Late antique artefacts with biblical storylines found in Serdica
Late antique artefacts with biblical storylines found in Serdica

Summary/Abstract: The focus of the present article are two lead artefacts, uncovered at the archaeological explorations of Serdica. The first artifact is a commercial seal, on whose obverse side is depicted a straight human figure between two lions, both of them with heads facing backwards towards the central figure. According to the iconographic standards, the image on the seal is associated with the Old Testament parable of Daniel in the lion’s den. The image of Daniel is one of the earliest Christian symbols. The second artefact is a lead, double-sided round plate. On the conditionally accepted as a front side is depicted the image of the Good Shepherd who symbolizes the Savior in the early years of Christianity. On the reverse there is an image, similar to the one depicted on the seal - Daniel, hands uplifted in prayer standing between two lions. The examined monuments from Serdica originate from the strata in the city and are related to a certain archaeological context. Data coincide with the time of the end of the 3rd and 4th centuries, when the described above scenes with their style peculiarities and iconography are famous among the population.

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