History & Area Studies / World History / Ancient & Medieval History

Slovenia's 'Destroyed' Roman City: Unearthing Poetovio with Hidden Tech!

Arheološka najdišča Ptuja. Panorama / Archaeological Sites of Ptuj. Panorama

Jana Horvat, Branko Mušič, Andreja Dolenc Vičič, Anja Ragolič

For decades, archaeologists believed the ancient Roman city of Poetovio, hidden beneath modern Ptuj in Slovenia, was lost forever. Intensive agriculture on Panorama Hill – deep plowing, terracing, and a water reservoir – was thought to have completely obliterated its Roman past. But what if everything we thought we knew was wrong?This presentation reveals a groundbreaking archaeological project that challenged this long-held belief. Using state-of-the-art geophysical methods like ground-penetrating radar (GPR), high-resolution magnetometry, and electrical resistivity, a team of researchers has uncovered an astonishing truth: the Roman city beneath Panorama Hill is not destroyed, but incredibly well-preserved!Join us as we explore how these non-invasive techniques revealed a detailed blueprint of Poetovio's urban landscape, about 2 meters below the surface. You'll discover:* A meticulously planned Roman street grid, complete with paved roads and drainage systems.* Evidence of strategic fortifications, including a suspected defensive wall and military-style barracks.* Luxurious Roman villas (domus) with intricate layouts and private baths, alongside spacious public squares.* The spiritual heart of Poetovio: major sanctuaries dedicated to local deities like the Nutrices, a grand hilltop temple, and even an early Christian church, showcasing a rich tapestry of religious life.* Extensive burial grounds that tell stories of life and death in this thriving Roman center.This incredible interdisciplinary research, documented in the academic work *Arheološka najdišča Ptuja. Panorama / Archaeological Sites of Ptuj. Panorama* by Jana Horvat, Branko Mušič, Andreja Dolenc Vičič, and Anja Ragolič (2020), proves that sometimes, the greatest discoveries are made when we look beyond the obvious. It's a testament to how modern technology is reshaping our understanding of ancient civilizations and bringing 'lost' cities back to life. Don't miss this journey into Slovenia's hidden Roman past!