Papers by Biljana R . Lučić
Brepols Publishers eBooks, 2022
Brepols Publishers eBooks, 2022
STONE AND SPLENDOR: INTERIOR DECORATIONS IN LATE-ANTIQUE PALACES AND VILLAS Proceedings of a Workshop , 2021
The basic aim of this study1 is to consolidate the available information on the mosaics which wer... more The basic aim of this study1 is to consolidate the available information on the mosaics which were found on
one of the imperial palace sites of Sirmium (Site 1a) throughout all the archeological campaigns, with special
focus on classification and analysis of the most recently found floor mosaics from the archaeological excavations conducted in 2006 and 2007. Until now, about 350m2 of preserved mosaic pavements have been found,
which can be dated from the end of 3rd to the middle and the second half of 4th century. The strict classicistic
style of the Late Roman period with polychrome geometric patterns prevails on them. Their composition
consists of square nets, octagons, hexagons, rhombi and flowing meanders. Only one mosaic pavement has a
unique figural representation of the god Mercury in one of 12 hexagonal fields.
Communicationes / Saopštenja, 2022
During the protective archaeological excavations
carried out by the Institute for the Protection ... more During the protective archaeological excavations
carried out by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural
Monuments in Sremska Mitrovica at Palanka site in the east
part of the town in 2014 and 2016, 18 graves from the 17th–
18th century period were discovered. The surveying of this
necropolis is of exceptional importance, for we have an
opportunity for the first time to learn details about the residents
of Sremska Mitrovica at the beginning of the Modern
Age. The conducted analyses have enabled us to get an
insight into their health status, the way of life and habits.
On the other hand, the funerary customs and the grave
finds, primarily rosaries with religious medals, hairpins, as
well as a fragment of goldwork, speak of the social status,
beliefs and the cultural identity of the community.
Годишњак Музеја града Новог Сада 15 / The Almanac of the City museum of Novi Sad 15 (2019), 11-34., 2020
The most important site discovered in Sremska Mitrovica in 130 years of archaeological investigat... more The most important site discovered in Sremska Mitrovica in 130 years of archaeological investigation is the Site 1a – part of the Imperial Palace, explored in campaigns of 1957-1960,1971, 1974, 1976-1979 and 2006, 2007. Site 1a represents a part of the palace-circus complex of residential buildings luxuriously furnished with interior decoration of multiple layers of mosaic floors and imported porphyry and marble wall coating. This article is directed to the finds of glass vessels and windowpanes found during both early systematic and protective excavations and also from the excavations of 2006 and 2007, which were held as preliminary works for the Project of protective roof- covering of the site 1a-imperial palace in Sirmium. The main goal was to establish a typology of glass vessels found on this site for the Roman period, especially the Late Antique time, when the finds are the most numerous, and also to represent the glass finds from the Medieval period (14th - 16th century).
Građa za proučavanje spomenika kulture Vojvodine XXXII, 2019
The bronze figural composition of three young men from Sirmium is a unique find originating from ... more The bronze figural composition of three young men from Sirmium is a unique find originating from the 2014 preservative archaeological research in Kralja Petra Prvog Street. The image is relatively small in dimension, and is made of bronze alloy by mould casting. It consists of three male figures on a base, in a kneeling position, with their bodies upright. The arms of the central figure are slightly bent with palms and thumbs oriented upwards. The left arm and palms of the lateral figures are in the same position, while the right arms of both figures are raised shoulder-high, holding swords. All three men wear a long-sleeved tunic, more accurately a paenula, which is joint together in the middle at the front and back and folded in a triangular opening at the neck. Based on the analogue depictions on steles, it can be concluded that this kind of tunic was part of an autochthonous Pannonian folk dress. It must be noted that long-sleeved tunics as well as kerchiefs appear in description of Roman soldiers, which, together with swords in the hands of the lateral figures, leads to considering a possible military character of the figures. Taking into consideration the triad form of the composition, we come to an assumption that it represents three geniuses, similar to the examples found across the Roman Empire in a Romano-Celtic context in the form of Genii Cucullati or the Hooded Spirits. Most probably, these are domestic deities appearing in interpretatio romana, which can be associated with the cult of everyday life of the local community. The very accurately executed and relatively well preserved image probably depicts three geniuses serving as guardians and protectors. The composition can be classified, rather safely, as a carriage ornament. The object is dated back to the 2nd or 3rd century.
Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies 2017. CHNT 22, 2017, 2019
The "From Aquileia to Singidunum: reconstructing the paths of the Roman travellers-RecRoad" proje... more The "From Aquileia to Singidunum: reconstructing the paths of the Roman travellers-RecRoad" project was developed at Université Bordeaux, Montaigne in collaboration with the Sremska Mitrovica Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments. Its main goal was to detect and map the Roman thoroughfare connecting the Roman cities of Aquileia (Aquileia, Italy) and Singidunum (Belgrade, Serbia) using different sources and methods, including Sentinel-2 multispectral images, historical maps and surface survey results. This paper focuses on the methodologies applied to identify buried archaeological features and on the results obtained combining data coming from different kind of sources in the Pusta Dreispitz site (Vojvodina, Serbia): in this area, a multi-layered archaeological site was identified through remote sensing analysis, while its chronological framing was determined thanks the surface surveys on the ground. The pottery fragments collected show a time-span going from proto-history to the Roman period as well as recent findings from the 18-19th centuries, confirming once more the necessity of integrating remote-sensing and digital techniques with field research and verification. The project provides a first useful test-bed for Sentinel-2A images in archaeology for detecting the presence of buried archaeological sites and remains of Roman roads, with remarkable results in the Srem district (Serbia). The research workflow integrates remote sensing analysis with the interpretation of historical maps, namely the Josephinische Landesaufnahme (1763-1787), the Franziszeische Landesaufnahme (1808-1869), the Franzisco-Josephinische Landesaufnahme (1869-1887) and the Spezialkarte der Osterreichisch-Ungarischen Monarchie (1877-1914). The historical maps are geo-referenced and overlain on the satellite images within a GIS platform to interpret the anomalies detected in the Sentinel-2A images. Finally, a surface survey is performed to check the actual presence of the Roman road traces and of other buried sites.
Kastelum akve Sirmijuma, 2018
In July 2012 the expert team of the Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments Sremska Mitrov... more In July 2012 the expert team of the Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments Sremska Mitrovica performed protective archaeological excavations at the location 82 Kralja Petra I street, on a plot planned for the
construction of a residential building with an underground garage. The location of the subject has been preliminary identified as the zone of the Sirmium outside of its bastion, where a part of the northern necropolis can
be reached during construction attempts deeper than 1 m. Unexpectedly, immediately below the land surface,
traces of a large-dimensioned object appeared, and a bit further, columns related to the object were discovered.
Upon that discovery, it was clear that it is a part of a water supply system of the antique Sirmium, likely a part of
the aqueduct with gravity channel carriers and a water tower (castellum aquae). Based on numerous findings, the
construction of this part of the Sirmium aqueduct may be dated to the second half or the end of the 2nd century,
while it was certainly being used during the 3rd and 4th centuries.
Завод за заштиту споменика културе Сремска Митровица НОВИ НАЛАЗИ МОЗАИКА СА ЛОКАЛИТЕТА 1А -ЦАРСКА... more Завод за заштиту споменика културе Сремска Митровица НОВИ НАЛАЗИ МОЗАИКА СА ЛОКАЛИТЕТА 1А -ЦАРСКА ПАЛАТА СИРМИЈУМА Сажетак: Основни циљ у овом раду је да се обједине постојећи подаци о мозаицимa који су пронађени на локалитету 1a -царска палата Сирмијума током свих археолошких кампања, са тежиштем на каталошкој обради и анализи нај новијих налаза подних мозаика са истраживања изведених у оквиру Пројекта наткивања археолошког локалитета 2006/07. године. До сада је на локалитету откривено око 350 м 2 очуваних мозаичких површина које се хронолошки могу определити у период од краја III до друге половине IV века. На њима преовлађује строги кла си цисти чки стил касне антике са геометријским орнаментима.
Protective archaeological excavations at the site of the former church in the Besenovo Monastery ... more Protective archaeological excavations at the site of the former church in the Besenovo Monastery were
made in 2012 and 2013 within the works on the reconstruction of the monastery. Prior to the start of archaeolog-
ical work at the site of the monastery shelter and the church, only the core zone of the walls of buildings had re-
mained preserved. Today, only rare archive photos and lithographs witness on once a representative appearance
of the monastery, although they do not provide enough elements to reconstruct the original appearance of the
complex.
Due to the massive destruction which the Besenovo Monastery had suffered during and after the Second
World War, it is the only monastery in Fruska Gora that has not been ranked, from the standpoint of protection
of cultural property, but is registered as an archaeological site under previous protection.
