Burnum Roman Military Camp
Šibensko-kninska županija
Burnum was a significant Roman legionary fortress located near Kistanje in inland Dalmatia, Croatia. Established during the reign of Augustus around the start of the 1st century AD, it served as a strategic military base to control traffic along the Krka River. The camp housed several Roman legions in succession, including Legio XX Valeria Victrix, Legio XI Claudia, and Legio IV Flavia Felix. The fortress featured monumental structures such as the principia, which served as the military headquarters and religious center, and a large amphitheatre carved into the karst bedrock that could seat approximately 6,000 spectators. The principia was a grand building with administrative offices, a courtyard with arcades, and a shrine housing legionary standards. Following military withdrawal, Burnum evolved into an urban settlement with the principia converted into a civil basilica. The site also includes an extensive underground aqueduct system, the Plavno Polje, which supplied water from a source 32.6 km away. Burnum was destroyed during the 6th century conflicts involving Emperor Justinian and the Ostrogoths. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the principia, amphitheatre, and aqueduct, which reflect the site's military and urban significance in Roman Dalmatia.
ヒント: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Tickets and guided tours may be available through the Krka National Park administration. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons. The site offers limited above-ground ruins, so bringing a guidebook or joining a guided tour can enhance understanding of the archaeological remains. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain. There may be discounts for students, seniors, and groups, but specific details should be confirmed on site or via the official website.
興味深い事実
- •The amphitheatre at Burnum could accommodate around 6,000 spectators and was carved directly into karst bedrock by Roman soldiers.
- •The principia building was converted into a civil basilica with a courtroom and market after the military left.
- •Burnum's underground aqueduct, Plavno Polje, is approximately 32.6 km long and kept water cool in summer and protected from freezing in winter.
- •The site is also known locally as Hollow Church (Šuplja Crkva) and features in Balkan folklore as Traianus' Town (Trojanov Grad).
- •Roman writer Plinius the Elder mentioned Burnum as a fortress distinguished in wars.
歴史
Burnum was founded in the middle of Emperor Augustus's reign (27 BC–14 AD) as a Roman legionary fortress to control the Krka River traffic.
Initially occupied by Legio XX Valeria Victrix during the Great Illyrian Revolt (AD 6–9), it was later garrisoned by Legio XI Claudia and subsequently Legio IV Flavia Felix.
The fortress reached its final architectural form under Emperor Claudius around 50 AD.
After a rebellion against Claudius in AD 42, the camp underwent significant urban and architectural changes.
The military presence ended by the late 1st century AD, and Burnum transitioned into a civilian town.
The site was destroyed in the 6th century during Emperor Justinian's campaigns against the Ostrogoths.
場所ガイド
Principia (Headquarters)1st century AD
The principia was the central administrative and religious building of the legionary camp, measuring originally 46 x 53 meters and expanded to about 104 x 73 meters after a rebellion. It featured two long wings with legion offices surrounding an interior courtyard with arcades, and a rear wing housing the legionary shrine where battle standards were kept. In later periods, it was converted into a civil basilica with a courtroom, market, and meeting place.
Amphitheatre1st century AD
The amphitheatre was carved into the karst bedrock by soldiers of Legio XI and could hold about 6,000 spectators. It had four entrances and was initially used for military purposes before transitioning to civilian use. Coins found date parts of it to Emperor Claudius's reign. Eventually, it fell into disuse and collapsed.
Plavno Polje Aqueduct1st century AD
An entirely underground aqueduct approximately 32.6 km long, supplying water from the Glib spring to Burnum. The underground design kept water cool during summer and prevented freezing in winter. It had a height difference of 170 meters and a flow rate of about 86 liters per second.