Roman Tomb

The Roman Tomb of Silistra, located in northeastern Bulgaria, is an exceptionally well-preserved burial tomb dating back to the mid-4th century AD. It represents a significant architectural monument from the Ancient Roman city of Durostorum. Notable for its extensive and high-quality interior frescoes, the tomb is considered a key monument in late antique art in Bulgaria and the Balkans.

The tomb, likely commissioned by a pagan owner, predates the influence of Christianity in Silistra. Its construction probably took place before Theodosius I's persecution of Roman paganism and the Gothic invasion of Durostorum in 376–378. Discovered in 1942 on the southern outskirts of Silistra, the tomb has been on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites since 1984.

The stone tomb, with a single burial chamber, features multi-colored mural paintings covering its interior. The frescoes depict a procession of servants on the northern, southern, and eastern walls, while the western wall portrays the master and his wife. The tomb's decoration includes a frieze with 11 panels illustrating slaves presenting gifts to the masters, along with hunting scenes, candlesticks, and various plants and animals. Despite the city's turbulent history, the Roman Tomb of Silistra stands as a unique example of art and life in the outer regions of the Roman Empire during the 4th century.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

7-mi septemvri 53, Silistra, Bulgaria

Details

Founded: c. 350 AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Bulgaria