Halmyris Fortress, tourist attraction in the Danube Delta

Halmyris Citadel: history and archaeological discoveries

Halmyris Fortress is an archaeological site located in the Danube Delta, near Murighiol, Tulcea County, Romania. This fortress was an important strategic and commercial point in ancient times, being initially a Geto-Dacian settlement, later Romanised.

General description:

• LocationHalmyris is located on the right bank of the Sfântu Gheorghe arm of the Danube, in an area with easy access to the Black Sea and other major trade routes.
• Historical importance: The fortress played a significant role in the defensive and economic system of the Roman Empire, being a frontier point and a centre of trade.
• Occupancy period: The settlement was inhabited from the Geto-Dacian period (4th-3rd centuries BC) to the Byzantine era (6th-7th centuries AD).

Structure of the fortress:

• Enclosure walls: The fortress was surrounded by massive walls, built to offer protection against invasion.
• Internal buildings: The ruins of public and private buildings, including Roman baths, warehouses and dwellings, have been discovered inside the fortress.
• Early Christian churches: Halmyris was an important centre of Christianity, with the ruins of early Christian churches.

Archaeological discoveries:

• Coins: Numerous Roman and Byzantine coins have been found, testifying to intense commercial activity.
• Ceramics and tools: Various artefacts of everyday use, such as pottery, tools and weapons, provide information about daily life in the citadel.
• Inscriptions and monumentsLatin and Greek inscriptions, as well as funerary monuments, provide details of the inhabitants' religious and social life.

Cultural and touristic importance:

Halmyris is an archaeological site of great importance for understanding the history of the Dobrogea region and the Roman and Byzantine influence in the Danube area. It is also a valuable tourist destination for those interested in archaeology and history.

The Citadel of Halmyris continues to be a subject of research for archaeologists and historians, helping to uncover and understand the past of this fascinating region.