SARAJEVO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Archaeologists have uncovered 23 graves dating back to the fourth century at a Roman-era burial site near Livno in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), shedding light on burial customs during the late Roman Empire, local news agency FENA reported on Wednesday.
The excavations at the Stitic site in Suhaca, near Livno, have unearthed rare intact ceramic vessels, glass fragments, jewelry, clothing accessories and a coin bearing the image of Roman Emperor Constantine I.
Archaeologist Marija Maric Bakovic, who participated in the excavations, said the site was the oldest cemetery in the Livno area to undergo systematic excavation, with graves preserved in their original positions.
The findings offer insight into burial customs and beliefs during the period. Ceramic vessels and coins were placed in graves as offerings, while some burials contained as many as three vessels. The significance of this practice remains unclear.
Researchers have also found evidence of earlier cremation practices, indicating a transition to the burial of uncremated bodies, as seen in the fourth-century graves at the site.
Further excavations are planned for next year.
