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Well-preserved Roman road found in southern Serbia
Jun 24, 2010, 12:21 GMT
Belgrade - Archaeologists have discovered the well-preserved remains of a Roman road dating back to the first century in south- eastern Serbia, Belgrade media reported Thursday.
The Roman military road, or Via militaris, near the town of Dimitrovgrad used to connect the western parts of the Roman empire with the eastern parts, archaeologists said.
'This road was one of the main roads of the Roman empire,' archaeologist Miroslav Lazic told the Novosti daily.
'We are working on preservation of the site and preparing a presentation for European academic circles,' he said, adding that the road 'was built in the mid-first century and was used for several more centuries, most likely until the seventh century.'
The eight-metre wide road was constructed from large blocks of stone and had two lanes.
The excavations also unearthed numerous artifacts, including horseshoes and metal parts of carts.
NIN weekly quoted Lazic as saying that the numerous artifacts 'show that the road was an important route.'
The historic road was discovered during the building of a modern highway near Dimitrovgrad. The highway is on the same course as the ancient road, archaeologists said.
Investors in the new highway said they will secure the site, and experts plan to open an archaeological park where they will present all the artifacts found.
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