SERPENT'S LAYER ON RUINS OF THE IMPERIAL PALACE FELIX ROMULIANA Gamzigrad Far aviay from the major roads, in the middle of nowhere in Riperian Dacia (Dacia Ripensis), part of the former province of Upper Moesia (Moesia Superior), unearthed was the site of luxurious buildings protected by massive walls having hexagonal turrets. The remoteness of the location is evidenced also by its modern name ~ Gamigrad. deed, betore the archaeologists had systematized the ancient remnants, only snakes and lizards reptiles inhabited the ruins of ancient Romulana. The ‘excavations revealed that this site was an ordinary farm in the third century AD. At the end of the third and beginning of the fourth centuries, it became a huge and sumptuous imperial palace, ts swift development followed the accession to the throne of Galerius (Caesar 293-305 AD, Augustus 305-311 AD), who was born there and where his ritual funeral took place. Within the ramparts, the archaeologists Saw two groups of luxurious buildings inside of which there were temples with high podiums, thermae, reception halls and private imperial chambers. The buildings were lavishly Gecorated wth frescoes, plastering and floor mosaics with tigural and geometric motives. The original base of the site is approximately rectangular in shape, 210m by 180m, having two entrances, Shortly atter, the site was enlarged, from 12 to 20 massive turrets, with octagonal bases and two entrances, one of which was on the west side, of a secular nature, and the other, on the east side, of a sacral nature, As we leam from Lactantius, a Christian author, this monumental character was necessary in order that Galerius * ..spend his old age safely and peacefully within the unassailable camparts...". The rosidantial quarters wore built by alternating white and groen stones, and bricks, 0 by using the technique opus ileccannseViasiee ein