Around 41-54 AD, a Roman cavalry unit arrived at a Celtic settlement. This marked the beginning of Aquincum, a key Roman city. Aquincum, meaning “abundant water,” got its name from the nearby thermal springs. The settlement was located on the northeastern border of the Roman province of Pannonia. Today, Aquincum’s ruins reside in Óbuda, within modern-day Budapest. Aquincum began as a military base, part of the Roman border defense system known as the limes. A legion of 6,000 men was stationed there by 89 AD. The city steadily expanded around this fortress. After the Romans reorganized Pannonia in 103 AD, Aquincum became the capital of Pannonia Inferior. Aquincum held this important position for over a century. Under Hadrian, it gained municipal status. Later, under Septimius Severus, it became a colonia. Aquincum’s strategic importance as a frontier against the Iazyges meant emperors sometimes established their headquarters there. By the late 2nd century, Aquincum boasted at least 30,000 inhabitants. The city covered a large area of what is now Óbuda. Its influence extended further, with ruins found in other parts of Budapest, such as Contra-Aquincum. These sites buzzed with commercial activity in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Excavations reveal fascinating details about the lifestyle of Aquincum’s residents. The city offered amenities such as central heating, public baths, and even a Mithraeum. Two impressive amphitheaters hosted gladiatorial combats and beast fights. The philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius is believed to have written portions of his “Meditations” in Aquincum. Christianity began spreading through the city in the early 3rd century. Sadly, Aquincum’s prosperity didn’t last. Sarmatian attacks from the north and the general decline of the Roman Empire led to its destruction around 350 AD. The Aquincum Museum now houses many artifacts from the city, including a reconstructed hydraulic system and examples of Roman houses and paintings. Aquincum provides a window into a pivotal era, showcasing the Roman Empire’s reach and influence.
Zsíros-hegy
From Zsíros-hegy’s peak a breathtaking panorama unfolds. Zsíros-hegy a mountain in the Buda Hills stands proudly. Its 424-meter height offers