The Bulgarian lands were included in the Roman Empire in 46 AD after an almost two-century long stiff resistance by the Thracian states. The incorporation of the Bulgarian lands into a stable and prosperous state for six centuries drastically changed the models of civilization before the Roman presence. The Roman culture, which sought to standardize every detail, built up civilization systems that had previously been unknown, improved and furthered the systems that were already here.

     The Bulgarian lands acquired a standard network of roads that connected all populated areas and the region in general with the centre of the Empire and with other European regions. The other civilizing element that Rome brought to the Bulgarian lands was the high urban culture. Over 100 cities conformed to the Roman city planning which included street network and underground infrastructure, public places, residential areas, public buildings and monumental decoration. Buildings and amenities were made of stone and brick materials; domestic comforts radically changed lifestyle in Macedonia and Thrace. The most famous Roman cities in the Bulgarian lands are: Serdica (Sofia), Philippopolis (Plovdiv), Augusta Trayana (Stara Zagora), Nove (Svishtov), Nicopolis ad Istrum and Escus (Pleven region).
 

     After the first barbarian invasions in our lands the Roman authorities started large-scale construction of forts. Fortress walls, which in some places were several kilometers long, were built to surround the cities and hundreds of forts were erected along the so-called limes following the strategic lines. The most prominent limes fortresses are: Kastramartis (Kula), Sexaginta Prista (Ruse), Transmariska (Tutrakan).

     Roman rule brought to the Bulgarian lands all achievements of the Roman culture: theatre, music, literature, education and art.