Archeological works were performed within two probes which covered completely the interior of the
church, so as the outer part around it, where the foundations of the future building are supposed to lay. Inves-
tigations have established special stages in the construction of the church, a necropolis of the sacred object has
been documented, and the most important thing is the discovery of the graves of cremated deceased within the
church, which originate from the second to third century AD and belong to indigenous grave form of type Small
Kopasnica - Sase. In the ancient tombs, a great number of whole and fragmented ceramic vessels, lamps, coins,
iron and bronze fibulae, glass vessels had been discovered.
Zbornik Narodnog muzeja-serija: Arheologija, Jan 1, 2011
Завод за заштиту споменика културе Сремска Митровица Некропола из периода сеобе народа са локалит... more Завод за заштиту споменика културе Сремска Митровица Некропола из периода сеобе народа са локалитета 1а Сирмијума Апстракт: Заштитна археолошка истраживања на локалитету 1а Сирмијума изведена су приликом реализације Пројекта нат кривања локалитета, током 2006. и 2007. године. Анализа покретног археолошког материјала из истражене некрополе на локалитету пружа нам податке у вези с њеним хронолошким опредељењем највероватније у пету и шесту деценију VI века. Судећи по сиромашном инвентару и појави вештачке де формације лобање, гробове можемо везати за гепидску популацију. Кључне речи: Sirmium, германски гробови, Гепиди, сеоба народа, цар ска палата, копче, перле, чешљеви Током 2006. и 2007. године, приликом извођења заштитних археолошких истраживања на углу улица Бранка Радичевића и Кузминске у Сремској Митровици, у оквиру реализације Пројекта наткривања локалитета 1а Сирмијума, откривено је седам гробова, који се могу определити у период сеобе народа. Временско опредељење некрополе извршено је на основу анализе покретног археолошког материјала са ископавања 2006. и 2007. године и стратиграфске анализе 1 , као и извршене антрополошке и нумизматичке обраде 2 . Истраживања је водио Завод за заштиту споменика културе у Сремској Митровици. 3 Заштитна археолошка истраживања вршена су на шкарпама (косинама) презентованог археолошког налазишта. Почетна кота ископа варирала је у зависности од конфи гурације терена (од 82,29 до 80,09 m), а доња кота ископа је износила око 0,60 m (77,65 m) 389
Drafts by Biljana R . Lučić
Conference Presentations by Biljana R . Lučić
Biljana Lučić, Miroslav B. Vujović, Jasmina Davidović
THE TOMB WITH PALEOCHRISTIAN WALL PAINTINGS... more Biljana Lučić, Miroslav B. Vujović, Jasmina Davidović
THE TOMB WITH PALEOCHRISTIAN WALL PAINTINGS FROM SIRMIUM
Sirmium as a significant political, administrative and religious center of Pannonia from the end of the third and during the 4th century, plays a unique role in the study of the Late Roman period. Although archaeological research of the ancient city has provided important data on numerous Early Christian cult buildings from this period, larger scale research on necropolises, which could shed more light on this topic, was rarely done.
In the framework of protective archaeological excavations on the sight for the new petrol station construction, conducted during September and October 2016, there was an opportunity to explore a part of one of the numerous necropolises of Sirmium. The Eastern necropolis, where the research was carried out, was situated around the basilica dedicated to Saint Irenaeus, the first mentioned bishop and martyr of Sirmium. During the archaeological research in 2016, some 70 m southwest of the Saint Irenaeus basilica, a small Late Roman memorial shrine was discovered as well as 12 late Roman tombs. All of them were disturbed and pillaged. The tombs were built of horizontally layered bricks bound with mortar with a hipped- roof. The most luxuriously decorated tomb has been discovered within the memorial shrine. The interior walls of the tomb were plastered and completely adorned with frescoes bearing an exceptional selection of Paleochristian scenes. A scene of a man standing in frontal position between two trees is depicted on the western wall. The man is painted carrying a lamb on his shoulders, clearly indicating the Good Shepherd scene. On the opposite, eastern wall, the representation of four male figures is painted. Three young men are depicted burning in red flames in a front row and one bigger figure behind, presented with arms extended in an embrace gesture. Although partly damaged in the upper zone, it is certain that the scene is a representation of an Old Testament story - the Three Young Men in a Fiery Furnace. At the side north and south interior walls the railing of Paradise is represented. The whole composition is characterized by the simplicity of scenes which clearly emphasize the message of salvation.
