The Necropolis in the Savinja Valley – A Story of Chance, History, and the Identity of Place

The discovery of the Roman necropolis in Šempeter in the Savinja Valley ranks among the most significant archaeological moments in Slovenia. The find occurred entirely by accident: during construction work in 1952, workers encountered stone structures that turned out to be remarkably well‑preserved Roman tombs. Archaeologists Josip Klemenc, Vera Kolšek, and Peter Petru quickly recognized the importance of the site and began systematic excavations, which revealed one of the most beautiful and richest Roman necropolises in Europe.

What is a necropolis?

A necropolis – from the Greek nekros (dead) and polis (city) – literally means “city of the dead.” It is an organized space intended for burial, often separated from the settlement’s core. In the Roman world, necropolises were typically located along main roads, as Roman law prohibited burials within city limits. Tombs thus became part of the public landscape, serving as symbolic displays of social status and family identity.

Connection with Celea (Celeia)

One of the key aspects of the Šempeter necropolis is its connection to the Roman town of Celeia (modern Celje). Sources clearly state that the monumental marble tombs discovered in Šempeter belonged to wealthy families from Celeia and date to the 1st–3rd centuries AD. Researchers from ZRC SAZU likewise emphasize that the necropolis belonged to affluent and culturally sophisticated inhabitants of Celeia, who owned rural estates or family burial plots in this area.

This means that the necropolis was not part of a small local settlement, but rather an elite burial ground of Celeia’s urban aristocracy, who erected their tombs along an important Roman road running through the Savinja Valley.

Why at this location?

In Roman times, the Savinja Valley was an important transport corridor. The road connecting Celeia with the eastern provinces passed directly by the area of present‑day Šempeter. Roman necropolises were often situated along such roads – both due to legal requirements and symbolic meaning: tombs served as memorials, reminders, and statements of prestige. Travelers, merchants, and officials passing through the valley would encounter these monumental structures, which emphasized the power, wealth, and cultural refinement of Celeia’s families.

In addition to its strategic location, the site was geographically suitable: a raised gravel terrace above the river provided a stable and dry foundation, safe from flooding.

Archaeological features and the site’s exceptional value

The Šempeter necropolis is renowned for its exceptionally well‑preserved marble tombs, which were professionally reconstructed after excavation. Among the most famous are the tombs of the Vindonii, the Secundini, the Ennii, and the Spectatii, all of which display outstanding Roman stone‑carving and sculptural craftsmanship. The reliefs depict mythological scenes, family portraits, allegories, and motifs that reveal the cultural horizon of the Roman population of Celeia.

The site was excavated between 1947 and 1967 and is today partially presented as an archaeological park and protected as a monument of national importance.

Historical context

Celeia was one of the most important towns in the territory of present‑day Slovenia. As a municipium and later a colony, it possessed a developed administrative, economic, and cultural structure. Wealthy families owned estates outside the urban core, often along major roads. Šempeter was an ideal location for a representative necropolis, situated at a strategic point between the town and the eastern provinces.

The necropolis reflects:

  • the social structure of the Roman population,

  • the economic power of Celeia’s families,

  • the cultural integration of the region into the Roman world,

  • the regional role of the Savinja Valley as a transport and economic hub.

Contemporary significance

Today, the necropolis in Šempeter is one of the most important archaeological sites in Slovenia and one of the best‑preserved Roman burial grounds in Europe. It is managed by local institutions, including the Celje Regional Museum, which oversees the professional interpretation and presentation of the heritage.

The necropolis holds multiple layers of significance:

  • Historical – it reveals the life, beliefs, and artistic expression of the Roman inhabitants of Celeia.

  • Archaeological – it represents an outstanding example of monumental Roman sepulchral architecture.

  • Cultural – it strengthens the identity of the Savinja Valley and connects the local community with its ancient past.

  • Educational – it serves as a learning environment for schools, researchers, and visitors.

  • Touristic – it is one of the region’s central attractions, included in numerous cultural routes.