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PORPHYRY SCULPTURES FROM SIRMIUM

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Les sculptures en porphyre trouvées à Sirmium

Au cours des fouilles archéologiques de la partie nord-est du complexe du palais impérial à Sirmium (site 85), effectuées
entre 2012 et 2015, 50 fragments de porphyre ont été découverts dans une couche de gravats qui s’étendait autour et à l’inté-
rieur d’un bâtiment en forme de tholos, dont on avait constaté, en 2014, les empreintes des bases de quatre piliers massifs. Sur
le sol du bâtiment, a été trouvée une monnaie de Maximien Hercule de l’an 301, indiquant que la construction s’est déroulée
à l’époque de la première Tétrarchie. Après la conservation, la restauration et la reconstruction des fragments de porphyre,
il est apparu clairement qu’il s’agissait de trois têtes humaines fragmentées, d’un buste posé sur un globe, d’un autre buste
identique au précédent mais fragmenté, des parties d’une sculpture (?) et des fragments d’une structure architecturale. Ces
trouvailles indiquent au moins deux étapes dans la mise en place de ces sculptures, qui étaient posées sur des consoles ou dans
des niches du bâtiment en forme de tholos. La tête fragmentée d’un tétrarque, probablement Dioclétien ou Galère, appartient
à la première étape ; l’autre tête représente une figure d’homme sans cheveux ni barbe, sans doute un prêtre égyptien. La tête
fragmentée dont reste une partie du front et du sommet du crâne avec les contours des cheveux et d’un diadème consistant
en deux rangs de perles, appartient à la deuxième étape, qui peut être liée à la construction d’un mur circulaire autour du
bâtiment. Il est possible qu’il s’agisse du portrait de Constance II. La datation des bustes impériaux posés sur un globe reste
difficile à préciser, étant donné qu’il s’agit d’exemplaires uniques.
Le bâtiment en forme de tholos et les sculptures de porphyre ont été détruits pendant le règne de Valentinien Ier à la
fin du IVe siècle, quand l’affectation de l’espace où le bâtiment se trouvait a été changée. La destruction définitive des sculp-
tures en porphyre a été réalisée par les chrétiens, qui les associaient aux représentations de leurs persécuteurs, notamment
Dioclétien et Galère. [Auteur]

,&RQGLWLRQVDQGVWUDWLJUDSK\RIWKHÀQGV PDNHLWLQZLWKWKHÀQGRIWKHSDUWRIWKHVFXOOZLWK
the auricle, entirely clear that a porphyry sculpture or a
The systematic archaeological excavations of Sirmium ÀJXUDO FRPSRVLWLRQ LV LQ TXHVWLRQ 7KH H[FHSWLRQDO ÀQGV
ZHUHLQLWLDWHGE\DQDFFLGHQWDOÀQGIURPZKHQWKH of the head and of the bust on a globe, registered in 2014,
parts of a luxurious construction were discovered (site 1a), KDYH FRQÀUPHG WKDW D FRPSOH[ SRUSK\U\ FRPSRVLWLRQ
for which it was presumed that it represents the remains LV LQ TXHVWLRQ )URP  SRUSK\U\ ÀQGV VWDWHG XQWLO QRZ
of the Constantine’s the Great imperial palace. The inves- 48 of them, whose parts were discovered in 2015, were
WLJDWLRQV WDNHQ LQ WKH IROORZLQJ GHFDGHV DUH GHÀQHG WKH found in the mighty layer of rubble, together with mortar,
numerous Late Roman structures of this city (Plan 1). IUDJPHQWVRIEULFNVSDUWVRIIUHVFRHVDQGRIDUFKLWHFWXUDO
During the archaeological excavations of the north part SODVWLFV7KLVOD\HUZDVUHJLVWHUHGDERYHWKHÁRRUg, and the
of the palatial complex in Sirmium on the site 85 (3ODQ), ÀQGVRISRUSK\U\ZHUHUHJLVWHUHGDWWKHDEVROXWHGHSWKV
which began in 2002, the fragments of porphyry were IURP  WR P 7KHLU JUHDWHVW FRQFHQWUDWLRQ ZDV
sporadically registered already in 2004 and 2005, just to registered east and north-east from the south annex of the
372 ,9$1$32329,ņ AnTard , 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

Plan 1 – Sirmium in the 4th century:

a/ city rampart; b/ supposed location
of the rampart; c-d/ main streets and
roads; e-f/ necropoles; g/ marshland and
ponds; h/ modern day streets; i/ forum
(A-original forum, B-supposed location of
the second forum); j/ palatial complex;
1/a, 37, 85/ palace; 31/ horreum; 1/ villa;
28/ craftsmen’s quarter; 29/ thermae;
30/ horreum; 59/ city basilica; 47/ pagan
temple (?); 35/ villa urbana; 79/ inter-
section of main thoroughfares cardo and
decumanus DIWHU-HUHPLĿILJ 

Plan 2 – Explored sites within

the palatial complex
SODQE\%3RSRYLĿ 
AnTard , 24, 2016 3253+<5<6&8/3785(6)5206,50,80 373

Plan 3 – Circular building

and finds of porphyry
fragments (plan by
%3RSRYLĿ 

late ancient building (horreum?), partly excavated during and in which was found the greatest number of porphyry
the earlier campaigns of excavations. Only three pieces of IUDJPHQWVGHÀQHWKHFRLQVRI0D[LPLDQXV+HUFXOLXVIURP
porphyry were discovered somewhat further, one in the  & 4 found in the soot next to the structure’s
layer from the period of the barbarian settlement in the FROXPQRQWKHYHU\ÁRRUDWWKHDEVROXWHGHSWKRI
URRPRIWKHODWHDQWLTXHVWUXFWXUH & WKHVHFRQG m. With the period in which this structure was built also
RQHXQGHUWKHÁRRURIWKH*HSLGKRXVH & DQG FRUUHVSRQGWKHFRLQVRI&RQVWDQWLXV&KORUXVIURP
WKHWKLUGRQHLQWKHOHYHORIWKHPHGLHYDOVWUHHW &  & 5RI'LRFOHWLDQIURP & 6 and
(3ODQ  7KH ÁRRU g was registered already in 2002 and RI0D[LPLQXV'DLDIURP & 7 discovered
LW ZDV GHÀQHG DV WKH ROGHVW ODWH DQWLTXH KRUL]RQ EXLOW LQ WKH UXEEOH DERYH WKH ÁRRU /DWHU WKH VWUXFWXUH ZDV
above the earlier Roman structures. Chronologically, it transformed by building or adding the circular supporting
ZDVGHÀQHGE\WKHÀQGVRIFRLQV1RI*DOHULXVIURP ZDOO,QWKHÀOOLQJRIWKHQHJDWLYHRIWKDWZDOOWKHFRLQVZHUH
DQG RI 0D[LPLDQXV +HUFXOLXV IURP  & IRXQGPLQWHGE\&RQVWDQWLXV,,EHORQJLQJWRWKHW\SHRI
 2DERYHWKHÁRRUDWWKHDEVROXWHGHSWKRIP WKH´IDOOHQULGHUµ & DQGGDWHGLQWRWKHSHULRG
7KLVOHYHOZDVDOVRFRQÀUPHGDWWKHHDVWSDUWRIWKLVVLWH between 348 and 361.8,QWKHUXEEOHDERYHWKHÁRRUg more
E\WKHÀQGVRIFRLQVRI&RQVWDQWLXV&KORUXVIURP specimens of late antique coins were discovered, and in
& 3LQWKHUXEEOHXQGHUWKHÁRRUg. The beginning WKH VXEVWUXFWXUH RI WKH PRUWDU IURP WKH ÁRRU EHORQJLQJ
of building the circular sacral structure, around which to the younger level e WKH FRLQV RI 9DOHQWLQLDQ , IURP

1. All coins from the excavations were preliminary analyzed and 4. RIC 9,QRD
LGHQWLÀHGE\3DYOH3RSRYLĿWKHQXPLVPDWLVWRIWKH0XVHXPRI6UHP 5. RIC 9,QRD
LQ6UHPVND0LWURYLFD 6. RIC9,QRD
2. RIC9,QRE 7. RIC 9,QR
3. RIC 9,QRD 8. RIC 9,,,SS
374 ,9$1$32329,ņ AnTard , 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

 & ZHUHIRXQG7KH\GHÀQHWKHWLPHRI and lips (dim. 12,50 × 7,30 × 6,40 cm). On the basis of the
the last building activities, i.e. of the destruction of the preserved fragment (ÀJD) and of its proportions a
circular structure and of the change of function of this conclusion can be made that the height of the head was
part of the palatial complex. The last building phase in the ca 18,00 cm, and the width ca 12,50 cm (ÀJE). The eyes
SDODWLDOFRPSOH[LVDOVRPDUNHGLQLWVVRXWKSDUWDWWKHVLWH wide open, heavy lower eyelids, graphically modeled
DE\WKHFRLQVRI9DOHQWLQLDQ,GLVFRYHUHGLQWKHPRUWDU FRUQHDVDQGGULOOHGSXSLOVJLYHHYLGHQFHWKDWWKHORRNRI
substructure of the youngest mosaic in the room 16. The the represented person was aiming into the far distance,
QXPLVPDWLF ÀQGV VKRZ WKDW WKH FLUFXODU EXLOGLQJ DQG ZKLOHWKHIDFHZDVODFNLQJDQ\H[SUHVVLRQ7KHKHDGKDV
most probably, the porphyry composition were erected D FXELF IRUP VPRRWK FKHHNV ZLWKRXW EHDUG QRVH ZLWK
DWWKHWLPHRI'LRFOHWLDQ·VUHLJQGXULQJWKHÀUVW\HDUVRI wide nostrils and mouth with full, but compressed lips.
the 4th century, that the structure was remodeled during 7KH LFRQRJUDSKLF VROXWLRQV LQ UHSUHVHQWLQJ WKH ÀJXUH·V
WKHUXOHRI&RQVWDQWLXV,,LQWKHPLGGOHRIWKHth century, IDFHLQWKHÀUVWSODFHWKHWUHDWPHQWRIWKHH\HVFOHDUO\
DQGWKDWLWZDVGHVWUR\HGGXULQJWKHUHLJQRI9DOHQWLQLDQ, show that this is a portrait from the time of Tetrarchy,
in the eighth decade of the 4th century, when the purpose
of this space was changed. The porphyry sculptures were
ÀQDOO\GHVWUR\HGE\&KULVWLDQVZKRZHUHVPDVKLQJWKHP
with heavy bats. The proof of this gives us the bust no. 4,
on which there are six points of damage, made by the use
of mechanical force. On one of them, on the fragment
& WKH LPSULQW RI D PHWDO WRRO ÀJ) can be
noticed. The Christians have done this because they were
bringing into connection the porphyry sculptures with the
UHSUHVHQWDWLRQV RI WKHLU SHUVHFXWRUV LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH RI
Diocletian and Galerius. The conservation of 36 porphyry
fragments, discovered in 2014, and putting them together
with the pieces found in 2015 and those discovered earlier,10
enabled us to draw some conclusions about the concept
a
DQGORRNRIWKHSRUSK\U\ÀJXUDOFRPSRVLWLRQ

)LJ² Head of the emperor from the time

II- Analysis of the parts of first Tetrarchy:
RISRUSK\U\ÀJXUDOFRPSRVLWLRQ a/ at the moment of discovering;
EUHFRQVWUXFWLRQ SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ 
7KH LQVLJKW LQWR WKH FRQVHUYHG ÀQGV RI SRUSK\U\
brought us to the conclusion that this was a complex
FRPSRVLWLRQPDGHRIPRUHKXPDQÀJXUHVRIZKLFKWKH
parts of three heads and of two busts, one of them placed
on a globe, were saved.

