The Embassy of the Republic Serbia

in Washington DC has the pleasure to present

the exhibition of Viminacium

“Balkan Pompeii”

May 1 – May 4, 2010

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia

2134 Kalorama Rd. NW Washington, DC 20008

The exhibition is a part of the project of Cultural Tourism called Passport DC and will be presented from May 1 – 4, 2010.

Opening of the exhibition is on May 1, 2010 from 10 am to 4 pm.

VIMINACIUM – ROMAN CITY AND LEGIONARY CAMP AS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

EVERYDAY LIFE IN ROMAN PROVINCES

Remains of Viminacium, ancient Roman city and legionary camp, are located in Serbia, 100 km east of Belgrade, near village Old Kostolac. It was the largest, richest and most important city in Roman province Upper Moesia (Moesia Superior) that covered most of the territory of a present day Serbia. From written sources we know that Viminacium was the capital of the province and the most important administrative, trade and production center. Under Hadrian (117-138 AD) Viminacium was raised to the rank of “municipium”, city with high level of autonomy and during reign of Gordianus III (238-244 AD) to the status of colony of Roman citizens with authority to mint its own local coins. Status of colony was the highest autonomy that any city could gain within the Roman Empire. Viminacium was one of 12 imperial cities that minted golden and silver coins.

Strategically good position on the mouth of river Mlava to Danube enabled fast economical development. About richness of its inhabitants testify large number of precious finds discovered on cemeteries around city. During last thirty years more than 14,000 graves were excavated and more than 50,000 objects found, of which 700 are made of gold and silver including dozens of masterpieces. Multidisciplinary research of urban zone and city surroundings are in progress at the moment. Viminacium covers area of approximately 450 hectares. It is located in fields with no modern settlement over ancient ruins what provides us with unique opportunity to excavate entire urban and military complex in order to present it in original appearance.

Ancient city and legionary camp today are presented as modern archaeological park. Tourists have the opportunity to visit northern gate of the military camp of legio VII Claudia (Castrum legio VII Claudia pia fidelis) from 1 to 5th century, monumental city baths (from 1 to 5th century), paleochristian memoria from 4th century, place for burials and gatherings of early Christians, Roman aqueduct (1st-4th century), imperial mausoleum from mid 3rd century, as well as two triple apsidal churches. In underground catacombs visitors can see some of the most beautiful frescoes from late antiquity, looking from the point of view of deceased. For last two years Roman amphitheatre is being excavated. It could hold up to 12,000 spectators and it will be opened to visitors from 2011.

The results achieved during last 10 years will be presented on the panels throughout exhibit, as well as everyday life of the Roman citizens. On the floor would be laid a game „Mystery of The Emperors Death“. This interesting game, invented by Viminacium researchers, would be played by participants dressed in Roman clothes – men in Roman togas and women in hitons and himations. Visitors will taste vine served in Roman amphorae drinking from ceramic cups. Visitors will be offered Roman food, served in replicas of original Roman dishes – plates, bowls, paterae etc. Roman food will be prepared according to recipes of Apicius, Roman author from the 1st century AD.

Some of the visitors would be offered gifts like Roman agenda or Roman calendars - Culina Romana with recipes in English, Latin and Serbian.

Luxury monograph "Itinerarium Romanum Serbiae" in English, Italian German and Serbian will be presented. This monograph is dedicated to the Roman Emperors born on the territory of present day Serbia. It is an extraordinary fact that 18 Emperors were born on this territory – one fifth of all rulers during the whole history.