Campona

Beneath the bustling energy of modern Budapest, Campona whispers tales of Roman might. Campona isn’t just a shopping center. It echoes the name of the nearby Roman auxiliary fort and settlement, a vital part of Pannonia’s Danube frontier. This ancient fort, known as Campona, witnessed a pivotal moment in imperial history during the 4th century AD. For years, the fort lay hidden, its secrets buried beneath the earth, known only to local historians and archaeologists. The Hungarian National Museum, recognizing the historical significance of Campona, opened the site to the public in 2022. They created an archaeological park, complete with a visitor center and exhibition. Today, you can walk through the ruins of this once mighty fortress. Within the visitor center, housed in a renovated manor stable, you can delve deeper into Campona’s past. Interactive exhibits bring the fort to life, showcasing its architecture, the Roman cavalry that garrisoned it, and their specialized mounted archery units. The exhibition also highlights a crucial battle in 322 AD. Emperor Constantine the Great, leading his troops, achieved a decisive victory at Campona against the Sarmatians. This triumph was so significant it was even immortalized in a poem praising Constantine. Outside, the archaeological park unfolds. Here, you can explore the fort’s layout, trace the lines of its walls and gates, and even imagine yourself standing within the castellum thanks to strategically placed photo points. A lapidary displays a collection of Roman stone monuments. These carved stones, many repurposed as building materials in later periods, offer a glimpse into the lives, burial customs, and artistic skills of Campona’s inhabitants. So, next time you visit Campona, remember, beneath the surface of the modern shopping center lies a hidden world of Roman history, waiting to be explored. It’s a journey through time, a testament to the enduring legacy of an empire, and a tribute to the power of archaeological discovery.