Roman centuriation
Centuriation (according to lat. centum = hundred), known as such in Roman cadastral land division procedures, was based on the concept of the centuria, an area roughly measuring 700 meters per side and comprising a hundred smaller parts. Centuriation served as a means for the Romans to systematically divide land into uniform parcels allocated to […]
Centuriation (according to lat. centum = hundred), known as such in Roman cadastral land division procedures, was based on the concept of the centuria, an area roughly measuring 700 meters per side and comprising a hundred smaller parts.
Centuriation served as a means for the Romans to systematically divide land into uniform parcels allocated to new settlers in colonies or newly established cities within conquered territories. To ensure equitable distribution of land among colonists, the entire agricultural area of the colony underwent measurement and division into regular plots. Through surveying, two principal axes were established perpendicular to each other, originating from a central point known as the umbilicus, using specialized surveying instruments. These axes formed the basis for the layout of the entire grid across the designated area. Those running east-west were termed decumanus, while those in the north-south direction were referred to as cardo. The smallest unit of a plot measured 35 by 35 meters (known as an “actus quadratus”), with the most common size being 70 by 70 meters, or approximately 0.5 hectares.
Traces of centuriation persist today and can be identified on cadastral and topographic maps as well as aerial photographs. Notably, the regions of the Istrian colonies, such as Pola and Parentium, exhibit clear evidence of this grid pattern, with remnants of orthogonal axes still visible around Pula, extending towards Fažana, Vodnjan, and Bale.
✨Similar Content
Salting pilchard
It is best to salt pilchard in May. Today the standard vessel that is used is a 5-liter tin container, plastic-coated on the inside. Having left fresh pilchard to stand for a few hours, arrange them neatly in tide rows. Each additional row should be arranged across, with coarse salt being sprinkled in between. Cover \[…\]
Fishing tradition
SMALL FISHING TOWN In the first records from the Middle Ages Fažana is mentioned as a small fishing town close to Vodnjan, after which the sea passage between land and the Brijuni Islands was named. Fishing was one of the important activities of the locals, which engaged almost entire families. While the men went fishing, \[…\]
Shipbuilding in Fažana
The batana, a traditional wooden vessel characterized by a flat bottom and shallow draft, rarely exceeding 5 meters in length, has long been indispensable to the fishermen of Fažana. With a significant number of fishing boats in Fažana, the craft of construction and repair has flourished alongside. At the beginning of the 20th century, Fažana \[…\]
In the fishing net of tradition
Discover the Magical World of Olives!
Welcome to Fažana’s Olive Grove, a themed park dedicated to olives and olive growing – a place where curiosity, play and learning come together in a fun and exciting way! Step into the world of ancient olive groves, follow the journey of a juicy olive from the tree to a drop of golden oil, and \[…\]
Camino South Istria
Our noteworthy variant is the Camino South Istria, a 193 km long trail that weaves through the picturesque Istrian peninsula in Croatia. This trail, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, provides a less trodden path for modern pilgrims and hiking enthusiasts alike. Starting from the charming town of Vodnjan, the trail leads to Fažana, \[…\]