B. Borić-Brešković, M. Vojvoda, A HOARD OF DENARII AND ANTONINIANI FROM THE VILLAGE OF SIKIRICA NEAR PARAĆIN (SIKIRICA I) (original) (raw)

Abstract

The Sikirica I hoard was discovered in the village of the same name, to the south of Paraćin. It consists of 240 denarii and 52 antoniniani and is part of a scattered find, which did not reach the National Museum in Belgrade in its entirety. The oldest specimen is Vespasian’s denarius from 70 AD, and the latest is the antoninianus of Philip I from the eighth issue of the Rome mint, dated in 248-249, so this date represents the terminus post quem of the Sikirica I find. Two analogous finds have been identified in the territory of Moesia Superior: in the Kalemegdan (Belgrade) and in Kremenica near Bela Palanka, known as Remesiana in Antiquity. Despite the incomplete archaeological finds from the field, we may assume that agricultural holdings existed in the areal of the Sikirica village and that the find represented the savings of the owner of the villa. As for the cause for its concealment, the predominant view is that the barbarian raids in the neighbouring provinces had not directly contributed to it. The real reasons for depositing the Sikirica I hoard should be viewed most probably as the consequence of usurpations and the emerging imperial pretenders, causing internal turmoil the centre of which was the Danube River basin.

Key takeaways

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  1. The Sikirica I hoard contains 240 denarii and 52 antoniniani dating from 70 to 249 AD.
  2. The hoard likely reflects the savings of a villa owner in Sikirica, indicating agricultural activity.
  3. Concealment of the hoard relates more to internal turmoil than barbarian raids in the region.
  4. The find is significant for dating events in the Danube River basin during 248-249 AD.
  5. Two analogous hoards were found in Moesia Superior, enhancing the understanding of regional economic practices.

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References (81)

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FAQs

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What is the dating range of the Sikirica I hoard?add

The Sikirica I hoard is dated to the end of 248-249 AD, correlating with similar finds in the region.

How does the composition of the Sikirica I hoard reflect Roman economic conditions?add

The hoard contains 292 coins, predominantly denarii (82.2%), indicating sustained agricultural savings by families.

What does the presence of coins from specific mints indicate about trade in the region?add

The Sikirica I find features 95.20% of coins from Rome and 4.80% from Antioch, highlighting Rome's dominance in coinage.

How many rulers' coins are present in the Sikirica I hoard?add

The hoard comprises coins from 21 rulers, with Septimius Severus and Severus Alexander being most frequent.

What archaeological significance does Sikirica hold in relation to Roman roads?add

Sikirica's location near important trade routes, like via publica, suggests it was a central economic hub during antiquity.

Last updatedOctober 11, 2025