Apulum (castra)

Apulum was a legionary fortress in the Roman province of Dacia from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD, located in today's Alba Iulia, Romania.^[6]

Alternative name(s)Apula,^[1] Apulon^[1]

Known also asCastra of Alba Iulia

Founded during the reign ofTrajan

Founded107 – 108^[2]

Quick facts Alternative name(s), Known also as ...

Apulum
Porta Principalis Dextra
Location within Romania
Alternative name(s)	Apula,[1] Apulon[1]
Known also as	Castra of Alba Iulia
Founded during the reign of	Trajan
Founded	107 – 108[2]
Abandoned	4th century AD
Attested by	Tabula Peutingeriana
Place in the Roman world
Province	Dacia
Administrative unit	Dacia Apulensis
Administrative unit	Dacia Superior
Directly connected to	(Ighiu) (Stremț) (Cigmău)
Structure
— Stone structure —
Size and area	440 m × 430 m (18.9[2] ha)
Stationed military units
— Legions —
XIII Gemina,[3] I Adiutrix[4][5]
Location
Coordinates	46°02′50″N 23°34′0″E
Altitude	245 m
Town	Alba Iulia
County	Alba
Country	Romania
Reference
RO-LMI	AB-I-m-A-00001.01[3]
RO-RAN	1026.01[6]
UNESCO
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Part of	Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia
Criteria	Cultural: ii, iii, iv
Reference	1718-023
Inscription	2024 (46th Session)
Site notes
Recognition	UNESCO World Heritage Site National Historical Monument
Condition	Ruined

Close

It is the largest castrum in Romania, occupying 37.5 hectares (93 acres) (750 x 500 m). It was the base of the legion Legio XIII Gemina transferred there by Trajan to the newly conquered province of Dacia at the end of the war in 106. In the era of Hadrian (117-138 AD) and of Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) it was rebuilt in stone.

The city of Apulum grew up around the fortress, eventually becoming the capital of Roman Dacia.

The legion was relocated in 271 to Dacia Aureliana when the northern Dacia province was evacuated

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Castra Apulum.