The exceptional scenes of the Good Shepherd and the Three Young Men in a Fiery Furnace, respectively, reflect the religious program and official artistic influences streaming from the Rome itself via Aquileia and Thessalonika.
The research presented is part of the project “From Aquileia to Singidunum: reconstructing the pa... more The research presented is part of the project “From Aquileia to Singidunum: reconstructing the paths of the Roman travelers – RecRoad”, developed at Université Bordeaux Montaigne in collaboration with the Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments of Sremska Mitrovica. The main goal of the project is the detection and reconstruction of the Roman viability connecting the Roman cities of Aquileia (Aquileia, Italy) and Singidunum (Belgrade, Serbia) using different sources and methods, among which are Sentinel-2 multispectral imageries, historical maps and surface survey results. The project provided a first useful testbed for the use of Sentinel-2A images in the archaeological field to detect the presence of buried archaeological sites and remains of Roman roads, with outstanding results in the Srem district (Serbia). The research workflow integrated the remote sensing analysis with the interpretation of historical maps, such as the Josephinische Landesaufnahme (1763-1787), the Franziszeische Landesaufnahme (1808-1869), the Franzisco-Josephinische Landesaufnahme (1869-1887) and the Spezialkarte der Osterreichisch-Ungarischen Monarchie (1877-1914). The historical maps were geo-referenced and overlaid to the satellite imageries inside a GIS platform to succeed in the interpretation of the anomalies detected in the Sentinel-2A images. Finally, a surface survey was performed to check the effective presence of the Roman road traces and of other buried sites. This paper will specifically present the identification of a buried archaeological site connected to the road where it was possible to collect pottery that will allow to date the human activities on the area.
Exhibition catalog by Biljana R . Lučić
Gomolava - prošlost, sadašnjost i budućnost, 2019
Zaštitnim arheološkim istraživanjima 2017/18. godine istražen je deo lokaliteta koji se od seve... more Zaštitnim arheološkim istraživanjima 2017/18. godine istražen je deo lokaliteta koji se od severoistočne padine Gradine, duž savske obale proteže u dužini od oko 250 m. Arheološki radovi izvedeni su zahvaljujući izgradnji obaloutvrde, koju je finansiralo Javno preduzeće „Vode Vojvidine”, a na terenu izvodilo Vodoprivredno preduzeće „Sava” d. o. o. Ovom prilikom, zaštićeno nalazište Gomolava nije bilo predmet istraživanja. Manji deo Gomolave, koji je odoleo eroziji Save i koji je sačuvan da u daljoj budućnosti bude predmet revizionih istraživanja, dobio je preventivnu zaštitu sa reke u vidu gabiona, koji onemogućavaju direktne udare rečnih struja i podrivanje arheoloških profila, do kreiranja konkretnih tehničkih rešenja u čijem bi fokusu bila trajna zaštita nalazišta. Arheološkim istraživanjima rukovodio je Zavod za zaštitu spomenika kulture Sremska Mitrovica, u saradnji sa Muzejom Vojvodine i Zavičajnim muzejom Ruma. Stručnu ekipu na terenu sačinjavali su: Biljana Lučić, Lidija Balj, Uroš Nikolić, Perica Odobašić, Radoslav Muždeka, Ljiljana Muždeka, Sonja Štefanski Zorić, Dragan Blagojević i povremeno Dragan Ogar. Konzervaciju metala izvršili su Ana Olajoš i Dragan Ogar, a konzervaciju keramičkog posuđa Nebojša Bobić. Konzervaciju jednog dela materijala (staklo, kost i žišci) izvršila je Maja Živković, iz Centralnog instituta za konzervaciju. Obrada keramike iz praistorijskih razdoblja poverena je Jovanu Koledinu. Antropološku analizu je izvršila prof. dr Sofija Stefanović sa Filozofskog fakulteta Univerziteta u Beogradu i kolega iz BioSens instituta. Stručni konsultant bio je dr Stefan Pop Lazić sa Arheološkog instituta u Beogradu. Sastavni deo istraživačkih radova bilo je izvođenje georadarskih GPR, elektromagnetnih EM i snimanja termo kamerom – odnosno podpovršinska prospekcija terena koju je sprovelo preduzeće «GEO ZS» d. o. o. iz Beograda. Fotografisanje predmeta i lokaliteta izvršili su Slobodan Maksić, Veljko Džikić fotograf Centralnog instituta za konzervaciju i Uroš Nikolić.