Parts of the bodies, clothes

DQGRUQDWHRIKXPDQÀJXUHV

1. Head of the emperor (Diocletian or Galerius?),

fragmented, inv. C-32/2014 (ÀJ)
)URP WKLV KHDG DUH SUHVHUYHG WKH PLGGOH SDUWV RI
the face – lower part of the eyes, partly damaged nose

%UXNQHUS
&RQVHUYDWLRQ UHVWRULQJ DQG UHFRQVWUXFWLRQ RI SRUSK\U\ ÀJXUHV
has done, in the atelier for the conservation of stone of the National
0XVHXPLQ%HOJUDGH0LQD-RYLĿDVVLVWDQWSURIHVVRUDWWKH)DFXOW\RI
$SSOLHG$UWVLQ%HOJUDGH$IWHUWKHVHZRUNVWKHREMHFWVKDYHEHHQJLYHQ b
WRWKH0XVHXPRI6UHPLQ6UHPVND0LWURYLFDLQWKLVWH[WDUHJLYHQWKH
ÀHOGLQYHQWRU\QXPEHUVRIVLQJOHIUDJPHQWV
AnTard , 24, 2016 3253+<5<6&8/3785(6)5206,50,80 375

most probably the imperial one. But, because of the FDQQRWEHLGHQWLÀHGEHFDXVHRIWKHVWDWHRISUHVHUYDWLRQ

IUDJPHQWDU\QDWXUHRIWKHÀQGVDQGEHFDXVHRIWKHODFN of the head, as also because of the style of execution of the
RIWKHIRUHKHDGDQGFKLQLWLVQRWSRVVLEOHWRGHÀQHZLWK imperial sculptures in the Tetrarchic period, which are
precision the style of execution of this head. The mouth IURQWDOFXWDVIURPRQHEORFNZLWKFXELFKHDGVODFNLQJ
on the represented face does not reveal any expression, any individual characteristics. But, it seems that the style
in contrast to the mouths on the faces of Tetrarchs from of its execution brings the head from Sirmium close to
WKH9DWLFDQ/LEUDU\11 which are treated in such a way that the Galerius’ portrait from Gamzigrad, which would, in
they announce a benevolent smile and slight concern. But sense of chronology, mean that it was made in the period
as the frontal part of the head is not preserved, we do not EHWZHHQDQG22 at the time of Diocletian and his
NQRZLILWKDGWKHHPSKDVL]HGKRUL]RQWDOZULQNOHV frons Caesar Galerius.
trux), which intensify the resolute facial expression and
represent one of the characteristic features of the “hard” 2. Head of Egyptian priest ?, fragmented, inv. C-64/2014,
style in the art of Tetrarchy. The most prominent repre- 103/2012, 139/2014, 163/2013, 157/2014, 4/2015 (ÀJ)
sentative of this style is the porphyry bust from Athribis The reconstructed head (ÀJE) with the height of
in Egypt,12 most probably a representation of Galerius,13 the face ca 21,00 cm, the width of the face in its frontal
although there are some opinions that it represents part ca 16,00 cm and the distance between the top of the
Diocletian,14 Licinius15 or Maximinus Daia.16 A nice head and the top of the nose ca 20,50 cm, is composed of
H[DPSOHRIWKLVVW\OHLVWKHIUDJPHQWHGKHDGIURP7HNLMD the following original parts: fragment of the parietal bone
(Transdierna) on Danube, attributed to Licinius.17 On the and of the temporal bone (dim. 11,30 × 10,80 × 7,20 cm),
JURXQGRIWKHVPRRWKDQGUHODWLYHO\SOXPSFKHHNVRIWKH the right ear without the lap (l. 3,00 cm), part of the face
head from Sirmium it can only be supposed that it was on which is represented the right eye (dim. 10,50 × 5,40 ×
H[HFXWHG LQ VRPHZKDW ´VRIWHUµ VW\OH OLNH WKH SRUSK\U\ 8,80 cm), part of the temporal bone with the left ear
head of Galerius from Gamzigrad (Romuliana)18 or the lost GLP˷FP QRVH GLP˷˷FP DQG
porphyry head from Antioch. This group of portraits FKLQZLWKWKHORZHUOLS GLP˷˷FP 3DUWV
LV FKDUDFWHUL]HG E\ UHODWLYHO\ VODFN IDFLDO IHDWXUHV DQG of the bones of the head and of the face with the right
HPSKDVL]HGREOLTXHZULQNOHVWKDWVWDUWIURPWKHQRVWULOV ear and eye can be put together (ÀJD), and the nose
JLYLQJSOXPSQHVVWRWKHFKHHNVZKLOHWKHVNLQXQGHUWKH (ÀJD), the chin with the lower lip (ÀJD) and the
edges of the lips is vertically hanging. The stylistic diffe- temporal bone with the left ear (fLJD DUHÀWWHGLQRQ
rences in the treatment of sculptures made of porphyry, the ground of the proportions of the face. The head of the
WKH VWRQH H[SORLWHG LQ WKH TXDUU\ *HEHO 'RNKQD LQ WKH mesocrany to the dolichocrany type is perfectly smooth,
region of Mons Porphirites on the edge of the East Egyptian without any hair, which points to the possibility that it was
Desert, do not have to be exclusively the consequences of VKDYHGDQGWKHOLQHVWKDWPDUNWKHEHJLQQLQJRIWKHKDLU
chronological nature or of the different facial features of and the contours of the short right sideburn are executed
WKHSRUWUDLWVEXWDOVRWKHUHÁHFWLRQRIDFWLYLW\RIGLIIHUHQW by soft sagging. The right ear is realistically modeled, with
ZRUNVKRSVDQGFUDIWVPHQ20 there is an opinion that one PDUNHG HDUFDQDOV DQG WKH QRVH LV QDUURZ LQ LWV XSSHU
ZRUNVKRSIRUFDUYLQJSRUSK\U\RI(J\SWLDQRULJLQZDV part, while the nostrils are wide (“African nose”). The
OLQNHGZLWKWKHFRXUWRI*DOHULXV21 Although in fragments, eye is almond-shaped and slightly slanted (“feline eye”),
the porphyry head from Sirmium has all the distinctions with thinly modeled eyelids, and the cornea and the pupil
of the imperial portraits made of porphyry in the time of DUHQRWPDUNHG7KLVZD\RIUHSUHVHQWLQJDQH\HZDVQRW
7HWUDUFK\7KHVHZHUHFDUYHGLQWKHZRUNVKRSVLQ(J\SW used on the imperial porphyry portraits from the time of
so, the place where this one was made should not be Tetrarchy, so this is, probably, not the head of an emperor,
brought under suspicion, while the represented person but, according to the shape of the head, of the eye and of
the nose, this is some Egyptian, probably a priest, because
the head was shaved. The portraits of Egyptian priests,
modeled during the 4thFHQWXU\ %& RI JUH\ZDFNH ZKLFK
'HOEUXHFN  SS SO /·2UDQJH  SS   are today in the Egyptian Museum of Berlin (The Berlin
3OV'HO%XIDORSQR6 Green Head)23 DQG LQ WKH 0XVHXP RI )LQH $UWV %RVWRQ
)DHGRSS&DW
%LDQFKL %DQGLQHOOL  S ÀJ &DO]D  SS (The Boston Green Head),24 as also the marble portraits of
ÀJ.LVVSÀJV/·2UDQJHSS3O WKHSULHVWVRI,VLVRQHIURPWKHst century BC, offered for
14. Del Bufalo 2012, p. 124, no. B 16.
'HOEUXHFNSS6UHMRYLĿS
9ROEDFKet al.SÀJ
6UHMRYLĿSS6UHMRYLĿS
6UHMRYLĿSSÀJV
%ULQNHUKRIISSÀJV 3RSRYLĿS6UHMRYLĿS
20. Ibidem, pp. 24-25. 23. Bothmer et al.SSÀJV
.LVVS 24. IbidemSSÀJV
376 ,9$1$32329,ņ AnTard , 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

a2

a4

a3

a1

)LJ² Head of the Egyptian priest: a/ at the moment of discovering: a1/ vertex bone, right ear and eye;
DQRVHDFKLQDQGORZHUOLSDWHPSUDOERQHDQGOHIWHDUEUHFRQVWUXFWLRQ SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ 

