Remains of the headquarters of the VII Claudian Legion found in Serbia

To the East of Belgrade (Serbia), archaeologists have unearthed the ruins of a building that was the headquarters of the Roman legionaries. The find was found on the territory of a cornfield, near a coal mine. The building area was approximately 3,500 square meters. Soldiers of the VII Claudian Legion were based here. The Legion was formed by Julius Caesar in 58 BC, according to scientists, it lasted until the end of the IV century.

There were more than 100 such headquarters on the territory of the Roman Empire, the remains of most of them are now located under major European cities. Only a small number of them have been studied in detail. The find in Serbia is unique because it remained untouched by people. The complex was located at a depth of 1 m and included 40 rooms, a Treasury, a temple, a parade ground and a fountain. Archaeologists managed to explore only a quarter of the site, suspended excavations will continue in the spring.

In one of the former premises, 120 silver coins were found, which were left here, probably due to an enemy invasion or natural disaster. Perhaps the owner dropped them by accident, as the coins were scattered all over the room.

City Viminacium, which was located nearby, acquired special importance after the beginning of the III century, the area was resettled residents and withdrawn troops from the city of tyre (in present-day Odessa region, captured and plundered by the Bastarnae and Goths). Coins of the city of Viminacium are often displayed on Violity in the section of provincial Roman bronze coins. Collect history with Violity.