Zur Geschichte des numerus Maurorum Optatianensium

Abstract

his study examines the inscriptions found during the 2023 archaeological campaign at Optatiana/Sutor, recovered from a wall blocking the porta principalis sinistra of the Roman fort. The wall, constructed from reused monuments and inscriptions, highlights the crisis in Dacia in the mid-3rd century AD. The evidence suggests that the numeri Maurorum, light cavalry units involved in border patrols, were organised into turmae led by decuriones. The numerus Maurorum Optatianensium, probably comprising 500 mounted troops, underlines the strategic importance of Optatiana for the Dacian province.