sale in the auction house Christie’s,25 and the other from 3. Head of emperor (Constantius II ?) with a diadem,
the 1st century AD in the Dallas Museum of Art,26 have the fragmented, inv. C-159/2014, 170/2014 (ÀJ)
physiognomical characteristics very close to the features On the preserved part of the frontal and occipital bone
RIWKHIDFHRI6LUPLXPKHDG,QVSLWHRIWKHFKURQRORJLFDO of the head (dim. 10,00 × 10,00 × 3,50 cm) is represented
GLIIHUHQFHDQGWKHGLIIHUHQWNLQGVRIVWRQHLQZKLFKWKHVH WKHKDLUIDOOLQJLQWKHWKLFNYHUWLFDOORFNVRQWKHIRUHKHDG
heads were carved, it can be noticed that in representing DQG VRPHZKDW WKLQQHU KRUL]RQWDOO\ SODFHG ORFNV DUH
the Egyptian priests during a long period of time, from FRPEHGWRZDUGVWKHEDFNRIWKHKHDG,QWKHKDLUWKHUH
the end of the dynastic, through the late Ptolemaic, until is a diadem, composed of two rows of ellipsoidal beads,
the Roman period, the same pattern was being used. But, ZLWK DQ RYDO FHQWUDO PHGDOOLRQ ,Q WKH ORZHU VWULQJ DUH
the head of the Egyptian priest, discovered in Sirmium, SUHVHUYHG ÀYH EHDGV DQG LQ WKH XSSHU RQH IRXU EHDGV
MXVWDVWKDWRQHRIWKHSULHVWRI,VLVIURPWKHst century and imprints of two damaged beads (ÀJD). On the basis
AD, according to its stylistic characteristics is losing, more of the preserved fragment and of its proportions it can
and more, the connection with the Egyptian, and it is be concluded that the height of the head, whose part it
coming closer to the Roman sculpture. represents, was ca 25 cm, and the width ca 17 cm (ÀJE).
%HVLGH WKLV ÀQG WZR PRUH IUDJPHQWV RI WKH VDPH KHDG
were discovered, which can not be brought together with
the other parts. The diadems made of strings of beads
ZZZFKULVWLHVFRPDQHJ\SWLDQPDUEOHSRUWUDLWKHDGRID
5321756-deta. DSSHDU IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH RQ &RQVWDQWLQH·V FRLQV 2Q WKH
&RPPRQVZLNLPHGLDRUJZLNL)LOH3ULHVWBRIB,VLVB'0$MSJ FRLQV PLQWHG LQ 7KHVVDORQLNH LQ  LV UHSUHVHQWHG D
AnTard , 24, 2016 3253+<5<6&8/3785(6)5206,50,80 377

)LJ² Head of the emperor with a diadem in the hair:

a/ at the moment of discovering;
EUHFRQVWUXFWLRQ SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ  b

diadem consisting of three strings of beads with a central LQ WKH 9DWLFDQ /LEUDU\34 The leaves on these wreaths,
medallion.27 This was a temporary variant, because since arranged in three rows, are schematically represented,
330 came into use the diadem made of two strings of VRWKH\DUHFRPLQJFORVHWRWKHORRNRIWKHRYDOEHDGVRQ
beads and a central medallion, the form of insignia which WKHGLDGHPIURPWKH6LUPLXPÀQGZKLFKZHUHDUUDQJHG
will, after Constantine, wear his sons and heirs, and which in two rows. Consequently, by its conception, this diadem
will sporadically be in use until the time of Justinian.28,W stands close to the laurel-wreath with a central medallion,
KDV QRW EHHQ UHJLVWHUHG WKDW WKH HPSHURUV RI WKH ÀUVW ZRUQ E\ 7HWUDUFKV IURP WKH 9DWLFDQ /LEUDU\ DOWKRXJK
Tetrarchy used to wear diadems, although their prede- the “diadem made of beads”, as an imperial insignia,
cessors Gallienus and Numerianus were represented on will not appear before the coins minted by Constantine.
their bronze medallions with a diadem. About Aurelianus According not only to the shape of diadem, but also to the
WKHZULWWHQVRXUFHVVD\WKDWKHZDVWKHÀUVW5RPDQZKR hairstyle of the emperor wearing it, this is, most probably,
has put a diadem on his head and dressed on the clothes DIUDJPHQWRIWKHKHDGRI&RQVWDQWLXV,,+LVSRUWUDLWVRQ
decorated with gold and precious stones.30 But, on his coins and gems bear witness to this. Namely, on the silver
coins Diocletian was not represented with a diadem, siliquae, minted in Sirmium in 353-361,35 &RQVWDQWLXV,,
although the sources claim that he used to wear the is represented with a diadem consisting of two rows of
purple garment decorated with gems.31,WKDVEHHQVKRZQ beads, while his hair, as on the porphyry fragment from
that the insignia on the gold coins of Licinius, minted in 6LUPLXPLVIDOOLQJLQWKLFNORFNVRQWRWKHIRUHKHDG7KLV
1LFRPHGLDLQLVQRWDGLDGHPFRQVLVWLQJRIWZR iconographic solution was used not only on the gem made
rows of beads, but a poorly executed laurel-wreath.32 of amethyst, from the British Museum in London, which,
A laurel-wreath with a similar pattern appears at the DVLWLVVXSSRVHGUHSUHVHQWV&RQVWDQWLXV,,36 but also on
same time on the coins of Licinius, minted in Antioch.33 the amethyst gem in the Staatliche Museen in Berlin.
The laurel-wreaths with a central medallion also wear There are various opinions when this gem is in question.
RQWKHLUKHDGVWKHHPSHURUVRIWKHÀUVW7HWUDUFK\WRGD\ 6RPHVFKRODUVWKLQNWKDWLWUHSUHVHQWV&RQVWDQWLXV,,RU
his father, Constantine the Great.37

$OI|OGL3O 'HOEUXHFNSS3O/·2UDQJHSS3OV
3RSRYLĿSS /DXEVFKHUSSÀJV'HO%XIDORSQR6
$OI|OGL3O 35. RIC 9,, S QR    7KH FRLQV RI WKH VDPH W\SH KDYH
3VHXGR$XUHOLXV9LFWRUEpitome de Cesaribus;;;9 been discovered in the vicinity of Sirmium. Among them there was a
$OI|OGLSS VSHFLPHQPLQWHGLQ6LUPLXPLQ&I3RSRYLĿSQR
$OI|OG\SSÀJ 36. Roberts 2005, pp. 222-223.
33. RIC 9,,QR3O *HQWLOLSS%UHFNHQULGJHSS
378 ,9$1$32329,ņ AnTard , 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

a1 a3

a2

a4

b1

)LJ² Bust of the emperor on a globe: a/ at the moment

of finding: a1/ parts of the bust; a2/ bulb of a fibula;
a3/ pedestal; a4/ opening of the bottom of the globe; b2
b1/ restoration of bust; b2/ system of joining bust and pedestal
SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ 

4. Bust of emperor (1) on the globe, fragmented, diameter 1,70 cm long (ÀJD). On the basis of this we
inv. C-151/2014, 147/2014, 77/2014, 170/2014, 135/2014, can draw a conclusion that it belongs to the early variant
60/2012 (ÀJ) RI EXOELIRUP ÀEXODH ZLWK D SRRUO\ GHYHORSHG EXOE RI
Bust of the emperor on a globe (ÀJD) (height W\SH.HOOHU3U|WHO$GDWHGLQWRWKHHQGRIWKHrd–the
of the bust after putting the parts together 31,00 cm, very beginning of the 4th century.38 7KH FORDN LV UHSUHV
width 40,00 cm, diameter of the globe 7,30 cm) (ÀJE) HQWHGDURXQGWKHQHFNE\IRXUGHHSIROGVLQIRUPRIDUFV
was placed on an ellipsoidal pedestal (dim. 16,00 × 7,50 × while one of them, shallower than the others, is placed
FP  ZLWK D SURWUXVLRQ IRU À[LQJ WKH JOREH WR LW GLDJRQDOO\ RYHU WKH FKHVW )URP WKH ULJKW VKRXOGHU WKH
(dim. 2,00 × 1,80 × 1,80 cm) (ÀJD  ZKLFK ZDV ÀWWLQJ FORDNLVYHUWLFDOO\IDOOLQJGRZQFUHDWLQJIRXUGHHSIROGV
into a square opening (ÀJD) at the bottom of the 7KH SDUW RI WKH FORDN XQGHU WKH VKRXOGHU LV PLVVLQJ %\
globe (ÀJE). Traces of white color point that this WKHZD\RIPRGHOLQJLWVFORVHVWDQDORJ\LVWKHFORDNRQWKH
conjunction was strengthened with lead. The bust is
UHSUHVHQWHGLQDUPRUZLWKDFORDNWKURZQRYHULWIROGHG
DURXQGWKHQHFNDQGFODVSHGRQWKHULJKWVKRXOGHUZLWK
D ÀEXOD 2QO\ RQH EXOE RI ÀEXOD LV SUHVHUYHG KDYLQJ D .HOOHUSSÀJ3U|WWHOSSÀJ$
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porphyry bust from Athribis in Egypt, which is supposed

to represent Galerius, Diocletian, Licinius or Maximinus
Daia.7KHFORDNRQWKHVKRXOGHURIWKLVEXVWDOVRKDVD
EXOELIRUPÀEXODEHORQJLQJWRWKHW\SH.HOOHU3U|WHO
its lateral side is gouged, while on its foot is inserted a
square stone, surrounded by a twisted frame.40 Only the
VPDOOHUSDUWRIWKHÀJXUH·VQHFNLVOHIW7KHEXVWLVHQGLQJ
under the chest in the form of a semicircle, with a globe a1
carved in the same piece of porphyry, in the middle of its
lower edge. The ellipsoidal pedestal, having a cylindrical
FURVVVHFWLRQ LV SDUWO\ SUHVHUYHG ,Q WKH FHQWUH RI WKH
preserved part there is a protrusion of the rectangular
cross-section, which was entering into the opening on the
globe. A supposition can be made that the iconographic
a2
models for representing the emperor’s bust on a globe
were the porphyry busts of Nerva and Trajan on a globe,
FP KLJK À[HG WR WKH SRUSK\U\ FROXPQV RULJLQ
ating from Rome, today at the Louvre Museum in Paris.41 a3
Although the busts have the portrait characteristics of
these emperors, there is still a polemic among scholars
about their chronological determination. There are some
opinions that they can be dated into the period between
the 2nd and the 4th century,42 i.e. that they are from the
time of Tetrarchy.43

5. Bust of emperor (2), fragmented,

inv. C-62/2014, 34/2014, 24/2014, 149/2014, 155a/2013,
156/2014, 150/2014 (ÀJ)
)URPWKLVEXVWDUHSUHVHUYHGRQO\WKHXSSHUIROGRI
WKH FORDN RQ WKH OHIW VLGH GLP ˷ FP  WKUHH
SDUWVWKDWFDQÀWLQWRJHWKHU GLP˷FP˷
FPDQG˷FP FUHDWLQJDÀHOGRQWKHOHIW
HGJH RI WKH EXVW SDUW RI WKH IROG RI WKH FORDN RQ WKH
chest and on the right shoulder (dim. 7,00 × 4,60 cm) and
IUDJPHQWVRIWKHXSSHUDQGORZHUSDUW ˷FP RI
the right edge of the bust (ÀJD). The bust was, in all )LJ² Bust of the emperor on a globe:
a/ parts of the bust after conservation;
probability, identical to the bust No. 4 (ÀJE). b/ possible reconstruction of its look
SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ 

