Polish scientists from the University of Warsaw have been conducting research in western Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Ljubuški region since 2015. The result of their work is an excavated fragment of a tombstone with an inscription and the villas of Roman veterans who settled in these lands.
Certainly, the most interesting find was discovered this year. In the village of Hardomilje, scientists found a partially preserved tombstone inscription in the form of a stele in an arable field. According to specialists, it is the first find of this type in the region. The stele was probably part of the monument to a Roman soldier. The object was interestingly decorated – in the form of a frieze with weapons and the head of Medusa. According to the researchers’ knowledge, these types of tombstones were characteristic of, among others, for veteran soldiers from the time of Emperor Tiberius (14-37 CE).
As mentioned, the stele has only been preserved in fragments. Most likely, local farmers used the stone from the facility to mark the boundaries of their crops.
The excavations of Polish scientists are coming to an end this year. They were possible thanks to funding from the National Science Center.
