Alexandria's founded by Alexander

Alexandria's founded by Alexander the Great (by year BC): 334 Alexandria in Troia (Turkey) - 333 Alexandria at Issus/Alexandrette (Iskenderun, Turkey) - 332 Alexandria of Caria/by the Latmos (Alinda, Turkey) - 331 Alexandria Mygdoniae - 331 Alexandria (Egypt) - 330 Alexandria Ariana (Herat, Afghanistan) - 330 Alexandria of the Prophthasia/in Dragiana/Phrada (Farah, Afghanistan) - 330 Alexandria in Arachosia (Kandahar, Afghanistan) - 330 Alexandria in the Caucasus (Begram, Afghanistan) - 329 Alexandria of the Paropanisades (Ghazni, Afghanistan) - 329 Alexandria Eschate or Ultima (Khodjend, Tajikistan) - 329 Alexandria on the Oxus (Termez, Afghanistan) - 328 Alexandria in Margiana (Merv, Turkmenistan) - 326 Alexandria Nicaea (on the Hydaspes, India) - 326 Alexandria Bucephala (on the Hydaspes, India) - 325 Alexandria Sogdia - 325 Alexandria Oreitide - 325 Alexandria in Opiene / Alexandria on the Indus (confluence of Indus & Acesines, India) - 325 Alexandria Rambacia (Bela, Pakistan) - 325 Alexandria Xylinepolis (Patala, India) - 325 Alexandria in Carminia (Gulashkird, Iran) - 324 Alexandria-on-the-Tigris/Antiochia-in-Susiana/Charax (Spasinou Charax on the Tigris, Iraq) - ?Alexandria of Carmahle? (Kahnu)

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Ulpia Serdica, the Roman name for Sofia

What to do when remains from antique cities are found right in the middle of a major modern city? The question is not new and the answer as always is a compromise between extra expenses and the urge to preserve ancient constructions. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria is no exception.


For several years, archaeologists are excavating the Roman town of Ulpia Serdica, whose remains are located on top of the underground extension plans of Sofia. So far a Roman palace, baths and burial sites have been excavated at the intersection of what is believed two major streets. At least two more Roman palaces are waiting to be uncovered and parts of the Roman fortress and adjacent church from the 4th century have already been excavated and fully reconstructed. We should not forget that this Roman Ulpia Serdica was entirely built above the Thracian city from the first century BC.

The debate here as elsewhere has raged on for years. A major metro station was planned exactly underneath the historical site. At last the authorities have opted to preserve the remains where they are, be it at excessively high costs, of course. An underground museum covering 1.9 ha will be built and with the help of EU money they hope to create a centre for exhibitions and performances that will put Sofia on the map in competition with other major cities like Rome

In my humble opinion this may take quite a while to materialize, if ever they get that far …

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