The Romans: European Heritage, Pannonia, and Aquincum

Looking to find out more about Roman history in Europe? Whether you’re a local or a tourist – you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at Pannonia, Aquincum, and the enduring interest in the Roman period. 

Long-Standing Influence of Rome in Europe

Despite the Romans themselves living centuries ago, an interest in their culture still remains today across Europe – particularly in the UK, which serves as possibly the best example of a rich Roman history. The Romans are a popular theme for many types of media and entertainment in the UK, with films like Pompeii and The Eagle, TV shows like Plebs and Those About to Die, and even online casino games. On Paddy Power online casino and other UK iGaming platforms, players can try their hand at games such as Centurion Megaways, Shields of Rome, and Rome: The Golden Age. These games use motifs such as chariots, shields, sandals, and helmet plumes that have become synonymous with the Romans. This iconography makes the gameplay more believable and immersive. 

The UK also has one of the most iconic motifs of the Roman empire outside of Italy itself – Hadrian’s Wall. Sections of the wall still stand today between Wallsend near Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria, with famous fort excavations along the way like Birdoswald and Procolitia. Whilst the UK has a plethora of Roman-themed entertainment and famous historical monuments, some other European places are comparatively lacking – particularly Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). Although CEECs do not recognize or celebrate their Roman influence as much as the UK, it may surprise you that this area has a robust Roman history.

The Province of Pannonia

“Germania, Dacia, Mœsia, Illyricum, Pann” (CC BY 2.0) by Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the BPL

Provincia Pannonia was a province of the Roman Empire from around 8 or 9 AD to 433 AD. Although the conquests into the area actually began as early as 35 BC by Emperor Augustus (or Octavian as he was known at the time), the province wasn’t labeled as a separate entity until 9 AD. At this point, the province had three Roman legions. 

This territory covered is what now forms parts of Slovakia, Austria, Croatia, Servia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and, of course, Hungary. According to details from The Encyclopaedia Britannica, this would have incorporated the modern-day cities of Győr, Szombathely, Székesfehérvár, and Budapest – essentially everything to the west of the Danube. Notably, the city of Pécs was founded by the Romans, the style of which can still be seen in the city. 

Ancient City of Aquincum 

“Aquincum (Budapest)” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Following Hadrian

It is thought that the city of Aquincum was one of the pivotal places in Roman Pannonia. The city grew around fortresses at the site, later becoming the capital city of Pannonia Inferior. Thanks to the emperor Hadrian (of the wall fame), Aquincum was granted municipal status, and later classified as a colonia by emperor Septimius Severus. The location of the ancient city is now known as the Óbuda district of Budapest.

The Roman remains of Aquincum can still be seen throughout Budapest. According to Budapest Local, there are two amphitheaters to check out – Aquincum Military Amphitheater and Aquincum Civil Amphitheater – the former of which was bigger than the Colosseum itself. You can also find the excavated ruins of a Mithraeum, which was likely the temple of Marcus Antonius Victorinus. In addition, there’s the Aquincum Museum, which has a section of the Roman aqueduct in its grounds – a reconstruction can be found on Szentendrei Road. 

As you can see, Hungary has a particularly rich yet underrated Roman background. All that’s left to do is explore the area with new eyes, particularly cities like Budapest and Pécs.