Sardica

Sardica was an ancient city located in modern-day Sofia, Bulgaria. It was founded in the 7th century BC by the Thracians and later became a significant center of the Odrysian kingdom. The city was known for its strategic location along the Via Militaris, a major Roman road that connected the Balkans to the Danube. During the Roman period, Sardica became an important military and administrative center, serving as the capital of the Roman province of Moesia Superior.

The city was fortified with walls and towers, and it had a well-organized urban layout with a forum, temples, and public buildings. Sardica was also home to a significant Roman legion, the Legio I Italica, which was stationed there from the 1st century AD until the 4th century. The legion played a crucial role in the Roman defense of the Balkans and was involved in several major campaigns, including the Dacian Wars.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Sardica continued to be an important center in the Byzantine Empire. It was the capital of the theme of Bulgaria, one of the administrative divisions of the empire. In the 9th century, the city was conquered by the Bulgars and became the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. It remained an important political and cultural center until the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century.

Today, the ruins of Sardica can still be seen in Sofia, including the Roman theater, the forum, and the walls of the city. The site is a popular tourist attraction and a testament to the city's rich history and cultural significance.