Why is the replica of the Roman ship beached in Osijek?

The ship arrived several months ago, but due to pending permits, it has not been presented to the public. Because of the severe drought and extremely low water levels of the Drava, it is now stranded on a sandbar.

What is known about the replica of the Roman ship?

It is an 18-meter-long replica based on a ship found in Germany. It can be propelled by oars and accommodates 24 rowers, and it was used to demonstrate life in ancient Rome.

From which period does the discovered Roman bridge date?

The bridge dates from the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and the first written records about it date from the 18th century.

Will the Roman bridge in Osijek be protected as world heritage?

The process of inscribing the Osijek section of the Roman limes on the UNESCO list is underway, and the bridge in Donji Grad is one of the sites to be inscribed.

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Drought in Osijek Reveals Remains of Roman Bridge, Replica of Ancient Ship Beached on Sandbar

B.K. · Prije 2h | 2 min

Extremely low water levels of the Drava River in Osijek have exposed parts of the riverbed and valuable traces of the past. A Roman bridge has emerged from the water, while a replica of a Roman ship has ended up on a sandbar, awaiting permits for its public presentation.

Summary

Extremely low water levels of the Drava River in Osijek have revealed a Roman bridge from the era of Emperor Hadrian.
An 18-meter-long replica of a Roman warship, awaiting permits, has run aground on a sandbar.
The ship is part of a European project and was built based on an original found in Germany.
The process of inscribing the Osijek section of the limes, including this bridge, on the UNESCO list is underway.

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The severe drought that has affected the area in recent weeks has led to extremely low water levels of the Drava River in Osijek, revealing sights rarely seen. The river has brought forth the remains of a Roman bridge in the Donji Grad district, and a replica of an ancient warship has run aground on a nearby sandbar, creating an unusual blend of historical eras in one place.

Boat Without Permit Stuck on Sandbar

The replica of a Roman ship, 18 meters long and designed for 24 rowers, arrived in Osijek several months ago. It was built based on an original ship found in Germany, as part of a European project aimed at bringing the life of the Roman Empire closer to the public. However, due to pending permits, the vessel has not yet been officially presented to the public, and now, due to low water levels, it has been left stranded on the sand.

Tomislav Hršak, director of the Archaeological Museum Osijek, explained to HRT the nature and historical role of such ships. "This was a European project where a replica of a Roman ship was made that can be rowed, which would also serve to show what it was like in ancient Rome," said Hršak. He added that it is a type of warship used for transporting soldiers and controlling the Danube and the border of the Roman Empire.

Bridge of Emperor Hadrian on the Path to UNESCO

The low water level has also revealed the remains of a Roman bridge in Osijek's Donji Grad. The first records of this bridge, dating from the reign of Emperor Hadrian, date back to the 18th century. This valuable archaeological site could soon receive international protection.

Hršak confirmed that the process of inscribing the Osijek section of the Roman limes on the UNESCO World Heritage List is currently underway. Among the sites to be inscribed is this very Roman bridge, which would further highlight the rich ancient heritage of the city on the Drava.