The Rock Sculpture of Decebalus: A Colossal Tribute in Romania
Near the city of Orșova in Mehedinți County, Romania, the colossal rock sculpture of Decebalus stands proudly on the banks of the Danube River. This impressive carving immortalizes Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, who valiantly resisted the Roman emperors Domitian and Trajan to preserve his nation’s independence. Today, this monumental sculpture is the tallest rock relief in Europe, standing at a staggering 55 meters (180 feet) tall and 25 meters (82 feet) wide.
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Creation and Construction
The creation of the Decebalus sculpture was a decade-long project, taking place between 1994 and 2004. Romanian businessman Iosif Constantin Drăgan commissioned the work, driven by a passion for Romania’s history and culture. The lead sculptor, Florin Cotarcea, led a team of twelve sculptors in this monumental task. The first six years were dedicated to dynamiting the rock into the basic shape, while the final four years focused on detailing the sculpture.
Underneath Decebalus’s face, a Latin inscription reads, “DECEBALUS REX—DRAGAN FECIT,” which translates to “King Decebalus—Made by Drăgan.” This inscription highlights Drăgan’s role in the creation of the sculpture and his dedication to celebrating Romanian heritage. The sculpture faces the Serbian side of the Danube, directly opposite the ancient Tabula Traiana. This ancient plaque commemorates Emperor Trajan’s victory over Decebalus and the subsequent incorporation of Dacia into the Roman Empire. Drăgan had envisioned a similar colossal carving of a Roman Emperor on the Serbian side to mirror Decebalus, but the proposal was declined.
Symbolism and Significance
Iosif Constantin Drăgan was a prominent figure in the protochronism and Dacianism movements. These nationalist ideologies emphasized Romania’s significance as a cradle of civilization, identifying modern Romania with the ancient Dacians and a supposed Thracian empire that dominated Central Europe. Drăgan’s foundation, Fundația Europeană Drăgan, supports the theory that the origins of European civilization began in ancient Romania. Drăgan saw the Decebalus sculpture as a symbol of this belief, signifying the historical importance of Romania.
In Drăgan’s view, the sculpture serves as a signpost to the cradle of civilization. He believed that travelers to the “Decebal Rex Dragan Fecit” site were also journeying towards the origins of European culture. Drăgan envisioned a united Europe as a natural progression of history, with Romania playing a crucial role.
Cultural Impact
The sculpture of Decebalus has drawn attention from various sources. In his book “New Europe,” Michael Palin described the colossal head, noting its relatively recent creation and its reflection of resurgent nationalism. He admired the sculpture’s impressive size and the story it tells about Decebalus’s resistance against Roman conquest. Similarly, Nick Thorpe, in “The Danube: A Journey Upriver from the Black Sea to the Black Forest,” highlighted the striking features of the sculpture, noting its commanding presence and symbolic significance.
Conclusion
The rock sculpture of Decebalus near Orșova stands as a monumental tribute to Romania’s rich history and cultural heritage. Commissioned by Iosif Constantin Drăgan and brought to life by a team of dedicated sculptors, this colossal carving honors the legacy of the last Dacian king. It also serves as a powerful symbol of Romania’s historical importance and the enduring spirit of its people. Whether viewed as a testament to a legendary past or a celebration of national pride, the Decebalus sculpture continues to captivate and inspire those who visit the banks of the Danube River.
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