Archaeologists from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań have confirmed the existence of a mᴀssive and well-preserved arsenal at the ancient Roman legionary fortress of Novae, located in present-day Bulgaria. This discovery provides valuable insight into Roman military infrastructure along the Lower Danube Limes, a key frontier of the Roman Empire.

Archaeologists uncover monumental Roman arsenal in Novae, Bulgaria. Credit: Professor Elena Klenina

Novae, founded in the 1st century CE, served as a strategic military base for the Roman First Italian Legion (Legio I Italica). This legion was stationed at Novae to secure the border and repel neighboring barbarian tribes, such as during Emperor Trajan’s Dacian Wars and later campaigns under Emperor Maurice. Novae was part of the extensive defense system along the Lower Danube Limes in the Roman province of Moesia Inferior. In 69 CE, as the threat from Dacia grew, the Romans strengthened their defenses by transferring the newly formed First Italian Legion, composed exclusively of Italians, to Novae.

The most recent excavation season, the 65th of Polish-Bulgarian archaeological cooperation, revealed that the arsenal covered an area of approximately 3,200 square meters, with dimensions of about 80 by 40 meters. Professor Elena Klenina, who leads the expedition, said, “Our research of the arsenal has confirmed its monumental and exceptional nature. Today we can state that this is the only structure of its kind in a Roman Legionary Fortress to be so highly preserved.”

Over the past several seasons, archaeologists have worked to uncover the remains of this monumental structure. The discovery marks a major advancement in understanding Roman military logistics, particularly since previous knowledge about arsenals in legion camps relied solely on written sources. Klenina explained, “Thanks to the discovery of the relics of this structure in Novae, we obtained irrefutable evidence of the existence of arsenals, and more importantly, of their architectural form.”

Credit: Alexander.D.Hristov (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Although the fortress was systematically destroyed in the late 3rd century CE by a series of barbarian attacks, it transitioned into a civilian role as the Roman Empire’s military strategy evolved. The legions were split into smaller units stationed along the Limes, and Novae continued to serve as a key point along the empire’s frontier.

In addition to the arsenal, earlier excavations uncovered various military structures, including wooden and earthen barracks, aqueducts made of ceramic and lead pipes, and an ancient refrigeration system. The relics of wine vessels, bowls, and animal bones were also found at the site.

The ongoing archaeological work at Novae is one of the longest-running projects on the Lower Danube Limes. It involves collaborative efforts from multiple insтιтutions, including the University of Warsaw and the National Archaeological Insтιтute with the Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia.

More information: PAP – Science in Poland