Castris Rubris, Roman fort
Castris Rubris is a Roman fortress from the 6th century located in Harmanli, with foundations and wall remains still visible today. The site displays the typical layout of a Roman military post, with identifiable sections for buildings, watchtowers, and storage areas.
The fort was built during Roman expansion and served as a defensive point along a crucial trade route connecting the western regions to Constantinople. After the Roman period, different groups settled and modified the site, creating layers of occupation spanning several centuries.
The name Castris Rubris reflects the Roman past, linking the site to a military stronghold where soldiers and local communities coexisted. The ruins demonstrate how Roman military posts shaped daily life and defense strategies in this region.
The site lies in open countryside and is easily accessible from Harmanli, with free access to the grounds. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and prefer cooler months to explore the ruins in pleasant conditions.
Excavations completed in 2007 revealed not only military structures but an entire village with tools and domestic remains of its inhabitants. This discovery shows the site was a thriving community with civilian population, not merely an isolated military outpost.
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