The Via Traiana was an ancient Roman road. It was built by the emperor Trajan as an extension of the Via Appia from Beneventum, reaching Brundisium (Brindisi) by a shorter route (i.e. via Canusium, Butuntum and Barium rather than via Tarentum). This was commemorated by an arch at Beneventum.
source
The ancient road, Via Traiana, passed through Romania and Serbia during the Roman Empire times, serving as a connection between the Roman Empire and the unconquered parts of Europe.
While Romania and Serbia were under Roman leadership for a relatively short period, some historical remnants of the Roman Empire can still be found in the area. Among them are small sections of the renowned bridge that was part of the Via Traiana, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, and a few memorial boards known as Tabula Trajana.
Only one of the Tabula Trajana boards remains intact in Serbia, attracting tourists to this day. In the city of Kladovo, Serbia, there are several cracked pieces that have been recovered, restored, and displayed both inside and outside a small museum.
Although I have not yet visited the museum, I managed to capture a few pictures of the tabulas displayed outside. These rock-carved vestiges, over 2,000 years old, are considered memorial boards created by Roman soldiers in honor of their emperor, Trajan. Hence the name Tabula Traiana.
Originally, there were ten of these boards in my area, five on the Serbian side and five on our side. However, when the water level of the Danube rose due to the construction of the Iron Gate dam, the Serbs attempted to salvage them before they were submerged. Unfortunately, they were only able to save one, while the rest located on their territory cracked and are now exhibited in Kladovo, Serbia.
Regrettably, Romanians did not make any efforts to lift and preserve the ones on our side, reflecting our lack of initiative as a nation. The Serbs, on the other hand, have made sincere attempts to preserve the remnants they obtained, as evident in my pictures showcasing the Roman history surrounding my hometown.
While I am not particularly a fan of the Roman Empire, I believed these pictures would make a decent @pinmapple post. That's all for today. Wishing you a wonderful day/evening, and see you next time.
Thanks for your attention,
Adrian
