Ratiaria

Ratiaria began as a Roman centre on the Danube frontier. The remains near Archar and objects preserved in museums reveal urban life beyond its military role. A limestone sarcophagus dating to the second half of the second century, now in the National Archaeological Museum, carries garlands, a horseman and mythological figures. The site’s modern history is also marked by extensive looting. Rescue work has documented and recovered architectural fragments and inscriptions to preserve evidence threatened with loss. Finds from controlled excavation must consequently be distinguished from objects whose original archaeological context has been destroyed or cannot be established.