EAA2021: Abstract

In the Roman times, the Krka River was a very important geostrategic point which, with its steep deep canyon, was a natural barrier that was impossible to cross. That was one of the main reasons for founding the Roman legionary camp Burnum in its immediate vicinity. Only a few convenient natural positions due to the combination of travertine barriers and valleys allowed crossing over it and contact between the two shores, which were then used by the Romans, as main roads. One of them is the crossing at the Čavlinov buk position, in the upper part of the Krka river. Numerous archeological finds were found here, including inscriptions of the gods Neptune and Mercury ?, fragments of architecture such as a stone architrave decorated with relief depictions of aquatic animals, pillars and capitals indicate that they probably belonged to a significant sanctuary associated with the river and crossing. On the middle course of the Krka river, at the crossing near Roški slap, a dedicatory inscription to the Liburnian goddess Latri was found, erected by the Praetorian evocate. All this shows how these crossings played an important role in the spiritual life of the travelers and the merchants who passed through it, but also of the soldiers who lived in its immediate vicinity.

Burnum, river Krka, Neptun, Latra

 Abstract (PDF)

Ivana Jadric-Kucan¹

Anamaria Sokcevic Purusic²