Duke Branimir’s Sarcophagus
Ante Milošević
According to old sources, on 6 March 1891, Crkvina in Biskupija near Knin, where the remnants of St. Mary’s Church and palatium Croatian rulers are situated, a stone sarcophagus was excavated deepest strata northern part nartex (“lobby morgue” - area marked as ruler’s mausoleum ground floor Westwork). Based an analysis data find comparison three significant elements (gold-plated spurs with Carolingian features, set fittings mostly adorned Christian motifs, produced by local workshops second half 9th century ; carved out massive Roman architrave high-quality relief two opposite hypocampi elaborated framework lid flat Latin cross branching upper arms which reminiscent crown), along gold coins Constantine V Copronymus his son Leo IV from Syracuse mint (between 760 775 AD), author believes that this monument cultural historic heritage should be considered Duke Branimir’s dated at end century. The concludes Crkvina, whose carved, also manufactured stonemason’s workshop operating Dalmatia, according comparative data, time rule. buried mausoleum, Westwork Church. This church situated within complex then rulers’ court. Since not only IV, gold-plated jasper pendant, nowadays lost, have been recovered, but luxurious bronze were various forms crosses, recognisable prick spurs, it seems entirely justified assume early mediaeval ruler sarcophagus. sarcophagus, recognised manner, becomes very important national monument. Therefore, entirety archaeological heritage, particularly markedly celebrated, appropriately treated future new collection Museum Archaeological Monuments.