Editorial books by Biljana R . Lučić
SIRMIUM EARLY CHRISTIAN CEMETERY: 2016 Rescue Excavations in the Eastern Necropolis, M. Vujović, B. Lučić (eds.), Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments Sremska Mitrovica: Sremska Mitrovica, 2022
During the rescue excavations conducted in 2016, only a part of the eastern
cemetery in Sirmium w... more During the rescue excavations conducted in 2016, only a part of the eastern
cemetery in Sirmium was investigated. On that occasion, 12 graves and tombs from Late Antiquity were discovered, one cremation grave of the Mala Kopašnica-Sase type, as well as ten recent inhumation graves. A significant number of artifacts was discovered in a part of the investigated area. Analysis of the field inventory from the Roman period allowed us to identify a chronological framework for the burials,and anthropological analysis showed that the structures were mostly family tombs of a civilian character, in use over a long period of time. Two kinds of rituals were confirmed at the site – cremation and inhumation, and dating assigned the first ritual to the period of the 2nd/3rd century and the inhumation ritual from the second half of the 3rd century to the fourth quarter of the 4th century. The cremation and inhumation dating is similar to that identified in other cemeteries in the vicinity – Mačvanska Mitrovica, the north-western cemetery of Sirmium20, and cemeteries in Beška and Sviloš. In cemeteries at sites in today’s Hungary, such as Sopianae, Intercisa or Keszthely-Fenekpuszta, where far larger areas were investigated, similarities as well as differences can be observed, primarily in terms of the continuing use of the burial areas. Also, future investigations will certainly provide us with answers where Sirmium is concerned. For now, based on known analogies, such as Tomb 1in the cemetery in Beška the masonry Tomb 20, with Paleochristian fresco scenes from the eastern cemetery in Sirmium can be associated with the oldest layer of inhumation at the site. Frequently, when interpreting inhumation practices, its origin is linked to influences of foreign settlers, which could also be applied in our case. Construction of the tomb in Beška dates to the period of the Tetrarchy, and the burial itself to the beginning of the 4th century. Judging from a coin of Claudius II Gothicus found on the mortar floor of Tomb 20 from Sirmium, its construction can be dated to the last third of the 3rd century, whereas its use probably ended in the time of Jovian (363-364). The long use of tomb is also supported by the fact that nine individuals were buried in it.
The archaeological excavations of part of the eastern cemetery in Sirmium conducted in 2016, with its discoveries of fresco-painted tombs, are extremely important for studying the emergence of Christianity in the region. Intense colours, simplified forms and schematic representations are some of the basic features of the recovered wall paintings. Nevertheless, despite the simplicity of presentation and modest artistic qualities, they convey a clear message about the power of religious beliefs with clear Christian symbolism. These compositions present a unique discovery in the wider region and are a valuable source for studying the complex social, religious and cultural conditions in the Pannonian capital.
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Papers by Biljana R . Lučić
one of the imperial palace sites of Sirmium (Site 1a) throughout all the archeological campaigns, with special
focus on classification and analysis of the most recently found floor mosaics from the archaeological excavations conducted in 2006 and 2007. Until now, about 350m2 of preserved mosaic pavements have been found,
which can be dated from the end of 3rd to the middle and the second half of 4th century. The strict classicistic
style of the Late Roman period with polychrome geometric patterns prevails on them. Their composition
consists of square nets, octagons, hexagons, rhombi and flowing meanders. Only one mosaic pavement has a
unique figural representation of the god Mercury in one of 12 hexagonal fields.
carried out by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural
Monuments in Sremska Mitrovica at Palanka site in the east
part of the town in 2014 and 2016, 18 graves from the 17th–
18th century period were discovered. The surveying of this
necropolis is of exceptional importance, for we have an
opportunity for the first time to learn details about the residents
of Sremska Mitrovica at the beginning of the Modern
Age. The conducted analyses have enabled us to get an
insight into their health status, the way of life and habits.
On the other hand, the funerary customs and the grave
finds, primarily rosaries with religious medals, hairpins, as
well as a fragment of goldwork, speak of the social status,
beliefs and the cultural identity of the community.
construction of a residential building with an underground garage. The location of the subject has been preliminary identified as the zone of the Sirmium outside of its bastion, where a part of the northern necropolis can
be reached during construction attempts deeper than 1 m. Unexpectedly, immediately below the land surface,
traces of a large-dimensioned object appeared, and a bit further, columns related to the object were discovered.
