Fort and civil settlement

Ratiaria was founded in the 1st century AD as a military camp around which a civil settlement grew up. After AD 106 the Emperor Trajan withdrew the troops and the settlement was granted the status of Colonia Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria. At the end of the 3rd century AD it was proclaimed capital city of the new province of Dacia Ripensis and a significant military garrison was stationed there again. An important bishop’s cathedra was established in the town in the 4rd century AD. Restoration activities took place during the reign of Anastasius I which was reflected in the new town’s name – Anastasiana Ratiaria. In AD 586 the town was devastated by the Avars.