Colonia Ulpia Traiana was founded by the Emperor Trajan near the principal Dacian city-sanctuary, Sarmizegethusa. During the Roman period, the city served as the provincial capital of Dacia. Romanian archaeologists have explored many areas of this former Roman city, revealing temples, an amphitheater, a public bath complex and -- very interesting for the Porolissum Forum Project -- a Forum! The Forum of Colonia Ulpia Traiana consists of a large courtyard surrounded by porticoes, some of which house tabernae. At the rear of the Forum is a basilica and an Augusteum.