Bononia (fortress)
Bononia, also known as Baba Vida, is a medieval fortress located in Vidin, Bulgaria, along the banks of the Danube River. This historical site is notable for being the only fully preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, built upon the remnants of an ancient Roman watchtower. The fortress has its roots in the Thracian population, with its name reflecting a possible Celtic influence. Originally established as a frontier stronghold against the Dacians, Bononia transitioned into a Roman auxiliary garrison after the annexation of Dacia around AD 105. It later resumed its role as a defensive post during the period of Aurelian's evacuation of Dacia. Despite suffering destruction from the Huns in 442, the fortress was reconstructed under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. Today, remnants of the fortress, including parts of its walls and towers, stand as a testament to its rich historical significance and endurance through centuries of conflict and restoration.
Subject Terms
Bononia (fortress)
(Vidin)
Fortress on the Danube in Upper Moesia (northwestern Bulgaria). Its name suggests the presence of a Celtic element in its original Thracian population. Facing the territory of the hostile Dacians across the river, Bononia became a frontier stronghold; then, after the Roman annexation of Dacia (AD 105), it was a rear base and auxiliary garrison, but resumed the role of frontier post (in the new province of Dacia Ripensis) when the old Dacia was evacuated by Aurelian (271). Parts of the town's walls and towers have survived. Bononia was destroyed by the Huns (442), but restored by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I a century later.