What do the Narrative and Archaeological Sources tell us About Early Christian Diocese of Epidaurus? Cover Image

Što nam narativni i arheološki izvori govore o ranokršćanskoj epidaurskoj biskupiji?
What do the Narrative and Archaeological Sources tell us About Early Christian Diocese of Epidaurus?

Author(s): Ana Zadro
Subject(s): Archaeology, Cultural history, Local History / Microhistory
Published by: Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Mostaru
Keywords: Diocese of Epidaurus; Ragusa; early Christianity; early Christian churches; literary;

Summary/Abstract: Epidaurus is an ancient town of colonial character at whose location Cavtat was developed. Due to lack of concrete material evidence we do not have necessary knowledge about urban look and spread of Epidaurus. The first researches of this town started in the second half of the 19th century and many dilemmas appeared already then. There were some discussions about locating Epidaurus and later on some writings about the form and origin of its name, as well as what happened with the town. How it ended or continued to exist. It is very complex to speak about beginnings of Christianity and diocese foundation. Due to the lack of written sources and material evidence everything comes down to assumptions. Neither the remains of some early Christian object nor any material evidence with elements of early Christianity have been found so far. It cannot be determined for sure when the Diocese of Epidaurus disappeared or with which event it was replaced by Diocese of Dubrovnik. It is commonly believed that the Diocese could have existed even in the 4th century. It is sure that it existed in the late ancient period and that is confirmed by documents from the First Council of Salona in 530 and letters of Pope GregoryI the Great from 592 and 597.

  • Issue Year: 5/2016
  • Issue No: 5
  • Page Range: 74-95
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: Croatian