Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.33254/piaz.43.1.6
Two Roman-period sarcophagi from the Kosmaj Mountain area in Serbia: The Pavlovac Monastery and Stojnik/Zoroljin
Mihajlo N. Džamtovski
; Department of Classical Archaeology, Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Stefan D. Novaković
; Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljanа, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Natalija Z. Batoćanin
; Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract
This paper presents the first comprehensive examination of two Roman-period sarcophagi from the Kosmaj Mountain region in central Serbia, one originating from the Pavlovac Monastery and the other from the vicinity of Stojnik. Although Roman stone monuments from Kosmaj have long been recognised, these sarcophagi have never been fully documented or analysed. Through detailed description, petrographic analysis, and comparison with regional analogies, the study offers new insights into their material, workmanship, and cultural context. The Pavlovac sarcophagus, decorated with unfinished garlands, represents a rare example within the province of Moesia Superior and is tentatively dated to the second half of the 2nd century AD. The undecorated Stojnik sarcophagus, found in a secondary context and lacking diagnostic features, may broadly be placed between the mid-2nd and 4th centuries AD. Considering the abundance of limestone on Kosmaj and the dense network of Roman-period settlements and necropolises, the paper discusses the likelihood of local production and the possible influence of immigrant populations involved in mining activities. The findings contribute to our understanding of the artistic practices, funerary customs, and economic landscape of this important mining district, highlighting the need for further research, particularly petrological sampling, to identify potential quarrying and workshop locations.
Keywords
garlands; funerary art; Kosmaj; Moesia Superior; Pavlovac; Roman archaeology; sarcophagi; Serbia; Stojnik
Hrčak ID:
353257
URI
Publication date:
10.11.2026.
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