Findings from the Emonika site will be on display in the Treasury of the City Museum of Ljubljana until the end of May 2025. The exhibition presents objects found in Roman graves, such as pottery, balsamaria and urns, oil lamps, jewellery, and other artefacts which the Romans believed accompanied the dead on their journey to the afterlife. Simultaneously, a photo exhibition of archaeological excavations will also be held at Krakovo Embankment.
The exhibition New Roman Discoveries Beneath Emonika also sheds light on astonishing links between ancient Emona and other Roman cities. “When we named the project after Emona, we did not fully grasp the deep historical resonance of said name. We are honoured to be part of this exhibition, which highlights the strong bond between Roman history and the Emonika project that will transform the centre of Ljubljana,” said Pál Forgács, Managing Director of Mendota Invest, owned by the OTP Group.
All Roads Lead to Emonika
“Today we are opening an exhibition of artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations at the future site of the Emonika complex — a name derived from the Roman town Emona. The ancient city possessed all the hallmarks of civilization at the time: public baths, a central forum with administrative buildings for political life, a water supply, sewage system, and solidly built, partially heated homes. Among the artefacts on display, I would highlight the jewellery — gold earrings, bracelets, a necklace, a ring — as well as a number of exceptional glass vessels and numerous ceramic ones, with oil lamps holding a special place. One particularly rare exhibit is a fully preserved oil lamp depicting a gladiator — an uncommon find in Emona. I am especially pleased that Emona, the 2,000-year-old predecessor of today’s Ljubljana, continues to resonate in the present day through projects like this one,” said Dr. Bernarda Županek, museum councillor and curator for antiquity at the City Museum of Ljubljana.
Findings from the Emonika construction site will be presented in two parallel exhibitions: selected archaeological finds will be on view in the Treasury of the City Museum of Ljubljana, while a photo exhibition of the excavations and key discoveries will be held at Krakovo Embankment. The exhibitions are the result of cooperation between Mendota Invest, the Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana, Ljubljana Tourism, and the Stik Group.
Photos: Žiga Intihar
