Roman Town of Deultum
The Roman town of Deultum is an important archaeological site located near the present-day village of Debelt, Burgas region. Founded as a Roman military camp in the 70s of the 1st century AD, it later grew into a prosperous city serving as a trade centre between the Black Sea and Thrace.
Deultum was founded by the Roman emperor Vespasian as part of his campaign to subdue the Thracian tribes. It was originally a small military camp where veterans of the VIII Augustan Legion were settled. Over time, the town grew around the camp and became an important economic and administrative centre in the province of Thrace.
During its existence, Deultum experienced several periods of prosperity and decline. The most significant period of growth occurred in the 2nd-3rd centuries AD, when the city became a major producer of salt, a vital resource for the Roman Empire. During this period, Deultum became an important trading centre, attracting merchants and craftsmen from across the region.
The city suffered considerable damage during the Gothic invasions of the 4th century and finally fell to Byzantine rule in the 6th century.
Today the ruins of Deultum cover an area of over 8 square kilometres and include various architectural structures including a basilica, baths, amphitheatre and aqueduct. One of the most famous landmarks is the great basilica, which was once an important public building in the city.
The amphitheatre of Deultum was built in the early 3rd century. It originally had seating for about 2,000 spectators. The thermae, another important structure, demonstrate the advanced engineering techniques used by the Romans to provide hot and cold water for their public baths.
The first excavations of Deultum began in the late 19th century, led by the Schkorpil brothers.
Today, Deultum has been declared a National Historical Reserve and is included in the list of the Hundred National Tourist Sites of the Bulgarian Tourist Union.
Deultum was founded by the Roman emperor Vespasian as part of his campaign to subdue the Thracian tribes. It was originally a small military camp where veterans of the VIII Augustan Legion were settled. Over time, the town grew around the camp and became an important economic and administrative centre in the province of Thrace.
During its existence, Deultum experienced several periods of prosperity and decline. The most significant period of growth occurred in the 2nd-3rd centuries AD, when the city became a major producer of salt, a vital resource for the Roman Empire. During this period, Deultum became an important trading centre, attracting merchants and craftsmen from across the region.
The city suffered considerable damage during the Gothic invasions of the 4th century and finally fell to Byzantine rule in the 6th century.
Today the ruins of Deultum cover an area of over 8 square kilometres and include various architectural structures including a basilica, baths, amphitheatre and aqueduct. One of the most famous landmarks is the great basilica, which was once an important public building in the city.
The amphitheatre of Deultum was built in the early 3rd century. It originally had seating for about 2,000 spectators. The thermae, another important structure, demonstrate the advanced engineering techniques used by the Romans to provide hot and cold water for their public baths.
The first excavations of Deultum began in the late 19th century, led by the Schkorpil brothers.
Today, Deultum has been declared a National Historical Reserve and is included in the list of the Hundred National Tourist Sites of the Bulgarian Tourist Union.
