Ialomiţa County is surrounded by Prahova, Buzau, and Braila counties to the north, Constanta County to the east, Calarasi County to the south, and Ilfov to the west, stretching across approximately 4,453 square kilometers of land.[1] In terms of Ialomiţa's natural borders, the eastern boundary of this area is defined by the northward-flowing Danube River. At the same time, the Borcea and Ialomița rivers run northeastward across the low-lying regions. In the central and eastern parts of the district are located Strachina and Fundata lakes.[8] In general, the landscapes of Ialomiţa County are mainly composed of plains, including the Danube meadow and the Ialomiţa meadow.[1] The capital city, Slobozia, is located in the southern part of the county. Slobozia features several historical monuments and landmarks attracting tourists, including the National Museum of Agriculture and the County Museum of History.[6] However, one of the most visited places in Ialomiţa County is Lake Amara, which is a saltwater lake often sought out by tourists for the therapeutic uses of the lake's mud.[4] Presumably, the best time to visit Ialomiţa County is in August when the average temperature is the highest.[5]
The capital city of Ialomiţa County is Slobozia, located in the central-southern part of the territory. Slobozia features several monuments, tourist attractions, and museums. Among them, there is the National Museum of Agriculture, which is the only museum in Romania dedicated to agriculture. It houses several collections of agricultural tools, machinery, industrial artifacts, transportation means, and ethnographic items, to name a few, totaling over 8,400 pieces. The city also features the County Museum of History, showcasing an archaeological collection spanning from the Neolithic period to the medieval era. It holds artifacts acquired through systematic research and accidental discoveries.
Other notable sites in the area include the wooden church "Poiana," a model farm in Perieti, and the "Holy Governors" Monastery. The Episcopal Cathedral, built between 1992 and 2004, is the third-largest in the country. Additionally, the monument of Arab Prince Gherainia Mahumed stands in memory of the Algerian Prince executed by German troops in Slobozia on October 14, 1916.[6]
Another part of Ialomiţa's historical heritage is the archeological complex in Piscul Crăsani, which preserves the remnants of an ancient Dacian settlement that once existed in the area. At its heart stood the Citadel of Helis, dedicated to the Dacian king Dromichet, playing a role in trade and commerce. However, a fire engulfed the settlement around the 1st century BC, causing its downfall.
Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed the ancient fortifications and several artifacts from the Neolithic period, including ceramic vessels, glass bracelets, and various metal objects. These finds can now be viewed at the County Museum.
Additionally, more than 40 Greek amphorae, originating from Rhodes, Eridos, or Thassos, were discovered at the site. Situated on the left bank of the Ialomița River, this archaeological complex is now recognized as one of the oldest sites in Romania.[7]
However, reportedly, the most visited place within Ialomiţa County is Amara Lake, located approximately eight kilometers north of the Slobozia.[6] Due to the absence of a consistent year-round supply of fresh water and the evaporation process caused by the climate, Lake Amara boasts a high concentration of salts. This hypertonic water has an abundance of mineral salts, creating therapeutic mud known for its healing properties. Thus, people tend to visit the Lake Amara area for the mud, which is employed to treat various medical conditions. It is mainly recommended for individuals suffering from musculoskeletal conditions, gynecological disorders, and skin ailments. However, it is also advised against those with cardiovascular problems, Graves' disease, asthma, or infectious diseases. Thus, Lake Amara is home to the Amara Resort, situated along its shores, which offers around 2,000 accommodations spread across 3 hotels.[4]
Ialomiţa County is traversed by the lower course of the Ialomiţa River and the Danube River. There is a vast area with considerable agricultural potential between the Borcea and Dunarea Veche branches of the Danube.
The predominant geographical feature is the plain, supplemented by the Danube floodplain and the Ialomiţa floodplain. The county's hydrological network includes the Danube River, along with its Borcea and Dunarea Veche branches; the Ialomiţa and Prahova Rivers; meadow lakes, such as Piersica and Bantu; lagoon lakes including Amara; and river oxbows, namely Ezer, Strachina, and Fundata, among others. While Ialomiţa County's subsoil lacks abundant mineral resources, geological surveys have identified oil and natural gas reserves in the Urziceni - Colelia - Grindu region, which is currently under exploitation.[1]
Lake Amara, situated near Amara in Ialomița County, is a distinct saltwater fluvial liman lake, covering an area of 132 hectares and with a water volume of 2,600,000 cubic meters, spanning 4 kilometers in length, reaching a maximum depth of 3 meters.[4]
In terms of weather, Ialomiţa County has a continental climate.[1] The warmest month in Slobozia tends to be August, with an average daily temperature of 31°C. January is most commonly the coldest month, as temperatures average approximately 4°C. February is often considered to be the driest month in Slobozia because it generally receives 39 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 71 millimeters.[5]
Archaeological findings provide evidence of uninterrupted human habitation in the Ialomiţa region since the Paleolithic era. The tools and artifacts unearthed in locations such as Coşereni, Borduşani, Săveni, and Dridu serve as a testament to the local history. Several relics from the Neolithic period have been excavated in 15 different localities within Ialomiţa. During the Bronze Age, the inhabitants of the region located within what is now Ialomiţa County engaged in agriculture, pottery making, and working with stone and bronze. They reportedly also maintained cultural ties with the Hellenistic and Mycenaean civilizations.
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Subsequently, archaeological evidence confirms the presence of the Scythians, though they were eventually assimilated by the more numerous and culturally advanced Getic population.
Local Getic tribes maintained ties with the Thracians on the Danube's right bank and with the Greeks and the Black Sea border fortresses such as Histria, Callatis, and Tomis. Research in Ialomiţa has uncovered 48 Getic settlements situated along waterways, including the Ialomiţa River, the Borcea Branch, and the Prahova River, as well as around multiple lakes, namely Dridu, Fundata, Amara, and Strachina. Among these, the fortified citadel of Piscu Crasani stands as one representative. Additionally, traces of Roman colonization in Dacia are evident in over 30 settlements, with Dridu being allegedly the most significant, serving as a temporary princely residence during the 14th century.[1]
In the annals of history, Ialomiţa County occupied the southeastern expanse of Greater Romania, specifically within the southeastern confines of the historical Muntenia region. Its territorial expanse encompassed a portion of present-day Ialomița County and portions of today's Călărași County. Geographically, it shared its western border with Ilfov County, while to the north, it abutted Prahova, Buzău, and Brăila counties. To the east, it was demarcated by Constanța County, and its southern boundary converged with Durostor County.[2]
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