Apulon, Dacian fortress in Craiva, Romania.
Apulon is a Dacian fortress built on a limestone ridge at over 1000 meters elevation, with stone walls and defensive structures still visible today. Excavations have uncovered various artifacts from the ancient occupation that are now housed in regional museums.
This fortress functioned as an important center from the 2nd century BC through the 1st century AD in the Dacian world. It served as a hub for governance, defense, and trade during this period.
This settlement was a meeting point between different peoples, as shown by art objects and crafts that reflect contact with distant cultures. The artifacts suggest that those who lived here were part of larger networks extending beyond the region.
The site sits at high elevation and is best visited in mild weather when paths are easier to navigate. Sturdy footwear is essential since the terrain is uneven and parts of ancient structures remain exposed.
The hilltop location provided wide views across several valleys, suggesting this may be the ancient Apoulon that the geographer Ptolemy recorded in his writings. This elevated position made it an ideal vantage point for watching over the entire region.
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