Upon that discovery, it was clear that it is a part of a water supply system of the antique Sirmium, likely a part of
the aqueduct with gravity channel carriers and a water tower (castellum aquae). Based on numerous findings, the
construction of this part of the Sirmium aqueduct may be dated to the second half or the end of the 2nd century,
while it was certainly being used during the 3rd and 4th centuries.
made in 2012 and 2013 within the works on the reconstruction of the monastery. Prior to the start of archaeolog-
ical work at the site of the monastery shelter and the church, only the core zone of the walls of buildings had re-
mained preserved. Today, only rare archive photos and lithographs witness on once a representative appearance
of the monastery, although they do not provide enough elements to reconstruct the original appearance of the
complex.
Due to the massive destruction which the Besenovo Monastery had suffered during and after the Second
World War, it is the only monastery in Fruska Gora that has not been ranked, from the standpoint of protection
of cultural property, but is registered as an archaeological site under previous protection.
Archeological works were performed within two probes which covered completely the interior of the
church, so as the outer part around it, where the foundations of the future building are supposed to lay. Inves-
tigations have established special stages in the construction of the church, a necropolis of the sacred object has
been documented, and the most important thing is the discovery of the graves of cremated deceased within the
church, which originate from the second to third century AD and belong to indigenous grave form of type Small
Kopasnica - Sase. In the ancient tombs, a great number of whole and fragmented ceramic vessels, lamps, coins,
iron and bronze fibulae, glass vessels had been discovered.
Drafts by Biljana R . Lučić
Conference Presentations by Biljana R . Lučić
THE TOMB WITH PALEOCHRISTIAN WALL PAINTINGS FROM SIRMIUM
Sirmium as a significant political, administrative and religious center of Pannonia from the end of the third and during the 4th century, plays a unique role in the study of the Late Roman period. Although archaeological research of the ancient city has provided important data on numerous Early Christian cult buildings from this period, larger scale research on necropolises, which could shed more light on this topic, was rarely done.
In the framework of protective archaeological excavations on the sight for the new petrol station construction, conducted during September and October 2016, there was an opportunity to explore a part of one of the numerous necropolises of Sirmium. The Eastern necropolis, where the research was carried out, was situated around the basilica dedicated to Saint Irenaeus, the first mentioned bishop and martyr of Sirmium. During the archaeological research in 2016, some 70 m southwest of the Saint Irenaeus basilica, a small Late Roman memorial shrine was discovered as well as 12 late Roman tombs. All of them were disturbed and pillaged. The tombs were built of horizontally layered bricks bound with mortar with a hipped- roof. The most luxuriously decorated tomb has been discovered within the memorial shrine. The interior walls of the tomb were plastered and completely adorned with frescoes bearing an exceptional selection of Paleochristian scenes. A scene of a man standing in frontal position between two trees is depicted on the western wall. The man is painted carrying a lamb on his shoulders, clearly indicating the Good Shepherd scene. On the opposite, eastern wall, the representation of four male figures is painted. Three young men are depicted burning in red flames in a front row and one bigger figure behind, presented with arms extended in an embrace gesture. Although partly damaged in the upper zone, it is certain that the scene is a representation of an Old Testament story - the Three Young Men in a Fiery Furnace. At the side north and south interior walls the railing of Paradise is represented. The whole composition is characterized by the simplicity of scenes which clearly emphasize the message of salvation.
The exceptional scenes of the Good Shepherd and the Three Young Men in a Fiery Furnace, respectively, reflect the religious program and official artistic influences streaming from the Rome itself via Aquileia and Thessalonika.
Exhibition catalog by Biljana R . Lučić
Editorial books by Biljana R . Lučić
cemetery in Sirmium was investigated. On that occasion, 12 graves and tombs from Late Antiquity were discovered, one cremation grave of the Mala Kopašnica-Sase type, as well as ten recent inhumation graves. A significant number of artifacts was discovered in a part of the investigated area. Analysis of the field inventory from the Roman period allowed us to identify a chronological framework for the burials,and anthropological analysis showed that the structures were mostly family tombs of a civilian character, in use over a long period of time. Two kinds of rituals were confirmed at the site – cremation and inhumation, and dating assigned the first ritual to the period of the 2nd/3rd century and the inhumation ritual from the second half of the 3rd century to the fourth quarter of the 4th century. The cremation and inhumation dating is similar to that identified in other cemeteries in the vicinity – Mačvanska Mitrovica, the north-western cemetery of Sirmium20, and cemeteries in Beška and Sviloš. In cemeteries at sites in today’s Hungary, such as Sopianae, Intercisa or Keszthely-Fenekpuszta, where far larger areas were investigated, similarities as well as differences can be observed, primarily in terms of the continuing use of the burial areas. Also, future investigations will certainly provide us with answers where Sirmium is concerned. For now, based on known analogies, such as Tomb 1in the cemetery in Beška the masonry Tomb 20, with Paleochristian fresco scenes from the eastern cemetery in Sirmium can be associated with the oldest layer of inhumation at the site. Frequently, when interpreting inhumation practices, its origin is linked to influences of foreign settlers, which could also be applied in our case. Construction of the tomb in Beška dates to the period of the Tetrarchy, and the burial itself to the beginning of the 4th century. Judging from a coin of Claudius II Gothicus found on the mortar floor of Tomb 20 from Sirmium, its construction can be dated to the last third of the 3rd century, whereas its use probably ended in the time of Jovian (363-364). The long use of tomb is also supported by the fact that nine individuals were buried in it.
