Municipium Aelium Salla, Roman archaeological site in Zalalövő, Hungary
Municipium Aelium Salla is the remains of a Roman settlement whose ruins show foundations of buildings, streets, and defensive works along the northern bank of the Zala river. The site covers a substantial area where ongoing excavations continue to reveal the layout and structure of the original town.
Emperor Hadrian founded this settlement around 124 AD and granted it municipal status, making it an important administrative center in the Roman provinces. The site was gradually abandoned in later centuries, but evidence shows it remained significant throughout much of its existence.
The site museum displays objects from daily life in the Roman settlement, including pottery, coins, and household tools that show how people actually lived and worked here. These items give a human dimension to what was once an active community in the Roman provinces.
The site is accessible year-round, though guided tours are most commonly available during warmer months. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the different areas, as the layout covers a substantial territory.
Excavations have revealed evidence of Roman military occupation, with a military camp preceding the later civilian city center and showing that the location first served as a strategic outpost. This two-phase development illustrates how Rome often established defensive positions before founding civilian settlements.
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