THE ANCIENT CULTURAL HERITAGE OF NIŠ

Abstract

The very important monuments from the ancient period in Niš are epigraphic sources. Epigraphic monuments are of particular imprtance for studying the history study of any Roman city. These provide valuable information on the way of life, customs, religion, government, military and social organization of the ancient world. Funerary inscriptions often contain data that could be used in topography or onomastic research. The importance of epigraphic material was recognized in the XIX centzury when the first lapidarium was set in Niš on the place of the former Hunkjar-mosque. The contemporary Lapidarium is in the Fortress of Niš as well. It is located near the mosyue (Exabition Hall 77) and contains approximately forty Roman monuments: tombstones, sarcophagi, altars and sculptures. One of the most important objects in ancient Niš was the building with an octagonal space-vestibule, on the north terrace of the town wall, today outside the Ottoman walls. This building with mosaic floors whose walls were painted in frescoes, while the side rooms had the official and private character could be intended for a stay of prominent personalities. On the basis of arcaeological finds, methods of constuction and decoration (mosaics and frescoes), the building could have been built during the period of the Tetrarchy and was used during IV century. While the aforementioned building coud have served as a place where the emperor received officials, the objects which he used for private purposes could have been the villa at Mediana. Archaeological research so far has shown that we can identify the villa at Mediana as reseidential imperial villa. The remains of the oldest cemetery in Naissus from the ancient period proves that citizens accepted christianity.