Carnuntum

Carnuntum was the most important Roman legionary camp on the upper Danube frontier, established as a military base under Tiberius in 6 AD and becoming capital of Pannonia Superior in 106 AD. The city grew into a metropolis of around 50,000 inhabitants, housing the formidable 14th Legion. Marcus Aurelius resided there for three years (172-175 AD), writing part of his Meditations during the Marcomannic Wars. In 308 AD, the Conference of Carnuntum brought together emperors Diocletian, Galerius, and Maximian to resolve the Tetrarchy's internal crises. The city declined after a devastating earthquake around 350 AD and Germanic invasions in 395 AD. Today the Archaeological Park features reconstructions built with traditional Roman tools, considered among the most accurate representations of 4th-century Roman life.