Aquincum

Aquincum is a significant Ancient Roman site near Budapest, Hungary, that originally housed an important military base and city. The majority of the remains at Aquincum originate from the second century AD, when the city reached its pinnacle with up to 40,000 inhabitants as the capital of Pannonia, afterwards Lower Pannonia.

Because it was the center of Roman border activities, Aquincum was periodically used as the emperors' headquarters. As a result, the city gained municipal status under Hadrian and colonia status under Septimius Severus. By the end of the second century AD, the city had 30,000 residents and was the economic center of the region.

The archaeological remains unearthed illustrate the city's prestige, which include central heating in the dwellings, public baths, palaces, and a Mithras temple (a Mithraeum). Aquincum also had two amphitheatres from the first century AD that were used for gladiatorial and animal combat.

Today, Aquincum has much to offer visitors and history buffs alike, including the remnants of a city wall, an amphitheatre (one of two in Budapest), temples, residences, and burial sites. There's also the Aquincum Museum, which houses artifacts from the site.

Location: Budapest