The Roman frontier in Lower Dacia: 13. Sânbotin

The fortification is located south of the present settlement, at the point called Cetate, on a high terrace, near to where the creek Trantul flows in Olt. Today it is covered by modern constructions, being visible only part of the eastern side, an area where rescue excavations were conducted (D. Tudor, H. Nubar, P. Purcărescu 1966; Cr. M. Vlădescu, Gh. Poenaru-Bordea 1983-1985). The archaeological excavations revealed two phases: the earthen fort, assumed to be from Traian’s era, respectively the stone fort. The dimensions of the east side could not be specified, being preserved across a length of 69.60 m. Stone wall, built in the opus incertum technique, it was 1.50 m thick. Two defence ditches, respectively curtain towers, of quadrangular shape, protruding slightly outward were observed on this side. Traces of wooden barracks were discovered inside. Based on the observations regarding the architecture of the fortification and the artefacts discovered, it was assumed that the construction of the stone fort was undertaken during Hadrian’s reign. A stamp of cohort I Hispanorum (AE 1995, 1305) was discovered, which could date from the era of Trajan or Hadrian.