&IQRWHV
'HOEUXHFNSÀJ:LWKDEXOELIRUPÀEXODRIW\SHLVDOVR
FODVSHGWKHFORDNRQ*DOHULXV·EXVWUHSUHVHQWHGLQWKHPHGDOOLRQRQ
KLVWULXPSKDODUFKLQ7KHVVDORQLNH /DXEVFKHUÀJ %XWWKH
SRUSK\U\ÀJXUHVRI7HWUDUFKVIURPWKH9DWLFDQ/LEUDU\DUHZHDULQJ
WKHFORDNVZLWKGLVFRLGÀEXODV 'HOEUXHFNSO'HO%XIDOR
QR6 7KHVDPHFORDNVKDYHWKHSRUSK\U\EXVWVRI1HUYD
DQG7UDMDQÀ[HGWRWKHSRUSK\U\FROXPQVLQWKH/RXYUH0XVHXP
'HO%XIDORQR%& DQGWKHEXVWRID\RXQJPDQIURP
Museo Pio Clementini. Bullae on the shoulders of the Tetrarchs from
9HQLFHDUHEURNHQRIEXWE\WKHVKDSHRIWKHGDPDJHGSDUWVZHFDQ
VXSSRVH WKDW WKH\ ZHUH EXOELIRUP 'HOEUXHFN  SO  'HO
Bufalo 2012, no. B 17).
0DOJRX\UHVSSQRV'HO%XIDORSQR%
SQR&6RQQHPDQVSÀJ
/DXEVFKHUS
)DONLQHU 2012, p. 6.
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6. Shoulder of the sculpture (?),

inv. C-43/2014, 57/2014, 344/2005 (ÀJ)
7KUHH IUDJPHQWV ÀWWLQJ LQ WRJHWKHU DUH SUHVHUYHG
(dim. 11,30 × 8,50 cm, 8,30 × 5,7 cm, 11,00 × 6,00 cm),
FUHDWLQJWKHVKRXOGHURIWKHÀJXUH GLP˷˷
8,50 cm) of bigger dimensions than the dimensions of
the busts.

7. Cloak on the sculpture’s body (?),

C-38/2012 (ÀJ)
A big fragment of porphyry (dim. 15,00 × 10,00 cm)
is preserved, on which are represented three folds
of cloth. )LJ² Shoulder of a sculpture (?)
SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ 
8. Belt (?), edge of the cloak (?), diadem (?),
C-163 B/2013 (ÀJ)
)UDJPHQW RI SRUSK\U\ GLP ˷  ˷ FP 
on which are, inside the horizontal band, modeled in )LJ² Fragment of a cloak on the sculp-
WXUH·VERG\ "  SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ 
UHOLHI DQ HOOLSVRLGDO ÀHOG WUHDWHG à la cobochon and,
SDUWO\ SUHVHUYHG D UHFWDQJXODU ÀHOG ZLWK D FOHDUFXW
edge. The ornament reminds of the setting for gems
and cameos, which appears in the art of Tetrarchy as a
GHFRUDWLRQRQWKHEHOWV VWDWXHIURP.XQVWKLVWRULVFKHV
0XVHXP:LHQ7HWUDUFKVIURPWKH9HQLFHJURXS RQ
WKH VFDEEDUGV 7HWUDUFKV IURP WKH 9HQLFH JURXS  RQ
the arm rest and on the legs of the throne (compo-
sitions of the type “emperor on the throne” from
$OH[DQGULD DQG əDUNDPHQ  DQG RQ WKH HGJH RI WKH
FORDN ÀJXUH RI WKH HPSHURU IURP əDUNDPHQ 44 By
successively placed round and rectangular segments
LVDOVRPDUNHGDGLDGHPRQWKHSRUSK\U\KHDGLQWKH
Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, dated into the period
between 350 and 400, although it is quite possible that
VRPHPRUHZRUNZDVGRQHRQLWLQWKHODWHUSHULRG45 The
segments on this diadem are not represented in a row,
but they are separated by two vertically placed beads,
in the same way as the diadems with rossetes, worn by
Constantine the Great and the emperors after him, were
represented. Consequently, the motif of successively
SODFHG HOOLSVRLGDO UHFWDQJXODU DQGRU UKRPERLGDO
)LJ² Belt, edge of a cloak, diadem (?)
ÀHOGVDSSHDUVRQWKHGLIIHUHQWSDUWVRIVFXOSWXUHVIURP SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ 
the 4thFHQWXU\ 6R WKH 6LUPLXP IUDJPHQW QRW VXIÀ-
FLHQWO\ SUHVHUYHG FDQ QRW EH GHÀQHG ZLWK SUHFLVLRQ
but its shape and ornament remind of a belt, and the
decorative scheme applied on it is most similar to that
one with which were decorated the representations
of the type “emperor on the throne” from Alexandria
*DOHULXV" DQGəDUNDPHQ 0D[LPLQXV'DLD" 

'HOEUXHFN  SO  'HO %XIDOR  QR6    3RSRYLĿ
SSÀJ
9LFNHUVS'HO%XIDORQR+
AnTard , 24, 2016 3253+<5<6&8/3785(6)5206,50,80 381

Parts of the architectural complex created, of which is preserved the part consisting of
WKUHHÁRUDOPRWLIV%HFDXVHWKLVSRUSK\U\IUDJPHQWZDV
9. Capital of a pilaster or of a console ?, fragmented, found in the layer from the time of barbarian settling in
inv. C-36/20014 (ÀJ) the area north-west from the circular structure, in the
)UDJPHQWRISRUSK\U\ GLP˷FP QDUURZHG north part of the north annex of economic structure,
in its lower part and widened in the form of a fan next to the south wall of the collapsed fountain, in whose
towards its upper part. At the top of the preserved part immediate vicinity were discovered the small marble
the object is clear cut, and the protrusion created in this columns, consoles and capitals, its decorative elements,
way is, after 3 cm, becoming narrower, leaving a band, it is possible to suppose that the fountain was partly
about 2 cm wide, on which the ornament is placed. The covered with porphyry, to which belongs the preserved
preserved part of the ornamental frieze, on the part of IUDJPHQW,QWKHUXEEOHXQGHUWKHODWHDQWLTXHÁRRULQ
porphyry piece which is hollowed out, consists of three WKLVVSDFHZDVDOVRGLVFRYHUHGDKHDGRI9HQXVRU$SROOR
trefoils, each formed of three semicircular lines carved ,WLVH[WUHPHO\ZHOOH[HFXWHGDQGLWZDVPRVWSUREDEO\
in relief, placed one above the other. Thus a wreath was also a part of the decorative ensemble of the fountain.46

10.-14. Porphyry plates, parts of a pedestal

or of the bottom of a niche,
inv. C-71/2012, 123/2013, 56/2015, 155/2013, 69/2015
)LYH IUDJPHQWV DUH SUHVHUYHG RI LUUHJXODU VKDSH
GLP˷˷˷˷DQG˷
3,40 cm), whose upper and lower surface are polished.
$VWKH\DUHDQGFPWKLFNLWLV
possible that they are a part of the bottom of a niche in
ZKLFKVRPHÀJXUHZDVVWDQGLQJ

)UDJPHQWVRIXQGHÀQHGSXUSRVH

15.-27.
7R WKLV ÀQG DOVR EHORQJ  SRUSK\U\ IUDJPHQWV
)LJ² Fragment of the capital of a pilaster of irregular shape, some of which have on their outer
RURIDFRQVROH "  SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ VXUIDFH D PDUNHG IROG RI FORWK &  ZKLOH WKH
others are the parts of some sculptural element or they
are the amorphous pieces, belonging to the inner parts
)LJ² Fragment of the bust No. 1 RIFHUWDLQÀJXUHV
with the impression of the bat
with which the figure was smashed
SKRWRE\63RS/D]LĿ 

$OWKRXJKWKHH[DFWORRNRIWKHÀJXUDOFRPSRVLWLRQFDQ
not be comprehended, the iconographic analysis of the
preserved parts points to the conclusion that its elements
were not made at the same time, i.e. that some of them
could be brought into connection with the building phase
of the circular structure at the time of Diocletian and
some with the period of building its additions during the
UHLJQ RI &RQVWDQWLXV ,, ,W LV VXUSULVLQJ WKDW WKH KHDG RI
the Egyptian priest (?) is of somewhat greater dimensions
(height of the face ca 21,00 cm) than the head of the
HPSHURU IURP WKH ÀUVW 7HWUDUFK\ KHLJKW RI WKH IDFH

