Unlocking the Roman Empire: Explore Germanic Paths and Discover Exciting Travel Tips

The Roman Empire during the second century AD was a vast empire, known for its beautiful cities, wealthy provinces, and well-constructed roads. The significant European highway, Via Appia, served as a crucial route, facilitating the movement of goods, livestock, ideas, and innovations across the empire, and it also allowed soldiers to travel easily. As the Roman Empire increasingly faced challenges from barbarian tribes from the north, including the Germans and the Marcomanni led by King Marobud, conflict arose. The regions where these two diverse cultures met became known as border areas. In Central Europe, these areas were largely defined by the Danube River, where numerous Roman camps were established. Among the most notable was a Roman fortress built between 172 and 180 AD on Hradisko, a hill located above today’s Pasohlávky.

Gateway to the Roman Empire

What was the role of the military base at Hradisko for the Romans, and why was it strategically built deep within enemy land? What other structures were present, besides the military camp, such as workshops and supply storage? Did ancient baths and additional buildings exist, welcoming prominent guests from the close circle of Emperor Marcus Aurelius? All these intriguing questions—and more—will be explored at the Muscovy Visitor Centre – Gateway to the Roman Empire, which features a captivating exhibition and a network of nature trails.

In this modern museum, you can learn about the history of the Romans in our region in an engaging manner. After your tour, there are fun activities to try: quizzes, puzzles, memory games, opportunities to learn about Roman soldiers, or even coloring in books inspired by Roman themes.

On Nature Trails with the Germans and Romans

The nature trail called Germans at the Gates of the Roman Empire guides you to where the Germanic tribe of the Marcomanni established their settlement and buried their chief. He was laid to rest with unmatched wealth, a rarity throughout non-Roman Europe at that period.

The subsequent Educational Trail in the Footsteps of the Romans allows you to peer into the remnants of the once formidable fortress. This structure was perched atop the southern and eastern slopes of a gentle hill on the left bank of the Dyje River. From Hradisko, like the ancient Romans, gaze across the vast landscape, including the peaks of Pálava, which they were well acquainted with, and the then non-existent Novomlýnské Lakes. If you’re wondering where to head next, just below the hill awaits the colorful water attractions of the nearby Aqualand Moravia water park, or perhaps a fun swimming experience at the Merkur Autocamping.

Tips for Trips or Other Roman Camps

Through archaeological efforts, we have discovered numerous other Roman camps. Many have been identified via field excavations and by observing distinct shapes or colors in crop fields, easily spotted through aerial photography. In southern Moravia, notable Roman camps have been uncovered, such as those at Ivani, Mušov, and Drnholc. Additional camps were established by the Roman legions in areas with significant Germanic populations and along principal roads; these include camps at Olomouc-Neředín, Hulín, and Jevíčko.

Roman Camps at UNESCO

In 2021, the UNESCO Committee designated the World Heritage List to the Danube limes, a segment of the ancient borders of the Roman Empire along the Danube River. The term limes, in a broader context, refers to the land boundary of the Roman Empire; in Latin, it denotes a road, boundary, or border. Previously, UNESCO recognized the remains of ancient Roman roads, fortifications, and military camps, including Hadrian’s and Antony’s Wall in Britain, among other fortifications.

The entry for Danube limes is a joint application from Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, showcasing the Roman Empire’s borders from Scotland to Slovakia, which now stand as World Heritage Sites.

Visitors can explore our Slovak neighbors, such as the Roman military camp of Gerulata in Rusovce near Bratislava, and the Celemantia military fortress close to Iža. In Austria, you can visit the ancient legionary camp and city of Carnutum. Closely related to these sites is the Roman military camp at Pasohlávky. Interestingly, bricks discovered at Hradisko bear stamps from the Xth Legion Gemina Pia Fidelis, which maintained a permanent camp in the ancient city of Vindobona, known today as Vienna.

Pasohlávky Highlights

• Invitation: Explore Roman-era remnants, enjoy modern entertainment, and visit the Mušov Visitor Centre and Aquapark.

Campsite & Water Park

• Largest campsite in the Czech Republic

• Aqualand Moravia water park

Recreational Activities

• Numerous restaurants

• Well-marked bike trails

Gateway to the Roman Empire

• Site of an ancient Roman military camp

• Remains of baths and other soldiers’ buildings

Mušov Visitor Centre

• Exhibitions on Roman history

• Nature trails

• Interactive educational programs: quizzes, puzzles, memory games, soldier “insights,” and Roman-themed coloring activities

UNESCO World Heritage

• The Danube Limes: once the northern border of the Roman Empire along the Danube River; inscribed in 2021

Archaeological Significance

• Discover the well-preserved Roman camp vestiges that reflect the area’s historical importance

Nearby Landmark

• A chapel shaped like a Romanesque rotunda, situated on Hradištěk-Zímarky hill amidst the vineyards near Velké Bílovice