From Local Settlement to Roman Colony
The city of Carnuntum was originally inhabited by a native population, but it was later subdued by the Romans. During the reign of Augustus, the region came firmly under Roman control. Carnuntum was then established as a Roman colony and became an important military and administrative center. It served as the station of the Fourteenth Legion, called Gemina, as well as the base of the Illyrian fleet The City of Bresburg and Its Names.
As time passed, the city grew greatly in size and importance. It eventually became the chief city of Upper Pannonia, one of the most significant Roman provinces along the Danube frontier. The territory under its authority extended along the southern bank of the Danube, including the area where the modern towns of Hainburg, Deutsch-Altenburg, and Petronell now stand. Because of its strategic location and strong defenses, Carnuntum played a major role in protecting the northern boundary of the Roman Empire.
Visits to Petronell and Ancient Remains
Personal Observations of Roman Ruins
I had previously visited Petronell, one of the sites connected with ancient Carnuntum, in order to examine its impressive ruins and antiquities. During my stay, I encountered a wide variety of Roman remains. These included coins, inscriptions, and architectural fragments, all of which testified to the former grandeur of the city.
Among the most striking discoveries were the remains of a noble aqueduct, showing the advanced engineering skills of the Romans. There were also traces of a large and elegant building, constructed with great care and symmetry. At first, I believed this structure might have been the ruins of a Temple of Janus, due to its form and prominence. However, further study led scholars to a different conclusion.
A Triumphal Arch of Tiberius
Monument of Victory
It is now generally believed that the building was in fact a Triumphal Arch, erected to commemorate a great Roman victory. This monument is thought to have been built in honor of Emperor Tiberius, celebrating his triumph over the Pannonians and Dalmatians in the ninth year of the Christian era. Such arches were commonly constructed by the Romans to mark important military successes and to display the power of the empire Customized Turkey Tour.
My respected friend Petrus Lambecius has published an illustration of one side of this structure in the second volume of his description of the Imperial Library. His work provides valuable insight into the appearance and artistic features of the monument. As for the reverse side of the arch, I personally made a drawing of it during my visit, so that its form would not be lost to time.
Scholarly Works and Future Discoveries
The Promise of Further Research
This triumphal arch, along with many other Carnuntine antiquities, can be studied in the writings of Lambecius. His careful documentation has preserved much knowledge that might otherwise have disappeared. Yet even more discoveries may be expected in the future.
It is hoped that this learned and diligent scholar will one day publish his long-anticipated work entitled “Carnuntum Redivivum”, in which the ancient city will be brought to life again through detailed study and illustration. Such a publication would greatly enrich our understanding of Roman life along the Danube frontier and ensure that the memory of Carnuntum’s former glory continues for generations to come.