The archaeological excavations of part of the eastern cemetery in Sirmium conducted in 2016, with its discoveries of fresco-painted tombs, are extremely important for studying the emergence of Christianity in the region. Intense colours, simplified forms and schematic representations are some of the basic features of the recovered wall paintings. Nevertheless, despite the simplicity of presentation and modest artistic qualities, they convey a clear message about the power of religious beliefs with clear Christian symbolism. These compositions present a unique discovery in the wider region and are a valuable source for studying the complex social, religious and cultural conditions in the Pannonian capital.
one of the imperial palace sites of Sirmium (Site 1a) throughout all the archeological campaigns, with special
focus on classification and analysis of the most recently found floor mosaics from the archaeological excavations conducted in 2006 and 2007. Until now, about 350m2 of preserved mosaic pavements have been found,
which can be dated from the end of 3rd to the middle and the second half of 4th century. The strict classicistic
style of the Late Roman period with polychrome geometric patterns prevails on them. Their composition
consists of square nets, octagons, hexagons, rhombi and flowing meanders. Only one mosaic pavement has a
unique figural representation of the god Mercury in one of 12 hexagonal fields.
carried out by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural
Monuments in Sremska Mitrovica at Palanka site in the east
part of the town in 2014 and 2016, 18 graves from the 17th–
18th century period were discovered. The surveying of this
necropolis is of exceptional importance, for we have an
opportunity for the first time to learn details about the residents
of Sremska Mitrovica at the beginning of the Modern
Age. The conducted analyses have enabled us to get an
insight into their health status, the way of life and habits.
On the other hand, the funerary customs and the grave
finds, primarily rosaries with religious medals, hairpins, as
well as a fragment of goldwork, speak of the social status,
beliefs and the cultural identity of the community.
construction of a residential building with an underground garage. The location of the subject has been preliminary identified as the zone of the Sirmium outside of its bastion, where a part of the northern necropolis can
be reached during construction attempts deeper than 1 m. Unexpectedly, immediately below the land surface,
traces of a large-dimensioned object appeared, and a bit further, columns related to the object were discovered.
Upon that discovery, it was clear that it is a part of a water supply system of the antique Sirmium, likely a part of
the aqueduct with gravity channel carriers and a water tower (castellum aquae). Based on numerous findings, the
construction of this part of the Sirmium aqueduct may be dated to the second half or the end of the 2nd century,
while it was certainly being used during the 3rd and 4th centuries.
made in 2012 and 2013 within the works on the reconstruction of the monastery. Prior to the start of archaeolog-
ical work at the site of the monastery shelter and the church, only the core zone of the walls of buildings had re-
mained preserved. Today, only rare archive photos and lithographs witness on once a representative appearance
of the monastery, although they do not provide enough elements to reconstruct the original appearance of the
complex.
Due to the massive destruction which the Besenovo Monastery had suffered during and after the Second
World War, it is the only monastery in Fruska Gora that has not been ranked, from the standpoint of protection
of cultural property, but is registered as an archaeological site under previous protection.
Archeological works were performed within two probes which covered completely the interior of the
church, so as the outer part around it, where the foundations of the future building are supposed to lay. Inves-
tigations have established special stages in the construction of the church, a necropolis of the sacred object has
been documented, and the most important thing is the discovery of the graves of cremated deceased within the
church, which originate from the second to third century AD and belong to indigenous grave form of type Small
Kopasnica - Sase. In the ancient tombs, a great number of whole and fragmented ceramic vessels, lamps, coins,
iron and bronze fibulae, glass vessels had been discovered.
