THE ROMAN LIMES IN TRANSYLVANIA – A GEOGRAPHICAL-ARCHAEOLOGICAL AXIS STRUCTURE

Abstract

The Limes Dacicus was an advanced Roman frontier defense system, strategically designed to protect the province of Dacia while ensuring effective military control and communication. This study examines the northwestern, northern, northeastern, and eastern limes axes, focusing on their topographical adaptation, military significance, and geomorphological characteristics within the broader context of Roman imperial defense strategies. One of the key findings of this research is the integrated role of Roman road networks, which functioned as geo-archaeological axes. These roads were not only vital for military mobility, troop deployment, and supply chains but also served as catalysts for economic interactions and Romanization in Dacia. Their routes were meticulously aligned with hydrographic and orographic structures, ensuring strategic connectivity across the province. This interdisciplinary study, combining geography and archaeology, underscores how natural barriers and human-made fortifications worked in tandem to form an effective defensive and administrative system. The research has significant implications for public and private sectors in archaeology, geography, and cultural tourism, providing valuable insights into Roman military logistics, frontier management, and landscape adaptation strategies in ancient Dacia. Moreover, the findings contribute to the broader understanding of Roman imperial control mechanisms and the ways in which geographical features influenced military strategy and infrastructure development.