New Archaeological Investigations on the Upper Moesian Limes. Ćetaće-Radujevac Site, Located in the Roman Aquae Region, at the Confluence of the Timok and Danube Rivers

Abstract

Given its remarkable location in the vicinity of the confluence of the Timok and Danube rivers, on the Roman limes, as well as indications of very early construction, the site of Ćetaće near the village of Radujevac offers vital evidence for a closer characterization of the whole area of Roman Aquae (Prahovo) in terms of its military, communication, economic, mining and customs operation role. Based on two archaeological campaigns, in 2021 and 2022, and extensive field surveys of the broader area, the site has been determined to have several levels dating from the proto-historical, Roman and early Byzantine periods and retains an inherent military and strategic importance until in the contemporary period. As luck would have it, the site is located on a section of the Danube limes in Serbia which was not endangered by the construction of the hydroelectric power plants on the Danube. As far as the Roman period is concerned, the existence has been attested of the masonry defences and a corner tower of a fort built in the late first century which kept undergoing alterations and additions until the early Byzantine period. The partially established chronology has been confirmed by interesting finds.