THE TOMB WITH PALEOCHRISTIAN WALL PAINTINGS FROM SIRMIUM
Sirmium as a significant political, administrative and religious center of Pannonia from the end of the third and during the 4th century, plays a unique role in the study of the Late Roman period. Although archaeological research of the ancient city has provided important data on numerous Early Christian cult buildings from this period, larger scale research on necropolises, which could shed more light on this topic, was rarely done.
In the framework of protective archaeological excavations on the sight for the new petrol station construction, conducted during September and October 2016, there was an opportunity to explore a part of one of the numerous necropolises of Sirmium. The Eastern necropolis, where the research was carried out, was situated around the basilica dedicated to Saint Irenaeus, the first mentioned bishop and martyr of Sirmium. During the archaeological research in 2016, some 70 m southwest of the Saint Irenaeus basilica, a small Late Roman memorial shrine was discovered as well as 12 late Roman tombs. All of them were disturbed and pillaged. The tombs were built of horizontally layered bricks bound with mortar with a hipped- roof. The most luxuriously decorated tomb has been discovered within the memorial shrine. The interior walls of the tomb were plastered and completely adorned with frescoes bearing an exceptional selection of Paleochristian scenes. A scene of a man standing in frontal position between two trees is depicted on the western wall. The man is painted carrying a lamb on his shoulders, clearly indicating the Good Shepherd scene. On the opposite, eastern wall, the representation of four male figures is painted. Three young men are depicted burning in red flames in a front row and one bigger figure behind, presented with arms extended in an embrace gesture. Although partly damaged in the upper zone, it is certain that the scene is a representation of an Old Testament story - the Three Young Men in a Fiery Furnace. At the side north and south interior walls the railing of Paradise is represented. The whole composition is characterized by the simplicity of scenes which clearly emphasize the message of salvation.
The exceptional scenes of the Good Shepherd and the Three Young Men in a Fiery Furnace, respectively, reflect the religious program and official artistic influences streaming from the Rome itself via Aquileia and Thessalonika.
cemetery in Sirmium was investigated. On that occasion, 12 graves and tombs from Late Antiquity were discovered, one cremation grave of the Mala Kopašnica-Sase type, as well as ten recent inhumation graves. A significant number of artifacts was discovered in a part of the investigated area. Analysis of the field inventory from the Roman period allowed us to identify a chronological framework for the burials,and anthropological analysis showed that the structures were mostly family tombs of a civilian character, in use over a long period of time. Two kinds of rituals were confirmed at the site – cremation and inhumation, and dating assigned the first ritual to the period of the 2nd/3rd century and the inhumation ritual from the second half of the 3rd century to the fourth quarter of the 4th century. The cremation and inhumation dating is similar to that identified in other cemeteries in the vicinity – Mačvanska Mitrovica, the north-western cemetery of Sirmium20, and cemeteries in Beška and Sviloš. In cemeteries at sites in today’s Hungary, such as Sopianae, Intercisa or Keszthely-Fenekpuszta, where far larger areas were investigated, similarities as well as differences can be observed, primarily in terms of the continuing use of the burial areas. Also, future investigations will certainly provide us with answers where Sirmium is concerned. For now, based on known analogies, such as Tomb 1in the cemetery in Beška the masonry Tomb 20, with Paleochristian fresco scenes from the eastern cemetery in Sirmium can be associated with the oldest layer of inhumation at the site. Frequently, when interpreting inhumation practices, its origin is linked to influences of foreign settlers, which could also be applied in our case. Construction of the tomb in Beška dates to the period of the Tetrarchy, and the burial itself to the beginning of the 4th century. Judging from a coin of Claudius II Gothicus found on the mortar floor of Tomb 20 from Sirmium, its construction can be dated to the last third of the 3rd century, whereas its use probably ended in the time of Jovian (363-364). The long use of tomb is also supported by the fact that nine individuals were buried in it.
The archaeological excavations of part of the eastern cemetery in Sirmium conducted in 2016, with its discoveries of fresco-painted tombs, are extremely important for studying the emergence of Christianity in the region. Intense colours, simplified forms and schematic representations are some of the basic features of the recovered wall paintings. Nevertheless, despite the simplicity of presentation and modest artistic qualities, they convey a clear message about the power of religious beliefs with clear Christian symbolism. These compositions present a unique discovery in the wider region and are a valuable source for studying the complex social, religious and cultural conditions in the Pannonian capital.