An important advantage of the location's defense was its situation in inaccessible mountainous terrain, providing a clear view of the valley and the river, and protected from rear attack by even a higher mountain, Seličevica. Because of its strategic location during the Roman Empire, it served as part of the tower defense of the Via Militaris Roman military road. The city was still an important military point at the time of the Byzantine Empire, with the name of Kompolos.