Archaeologists working in south-western Bulgaria have uncovered compelling evidence of a temporary Roman military camp, potentially linked to the aftermath of the Battle of Pydna, one of antiquity’s clashes that reshaped the ancient world.
The discovery was made near the village of Polenitsa during rescue excavations along the Struma Motorway. The archaeological team, led by Dr Sirma Alexandrova of the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, unearthed a range of artefacts, including coins, arrowheads, iron tent pegs and even shoelace fittings. Earlier investigations at the same site had revealed roof tiles, wall remains constructed from river stones and clay, and traces of torchlight activity.
Based on these findings, Dr Alexandrova proposes that the site represents a short-lived Roman encampment established in 168 BC, shortly after the Roman victory over King Perseus of Macedon. The camp is thought to have been used to exert control over the nearby city of Heraclea Sintica, a strategically important settlement in the Middle Struma valley.
Numismatic evidence supports this interpretation. Among the coins recovered are specimens from Amphipolis dating from 187 to 168 BC. Pottery fragments from the same period were also identified across the three-decare site, situated on a non-flooded terrace of the Sandanska Bistrica River. Notably, there is no evidence of destruction by fire or conflict, suggesting the camp was abandoned peacefully after brief use.
Historical sources indicate that between 2,000 and 3,000 fighters from Heraclea Sintica joined Perseus before his defeat by the Roman general Lucius Aemilius Paulus. Following the battle, Paulus reportedly dispatched his officer Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica to suppress potential resistance in the region, possibly including orders to destroy Heraclea Sintica to prevent it aiding the fleeing Macedonian king.
The newly discovered camp near Polenitsa lends weight to these accounts, indicating a swift Roman military presence aimed at consolidating control in the Balkans. Ongoing excavations at Heraclea Sintica itself, led by Prof. Lyudmil Vagalinski and Dr Alexandrova, have already revealed signs of destruction dating to this period.
Whether the city was entirely destroyed or subdued into submission remains an open question. As further research continues, archaeologists hope to clarify the fate of one of the region’s most significant ancient urban centres in the turbulent aftermath of Rome’s victory at Pydna.
Sources : Archaeology Bulgarika
