Tilurium, Roman fortress in Gardun, Croatia
Tilurium is a Roman fortress situated on Saint Peter hill overlooking the Cetina River gorge in central Dalmatia. The site remains visible today through defensive walls and structures incorporated into local farm buildings, with ongoing archaeological work revealing more of its layout near Trilj.
The Roman Legion VII Claudia established Tilurium in the 1st century as a military stronghold to control trade routes and administer the region. They abandoned the site around 60 AD, departing for Moesia and marking the end of this military presence in the area.
The name Tilurium likely derives from an Illyrian language root reflecting the site's strategic importance in controlling the region. The remains reveal how Roman soldiers established administrative centers in this remote location, shaping local life and trade patterns for generations.
The site is partially built over with modern structures, so using coordinates or a local guide map before visiting helps with orientation. Wear suitable footwear since the hilltop terrain is uneven and can be steep in places.
A fragment of a 1st-century Roman triumphal monument depicting captured Dalmatians is housed in the Archaeological Museum in Split. This rare artwork reveals the artistic importance Rome placed on commemorating the conquest of this region.
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