Nicopolis ad Nestum is an ancient Roman city located in the Rhodope Mountains near Garmen in southwestern Bulgaria, representing one of Bulgaria's few remaining well-preserved Roman urban centers. Founded in 106 AD by Emperor Trajan in honor of his victory over the Dacians, its name translates to "Victory City on the Mesta River." Strategically positioned on a vital Roman route connecting the Aegean coast to Philippopolis, the city thrived as an important urban center from the 2nd to 6th centuries AD. After its destruction during a 6th-century barbarian invasion by Slavs and Avars, it was restored in the 9th–10th centuries as Nikopol during the First Bulgarian Empire, continuing until destruction by crusaders in the 13th century. Partially restored with EU funding completed in 2014, the site now attracts growing numbers of visitors interested in Roman provincial life and architecture.
