The Jonah Sarcophagus from Singidunum: A Contribution to the Stydy of Early Christian Art in the Balkans

Abstract

The subject of the paper is the so-called Jonah sarcophagus from Singidunum (Belgrade). The sarcophagus belongs to the pagan, Pannonian type sarcophagi that were often decorated with Noric-Pannonian scrolls. What makes it unique in the region of Moesia is its relief decoration on the front side. In the field usually used for an inscription, one finds carved scenes from the Old Testament story of Jonah and the Good Shepherd. The sarcophagus is considered in the context of the growing Early Christian community in Singidunum and surrounding area. At that time, Singidunum was already a growing Episcopal seat and witnessing the formation of cults of early martyrs. The iconography is discussed in close proximity with analogous images of Early Christian art that may have impacted the development of its iconographic program.