The Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains are six ancient fortresses built in the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD in the Orastie Mountains, Romania. The fortresses were built by the Dacians, a group of Indo-European people who lived in the area that is now Romania. The fortresses were used as defensive structures against the Roman Empire during the Dacian Wars.
The six fortresses are Sarmizegetusa Regia, Costesti, Blidaru, Piatra Rosie, Capalna, and Căpâlna. They are all located in the Orastie Mountains, which are part of the Carpathian Mountains in western Romania. The fortresses are made of stone and were built on high hills or mountains. They were connected by a network of roads and were strategically located to defend against any potential invaders.
Sarmizegetusa Regia was the most important fortress and served as the capital of the Dacian Kingdom. It is believed that it was built in the 1st century BC and was destroyed by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Today, only the ruins of the fortress remain, but they are considered an important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The other fortresses are smaller, but still significant. Costesti is located on a hilltop and is surrounded by walls and towers. Blidaru is located on a high plateau and was used as a watchtower. Piatra Rosie is located on a steep hill and is considered one of the most important fortresses due to its strategic location. Capalna is located on a hilltop and was used as a signal station. Căpâlna is the smallest of the fortresses and is located on a hilltop.
The Dacian Fortresses are an important part of Romania's history and cultural heritage. They are visited by tourists from all over the world and are a testament to the ancient civilization that once thrived in the area.