The Vinkovci treasure

Croatian archaeologists made one of the most significant discoveries of recent times in March 2012 when 48 silver objects were found in a large ceramic vessel during a rescue excavation preceding a building construction in the centre of Vinkovci. They had been buried in the residential building undergoing excavation. The treasure trove weighing more than 30 kilograms comprises large serving platters, a hand-wash bowl, jugs, small bowls, spoons, drinking vessels used at banquets, a toiletry casket and ointment pots. Many items are decorated with engraved vegetal motifs and figurative scenes. Gilding and niello inlay can be seen on a few of the objects. Two large gilded silver platters with niello inlay are prominent: a shepherd watching his flock can be seen in the centre of one, the other presents a mounted hunter slaying a lion.

A third platter bears the Latin inscription ANTONINVS FECIT AQVIL(eia), i.e. “Made by Antoninus in Aquliea”.

For the time being archaeologists date the treasure to the end of the 4th century and suppose that the discovered vessels were made locally in the ancient city situated where Vinkovci is today. Cibalae was one of Pannonia’s most prominent cities between the rivers Drava and Sava, at the Danubian boundary of the Roman Empire. Two Roman emperors Valentinian I (364-375) and his co-emperor and brother Valens (364-378) were both born here. The hoard was presumably buried in a turbulent period, at a time of political turmoil or an attack from outside. Its owner was a wealthy citizen.

Considering its size and significance, comparison can be drawn with late Roman silver hoards such as the Seuso, Mildenhall and the Kaiseraugst treasure troves.

It comprises several vessels known from these three treasure finds for their similarity in shape and decoration. The remarkable nature of the Vinkovci treasure is increased by the fact that it was found during an archaeological excavation exactly as it was buried in ancient times.