Modern-day Serbia boasts some of Europe’s oldest archaeological sites.The Lepenski Vir site is believed by many archaeologists to be the cradle of European civilisation, architectural remains and artefacts found here have been dated to between 7000 and 6500 BCE.
Traces of the Starčevo culture, an Early Neolithic society, can be seen on the Starčevo site on the left bank of the Danube, while the remains of the slightly younger Vinča culture are found in the village of Vinča across the river. The prehistoric humans from the period of the Starčevo and Vinča cultures have left behind dugout houses, stone statues, tools and weapons, as well as exquisite ceramic vessels.
Ancient Rome buffs will enjoy visiting the territory in which as many as 16 emperors of the mighty empire were born. Five of them were born in Sirmium, one of the four capitals of the Empire, the remains of which can be seen to this day underneath the modern-day city of Sremska Mitrovica in Nothern Serbia.
Eastern Serbia boasts Felix Romuliana, an archaeological site with remains of ancient Roman architecture from the Tetrarchic period and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tabula Traiana and Diana and Pontes fortresses were erected in anticipation of the Dacian Wars and their remains still rise from the banks of the Iron Gate gorge.
Another site near the Danube is Viminacium, once a military camp and today a major archaeological site with the remains of amphitheatres, monumental buildings, Roman thermae and urban infrastructure. If your travels take you to Southern Serbia be sure to visit Mediana, a site of the remains of a 4th-Century luxury suburb, the remains of Empress’ Town which was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian and Ulpiana, the remains of a 2nd-Century Roman city.
