A 6.4-magnitude earthquake that hit central Croatia in December 2020 uncovered a long-hidden Roman odeon beneath Sisak’s City Hall. The discovery occurred during repairs on the 1914 building, damaged by earthquakes, when workers and archaeologists found a semicircular, well-preserved venue once used for music and politics in the Roman era. This find offers a rare glimpse into life more than 2,000 years ago and reshapes Sisak’s connection to its ancient past.
The odeon comprises three parallel rows of carefully laid stone blocks with an internal diameter of about 20 meters. Its apsidal, or semicircular, design highlights Roman expertise in acoustics and urban planning. The Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media calls the discovery extremely valuable, opening a new chapter in understanding Sisak’s Roman-era significance. In Roman times, the city known as Siscia stood among the empire’s notable urban centers, thriving as a hub of administration, commerce, and culture. Its coinage once circulated across vast regions, illustrating the city’s far-reaching influence. Contemporary Thai cities like Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya similarly blend economic vitality with rich heritage, offering lessons in balancing growth with preservation.
What makes this find particularly meaningful today is how the ruins have been integrated into daily life. After the earthquake, the odeon’s remains are now part of City Hall, with a glass floor installed in the basement so visitors can walk above the ancient structure. This approach mirrors Thai practices in historic sites where ruins are protected and made accessible, allowing the public to engage with heritage while the building remains functional. The City Hall preserves key decorative elements and maintains its historic façade, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding memory without compromising utility.
Croatian officials and archaeologists praise the project for its beauty and educational potential. They see the odeon as a catalyst for renewed interest in Sisak’s place within the broader Roman world. Experts note that disasters, while tragic, can unlock hidden heritage and prompt new interpretations of urban histories. This sentiment resonates with parallels in the Thai context, where floods and ground shifts have at times revealed ancient remains and inspired conservation and education efforts.
The story of Sisak’s odeon illustrates how natural disasters and historical memory intersect. In Thailand, similar discoveries occur in flood-plagued regions and river valleys, where remnants of ancient civilizations emerge from the landscape. These events remind communities that history lies beneath the surface, ready to be explored and understood through careful stewardship and collaboration between archaeologists, local governments, and the public.
Looking ahead, the odeon could become a centerpiece for heritage walks, educational tours, and cultural events that highlight Sisak’s Roman roots. Integrating such discoveries into civic life supports education, tourism, and ongoing research. Thai heritage management teams can draw on this example to develop participatory programs that involve schools, museums, and communities in protecting ancient sites while promoting responsible tourism. Effective stewardship remains essential to avoid over-commercialization and damage, a challenge also faced in Thai heritage contexts.
Across borders, experts agree that discoveries like Sisak’s odeon illuminate how Roman urban design diffused across Europe and beyond. These findings deepen our understanding of how cities formed, traded, and transmitted culture through time. For Thai readers, the broader takeaway is clear: invest in post-disaster archaeology, weave heritage into contemporary life, and nurture international collaboration to safeguard shared history.
Actionable takeaways for Thailand include prioritizing post-disaster archaeological assessments during repairs, integrating discoveries into public life through museums and education, and fostering cross-border exchanges to strengthen conservation practices. Communities, educators, and local officials should champion thoughtful preservation, share expertise, and encourage heritage tourism that respects cultural memory and sustainability.
In sum, Croatia’s revitalized Roman odeon invites reflection for Thai audiences: hidden histories can emerge from upheaval, offering opportunities to educate, attract visitors, and celebrate lasting legacies. With careful planning and inclusive engagement, communities can honor the past while building resilient, heritage-driven futures.