Early Byzantine town at Gradina in Bakinci

Abstract

In the village of Bakinci at Gradina location an early Byzantine town was found, which is believed to have become one of the episcopal centers of northern Bosnia in 6th century’s 40s.
This is indicated by the names of ”episcopes” from pillar imposts found in the south section of the basilica. These names were mentioned at Salona councils which took place in today’s Solin in 533. The names are: CO(N)STAN(T)IUS, ANDREAS and CONSTANC. The name CO(N)STAN(T)IUS is related to the neighboring western episcopacy of Siscia, while ANDREAS is related to southern episcopacy of Bistua Nova in today’s Zenica. Episcopes of these two episcopacies most likely helped in church servicing and christianizing of the population of the future episcopacy of Bakinci. This is testified by sor (sor, sortis – service) caption between the names of the aforementioned episcopes.
It was not before the second Salona council held May 4, 533 that Metropolitan bishop Honorius at Adrian’s request agreed to establish a new episcopacy from Kopela to Arena, that is today’s mountains Kopilo and Vranica in Zenica region.
It is not familiar which direction from these mountains this episcopacy took. However, judging by church episcopacy organization from that period the only need for a new episcopacy was between Siscia and Bistua Nova, that is to the north in river Sava direction, in today’s Bakinci.
It is precisely in 6th century’s forties, immediately after 533 that an episcopal center was established in Bakinci at Gradina location. It is possible that its episcope was CONSTANC. His name is on the aforementioned pillar impost.
However, there is no analogy to the names mentioned at Salona councils. This name can probably be related to the first official ”episcope” who was both spiritual and civil leader of the people in this period.