Gáti Csilla (szerk.): A Janus Pannonius Múzeum Évkönyve 54., 2016-2017 (Pécs, 2017)
RÉGÉSZET - Kovaliczky Gergely: Sopianae első periódusa
A Janus Pannonius Múzeum Évkönyve ( 2017 ) 254 ?e first period of the Roman town of Sopianae Gergely Kovaliczky ?e analysis of archaeological features and finds brought to light by recent excavations allows us to explore the history and chronology of the Roman town Sopianae underlying the present-day city of Pécs in more detail. Having had no predecessor, the Roman settlement was established in the last third of the 1st century AD. Its foundation can be considered as a result of the prosperity brought about by the advance of the Roman army to the Danube frontier and the increased presence of the army due to the Jazyg and Dacian wars in the vicinity of the province of Pannonia. Mainly serving the needs of the army, the various branches of industry provided the basis for a flourishing economy in Sopianae even before trade relations were established: the excavated archaeological remains of kilns and furnaces indicate that pottery and bronze working had significant economic importance. Inscriptions show that the population of the early period consisted of immigrated Italian families, active and retired soldiers, and Romanized members of the indigenous society. It is likely that the Italians had an important role in the development of various industries and trade relations. Samian ware from Central Gaul and coin finds show that the settlement saw a commercial upturn during the reign of Hadrian. Even as the situation along the Pannonian border was the cause of prosperity, its change also caused decline. In 169 AD, during the Marcomanic-Sarmatian Wars, the linear defence of the Roman army was not able to prevent a barbarian incursion and prolonged presence in the vicinity of Sopianae . ?is event resulted in the destruction of the settlement that had already served as a centre in the south-central Pannonian region.
