Archaeological excavations near SNT Drama Ljubljana covered an area of 1,410 m² within the walls of the Roman colony of Emona, in its northwestern part. The research focused on insula XXXVIII along Erjavčeva and Slovenska Streets, while along Igriška Street, a section of Roman Road A (Cardo A), insula XXXVII, and Roman Road J (Decumanus J) were investigated, including the associated sewer and insula XVIII.

The results of the excavations exceeded expectations, as the archaeological remains, found at depths ranging from 0.70 to 3.30 meters, were exceptionally well preserved. The oldest excavated layers date back to a period before the founding of Emona, when the area was used by Roman soldiers. Major renovations of residential areas and associated infrastructure indicate a flourishing period in the mid-1st and 2nd centuries AD, with a significant reconstruction in the 4th century AD.

Archaeological research in this prominent area of ancient Emona, north of the main square—the forum—has yielded extraordinary insights into life in the Roman city center, its architectural development, building and residential culture, and the material culture of everyday Roman life.

Mosaics at the Emona around Drama Exhibition

Two mosaics are being presented to the public for the first time at the exhibition.

The first mosaic features a black-and-white geometric design typical of Emona in the 4th and early 5th centuries. It decorated the floor of a residential room in insula XXXVIII, measuring 3.8 x 3.4 meters. The mosaic is composed of one-centimeter black and white tesserae: on a black background, white stripes and triangles are arranged in sequence.

The second mosaic displays mysterious letters, the meaning of which remains unclear. It was discovered in insula XVIII and dates to the first half of the 1st century AD. The floor had previously been reinforced with clay loam, into which mosaic cubes measuring approximately 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 centimeters were pressed. The letters C, I, and P are depicted. The four-colored tesserae are made from various stones and fired clay.

Oil Lamp with Theatrical Mask

A Roman oil lamp decorated with the image of a theatrical mask likely dates to the 2nd century AD. It was discovered in a pit along Road A near Igriška Street. In Roman times, oil lamps were everyday objects that were both economical and aesthetically designed. With their motifs, they also served as instruments of imperial propaganda. The motif of the theatrical mask on this fragment symbolically links Emona and its interest in theater with today's Drama Theatre.