Romula Roman Ruins

A Forgotten Capital of Dacia Malvensis

In the heart of the Romanian Plain, just a few kilometers north of Caracal, the village of Resca preserves the traces of one of the most important Roman cities in southern Dacia. Romula was likely built on the site of an older Dacian settlement, Malva, which became the capital of the province of Dacia Malvensis. Elevated to the rank of municipium under Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) and later to colonia during the reign of Septimius Severus (193-211 AD), Romula thrived until the 4th-5th centuries, when invasions and political changes led to its decline.

Architecture and Archaeological Remains

The ruins of the city reveal a complex urban structure, with public buildings, temples, workshops, and baths. One of the most impressive features is the ceramic production center, located on either side of the Roman road that connected Romula to Acidava (present-day Enosesti). Here, archaeologists have discovered 22 kilns for firing bricks and pottery, a suburban villa, several buildings, and two tombs in brick sarcophagi. The wall constructed during the reign of Emperor Philip the Arab (244-249 AD) marks the city’s boundaries, offering a clear image of its defensive organization.

Archaeological findings also include fragments of statuettes, inscriptions, and coins, attesting to the city’s economic and cultural importance. Traces of habitation from the Neolithic period (Boian culture), the Bronze Age (Vericioara culture), and the Geto-Dacian period demonstrate the continuity of life in this region long before the arrival of the Romans.

Visitor’s Guide

The ruins of Romula are accessible via county road DJ642, approximately 10 km north of Caracal. Although the site lacks developed tourist infrastructure, visitors can explore the open-air ruins, following the informative panels installed in the area. The best time to visit is during the warm season, when weather conditions allow for comfortable exploration. For a complete experience, complement your visit with a stop at the Olt County Museum in Slatina, where artifacts discovered at Romula are on display.