With the emergence of the grandiose empire, the Romans thought about its protection. A protective zone, the so-called limes, oriented to the north, was created along the thousands of miles of the border from Britain to Asia, whereby the present day Bulgarian lands were in the Lower Danubian part. That was a defence with a deep echelon structure, in which the fortified cities built played the principal role. The names of dozens of such fortified settlements are known, notably Ratiaria, Oescus, Novae, latrus, and others. They all emerged in the same way: the families of soldiers, merchants and artisans gradually settled near the main camp of a stationed legion, cohort or some auxiliary military unit. Strong fortification walls were built to protect the cities, and their layout followed the typical Roman pattern with straight streets, a central square (forum) with beautiful porticos and statues, public baths, and various representative and public buildings.
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