description Dyrrachium Overview
Dyrrachium was an ancient city on the Adriatic coast at the site of modern Durrës in Albania. Founded as a Greek colony under the name Epidamnus, it later became an important Roman port and a principal western gateway between Italy and the Balkans. The Via Egnatia began at Dyrrachium and continued eastward through Macedonia and Thrace toward Byzantium, making the city significant to Roman military movement, trade, and travel across the Adriatic.
help Dyrrachium FAQ
Where was ancient Dyrrachium located?
Dyrrachium stood at the site of modern Durrës on Albania's Adriatic coast. It was positioned opposite the Italian side of the Adriatic, making it an important crossing point.
Was Dyrrachium originally called Epidamnus?
Yes. The city began as a Greek colony known as Epidamnus before becoming known as Dyrrachium in the Roman period.
Why was Dyrrachium important to the Romans?
Dyrrachium was a major Roman port and a western gateway into the Balkans. The Via Egnatia began there, linking the Adriatic to cities such as Thessalonica and Byzantium.
What happened to the Via Egnatia after it left Dyrrachium?
The road crossed the Balkans toward Byzantium, later called Constantinople and now Istanbul. It served both military and trade traffic between the Adriatic and the eastern Roman world.
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