A powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck central Croatia in December 2020 has led to the extraordinary unearthing of a long-lost Roman odeon beneath Sisak’s City Hall, reshaping the modern city’s connection to its ancient past and providing a unique window into life more than two millennia ago. The accidental discovery was made during repairs to the historic 1914 City Hall building, which was being renovated due to earthquake damage. Archaeologists and workers stumbled upon a remarkably well-preserved semicircular stone structure—immediately recognizable as a Roman odeon, an intimate performance venue used for music and politics during the Roman Empire (arkeonews.net).
This unanticipated archaeological treasure comprises three parallel rows of carefully arranged stone blocks, forming an internal diameter of about 20 meters (approximately 65 feet). The architectural details, including the apsidal (semicircular) design, speak to the Romans’ sophisticated understanding of acoustics and urban space. According to Croatia’s Ministry of Culture and Media, this find is “extremely valuable,” opening a new chapter in the study of Siscia, as Sisak was known in Roman times—one of the empire’s once-prominent urban centers.
Understanding the full significance of the discovery requires a journey through the history of Siscia itself. Initially a Celtic and Illyrian settlement, the site was reorganized as a Roman military outpost around 35 B.C. Over the centuries, Siscia flourished as an administrative, economic, and cultural nucleus, at one point joining the ranks of the empire’s four capitals. Its strategic importance was reflected in both its urban planning and its economic activities, most notably the minting of coins that circulated throughout the vast Roman world (Archaeology Magazine). Such growth spotlighted the city’s role in cultural exchange and commerce, much like how modern regional cities in Thailand, such as Nakhon Pathom or Ayutthaya, serve as both economic and heritage hubs.
What makes this find especially resonant for contemporary society is the seamless blend of preservation and accessibility. Following the earthquake-induced renovations, the odeon’s remains have been incorporated into the fabric of City Hall itself, with a glass floor installed in the basement so that everyday visitors can walk above the ancient structure—an architectural approach reminiscent of museums in Bangkok and Lopburi, where ruins are both protected and integrated into public life. The restored City Hall also retains its original decorative elements and the historic look of its main entrance, illustrating a commitment to balancing practical function with the safeguarding of heritage.
Croatian officials and archaeological experts have lauded the project, not only for the beauty of the ruins but for its potential to foster a renewed appreciation of Sisak’s place within the broader Roman world. “This remarkable discovery underlines the importance of disaster recovery as an opportunity to revisit and reinterpret our urban histories,” noted a senior Croatian Ministry of Culture official in a public statement (arkeonews.net). Similar sentiments are echoed by heritage scholars, who point out that seismic events—unpredictable and often tragic—frequently become catalysts for unveiling hidden heritage, as seen after earthquakes in Italy, Greece, and, more recently, at Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya after past flooding and ground shifts.
The story of Siscia’s odeon is emblematic of how intertwined natural disasters and historical memory can be. In many Thai provinces, flooding, erosion, and shifting foundations often lead to accidental discoveries—whether it’s the remains of Dvaravati-era stupas or ancient Khmer temples, these events become reminders of the layers of history beneath our feet. Both Croatia and Thailand share this dynamic, as ancient capitals like Sukhothai and Sisak evolved through cycles of destruction, renewal, and rediscovery.
Looking to the future, the unearthing of the Roman odeon presents numerous opportunities and challenges for both the local community and the wider archaeological world. For Sisak, the integration of this monument into civic life is poised to fuel education, urban tourism, and further research. Local authorities have indicated that the site could become a focal point for cultural heritage tourism, much as Ayutthaya’s historic ruins draw visitors from around the globe. Preservationists warn, however, that such sites demand careful stewardship to avoid the pitfalls of over-commercialization or inadvertent damage—a lesson also familiar in Thai contexts, where balancing accessibility with conservation remains an ongoing debate (UNESCO World Heritage).
The Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media, along with municipal experts, is planning to make the odeon a key feature of heritage walks, educational tours, and special events that will highlight Sisak’s Roman roots. This effort connects deeply with Thai heritage management, where local schools, museums, and communities play an active role in promoting and protecting ancient sites—emphasizing a participatory approach to heritage that spans from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia.
Global experts agree that the story of Sisak’s odeon resonates far beyond Croatia. According to international archaeological scholars, such finds contribute to our understanding of how Roman urban design diffused across Europe, the Balkans, and beyond. In a 2024 analysis by the European Association of Archaeologists, the report noted that “discoveries triggered by disaster recovery highlight the layers of cultural complexity inherent to historic urban centers” (European Association of Archaeologists). As with the mysterious temples and lost cities periodically uncovered in Thailand’s river valleys, the Sisak odeon demonstrates how the earth’s movements can bridge the gap between past and present, fostering new dialogues about identity, community, and continuity.
For readers in Thailand, the saga of Sisak’s odeon holds actionable lessons. First, it underlines the necessity of investing in post-disaster archaeological assessments, ensuring that infrastructure repairs respect the invisible legacies of the past. Second, it offers a blueprint for integrating heritage finds into daily life, allowing communities to take pride in their roots while supporting sustainable tourism and local economies. The Croatian experience also reinforces the value of cross-cultural heritage management, reminding Thai policymakers and citizens alike of the benefits of international cooperation, shared expertise, and community engagement.
In conclusion, as Croatia prepares to welcome visitors eager to glimpse its newly exposed Roman odeon, Thai readers are encouraged to reflect on the treasures hidden within their own landscapes, recognizing that earthquakes, floods, and storms—though daunting in their immediate impact—may also reveal new stories beneath the soil. Communities, educators, and local governments should advocate for thoughtful preservation efforts, participate in heritage tourism initiatives, and remain vigilant stewards of their shared history. After all, as Sisak’s storied odeon now illustrates, beneath every city lies the silent testimony of civilizations waiting to be rediscovered, reimagined, and cherished for generations to come.