-HUHPLĿSS
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ca 18,00 cm). The greatest dimensions has the head of sculptural representations of Tetrarchs a new style is
which is preserved a fragment with the diadem in the being used, but they did not always understand what
KDLU KHLJKWRIWKHIDFHFDFP ,ILWZRXOGEHOLQNHG VKRXOG LWV ´FRUUHFWµ YLVXDO IRUPXODWLRQ ORRN OLNH48 The
ZLWKWKHEXVWRQDJOREHZKLFKFDQQRWEHFRQÀUPHGRQ SRUSK\U\ VFXOSWXUHV UHÁHFW WKH LPSHULDO LGHD RI WKDW
WKHEDVLVRIWKHSUHVHQWÀQGVWKHKHLJKWRIWKHEXVWRQ WLPHLQWKHPRVWUDGLFDODQGPRVWFRQVLVWHQWZD\WKH\
a globe, without its pedestal, would be ca 50-60 cm. This are a proof of legalizing the new wish to send a clear and
corresponds with the dimensions of the porphyry busts of powerful message to the whole Empire about the virtues
Nerva and Trajan from Louvre and of the bust of a young of the collegium of four rulers and about their concord.
PDQ IURP 9DWLFDQ47 On the other hand, the emperor’s 7KLV ZDV DFKLHYHG E\ XVH RI LPSHULDO ÀJXUHV GHSULYHG
KHDGIURPWKHWLPHRIWKHÀUVW7HWUDUFK\LVWRRVPDOOWRÀW of any individual facial characteristics, which were
in proportionally with the bust on a globe, so it is highly emitting the idea of equality and similarity (similitudo)
XQOLNHO\ WKDW WKH\ DUH SDUWV RI WKH VDPH FRPSRVLWLRQ of Augusti, who are brothers (fraters), and of Caesars,
But, to understand time and circumstances of erecting who are their sons (ÀOLL$XJXVWRUXP).50 At the same time,
WKH GHVFULEHG ÀJXUHV LW LV QHFHVVDU\ WR WDNH D ORRN DW WKHVH ÀJXUHV ZHUH VXSSRVHG WR V\PEROL]H WKH FRQFRUG
some aspects of the Roman portrait art of the period of of emperors (concordia), and the legality of four rulers
7HWUDUFK\DQGDWWKHUROHRIVFXOSWXUDOZRUNVLQFUHDWLQJ LQ WKH EHVW ZD\ VKRZ WKH ÀJXUHV RI 7HWUDUFKV LQ WKH
the imperial propaganda of that time. 9DWLFDQ /LEUDU\ DQG LQ IURQW RI WKH 6DQ 0DUFR FKXUFK
LQ 9HQLFH 7KH\ UHSUHVHQW WKH UXOHUV HPEUDFLQJ HDFK
other in twos, i.e. they are represented in the posture
,,,&KDQJHVLQSRUWUDLWDUWGXULQJÀUVW7HWUDUFK\ which has stronger symbolic than dextrarum iunctio
and appearance of porphyry sculptures and which designates not only the concord, but also
the fraternity of two rulers, erasing the hierarchical
Since the age of Diocletian and formation of difference between the Augusti and the Caesars.51 This
Tetrarchy the imperial portraits underwent a radical is represented in the best way by the different concep-
change in style. The sculptures of emperors became WLRQVRIWKH9DWLFDQJURXSLQZKLFKWZR$XJXVWLDQGWZR
IURQWDO FDUYHG DV IURP RQH EORFN ZLWK FXELF KHDGV &DHVDUVDUHHPEUDFHGDQGRIWKH9HQLFHJURXSLQZKLFK
without any individual characteristics, but with the each Augustus is embracing his Caesar.52
big, wide open eyes, bordered by heavy eyelids. The 7KH SURGXFWLRQ RI SRUSK\U\ LPSHULDO ÀJXUHV RI
dominant eyes with the graphically modeled corneas this style started just after the Tetrachic system was
DQGWKHGULOOHGSXSLOVSRLQWWKDWWKHORRNZDVDLPHGDW HVWDEOLVKHGLQ)RUDORQJWLPHLQVFLHQFHH[LVWHGWKH
WKH IDU GLVWDQFH ZKLOH WKH IDFH ODFNV DQ\ H[SUHVVLRQ opinion that purple porphyry exploited in the quarry
This form of imperial portraits in plastic art and on coins *HEHO'RNKQDRQWKHHGJHRIWKH(DVW(J\SWLDQ'HVHUWZDV
was supposed to express the new idea about the power predetermined for the production of imperial sculptures,
of the ruling collegium, and also the new moral values. because the Hellenistic rulers were being represented
The new imperial portraits had to represent the political in purple clothes.53 But, the color of porphyry does not
morality of Tetrarchs, i.e. they were a physiognomic necessary mean that the purple garment was being
expression of the need for order, discipline, moral values carved in this stone, especially if we have in mind that
and ruling in accordance with the Roman traditions. WKHUH DUH 1RSRUSK\U\ ÀJXUHV RI WKH UXOHUV IURP WKH
New radicalism in the execution of imperial portrait Ptolemaic dynasty, although they have been produced of
ZDVYDULRXVO\DFFHSWHGLQWKHFRQWHPSRUDU\ZRUNVKRSV other sorts of hard stone, granite and basalt. Neither the
and it became most prominent in the mints in the East other Alexander’s successors used the stone from Mons
DQGLQWKHZRUNVKRSVRISRUSK\U\VFXOSWXUHVXQGHUWKH Porphyrytes IRU PDNLQJ WKHLU VFXOSWXUHV 7KH UHVHDUFKHV
LPSHULDOFRQWURO,QWKHZRUNVKRSVRIPDUEOHVFXOSWXUHV VKRZQWKDWDWWKH5RPDQWLPHWKHTXDUU\*HEHO'RNKQD
in Rome this style was combined with the naturalistic or became an imperial estate, and the oldest inscriptions are
classicistic style of the 3rd century, and in the provincial from the period of Tiberius’ rule. Plinius writes down that
ZRUNVKRSVLWZDVH[WUHPHO\VLPSOLÀHGWKHIDFWWKDWLV WKHSUDHIHFWRI(J\SW9LWUDVLXV3ROOLRKDVFRPPLVVLRQHG
FRQÀUPHG E\ WKH EURQ]H 7HWUDUFK·V KHDG IURP $GDQD the statue of emperor Claudius made of this red-purple
Adoption of this style with certain hesitation is also
noticeable on the series of marble Tetrachic portraits
from Asia Minor. Namely, the provincial sculptors
and their city commissioners understood that in the 6PLWKSS
Ibidem, p. 183.
50. Laubscher 2000, p. 217.
51. Ibidem, pp. 214-215.
+DQQHVWDGS
&IFKDSWHU,9 'HOEUXHFNSS
AnTard , 24, 2016 3253+<5<6&8/3785(6)5206,50,80 383

PDUEOH PDNLQJ D UHPDUN WKDW LW LV IRUELGGHQ WR LPLWDWH ZHUHDOVRVRPHWLPHVGHFRUDWHGZLWKWKHKXPDQÀJXUHV
LWDOWKRXJKODWHURQWKHSURGXFWLRQRISRUSK\U\ÀJXUHV executed in relief, which is registered in Palmira.61
ZDVFRQWLQXHG7KHSURGXFWLRQLQWKHZRUNVKRSQH[WWR The concept of decorating the columns was adopted
WKH TXDUU\ LQFOXGHG WKH DUFKLWHFWXUDO HOHPHQWV ÀJXUHV in the art of the city of Rome already in the beginning
YDVHVIRXQWDLQVZKLFKLVFRQÀUPHGE\DKDOIFRPSOHWHG of the 2nd century, if we accept the dating of two
vase and bust, still visible in situ.54 The archaeological porphyry columns from Rome, today in Louvre, into
excavations in the Mons Porphyrites region have shown this period. These columns are 2,36 m high, with the
that there are two phases in exploiting this quarry. The bust of Nerva on one of them and of Trajan on the
ÀUVWRQHLVOLQNHGZLWKWKHSHULRGRIWKHHDUO\st to the RWKHU ERWK LPSHULDO EXVWV ZHUH SODFHG RQ D JOREH
late 2ndHDUO\ rd century, and the second one belongs and their height is 65 cm. About their dating there is a
to the period of the 4th and of the early 5th century.55 discussion in the existent literature. There are opinions
1HYHUWKHOHVVWKHPRVWLQWHQVLYHH[SORLWDWLRQWRRNSODFH that they originate from the time of these emperors,62
during the Diocletian’s reign, and since then this purple then that their dating can be widened over the period
stone is mainly, but not exclusively, intended for the between the 2nd and the 4th century, but that their
SURGXFWLRQRIWKHÀJXUHVRIUXOHUV56 later production can not be excluded,63 as that they
Because the porphyry was exploited in Egypt, a were made at the time of Tetrarchy.64 On the basis of a
FRQFOXVLRQZDVPDGHWKDWWKHZRUNVKRSVIRUSURFHVVLQJ manuscript from the 8th century and of a Renaissance
this hard stone should also be located there and that GUDZLQJ NHSW LQ WKH 8IÀ]L *DOOHU\ LW FDQ EH VXSSRVHG
the Tetrachic portraits, made in them, represent a local that two columns with the busts on a globe belonged
variant of porphyry portraits. What is important for to the construction of the fountain (Cantharos) in the
their functioning is further spreading of these provincial atrium of the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, whose
products, which, in spite of their local style, were not the bronze roof in the shape of a canopy were supporting
ZRUNVIRU(J\SWDQGLWVYLFLQLW\EXWIRUWKHFHQWUDOGLVWUL- eight columns, one of them decorated with a bust on
bution.577KH\ZHUHPHDQWMXVWOLNHWKHPDUEOHLPSHULDO a globe.65 There is an opinion that these columns with
portraits, to be distributed over the territory as wide as the busts of Nerva and Trajan are the only preserved
possible, under the control of imperial government.58 compositions from the period of Tetrarchy entirely
made of porphyry, because on the other sculptures
from the period of Early Empire porphyry was being
Figures and busts of Tetrachic emperors: used combined with other materials, most often with
architectural aspect marble.66 But, in the Capitoline Museum in Rome there
is a colossal sculpture without a head,67 representing a
7KHÀJXUHVRIWKHPHPEHUVRI7HWUDUFKLFFROOHJLXP PDQGUHVVHGLQDWRJD,WLVVXSSRVHGWKDWWKLVLVDVWDWXH
were placed on the columns or consoles, after the fashion RI7UDMDQZKLFKZDVVWDQGLQJQHDUWKH7UDMDQ·V)RUXP
adopted from the Roman Syria and Cylicia, and, being Maybe, on this forum there was also a big statue of a
RIUHODWLYHO\VPDOOGLPHQVLRQVWKH\ZHUHQRWUHÁHFWLQJ 'DFLDQDOVRIURPWKH7UDMDQ·VWLPHWRGD\LQ)ORUHQFH
the monumentality, but they were, in a symbolical way, in the Boboli Garden.68 But, in recent literature were
revealing the unity of Tetrarchs and the equality of their expressed doubts about such dating and it was pointed
power. 7KH ÀJXUHV IURP WKH 9DWLFDQ /LEUDU\ FP to the late antique provenance of these sculptures.
high, are placed on the porphyry columns 3,20 m high, Just the same, identifying, dating, even the authenticity
ZKLOH WKH ÀJXUHV RI WKH 7HWUDUFKV IURP WKH VRFDOOHG RIWKHSRUSK\U\EXVWRID\RXQJPDQFPKLJKNHSW
9HQLFHJURXSFPKLJKZHUHSODFHGRQWKHFROXPQV LQ9DWLFDQDWWKH3LR&OHPHQWLQL0XVHXPKDYHFDXVHG
about 7 m high, and with the basis and the pedestal their QXPHURXV FRQWURYHUVLHV LQ WKH VFLHQWLÀF OLWHUDWXUH
height was about 10-12 m.60 Beside the fact that the Today, it is mostly accepted that the bust was made in
ÀJXUHV ZHUH SODFHG RQ WKHP WKH FROXPQV WKHPVHOYHV the 4thFHQWXU\PD\EHDWWKHWLPHRI&RQVWDQWLXV,,70,W

