Close detail of embracing putti or cherubs on a plundered Roman stone sarcophagus or tomb chest outside the Greek and Roman city of Salona, at Solin near Split, Dalmatia, Croatia. The sarcophagus is in the Necropolis of Manastirine where images from Greco-Roman mythology are mixed with later Christian symbols commemorating martyrs executed by Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Salona, Solin, Dalmatia, Croatia: landscape format close detail of embracing putti or cherubs, a common theme in ancient classical art, sculpted in relief on one of the numerous shattered Greek or Roman stone sarcophagi scattered around the Necropolis of Manastirine, outside the walls of the city of Salona, once capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Many of the sarcophagi or tomb chests lying in the Salona cemeteries are in fragments because they were plundered after the city fell to Slav and Avar forces in 614 AD. Art drawn from Greek and Roman mythology is mixed with more recent early Christian symbols, commemorating martyrs executed by the Roman Emperor Diocletian as well as later Christians who wished to be buried near their graves. Salona, a former Adriatic port, was founded by Illyrians in the 3rd century BC and was later a Greek city. It became a Roman colony in about 40 BC and was made the Dalmatian provincial capital during the reign of Augustus Caesar. Its cosmopolitan citizens, safe behind strong walls and towers, enjoyed the use of public baths, an aqueduct, a forum, a theatre and an 18,000-capacity amphitheatre. The Roman Empire began to collapse in the 5th century and Salona fell to the Ostrogoths in 493 AD. Although it was later returned to Rome, its citizens fled in 614, leaving their city in ruins. The excavated site is now an archaeological park.
Size: 4256px × 2832px
Location: Salona, Solin, Dalmatia, Croatia.
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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