Rare Roman Bronze Box Unearthed in Turda, Romania!
Archaeologists excavating a Roman civilian settlement in Turda, Romania, have uncovered a remarkable collection of artefacts, including a rare bronze box featuring a relief of a classical temple façade. The discovery was made in the canabae legionis, the civilian settlement that grew up around the camp of Legio V Macedonica during its stay at Potaissa in the 3rd century CE.
The five-week excavation, which began in July, was led by Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca in collaboration with experts from the Turda History Museum and other institutions. Researchers opened four trenches in the civilian area near the former Roman fortress, revealing the remains of a domus (a Roman-style house), along with the foundations of masonry walls, a portico, and two ovens whose precise functions are still under investigation.
Photo Credit: Turda History Museum
Among the discoveries were coins, items of personal adornment such as glass jewellery, bone hairpins, bronze rings, and belt fittings, along with decorative furniture pieces. One particularly striking find was a bronze tripod leg decorated with animal motifs, a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic flair of the settlement’s inhabitants.
The highlight of the dig, however, was a small bronze box shaped like a miniature temple, complete with columns and a triangular pediment. Archaeologists believe it may have served a ritual purpose, perhaps as a container for offerings or devotional objects. What makes it truly extraordinary is its condition: it was found completely intact, with no known parallels in Roman Dacia.
This rare artefact stands out as a unique glimpse into the spiritual and artistic life of the community that lived in the shadow of the legionary fortress.
Photo Credit: Turda History Museum
The settlement at Potaissa flourished alongside the fortress of Legio V Macedonica, one of the Roman Empire’s most distinguished legions. Originally founded around 43 BCE, possibly by Gaius Octavius (later Emperor Augustus), the legion took part in numerous campaigns across the Empire. It was heavily involved in Emperor Trajan’s Dacian Wars (101–106 CE), after which it remained stationed in Dacia to help secure Roman control of the region.
The discoveries at Turda reveal a vivid picture of life on the Roman frontier. The mix of military and civilian artefacts shows how closely intertwined these two worlds were. The luxurious furnishings, domestic objects, and religious items all point to a thriving, Romanised community that enjoyed prosperity and cultural sophistication in the shadow of the legion’s fortress.
Ultimately, these finds not only expand our understanding of daily life in Roman Dacia but also highlight the lasting cultural impact of Rome’s military presence on the local population, a legacy still being uncovered, piece by piece, beneath the soil of Turda.