Augusta Traiana forum, Roman forum in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
The Augusta Traiana forum is a Roman archaeological site in Stara Zagora featuring a central plaza with an amphitheater, thermal baths, fortress walls, and a commercial street. The entire complex spans seven decares with well-preserved remains of these various structures.
The site emerged in the third century AD as part of Augusta Traiana, the second most important administrative center of the Roman province of Thrace. The city shaped the region for several centuries before declining in prominence.
The central plaza functioned as a hub where Romans gathered to conduct business, watch performances, and socialize together. The layout reveals how integral this place was to daily city life.
The forum is free for visitors to explore, and guided tours can be arranged through the Regional History Museum. The terrain is relatively flat and easy to walk through, though bringing water and sun protection is wise on warm days.
Today, modern opera, ballet, and theater productions take place within the ancient amphitheater, connecting contemporary performers with Roman entertainment traditions. This living use makes the site special, as history literally unfolds where it occurred centuries ago.
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