The ancient
Roman town of Naissus, present-day Nis, was an important frontier fortress
of the Roman Empire. It was here that the Emperor Constantine was born.
A superb bronze head of the Emperor, discovered in Nis, is now in the National
Museum in Belgrade. The remains of a Roman summer resort, Mediana,
with the foundations of villas, mosaics and marble figures, have been unearthed
in the vicinity of Nis. A 6th century Byzantine tomb, discovered
in the city, includes well-preserved frescoes with zoomorphic and floral
motifs.
