particularly that of amphorae and lead seals, points to the great significance of the quaestura exercitus, an administrative unit created in 536 by means of combining rich provinces overseas (islands in the Aegean Sea, Caria, and Cyprus) with border provinces such as Moesia inferior and Scythia Minor, in order to secure both militarily and financially the efficient defense of the Danube frontier. Conspicuously missing from this discussion of military sites, amphorae, and commerce is the numismatic evidence. To be sure, a great number of 6th century hoards of copper are known from hilltop sites, including those that have also produced hoards of iron implements. So far, however, single coins from hilltop sites have rarely been treated as archaeological finds. Single finds of coins remain a category of archaeological evidence commonly neglected in discussions of the 6th century economy in the Balkans.

THE ALA PANNONIORUM IN THE ARMY OF ILLYRICUM

The province of Illyricum, established shortly after Octavian’s Illyrian war and divided into Illyricum Superius (Dalmatia) and Illyricum Inferius (Pannonia) during or after the Pannonian-Dalmatian Rebellion, was garrisoned by several legions and various auxiliary regiments. The list of auxilia includes an ala Pannoniorum. Epigraphic evidence from Dalmatia and Pannonia provides some information on its relocation, as well as on its recruitment. Under Augustus, the regiment was in Dalmatia. It was relocated to Pannonia ca. 15 AD. At the beginning of Vespasian’s reign, the ala Pannoniorum was transferred to Moesia Inferior. Its return to the Pannonian section of the Danubian limes is dated after the Marcommanic War of Marcus Aurelius. Belonging to the army of Pannonia Inferior, the unit was probably stationed in the fortress of Cusum. Epigraphic evidence allows us to glimpse certain patterns of its recruitment during the first sojourn in Illyricum. It appears that it was conscripted among the bellicose tribes of the Iberian Peninsula and the indigenous population of the southern Pannonia.

Cercei de aur de epocă romană din colecţia Pongrácz / Gold Earrings Belonging to the Pongrácz Collection Stemming from the Roman Era

During recent preparation of analytical records of evidence our attention was drawn by some Roman gold ornaments of the collection of the National Museum of Banat in Timișoara. These ornaments come from the collection of Imre Pongrácz, who was commander of the Honvéd garrison in Orşova port. The collection was included in the Heritage of the Museum in Timisoara in 1903, being purchased from his heirs.The gold earrings, decorated in the filigree and granulation technique, can be traced back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries p. Chr., and they were discovered south of the Danube, in Serbia and in Bulgaria.The pendant earring, registered under inv. No. 85 (Pongrácz – Exhibit XV 1 / 2.58; Pl. II 1 Pl. III.1), can be most likely dated the 2nd century p. Chr.The “knot of Hercules” type earrings occur mostly in the Roman provinces Moesia Superior and Moesia Inferior, Thrace, Pannonia and Dacia, their role being not only to enhance beauty, but also to avert evil – thus having an apotripaic designation. The earring registered under inv. No. 88 (Pongrácz – Exhibit XV 1 / 2.11; Pl. II.5-b, Pl. III.5) is of type II, set by Ivana Popovič, and can be traced back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries p. Chr. The pair of earrings registered under the inv. No. 89 (Pongrácz – Exhibit XV 1 / 2.9; Pl. II.3.ab; Pl. III.4) and inv. No. 92 (Pongrácz – Exhibit XV 1 / 2.10; Pl. II.4 ab, Pl. III.3) belong to the type II c, established by Ivana Popovič and was traced back to the second half of the 3rd century p. Chr.The disc-shaped filigree earring, inv. No. 91 (Pongrácz – Exhibit XV 1 / 2.14; Pl. II. 2a-b, Pl. III.2), which was preserved without its handle grip, dates from the 3rd century p. Chr.The gold earrings of the collection of the National Museum of Banat enrich the panel regarding gold earrings’ discoveries, being processed based on the filigree and granulation technique in the Roman provinces located south of the Lower Danube. These could have been discovered in funerary contexts by antiquities’ “hunters”, which they then sold to the antiquary Imre Pongrácz, because such pieces have so far been found mostly in graves.The earrings were ornaments favored especially by the Roman women and certainly these specimens were the property of prominent members of the communities to which they belonged, based on the fact that gold earrings, often adorned with gems (in our case pearls and chalcedony), were the privilege of rich women in the Roman society.

Life expectancy and age structure of the male population in Noricum. Comparative approach

This study deals with the statistic results acquired for life expectancy of the male population in Noricum. They were compared with the data from other Danubian provinces (Pannonia Superior, Pannonia Inferior, Dacia, Moesia Superior, Moesia Inferior) and from Roman Egypt. We stopped on the age-rounding process, analysing the rapport between rounded ages and unrounded ages at the level of the entire male sample. For an insight of the male population we compared the age structure values from all the Danubian province on three age categories, in terms of numbers and percentage.