Aequum

Aequum was a Roman colony located near modern-day Čitluk, a village near Sinj, Croatia.

Location

Valley of the middle part of the Cetina river and surrounding area, known as the District of Cetina, represents the backbone of the entire area and separate geographical region of mountainous Dalmatian Hinterland. Its 100 km long stream flows through dry karst fields covered by sub-Mediterranean vegetation where there are preserved many archaeological remains. Modern day Čitluk is situated near the town Sinj at the edge of Cetina valley.

History and significance

During the Roman administration in the mid 1st century A.D. it reached a status of agrarian Roman colony after it was settled with the veterans of LEGIO VII Claudia Pia Fidelis during the rule of emperor Claudius (41-45 AD). Colonia was founded by Claudius, named colonia Claudia Aequum, it was the only colony in the interior of the province of Dalmatia. Aequum was a planned city of 32 ha enclosed by walls (400 x 330 m) with features of classic forms of ancient urbanism (urbs quadrata).^[1] Town had orthogonal grid of streets and numerous public building and city fortifications. Aequum was actually the center of wider area where the colonists lived, and it was packed with public services, with very little housing space. The City served as a place for the colonists from wider area to fulfill their administrative, cultural, religious and social needs and duties. The area is not fully explored, writings of Abe Fortis from 17th century witness about existence of amphitheater. ^[2]

Notable persons

Sextus Julius Severus was a member of one of the most notable families in Roman Dalmatia, he served as Governor of Moesia and was appointed Governor of Britain in 131. According to Cassius Dio Sextus Julius Severus was the best Hadrian's general who suppressed the Jewish rebellion (Bar Kokhba revolt) in Judaea A.D. 135, the event that marked the beginning of the Jewish diaspora. ^[3]

References