Argedava

Argedava was an important Dacian settlement or fortified center (dava) mentioned in the ancient Roman document, the Tabula Peutingeriana, a map showing the Roman road network of the Roman Empire. The map places it along a road running west of the Danube River.

The precise location of Argedava remains a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. While the Tabula Peutingeriana offers a general location, it does not provide exact coordinates.

Some scholars propose that Argedava might be identified with Popești, a present-day archaeological site near Bucharest, Romania, where significant Dacian ruins have been unearthed. The Popești site exhibits evidence of substantial fortifications and habitation dating back to the Dacian period. However, other theories exist, and the connection between Popești and Argedava is not definitively proven.

The name Argedava itself is of Dacian origin, combining the element "arge-" (meaning "bright" or "shining") with "-dava" (meaning "fortress" or "settlement"). This suggests that Argedava was considered a significant or prominent location within the Dacian kingdom.

The historical significance of Argedava stems from its likely role as a center of power, trade, or defense within the Dacian territory. Its appearance on the Tabula Peutingeriana indicates its importance within the Roman perspective of the region. Continued archaeological research may eventually lead to a more definitive identification of Argedava's location and further illuminate its role in Dacian history.