Archaeologists excavating a major Roman city in central Romania have uncovered part of a statuette believed to represent Asclepius, the ancient Greek and later Roman god of medicine and healing, along with new evidence of urban life during the final decades of Roman rule in Dacia (Greek: Δακία).
The discovery was made at Partoș, near Alba Iulia, where archaeologists are investigating the remains of Colonia Aurelia Apulensis. The settlement was one of the most important urban centers in the Roman province of Dacia. Other recent excavations in Romania have also revealed new evidence about life and death in ancient Roman Dacia.
Statuette emerges from Roman city
The partial statuette is believed to depict Aesculapius, the Roman form of the Greek god Asclepius, who was associated with medicine and healing. The cult of Asclepius originated in the Greek world before spreading widely under Roman rule.
The discovery follows other finds linked to the ancient healing god. Archaeologists recently uncovered an 1,800-year-old statue of Asclepius at the ancient city of Aspendos in southern Turkey.
Archaeologists at Partoș also recovered pottery fragments, everyday objects and pieces that may contain inscriptions. Specialists are studying the finds for clues about trade, public spaces and ceremonial activity at the settlement.
Excavations reveal Roman neighborhood
The latest excavation season builds on work that began in 2025 with support from Alba Iulia authorities. Researchers expanded the excavation area in 2026, exposing more of the city’s streets, buildings and infrastructure.
Archaeologists have documented several hundred square meters of remains, with the investigated area approaching 1,000 square meters. Discoveries include Roman roads, intersections and traces of residential buildings.
Archaeologists in Romania have uncovered part of a statuette believed to depict the Roman god of medicine at Colonia Aurelia Apulensis, one of ancient Dacia’s major cities.
New roads, buildings and artifacts are also revealing how people lived nearly 1,800 years ago. pic.twitter.com/QSsBt1u13N
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) September 15, 2026
Many of the remains date to the third century A.D. The site is particularly important for understanding the period between about A.D. 250 and 270, during the final decades of Roman control in Dacia.
Coins and other artifacts could help researchers build a clearer picture of how residents lived as Roman authority in the region approached its end.
Major center of Roman Dacia
Earlier work at Partoș uncovered stone and brick houses, streets, a small square, a temple and a paved courtyard. Archaeologists also found pottery, religious monuments and objects made from bronze, iron and bone.
Religious finds are particularly useful for understanding beliefs in Roman communities. Asclepius was worshipped across the ancient Greek world, where sanctuaries dedicated to the god became important centers of healing and religious practice.
Colonia Aurelia Apulensis developed near the Mureș River and became an important economic and administrative center. It gained municipal status under Emperor Marcus Aurelius and was later elevated to a Roman colony under Commodus.
The scale of the remains has also affected modern plans for the site. Local authorities had considered using the land for public transport infrastructure. The archaeological discoveries instead prompted plans to preserve the area as an archaeological park.
Continued research at Partoș could reveal more about the city’s layout, economy and religious life while helping preserve an important part of Alba Iulia’s Roman heritage.
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