ANCIENT HISTORY OF BELA KRAJINA
An Etruscan statue from Breznik (near Podzemelj), A bronze sword from Dragatuš;
the second half of 8th century BC (photo: Marko Pezdirc) the end of 6th century BC
Our region fell under the authority of the Roman Empire as a result of the Emperor Augustus war against the žJapodi (35 - 33 BC). At first the inhabitants did not accept any changes, but gradually thay became under the Roman sway. They took over new habits, wore their style of clothes, and greatly changed their lifestyle.
In the 5th century people who adopted Roman habits and lifestyle inhabited Črnomelj. The excavations show that they trated with many countries of the world. For example, Gaza, Palestine, Asia Minor. The area must have been a quit big settlement, its dimensions being 200 by 80 meters.
There is still no evidence of the settlement in Metlika except for a huge burial place of the inhabitants living 800 years before the Roman invasion.
Silver
pendant from church on Kučar near Podzemelj(6.century after Christ; photo:
Marko Pezdirc)