Burnum: A Roman Military Fortress and Settlement in Dalmatia, Croatia

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Official Website: www.npkrka.hr

Country: Croatia

Civilization: Roman

Remains: Military

History

Burnum was established as a Roman military fortress near present-day Kistanje in Dalmatia, Croatia. It was founded during the reign of Emperor Augustus, around the late 1st century BC to early 1st century AD. The site was chosen to control movement along the Krka River, a strategic location in the Roman province.

The fortress initially hosted the Twentieth Legion, known as Legio XX Valeria Victrix, during the Great Illyrian Revolt between AD 6 and 9. Later, the Eleventh Legion Claudia and the Fourth Legion Flavia Felix were stationed there. Under Emperor Claudius, around AD 50, Burnum reached its final military form, reflecting significant expansion and fortification.

The principium, or headquarters building, was completed by the early reign of Emperor Tiberius (AD 14–37). After a failed rebellion led by Scribonius in AD 42, the principium was enlarged, marking a period of architectural and urban development. This expansion included new administrative and religious spaces, emphasizing Burnum’s military importance.

Around AD 86, the Fourth Legion Flavia Felix departed, ending Burnum’s role as a legionary base. The site then transformed into a civilian settlement during the early 2nd century, under Emperors Trajan and Hadrian. The principium was converted into a civil forum and basilica, reflecting its new municipal status. Inscriptions from this period show the introduction of the imperial cult, honoring Trajan and Hadrian.

Later, during the reign of Antoninus Pius, restorations added small shrines dedicated to local deities Metroac and Venus on the capitolium façade.

Burnum was destroyed in the 6th century amid Byzantine efforts to reclaim the area from the Ostrogoths. After this destruction, the site disappears from historical records and was eventually abandoned.

Remains

The site of Burnum includes the remains of a large principium, originally measuring about 46 by 53 meters. It was located where the main military streets, the via principalis and via praetoria, intersected. This building served as the command center, combining administrative, religious, and ceremonial functions.

Following the AD 42 rebellion, the principium was expanded to roughly 104 by 73 meters. The enlarged structure featured two long wings with offices for legionary staff, flanking a central courtyard. This courtyard was separated by arched arcades from a shorter rear wing that housed the legionary shrine, where military standards and trophies were kept.

The principium also contained a basilica principiorum, a hall with a raised platform used by commanders to address troops. Beneath the sanctuary with its apse was a basement treasury. After the military left, the principium was adapted into a civil basilica with courtroom and meeting rooms. This new layout was oriented differently, likely built during the early 2nd century when Burnum became a municipium.

Today, only two arcades and part of the central arcade arch of the basilica remain visible above ground. Inscriptions found on site confirm the presence of the imperial cult, with dedications to Emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Later restorations under Antoninus Pius added small shrines for the cults of Metroac and Venus on the capitolium façade.

Burnum was part of a larger complex that included an amphitheatre capable of seating about 6,000 spectators. The site also featured an extensive aqueduct system, approximately 32.6 kilometers long, which brought water from Plavno Polje. This aqueduct was built entirely underground to keep water cool and prevent freezing. It had a flow rate of about 86 liters per second and a height difference of 170 meters between the source and the settlement.