Extraordinary Roman-era discoveries unearthed in Transylvania: Traces of Dacia’s wealthiest city revealed!
Archaeologists in Alba Iulia (Gyulafehérvár), Transylvania, have made a Roman-era discovery of international significance where they found traces of Dacia’s wealthiest city. Excavations that began in August have uncovered remarkably well-preserved streets, buildings, squares, rare floor tiling, and even a unique chariot component. The artefacts originate from Colonia Aurelia Apulensis, the richest Roman city in the province of Dacia, named after Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
A glimpse into Roman history beneath a bus station
The discovery was made in the Partoș district of Alba Iulia, where the local government had planned to build a modern bus terminal using EU funds, according to Maszol.ro. However, the preliminary archaeological survey brought astonishing results: specialists unearthed the remains of one of ancient Dacia’s most important settlements across an area of roughly 5,000 square metres.
As archaeologist Radu Ota, who leads the excavation, told Agerpres, two Roman cities once stood near present-day Alba Iulia, only about two kilometres apart. The newly uncovered structures and roads belonged to the north-eastern part of Colonia Aurelia Apulensis, which served as Dacia’s wealthiest city and an economic and cultural hub of the Roman Empire.
Rare floor tiling and a unique chariot fitting
The excavation revealed fourteen streets and squares, along with Roman buildings from several historical periods. Among the most valuable finds is a 28-square-metre ceramic-tiled floor that has survived almost entirely intact.
Equally remarkable are two fully preserved stone inscriptions dedicated to Roman deities and a bronze and lead chariot component decorated with an image of Jupiter. This particular object is of special significance, as no similar artefact has ever been found before in Dacia.
UNESCO proposal and tourism potential
According to Radu Ota, the extensive Roman road network discovered at the site is of exceptional value and should be preserved and proposed for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The excavations will continue until the end of November, after which the uncovered remains will be secured for the winter. Work is expected to resume in 2026.
Gabriel Rustoiu, director of the Alba Iulia Union (Unirii) Museum, emphasised that the goal is to preserve the finds on site and make the area accessible to visitors. He noted that Alba Iulia’s historical heritage is its greatest asset, and this new discovery further strengthens the city’s cultural and touristic importance.
Mayor Gabriel Pleșa also supports the idea of making the Roman ruins publicly accessible, while confirming that the bus terminal project will still go ahead — in coordination with the preservation of the archaeological remains.
A city that has always honoured its past
Alba Iulia has long been known for significant archaeological discoveries, including Roman sarcophagi, gold jewellery, and burial sites. In antiquity, the city was home to Apulum, one of Dacia’s most prominent Roman settlements, whose legacy continues to shape the historical identity of this central Transylvanian city today.