A powerful earthquake that struck Croatia in 2020 has led to a groundbreaking archaeological discovery beneath a historic government building—uncovering a well-preserved Roman theater hidden for centuries.
During post-earthquake renovations of Sisak City Hall, originally built in 1914, archaeologists made a remarkable find beneath the building’s basement: a Roman odeon, a semicircular performance theater once used for music, oratory, and political meetings in the ancient Roman Empire.
Measuring approximately 20 meters (65 feet) in internal diameter, the structure features three concentric rows of stone seating blocks arranged in a classic apsidal design. This architectural style was specifically developed to optimize acoustics, showcasing the ingenuity of Roman engineering.
A Cultural Treasure Buried Beneath the Streets
Croatia’s Ministry of Culture and Media hailed the find as “extremely valuable,” calling it a key to unlocking the urban and cultural past of ancient Siscia, the Roman precursor to modern-day Sisak.
Founded around 35 B.C., Siscia was initially a Roman military outpost but quickly evolved into a thriving economic, political, and administrative hub. For a period, it even stood as one of the Roman Empire’s four capitals. The city minted its own coins, indicating a vibrant commercial life and its importance across the empire.
Where Past and Present Meet: A Glass Floor to History
Rather than removing the ruins, the restoration team chose to preserve the ancient structure in situ—placing a transparent glass floor above it so that visitors to the modern building can view the Roman remains beneath their feet.
The renovations also restored the building’s original decorative details and historic entrance, blending modern functionality with ancient heritage in a way few civic buildings achieve.
A Natural Disaster Turned Time Machine
This discovery demonstrates how natural events like earthquakes, though devastating, can peel back the layers of history. Experts say it enriches Croatia’s archaeological landscape and highlights the hidden legacy of civilizations lying just beneath modern cities.
Photos shared by Croatian authorities show the theater’s striking preservation and design—offering a rare, tangible glimpse into Roman life in Central Europe.
Ancient Echoes Beneath Modern Footsteps
The uncovered odeon beneath Sisak’s City Hall is more than an archaeological marvel—it’s a reminder that beneath the world’s cities, the stories of ancient civilizations still wait patiently to be told.
Croatia’s Ministry of Culture and Media
Cover ımage credit: Croatia’s Ministry of Culture and Media
