Russe is one of the most beautiful Bulgarian towns with rich history and aristocratic traditions. It continues to surprise its guests with the opportunities for cultural tourism and entertainment it offers. In the past the Danubean city was called Sexaginta Prista. Let’s hear more about this ancient town from journalist and traveler Petra Taleva.
“You won’t find the town on the modern map of Bulgaria but Sexaginta Prista existed. In Latin it means a port with 60 ships, which even now means a serious force. Today this town is called Russe. Recently a festival dedicated to the ancient town took place. Archaeologists showed in Russe how an old kitchen dating back to the times before Columbus reached America and brought various fruit and vegetables to Europe looked like. Actors and volunteers played the role of citizens of the Roman Empire and showed how life was back then. One could even try meals prepared according to Roman recipes, which do not include unknown-then potatoes or tomatoes,” Ms. Taleva says.
Close to the center of today’s Russe an ancient Thracian village used to exist, Scientists think it was an important sacred place due to artifacts they discovered there. Ceramic and bronze objects, as well as a great number of coins will still have to be studied in order for more information to be found. It especially needed when it regards a place like this where great many layers of history can be seen.
Earliest information about Sexaginta Prista comes from Claudius Ptolemy. In modern times through archaeological studies were carried out by brothers Karel and Hermann Škorpil. However, Sexaginta Prista has managed to keep its secrets for a long time. It was during the reign of Emperor Marcus Ulpius Traianus when a port for 60 ships called pristis was built in Sexaginta Prista. These ships could carry 6,000 people. It is supposed that the name Sexaginta Prista was given to the city after a decisive victory against the Dacians.
Today, Sexaginta Prista is one of the most visited tourist sites. Under a project for renovation of the fortress a replica of Roman tower was constructed. One could also see a room of a Roman soldier and learn about the daily life in Roman army. Tourists can also try making pottery using Roman methods and see how a pristis ship looked like.
In Russe one could immerse themselves in the atmosphere of different times and legends about the city continue to provoke the imagination of guests to this ancient Danubean city.
English version: Alexander Markov
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