Rada VARGA
(Centre for Roman Studies, Cluj-Napoca, Romania)
Abstract: The site where ala I Batavorum had its garrison in Dacia is one of the most important auxiliary forts and adjacent settlements from this province. Unfortunately, the previously undertaken field research are scarce and with relatively inconclusive results.
The current approach aims at establishing the main coordinates of the settlement(s) through a series of pre-excavation researches based on modern technologies and techniques. Overlapping the aerial photograph of the site, where the Roman stone structures are visible, on satellite maps of the modern village (R?zboieni-Cetate, Alba County, Romania), we have obtained an accurate image of the archaeological site. As well, we have managed to determine the topographic coordinates of the fort and to create an altimetric reconstruction of the whole valley, with a profile traced through the fort. These comprehensive studies and the maps and plans obtained help us better understand the Roman settlement, as well as to place in a better determined context the rather numerous artifacts accidentally discovered over time.
The main result of our enterprise is accurately placing on a map, for the first time, one of the most important – as well as less known – settlements from Roman Dacia. The plan thus obtained is a most necessary starting point for planning a future archaeological campaign.
Keywords: Ala I Batavorum, Roman Dacia, R?zboieni-Cetate, GPR research, topographical map