Sarmizegetusa: Roman History and Archaeology

Sarmizegetusa is a destination closely connected with Roman antiquity. At its heart is Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, founded in 109–110 AD. The museum, temples, amphitheater and necropolis offer different ways to explore its history. If you would like to plan your trip around a theme, you can focus on the city’s history, religion, funerary architecture or archaeological collections.

Ulpia Traiana and Roman City History

Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa was founded between 109 and 110 AD by the governor Decimus Terentius Scaurianus on the orders of Emperor Trajan. During its history, the city served as the provisional capital of Roman Dacia. This context connects the specific period of its founding with the site’s importance at the time: it tells the story both of the city’s origins and of its role in the administration of Roman Dacia.

The name Sarmizegetusa also appears in the name Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa. To get your bearings, it is useful to keep in mind that today’s travel destination of Sarmizegetusa and the Roman city of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa are distinct, though related by name.

Temples, Amphitheater and Necropolis

The Temple of the Palmyrene Gods was built under Septimius Severus. Its particular significance lies in what it reveals about Palmyrene religion. Another temple offers a different historical perspective: the first excavations at the Temple of Nemesis took place between 1981 and 1983 in the area of the amphitheater of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa. The two sites thus represent distinct themes: Palmyrene religion at one, and archaeological research at the Temple of Nemesis at the other.

The amphitheater stood outside the walls of the Roman city. Its location is a striking point of reference for the city’s history, as it extends the view beyond the walled area. The settlement’s necropolis also adds to the picture of the ancient city. It includes the Mausoleum of the Aurelii, built in the middle of the 3rd century. It is a tumulus with a stone base and contains a stele, a funerary altar and a burial chamber made of brickwork. This single tomb offers a chance to examine several specific elements of funerary architecture.

Sarmizegetusa Archaeological Museum

The Sarmizegetusa Archaeological Museum houses Roman archaeological collections. These include epigraphic and sculptural monuments, mosaics and fragments of wall paintings, as well as weapons, silverware, and objects made of bronze and bone. Ceramics, glass and coins expand the range. The collection spans everything from large monuments to a variety of materials and object types, offering a different way to explore antiquity than the temples, amphitheater or mausoleum.

The permanent exhibition occupies four rooms on the ground floor and five rooms upstairs. Another room on the ground floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions. This layout makes it easy to distinguish the permanent displays from the changing exhibitions.

Traces in the Village and How to Get There

A walk through the village of Sarmizegetusa can also reveal traces of the ancient city: remnants of the walls that once surrounded Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa can be found in residents’ yards. This local walk and the ancient city’s architectural remains offer a distinct way to explore the site, alongside the museum and monuments.

On a wider scale, Sarmizegetusa is a historic stop on the route of the Roman forts. The route runs from Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa to the ruins of the Romano-Byzantine fortress of Sucidava and extends for more than 1,500 kilometers. It places the site within a far-reaching historical route, while the temples, necropolis and amphitheater bring specific archaeological themes to life.

By road, Sarmizegetusa is accessible via the DN 68 between Hațeg and Caransebeș. By train, the Petroșani–Subcetate or Simeria–Subcetate lines lead to Sarmizegetusa. When planning your trip, you can start by deciding whether a road journey or one of these rail connections suits you best.

Discover more destinations: Peșteana, Simeria, Topliţa, Gurasada, Câmpu Lui Neag, Petroșani, Geoagiu Băi, Vața De Jos.

View the broader travel guide: Hunedoara.