Exhibition of new Roman discoveries beneath Emonika opens at the City Museum of Ljubljana

Feb/25/2025

Archaeological excavations carried out ahead of the start of construction of the Emonika mixed-use complex have offered valuable insight into the history of ancient Emona, once again proving that construction works in Ljubljana frequently uncover surprising historical findings. On the site of the future complex, archaeologists discovered artefacts that provide a vivid picture of life in Roman Emona.

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.

Blaž Peršin, Director of the Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana Photo: Žiga Intihar

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.

Pál Forgács, Managing Director of Mendota Invest Photo: Žiga Intihar

“The archaeological works uncovered an unstudied section of the northern Emona cemetery, as well as a side road leading east from the main one. Alongside it stood the foundations of a funerary structure and a previously unknown Roman burial ground. Particularly interesting is the discovery of traces of Roman land division — centuriation — that had not been identified before, despite extensive research. A total of 228 cremation and inhumation graves dating from the 1st to 4th century AD were found in the excavation area. Romans believed that their souls continued to exist in the afterlife, and thus buried the dead with items they might need: clothing, rare weapons, tools, oil lamps, vessels, coins, toiletries, jewellery, perfumes, food, and drink.”

Matej Draksler, head of the Emonika site archaeological excavation

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.

Dr. Bernarda Županek, museum councillor and curator for antiquity at the City Museum of Ljubljana Photo: Žiga Intihar

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

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Photo: Blaž Gutman (MGML)

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Exhibition of new Roman discoveries beneath Emonika opens at the City Museum of Ljubljana