Apulum (castra)

Apulum was a legionary fortress in the Roman province of Dacia from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD, located in today's Alba Iulia, Romania.

Apulum
Porta Principalis Dextra
Location within Romania
Alternative name(s)Apula, Apulon
Known also asCastra of Alba Iulia
Founded during the reign ofTrajan
Founded107 – 108
Abandoned4th century AD
Attested byTabula Peutingeriana
Place in the Roman world
ProvinceDacia
Administrative unitDacia Apulensis
Administrative unitDacia Superior
Directly connected to
Structure
— Stone structure —
Size and area440 m × 430 m (18.9 ha)
Stationed military units
Legions
Location
Coordinates46.0679°N 23.5727°E / 46.0679; 23.5727
Altitude245 m
TownAlba Iulia
CountyAlba
Country Romania
Reference
RO-LMIAB-I-m-A-00001.01
RO-RAN1026.01
Site notes
Recognition National Historical Monument
ConditionRuined

It is the largest castrum in Romania, occupying 37.5 hectares (93 acres) (750 x 500 m). It was the base of the legion Legio XIII Gemina transferred there by Trajan to the newly conquered province of Dacia at the end of the war in 106. In the era of Hadrian (117-138 AD) and of Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) it was rebuilt in stone.

The city of Apulum grew up around the fortress, eventually becoming the capital of Roman Dacia.

The legion was relocated in 271 to Dacia Aureliana when the northern Dacia province was evacuated

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