Epigrafski miljokazi i njihov značaj za proučavanje rimskih komunikacija na jugu provincije Dalmacije / Epigraph Milestones and Their Significance for the Research on the Roman Roads in the South of the Province of Dalmatia

Abstract

The paper presents data on epigraph milestones and their significance for the research on the Roman roads in the south of the province of Dalmatia (east Herzegovina and west Montenegro). Milestones (miliarium) are the most reliable proof of the existence of the Roman roads, especially if they are in situ. They are historically highly valuable due to the fact that they are an exceptional testimony on the existence of the Roman roads in the eastern areas of Herzegovina and western areas of Montenegro. The road network in the south of the province of Dalmatia presented integral part of military, political and economic plans of the Romans. These roads connected the coastline with the available continental passes through the massive Dinarides. A significant numbers of epigraph and non-epigraph milestones that were found testify on the existence of the Roman road which intersected east Herzegovina and west Montenegro going from west towards east and from south to north (Narona-Dyrrachium, Narona-Sarajevo, Epidaurum-Anderba). The found milestones and epigraph inscriptions contributed to determining assumed road routes in the south of Dalmatia and the approximate date of their construction. That is why it is thought that Narona-Dyrrachium, Narona-Sarajevo, Epidaurum-Anderba roads were started by the Dalmatian appointed consul suffectus Publius Cornelius Dolabella (from 14 to 20) and that they were finished during the rule of Claudius (41–54). Additional repairs of these roads were done in the 3 and 4 centuries and the milestones found in the area of Konjic (seven of them), Nevesinje (two), Trebinje (three) and Nikšić (two) testify about that. They help us determine the approximate date of the road construction.