The document discusses ancient civilizations in the Vrhnika region of Slovenia. It describes how the Celts inhabited the area in the 2nd half of the 1st century AD, and it became part of the Roman Empire between the 1st-6th centuries AD. Archaeologists uncovered artifacts showing Nauportus, an important Roman settlement and port, existed near an important trade route from the Adriatic Sea inland. Nauportus had buildings, warehouses, and a forum and served as a key trading and defensive point in the region for the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Slavs inhabited the area and Vrhnika again became important for trade from the 11th century along the main road

1. ANCIENT CIVILISATION IN VRHNIKA ROMAN NAUPORTUS

2. The region The region was early populated the first known people – the CELTS 2nd half of the 1st century AD – 6th century AD – the region of Slovenia included in the Roman Empire VRHNIKA = NAUPORTUS The Slavs came in the 6th century AD

3. NAUPORTUS In 2005 archeologists found a very small plate made of lead with a sign Nauportus and engraved names of the merchants a proof that such place really existed

4. VRHNIKA = NAUPORTUS It was founded near an important route from the Adriatic sea to the inside of the region THE MOST IMPORTANT ROMAN SETTLEMENTS IN THE REGION OF SLOVENIA

5. River Ljubljanica was an important trading route Important PORT developed here in the 1st century BC As early as that this settlement had a market place (FORUM), surrounded by columns with long, narrow buildings around it and 25 – 27 m long and 7m wide warehouses.

6. Hrib On the Hill (Hrib) in Vrhnika there are remains of the five-angled settlement. At first it was for the needs of the army, later merchants and tradesmen inhabited it.

7. The fort Turnovše AN IMPORTANT POINT FOR THE MERCHANTS/TRADING AND DEFENCE The FORT TURNOVŠE = the 3rd area of great importance in the Roman Empire

8. What did they transport on the roads and rivers? IRON: The province Norik was famous for its excellent iron WHEAT was transported from the Panonian world OIL, WINE, FIGS, FISH were transported from the seaside Good, fast and safe roads were also important for the army and for mail carriages, so that the emperor’s orders could reach the provinces .

9. 476 AD – the fall of the Roman Empire New countries were formed in Europe. The Slavs came to this region. Trading was weak for some time, but after the year 1000 AD, Vrhnika once again became an important region by the main road and important harbour by the river Ljubljanica.