61. IbidemSÀJ
0DOJRX\UHVSSQR'HO%XIDORSQR%
p. 178, no. C4.
3HDFNRFN0D[ÀHOG 2007, p. 84. /DXEVFKHUS
)DHGRDSS )DONLQHUS
)DHGRDS 65. IbidemSSÀJ0DOJRX\UHVSSQR
57. Laubscher 2000, pp. 227-228. 6RQQHPDQVSSÀJ
%HUJPDQQSS 67. Del Bufalo 2012, p. 87, no. S 12.
)DHGRDS )DHGRDSQRÀJ'HO%XIDORSQR
/DXEVFKHU  SS 'HO %XIDOR  S QR6  S  /·2UDQJHS)DONLQHUS
QR&SQRSQR& 'HOEUXHFNSSSO
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FDQEHOLQNHGZLWK1HUYD·VDQG7UDMDQ·VEXVWEHFDXVH carved from the same piece. Unfortunately, the head

only a small part of the globe on which the bust is ZKLFKFRXOGEHOLQNHGZLWKWKLVEXVWLVQRWSUHVHUYHG
leaning is saved, but it can not be stated with certainty The fragmented head of one of the emperors from the
LI WKH EXVW ZDV À[HG WR WKH FROXPQ DV DOVR LI WKDW SHULRGRIÀUVW7HWUDUFK\'LRFOHWLDQRU*DOHULXV 1R 
column was a part of the construction of the Cantharos according to the dimensions and proportions of the
fountain in the atrium of the old Saint Peter’s Basilica IDFHFDQQRWEHOLQNHGZLWKWKLVEXVWDOWKRXJKWKHFORDN
in Rome.71 Recently, the porphyry head from the represented on it is conceived in almost identical way
7HPSOH*DOOHU\LQ/RQGRQZDVLGHQWLÀHGDVDSRUWUDLW DVWKHFORDNRIWKHEXVWIURP$WKULELVLQ(J\SWZKLFK
RI D 7HWUDUFK DQG LW ZDV OLQNHG VW\OLVWLFDOO\ ZLWK WKH most probably, represents Galerius or Diocletian.73
DERYHPHQWLRQHG EXVW IURP 9DWLFDQ 7KH KHDG IURP This fact points to the conclusion that these products
/RQGRQ DQG WKH KHDG RI WKH EXVW IURP 9DWLFDQ GLIIHU FDPHIURPWKHVDPHZRUNVKRSLQZKLFKWKHEXVWVZHUH
from the porphyry representations of Tetrarchs made serially produced, while the heads of the emperors
in the hard style, and the sleepy expression of the eyes ZHUH DGGHG ODWHU RQ %XW WR WKH SRUSK\U\ ÀQGV IURP
points at the idealistic style of the representations of Sirmium also belongs the fragment of the frontal and
Constantine as Alexander the Great, also cultivated in occipital part of the head, on which the hair is repre-
WKHDUWDWWKHWLPHRIKLVVRQV,WZDVVXSSRVHGWKDWWKH VHQWHG FRPEHG LQ VXFK ZD\ WKDW WKH WKLFN ORFNV DUH
head from the Temple Gallery also belongs to a bust and falling on the forehead (No. 3). Such hairstyle Trajan
WKDWLWZDVVDPHDVWKH9DWLFDQVSHFLPHQÀ[HGWRWKH used to wear, but Constantine and his sons also did
column, which was, together with the columns from the same. The diadem consisting of two rows of beads,
Louvre, creating an architectural unity with the repres- according to the numismatic material, is characteristic
entations of four Tetrarchs. The heads of porphyry for the representations of Constantine since 330 and,
VFXOSWXUHV IURP /RQGRQ DQG 9DWLFDQ KDYH KDLUVW\OHV ODWHURQIRUWKHSRUWUDLWVRIKLVVRQV,IWKHKHDGZLWK
characteristic for the Julio-Claudian dynasty, while the a diadem in the hair, whose fragment is preserved,
busts of Nerva and Trajan on the columns from Louvre belongs to the bust on a globe, or if it is a part of the
have the hairstyles and facial features typical for these composition to which it belonged, that ensemble could
emperors. This phenomenon was explained by the need EH OLQNHG ZLWK WKH UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ RI VRPH HPSHURU
of later emperors to establish the legitimacy, referring from the Constantine’s dynasty, according to the
to the “good rulers” from the previous periods.72 historical circumstances, most probably of Constantius
,IZHDFFHSWWKHGDWLQJRISRUSK\U\VFXOSWXUHVIURP ,,74 during whose rule the alterations of the circular
/RXYUH9DWLFDQDQG7HPSOH*DOOHU\LQWRWKHth century, structure were made and its circular supporting wall
there is a small possibility that they can be determined was built.75 The other imperial bust (No. 5) was, most
LQWRWKHSHULRGRIÀUVW7HWUDUFK\FRQVLGHULQJWKHLGHRORJ probably, identical with the previous one (No. 4) and it
ical-political concept of that time. On the other hand, could represent some of the brothers and co-rulers of
GXULQJWKHSHULRGRIFRQÁLFWVEHWZHHQWKHFRUXOHUVLWLV &RQVWDQWLXV,,RUKLVFRXVLQ*DOOXV,QDWWKHWLPH
hard to believe that four imperial busts were erected. But, ZKHQ WKH XVXUSHUV 0DJQHQWLXV DQG 9HWUDQLR ZHUH
regarding the Constantine’s insisting on legitimacy and defeated, Gallus was proclaimed Caesar in Sirmium and
respect to the “good emperors”, which was also cherished he married Constantina, the daughter of Consantine the
by his successors, it is possible that four busts represent *UHDW DQG WKH VLVWHU RI &RQVWDQWLXV,,76 As the Caesar
Constantine and his three sons and that they were made *DOOXV ZDV H[HFXWHG LQ  ZKLOH &RQVWDQWLQH,, DQG
around the middle of the 4th century. The questions of &RQVWDQVWKHEURWKHUVRI&RQVWDQWLXV,,ZLWKZKRPKH
GDWLQJDQGLGHQWLI\LQJWKHVHVFXOSWXUDOZRUNVVWLOOUHPDLQV did not have good relations, died in 340 and 350, the
RSHQHGDQGWRWKHLUVROYLQJFRXOGFRQWULEXWHWKHÀQGRI erection of the porphyry busts, if they do not represent
the bust on a globe from Sirmium. &RQVWDQWLXV,,DQGKLV&DHVDU*DOOXVVKRXOGKDYHWDNHQ
Although the Sirmium bust of the emperor on a place in 351 or immediately after this date. But, if there
JOREH 1R ZDVQRWÀ[HGWRDFROXPQEXWWRDF\OLQ- were four, and not only two busts, they could represent
drical pedestal, it is clear that it follows the same Constantine the Great and his three sons, and their
iconographic principle as the busts of Nerva and Trajan erecting could have happened on the occasion of the
from Louvre. But, contrary to these, which, which were above-mentioned events from 351, but also on the
carved separately from the globe and just placed on it, RFFDVLRQ RI WKH WULXPSK RI &RQVWDQWLXV ,, RYHU WKH
the Sirmium bust and the globe on which it is lying are

73. Cf. notes 12-16.

%HUJPDQQ  SS /LYHUDQL  SS /LYHUDQL &IFKDSWHU9
S'HO%XIDORSQR% &IFKDSWHU,
)DONLQHUS 6WHLQSS
AnTard , 24, 2016 3253+<5<6&8/3785(6)5206,50,80 385

