SARCHOPHAGUS, lead, inv. 51B

SARCHOPHAGUS, lead, inv. 51B

A child’s lead sarcophagus with unusual decoration was discovered in the basilica with martiryium in Jagodin Mala. On the cover there is a large cross done in high relief, with one standing figure on each side of the cross and on the top there are three busts with royal diadems on their heads. Three busts motive are also presented on the lateral sides of the sarcophagus. The busts represent three emperors of unequal rank and age. The portraits of emperors Gratian, Valentinian II and Theodosius from the period 379-383 are supposed to be presented. In the middle is probably the highest in rank, Gratian, on the right there is youthful Valentinian II and on the left Theodosius who was the last one to be introduced to power. It is supposed that a child buried in the sarcophagus was somehow connected to the imperial home or imperial dignitaries.

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