Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Sedat, and the executive officer of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mirzah Fočo signed today the Grant Agreement for preventive conservation of mosaics from the 4th century AD, located on the archaeological site of Skelani in the Municipality of Srebrenica.

Funds in the amount of BAM 117,349.00 (€ 60,000.00) were provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany through the program for the support of projects in culture. The Project will be implemented by the Commission to Preserve National Monuments and it is going to last for 12 months.

By the Decision of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments the Archaeological site of Skelani was declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in November 2011.

Roman city Malvesiatium, on the site of today's settlement Skelani on the Drina, was a significant economic and strategic center dating back to the reign of Emperor Vespasian (around 70 AD) and is one of the most important ancient sites in BiH. At this site, there are remains of the city hall, thermal baths, the palace, two early Christian basilica, brickyards and mosaics, as well as a number of important Roman monuments, including many inscriptions in honor of local dignitaries. At this location, there is also an altar that reveals the identity of the legions whose base was located here, some of which, such as Gemina, were among the elite troops of the emperor.

During the archaeological excavations of the site in 2008, 40 square meters of mosaics was found, dating probably from the second half of the fourth century AD, while further research in 2015 revealed another 100 square meters of well-preserved mosaics.

The main task of the project is to take action on preventive conservation of 140 square meters of discovered mosaics, which are in situ (in place). This site is currently covered by a makeshift structure, which is not suitable for ensuring its protection.

Preventive conservation includes all measures and actions taken to avoid or mitigate the factors that can lead to the destruction or total loss of archaeological finds and materials. It cannot permanently stop the deterioration but their further degradation can be reduced to a minimum. Taking into account the fact that the archaeological heritage has immeasurable value for understanding the history of the society, it is necessary to do everything to ensure long-term protection of these sites. Archaeology is not a renewable source but it is the potential for sustainable development of the community and therefore it is important not only to protect archaeological sites, but also improve protection measures in accordance with contemporary principles.

Planned activities within the Project will be carried out in two phases:

1.    Phase: Development of programs for preventive conservation and regular maintenance of the site.

2.    Phase: Covering mosaic in accordance with the applicable standards of the protection. 

All planned works during the project implementation will be in accordance with the relevant international documents: the Charter for the protection and management of archaeological heritage and the European Convention for the protection of archaeological heritage, as well as in accordance with the safeguards laid down by the decision of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments.

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So far, the German Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has donated more than 300,000 BAM to the Commission to Preserve National Monuments as a share in the financing of the following projects:

·         Restoration of the monastery church of St. Trinity – Vozućica, 

·         Restoration of Ali-beg Kapetanović mosque in Vitina, 

·         Structural repairs and restoration of the main gate of the old Jewish cemetery in Sarajevo, and

·         Conservation and restoration works in the interior of Mišćine mosque in Sarajevo.

Projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been realized within the program for preservation of the cultural heritage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. By the Program for the preservation of cultural heritage Germany supports the preservation of the cultural heritage in the world ever since 1981.