barbarians from the other side of Danube, celebrated to build Nicomedia so to become another Rome.86 The
LQ6LUPLXPLQ  DQG  ,Q DQ\ FDVH WKHSRUSK\U\ idea of imitatio Romae was a part of Diocletian’s building-
busts were carrying a strong dynastic message. program also in Sirmium.87 No. other emperor was so
NHHQO\LQWHUHVWHGLQWKHQDWXUDOUHVRXUFHV²TXDUULHVDQG
mines around this city, which he was visiting very often.
IV- Erection of porphyry sculptures in Sirmium Although in the Passio Sanctorum Quattuor Coronatum
LQOLJKWRIVLJQLÀFDQFHRIWKLVFLW\ the historical events mix with the legendary ones, and
during the 4th century, with regard to strategy, the plot of the original text of Passion was probably
politics and propaganda transposed to Pannonia from Egypt,88 the manuscript still
points at Diocletian’s interest in the Pannonian quarries.
Considering the circumstances that could cause the 7KLVHPSHURUGXULQJKLVVWD\LQ6LUPLXPLQZDV
erection of porphyry sculptures in Sirmium, we have to YLVLWLQJWKHTXDUULHVRUGHULQJVWRQHDQGÀQLVKHGRUKDOI
WDNHDORRNDWWKHUROHZKLFKWKLVFLW\SOD\HGLQGHIHQGLQJ ÀQLVKHGVWDWXHV+HDOVRYLVLWHGWKHQHLJKERULQJPLQHVWR
the border of Empire from the barbarian incursions. PDNH SURYLVLRQV IRU WKH DUPVIDFWRU\ armorum fabrica)
6RPH HPSHURUV OLNH 'RPLWLDQ DQG 0DUFXV $XUHOLXV and for the mint (Moneta  'LRFOHWLDQ·V LWLQHUDU\ LQ 
treated Sirmium as a military base for their campaigns was mostly determined by the idea of building Sirmium
against the barbarian tribes during their wars against through the concept of imitatio Romae. On the basis of
Sarmatians at the end of the ninth and the beginning subscriptions of Justinian’s codex we can conclude
of the tenth decade of the 3rd century. Diocletian stayed that the emperor visited Demessus 6WRMQLNRQPRXQWDLQ
on few occasions in Sirmium, and on the ground of the .RVPDMWKHDGPLQLVWUDWLYHFHQWUHRIWKHGLVWULFWRIOHDG
LPSHULDO FRQVWLWXWLRQV ZH NQRZ WKDW KH VWD\HG LQ WKLV and silver mines), as also the gold and silver mines in the
FLW\LQIURP)HEUXDU\thWRthDQGLQ77 south part of the city territory of Sirmium, on the slopes
Although there is also an opinion in science that Sirmium of the mountain Cer. He also visited the “Tribal” quarry,
ZDVKLVLPSHULDOUHVLGHQFHLQWKHSHULRGIURPWR78 most probably located near Oescus, from which by the
there are No. records about that in the written sources. route Danube – Sava the stone could be transported to
After establishing the Tetrarchic system of rule in spring Sirmium and be used for the imitatio Romae program.
RIWR'LRFOHWLDQ·V&DHVDU*DOHULXVZDVHQWUXVWHGWKH The survey of military and political activities of
defending of territories south from Danube, from the Alps Diocletian and Galerius connected with Sirmium shows
WRWKH%ODFN6HDKLVVHDWZDVLQ6LUPLXP Although there that there existed circumstances that could bring to
LV DQ RSLQLRQ LQ WKH VFLHQWLÀF OLWHUDWXUH WKDW *DOHULXV· erecting the porphyry sculptures of those emperors
RIÀFLDO UHVLGHQFH ZDV LQ WKLV 3DQQRQLDQ PHWURSROLV in this city. Therefore, it is quite possible that the head
ZKHUHKHDOVRKDGWKHLPSHULDORIÀFHLQZKLFKWKHODZV whose middle parts of the face are preserved (No. 1)
were enacted,80 the ancient writers do not mention this.81 represents some of these rulers, especially if we have in
But, there is an information from the list of consuls that mind that by some iconographic characteristics it can be
Diocletian and Galerius received in Sirmium the consulate brought into connection as with the heads of Tetrarchs
IRU 82 ,Q WKH VDPH \HDU ZDV EXLOW WKH IRUWLÀFDWLRQ IURPWKH9DWLFDQ/LEUDU\VRZLWKVRPHSRUWUDLWVRIWKRVH
Onagrinum, opposite from Banoštor (Bononia)83 and the emperors carved in the “softer style” of Tetrarchic art.
Sarmatians, on whom Galerius waged a war starting from But, the stylistic solutions applied on the other head
Sirmium, were defeated. On this occasion Diocletian and (No. 2) are surprisingly atypical for the representations
his co-rulers have received the title Sarmaticus Maximus.84 of the emperors in the art of Tetrarchic period. The
7KH ODWHU ÀJKWV ZLWK WKH EDUEDULDQV RQ 'DQXEH ZHUH scull of dolichocrany type, almond-shaped, slanting eye,
sporadic, but Lactantius mentions that Galerius spent ZLWKRXWPDUNHGFRUQHDDQGSXSLOVPRRWKVKDYHGVFXOO
 \HDUV LQ ,OO\ULFXP FDUU\LQJ RXW 'LRFOHWLDQ·V RUGHUV85 and face without beard and mustaches could be the
The same author writes down that Diocletian intended physiognomical characteristics typical for representing
some Egyptian, probably a priest. The explanation for
the presence of porphyry head with so unusual charac-

77. CJ,9
78. Madgearu 2012, p. 48. 86. Lact., De mort. pers. 7.8-10.
6WHLQS 'XɐDQLĿS
6HHFNS(QVOLQFRO 'HO%XIDORSS)RUWKHWH[WRI3DVVLRQLQ/DWLQDQG
0LUNRYLĿS English language cf. ibidSS
82. Cons. Const. D  CJ,,IURP6HSWHPEHUnd9,IURP0D\ndDQG
83. Ibidem. 9IURP$XJXVWth
0yFV\S CJ9,,,IURP'HFHPEHUthTriballis.
6HVWRQSS 'XɐDQLĿSS
386 ,9$1$32329,ņ AnTard , 2 4 , 2 0 1 6

WHULVWLFV VKRXOG SUREDEO\ EH ORRNHG IRU LQ WKH IDFW not glorify the victory in Egypt, but Galerius later added
that Diocletian and Galerius, beside the victory over to himself the title Thebaicus et Aegyptiacus. Between two
Sarmatians, also had to set in order the affairs in Egypt. sojourns in Antioch, Diocletian visited Egypt also during
During the last decade of the 3rd century the relations DQGLQVXPPHURIRQKLVZD\WR5RPHKH
with Egypt, which these two emperors were cultivating, passed through Sirmium. The activities of Diocletian and
became intensive, as because of the reorganization of Galerius in Egypt, Armenia, Mesopotamia and Syria could
WKH ZRUN RI SRUSK\U\ TXDUU\ LQ WKH Mons Porphyrites have been a reason for representing in Sirmium some
region and great production of imperial sculptures in the Egyptian priest paying homage to these emperors.
ORFDO ZRUNVKRSV VR EHFDXVH RI WKH SROLWLFDO FRQGLWLRQV Sirmium played an important role also in the Licinius’
1DPHO\LQ(J\SWDUHEHOOLRQZDVÁDULQJXSZKLFKZDVLQ rule, because, after the agreement in Carnuntum in 308,
WKHVFLHQWLÀFOLWHUDWXUHXQWLOUHFHQWO\GDWHGLQWR WKLVHPSHURUWRRNRYHUWKHJRYHUQPHQWRI,WDO\ZLWK6SDLQ
RU7KHOHDGHURIWKHUHEHOOLRQZDVFHUWDLQ'RPLWLXV DQG $IULFD DQG ODWHU ,OO\ULFXP $V ,WDO\ ZLWK ZHVWHUQ
Domitian (L. Domitius Domitianus), who proclaimed himself provinces was since 311 controlled by Maxentius, son
emperor, considering himself a co-ruler of the Tetrarchs. of Maximianus, to Licinius remained, as the sources tell
But, the real leader of the rebellion was the corrector of us,100,OO\ULFXPZKHUHKHVWD\HGGHIHQGLQJDWWKHVDPH
the province, Aurelius Achilleus. But, the recent inter- time, Thrace from the barbarian incursions. His seat
pretation of the Argent SDS\UXV ZKLFK LV NHSW WRGD\ FRXOG KDYH EHHQ LQ 6LUPLXP ZKLFK LV DOVR FRQÀUPHG
in Strasbourg, shown that there are two rebellions E\DQLQVFULSWLRQIURPWKHLVODQG%UDŁZKLFKPHQWLRQV
LQ TXHVWLRQ 7KH ÀUVW RI WKHP LQ  ZDV FUXVKHG E\ carving of the capitals for the Licinius’ thermae in this
*DOHULXV ZKLOH WKH RWKHU ZKLFK WRRN SODFH EHWZHHQ city.101 Licinius was, by all means, in Sirmium with his
VXPPHURIDQGVSULQJRIVXSSUHVVHG'LRFOHWLDQ IDPLO\DQGWKHVWDWHWUHDVXU\DWWKHWLPHRIWKHÀUVWFODVK
who came to Egypt with the units from 18 legions, among ZLWK&RQVWDQWLQHGXULQJWKHEDWWOHRI9LQNRYFL Cibalae)
which were the troops from legio IV Flavia and legio VII in October 316, because, when he was defeated at the
Claudia, the legions stationed not far from Sirmium, in the EDWWOHÀHOGKHUHWXUQHGWRWKLVFLW\WDNLQJZLWKKLPKLV
camps Singidunum and Viminacium in Moesia Prima. When wife, son and treasure. Licinius demolished the bridge
he crushed the rebellion, Diocletian captured Alexandria on Sava and ran away to the east, to Dacia Ripensis.102
and ordered Aurelius Achilleus and his followers to be After these events, during the rule of Constantine the
executed. After that, the Emperor traveled to the south *UHDW 6LUPLXP EHFDPH RQH RI IRXU RIÀFLDO FDSLWDOV RI
borders of Egypt, enforcing the administrative and the Empire. On the basis of corrections of subscriptions
military changes and accepting the tribes of Nobades of Theodosius’ codex the conclusion can be made that
and Blemmye as federates, with the obligation to give WKLVHPSHURUYLVLWHG6LUPLXPIRUWKHÀUVWWLPHLQ0DUFK
troops and to pay taxes to the Roman state. Because it VWD\LQJWKHUHXQWLOWKHHQGRIWKDW\HDU'XULQJWKH
appeared that the Persians were using the Manicheans next years Constantine stayed in this city in April, June
IURP (J\SW DV WKHLU DJHQWV LQ  'LRFOHWLDQ LVVXHG DQ and September 321, in May and July 322, in May 323,
edict, declaring the members of this sect the enemies of in January 324, in April, May and December 326 and in
the Empire and accusing them of practicing magic and 0DUFK+LVFRXUWZDVLQ6LUPLXPIURPWKHEHJLQQLQJ
witchcraft.,QWKHVDPH\HDUKHVHQWKLV&DHVDU*DOHULXV of 320 to the beginning of 324, and at the same time the
WRÀJKWDJDLQVWWKH3HUVLDQNLQJ1DUVHV$IWHUWKHLQLWLDO RIÀFLDOPLQWRIJROGFRLQVZDVZRUNLQJLQWKLVFLW\103 Two
failures, Galerius has defeated the Persians, putting an inscriptions from Sirmium, in which the freedmen in the
HQGWRWKHZDUZLWKWKHSHDFHWUHDW\LQ1LVLELVLQRU (PSHURU·VVHUYLFHDUHPHQWLRQHGFDQEHOLQNHGZLWKWKH
)HEUXDU\+HGLFWDWHGWRJHWKHUZLWK'LRFOHWLDQ the DFWLYLW\ RI WKH LPSHULDO RIÀFH LQ WKLV FLW\ LQ WKH WLPHV
conditions of the peace treaty that ended the rebellion in of Constantine.104 But, it does not seem probable that
Mesopotamia, by all means synchronized with that one &RQVWDQWLQHZKRKDVDOUHDG\ORQJEHIRUHWKDWEURNHQ
LQ(J\SWEHFDXVHWKH0DQLFKHDQVIURP)DLXPZKRZHUH with the Tetrarchic ideology, and, as his representation
in service of Narses, openly stood on the side of Aurelius on the triumphal arch in Rome shows, with the artistic
Achilleus and his followers. ,Q KLV WLWOHV 'LRFOHWLDQ GLG manners of that epoch also,105 erected some sculptural

