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The ancient city of Sirmium - Sremska Mitrovica By Jelena Sokovic Famous historian of the Fourth century, Amian Marcelin called it a “glorious and universal mother of cities”. This ancient city with rich history, hometown of seven Roman Emperors and one of the capital cities of Roman Empire, was erected on the slopes of Fruska Gora on the left bank of Sava river in the First century. It was founded by Illyrians in the middle of third century of the new era. As the most beautiful and the richest among Roman cities, it was the target of Barbarians, and the most malicious was the attack by Avars in the sixth century, which not only stopped the progress of Sirmium, but also resulted in its burning and total destruction. It was rebuilt in the Middle Ages, and since known as the city of St. Demetrius. The town of Sremska Mitrovica was built on the ruins of ancient Sirmium. The true picture of the ancient settlement was provided through the archaeological research conducted in mid 20th century. The city was surrounded by walls, and had all necessary urban infrastructures like water and savage system, mills, coin mint, as well as armor workshop, temples, theaters and amphitheatres. The remains of public baths, necropolis, trade and craft centers are still visible today. The ancient ruins are below the modern city and are only partially uncovered. Mosaics, frescoes and sculptures discovered in the area of today’s Sremska Mitrovica particularly, have high art qualities and are proof that In Sirmium first- class artists and decorators were active. The imperial palace of the Emperor Maximilian Herculius was discovered at the archeological site near Sremska Mitrovica, as well as monumental sanctuary of God Jupiter, with over eighty altars. The eight early Christian temples discovered so far indicate the importance of this Christian center in the 4 century. This former imperial city, which has been the centar of the Roman greatest power and glory in its time, will undergo in the next year major conservation works on the several magnificiant mosaics. This will help Sirmium to be included as a stop point of the tour called „On the path of Roman Emperors“, which will become a part of the Serbian tourist offer. |
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ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES IN SERBIA |
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Serbia is home to many traces and material evidences of the past civilizations and societies. Numerous archaeological sites contain evidence bearing witness to human occupation back into prehistoric times, through the Roman period and the middle ages. Some of the major, already excavated, archaeological sites include Lepenski Vir, Viminacium, Sirmium, Gamzigrad and Mediana.
Internationally known archeological site, Viminacium was a military camp and the capital of Roman province of Upper Mesia. It is situated 4 km from the confluence of the Mlava River into the Danube River and 12 km from the town of Po˛arevac. The most important remains of the Viminacium lie on the right bank of the Mlava river where once were a military camp and a settlement from late 1st century. Christ's monogram from the 2nd century was discovered in Viminacium and represents the oldest proof of early Christianity in this region.
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