Ancient Roman town of Diocletianopolis
Diocletianopolis, also known as Hisarya, is an ancient Roman town located in central Bulgaria. The city was founded in 293 AD. It quickly became an important administrative centre and spa resort due to its numerous mineral springs. The urban plan of Diocletianopolis follows the traditional layout of Roman cities, with a rectangular shape and wide streets oriented in the four cardinal directions. Inside the city there were fortified walls with four gates. One of the most notable structures in Diocletianopolis is the massive fortress wall, which covers an area of about 180 acres. Within the walls are the remains of various public buildings, including an amphitheatre, thermae (baths), barracks and an extensive complex of imperial palaces. The amphitheatre is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Bulgaria, with seating for about 3,000 spectators. The Thermae, known as the Thermae of Diocletianopolis, are another important structure in the city. There are numerous temples in the city dedicated to various Roman deities. During late antiquity (4th to 6th centuries), Diocletianopolis experienced a significant flowering and became an important Christian centre. Remains of several early Christian basilicas have been discovered, including a large basilica located near the imperial palace. The city continued to prosper until the invasion of the Goths in the 5th century. However, it remained an important settlement during the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period before being renamed Hisarya in 1934. Today, Diocletianopolis is a well-preserved archaeological site and a popular tourist destination attracting visitors from all over the world.
