Aquincum Museum

The Aquincum Museum, located in the Óbuda district of Budapest, is an extraordinary window into life during the Roman Empire. Inaugurated in 1894 thanks to the efforts of Bálint Kuzsinszky, the museum stands on the remains of the Roman city of Aquincum, once the capital of the province of Lower Pannonia. Aquincum began as a Celtic settlement of the Eravisci tribe before being transformed into a Roman military base around 41-54 AD. With the arrival of Legio II Adiutrix and the subsequent expansion of the city, Aquincum became a vital center both militarily and commercially. In 106 AD, the city was elevated to the rank of capital of the province of Lower Pannonia, reaching a population of about 30,000 inhabitants by the end of the 2nd century. The museum and the adjacent archaeological park offer a wide range of artifacts and structures that testify to the sophistication of Roman life. Among the most significant remains are two amphitheaters, built in the 1st century AD, used for gladiator fights and animal shows. The ruins also include public baths, centralized heating systems, houses, temples, and a mithraeum, a sanctuary dedicated to the god Mithras. One of the most fascinating attractions of the Aquincum Museum is the Aquincum organ, an ancient musical instrument reconstructed that offers a unique glimpse into the technological innovations of the time. In addition to the organ, the museum displays mosaics, fragments of frescoes, finely decorated sarcophagi, and various everyday objects that offer a detailed perspective on Roman life and culture. The museum area also includes a garden of ruins, where visitors can stroll among the remains of the ancient city. Here you can see the structures of the baths, the main streets (decumanus and cardo), the forum with its basilica, and the remains of shops and houses. Another interesting section of the archaeological park is the Thermae Maiores, a bath complex used by the legionaries stationed at Aquincum, which shows the importance of the bathing culture in ancient Rome. Aquincum was not only a military center but also an important cultural and commercial hub. The city was well connected to the defensive system of the limes, the Roman Empire’s frontier along the Danube. During the 3rd century, Christianity began to spread in the city, as evidenced by various archaeological finds. In the 4th century, Aquincum suffered numerous attacks from the Sarmatians, a nomadic tribe from the north. The city was finally destroyed in 350 AD, with further devastation by the Germans and Huns in the 5th century. Nevertheless, the Roman legacy remained present and visible even during the Middle Ages, influencing the growth of the future cities of Buda and Pest. Access to the museum is facilitated by various public transport options, including buses 34, 134, and 106 departing from Szentlélek Square in Óbuda. The museum also offers an interactive experience with mythological play areas and a virtual experiential area that makes the visit even more engaging.