$ERXW WKH IRUPHU GDWLQJ RI UHEHOOLRQ LQ (J\SW LWV FKDUDFWHU DQG Ibid., pp. 141-142.
identity of Domitius Domitianus and Aurelius AchilleusFI6HVWRQ %DUQHVSS
SS6WHLQS-RQHVS $XU9LFWCaes=RQ;,,
=XFNHUPDQS 101. CIL,,,
Papiry Oxyrhinchi, 43. 102. Exc. Val9=RV,,
6HVWRQSS6WHLQS=XFNHUPDQS %UXXQSS
6HVWRQSS 0LUNRYLĿSS
Ibidem, pp. 158-160. +DQQHVWDGSSÀJ
AnTard , 24, 2016 3253+<5<6&8/3785(6)5206,50,80 387

composition made of porphyry – the stone exploited in 1LFDHDQ GRJPD DQG ZKRP &RQVWDQWLXV ,, ZDQWHG WR
Egypt, the part of the Empire that belonged to Licinius remove. He succeded in this, proclaiming his protégé
XQWLOKLVÀQDOGHIHDWLQWKHEDWWOHRI&KU\VRSROLVLQ George the episcope of Alexandria. The question stays
:KHQ&RQVWDQWLQHGLHGKLVVRQ&RQVWDQWLXV,,VWD\HG open if the erection of the porphyry head of the Egyptian
in Sirmium for the longest period of time. Namely, priest can be brought into connection with the struggles
ÀJKWLQJ ZLWK 0DJQHQWLXV WKLV HPSHURU FRPPDQGLQJ IRU SRZHU LQ WKH &KXUFK RI $OH[DQGULD &RQVWDQWLXV ,,
WKH ,OO\ULDQ DUP\ DQG VWDUWLQJ IURP 6LUPLXP SXVKHG had a very harsh attitude towards paganism and most
KLPEDFNDOOWKHZD\WR2VLMHN Mursa ZKHUHKHÀQDOO\ RI WKH LQKDELWDQWV RI $OH[DQGULD WRRN VLGH RI HSLVFRSH
defeated the usurper in a bloody battle in 351. After $WKDQDVLXV LQ KLV FRQÁLFW ZLWK WKH (PSHURU·V SURWpJp
that, he spent two months in Sirmium, returning, George, who ran away from the city, returning into it in
GXULQJWKHQH[WIHZ\HDUVEDFNWRWKLVFLW\EHFDXVHRI 361, not long after the plundering of the famous temple
WKHZDUVRQWKH'DQXEHERUGHU'XULQJWKHÀJKWVZLWK RI 6HUDSLV E\ WKH DUP\ RI &RQVWDQWLXV,,110 Was this
the Sarmatians, Sirmium was the seat of the Emperor event, or some similar one, which preceded it during
and the place where the army was gathering. After the the tumultuous events in connection with supremacy
ZDUV LQ  &RQVWDQWLXV ,, FHOHEUDWHG LQ 6LUPLXP in the church organization of Alexandria, the cause for
his triumph. But, the battles against the Sarmatians erecting the sculpture of the Egyptian priest, probably in
FRQWLQXHGDOVRLQWKHQH[W\HDUDQG&RQVWDQWLXV,,DJDLQ WKHLQIHULRUSRVLWLRQWRZDUGVWKHÀJXUHRIWKH(PSHURU"
celebrated a triumph in Sirmium.106 During his long stays 7KHGDWDFRQFHUQLQJWKHDFWLYLWLHVRI&RQVWDQWLXV,,
LQ WKLV FLW\ &RQVWDQWLXV ,, LQLWLDWHG LWV IXUWKHU EXLOGLQJ LQ 6LUPLXP DQG WKH VLJQLÀFDQFH WKDW WKLV FLW\ KDG IRU
DQG DOVR WKH UHSDLULQJ RI WKH URDG WR ,WDO\ WR ZKLFK his rule, point to the conclusion that the erection of
bears witness a milestone from Sirmium.107 Anyway, the VRPH SRUSK\U\ ÀJXUH FRXOG EH OLQNHG WR WKH SHULRG RI
QXPLVPDWLFÀQGVDOVRVKRZKLVEXLOGLQJDFWLYLW\LQWKH this emperor’s rule and having his seat in the Pannonian
space of the palatial complex, especially on adding the FDSLWDO,WKDVDOUHDG\EHHQSRLQWHGRXWWKDWWKHIUDJPHQW
supporting wall around the circular construction.108 of the head with the diadem in its hair can be dated into
Sirmium played an exceptionally important role in the period after 330 and that the insignia of this type,
WKHIUDPHZRUNRIWKHUHOLJLRXVSROLWLFVRI&RQVWDQWLXV,, after Constantine, used to wear also his sons, including
ZKRWRRNDVHYHUHDWWLWXGHWRZDUGVSDJDQLVPIRUELGGLQJ &RQVWDQWLXV,, 2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG WKH EXVW RQ D JOREH
with his laws from 353 and 356 not only the nightly ÀQGVLWVLFRQRJUDSKLFSDUDOOHOVLQWKHEXVWVRI1HUYDDQG
VDFULÀFHVEXWDOVRWKHYHU\ZRUVKLSSLQJWKHSDJDQLGROV 7UDMDQWRGD\LQ/RXYUH,WLVVXSSRVHGWKDWWKH\FRXOG
On the other hand, after his victory over Magnentius in originate from the 4th century, while about the iconogra-
KHVWD\HGLQ6LUPLXPGXULQJWKHZLQWHURI SKLFDOO\FORVHEXVWIURPWKH9DWLFDQ0XVHXPVDOWKRXJK
IDOOLQJ XQGHU WKH LQÁXHQFH RI WKH HSLVFRSH 9DOHQV RI DERXWLWVLGHQWLÀFDWLRQWKHUHH[LVWGLIIHUHQWRSLQLRQVWKH
Mursa, who was spreading Arianism. When Constantius supposition was made that it originates from the time of
,,EHFDPHDIHUYHQWDGYRFDWHRI$ULDQKHUHV\QXPHURXV &RQVWDQWLXV,,111 $OWKRXJK EHFDXVH WKH ÀQG HVSHFLDOO\
local ecclesiastical high dignitaries followed him. the head, is very fragmented, this interpretation stays
%HWZHHQDQGIRXUV\QRGVWRRNSODFHLQ6LUPLXP in the realm of hypothesis, it seems to us that historical,
Some of them where organized by the Emperor himself. archaeological and numismatic data support it.
,QWKHPZLWKWKHKHOSRIWKHHSLVFRSHV9DOHQVRI0XUVD
Ursacius of Singidunum and newly elected episcope of
Sirmium, Germanius, Arianism prevailed. The struggles
between the adherents of the Nicaean dogma and the
KHUHV\RI$ULXVFRQWLQXHGDOVRLQZKHQWKHVRFDOOHG
Fourth Sirmian Formula ZDV LVVXHG ,W VKRXOG KDYH EHHQ The analysis of the fragments of porphyry
a compromise solution for both opposed sides, but, sculptures from Sirmium shown that they were made
according to the Emperor’s will, the decision of majority in different periods, representing at least two archaeo-
was changed. So, at the Synod in Constantinople in 360 ORJLFDOKRUL]RQV7KHÀUVWRQHLVFRQQHFWHGZLWKWKHHQG
the basis of faith was formulated by the Arrian bishops of the 3rd²ÀUVW\HDUVRIWKHth century, i.e. with the rule
9DOHQVDQG8UVDFLXV7KH6\QRGDW6LUPLXPLQZDV of Diocletian and his Caesar Galerius (fragmented head
attended by the Arian George from Alexandria, the of the emperor No. 1), while the other one, from the
opponent of episcope Athanasius, who preached the middle of the 4th century, belongs to the period of rule

$PP0DUF;9,;9,,;,; 6WHLQSS
107. CIL,,, 0LUNRYLĿQR 110. Ibidem, pp. 153.
&IFKDSWHU, &IFKDSWHU,9
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RI &RQVWDQWLXV ,, IUDJPHQWHG KHDG ZLWK D GLDGHP LQ VWUXFWXUH DQG HUHFWLRQ RI QHZ VFXOSWXUHV WRRN SODFH
the hair No. 3 and, probably, busts of the emperors on a GXULQJ &RQVWDQWLXV,, ZKR ZDV D IHUYHQW &KULVWLDQ RI
JOREH1RDQG ,WLVKDUGWRPDNHDFRQFOXVLRQZKHQ the Arian orientation. After the examination of these
the head of the Egyptian priest was made (No. 2), but, two different religious concepts which the above-
according to its dimensions, there is a small possibility mentioned emperors were representing, it seems that
that it was standing next to the rather smaller head of for their ruling was common the cultivation of the
DQHPSHURUIURPWKHWLPHRIWKHÀUVW7HWUDUFK\ 1R  imperial cult and, considering that both Diocletian
As of the sculpture (No. 6) only the shoulder is left, DQG &RQVWDQWLXV,, KDYH FHOHEUDWHG WZLFH LQ 6LUPLXP
LW LV QRW SRVVLEOH WR PDNH D FRQFOXVLRQ FRQFHUQLQJ LWV the triumph over the trans-Danubian barbarians, the
ORRN LGHQWLÀFDWLRQ DQG FKURQRORJLFDO GHWHUPLQDWLRQ great importance of the imperial triumph. This points
Porphyry sculptures were placed inside the circular at the conclusion that the circular building in Sirmium,
building, in the niches or on the consoles, whose parts, in which the porphyry sculptures were placed, was
SRVVLEO\UHSUHVHQWWKHSRUSK\U\IUDJPHQWV1RDQG LQ IXQFWLRQ RI WKH LPSHULDO FXOW LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH RI
10. The busts were, in all probability, placed in the celebrating the imperial triumphs and jubilees. Such
niches or next to the wall, on the pilasters, because explanation could be applied also on other structures
their rear side has not been treated. The circular RI WKLV VKDSH UHJLVWHUHG LQ WKH IUDPHZRUN RI WKH ODWH
VWUXFWXUH ZLWK WKH ÀUVW SRUSK\U\ VFXOSWXUH ZDV EXLOW antique palatial complexes.
at the time of Diocletian, who established religious-
ideological concept of Iovii et Herculii, according to
which the emperors were the earthly representatives Institute of Archaeology, Belgrade (Serbia)
of Jupiter and Hercules, while the alterations of this Project of Serbian Ministry of Science no 177007

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