The Roman epigraphic collection of 17th century antiquarian Ferenc Lugossy from Petreștii de Jos (Cluj County)

Abstract

The question of Roman epigraphic and antiquities collections in Transylvania is typically associated with the antiquarian activity of the local aristocracy during the 19th century, especially the “ruin parks” set up on their country estates. The beginnings of these antiquarian endeavours however date back to much earlier times, being linked to the circle of humanist church intellectuals active in Alba Iulia/Gyulafehérvár starting with the 15th century. The collection founded by Ferenc Lugossy, prominent member of the Transylvanian princely court during the second half of the 17th century, can be regarded as a later manifestation of the aforementioned humanist tradition, even though it was established at his estate in Petreștii de Jos/Magyarpeterd, situated at the foot of the Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii/Tordai‑hasadék), rather than the princely capital. The sources indicate that we are dealing with one of the most important, if not the most important local Roman stone monument collections of the time. Documents also inform us that following the death of its founder – probably in 1692 – the collection swiftly began to disintegrate, and by the beginning of the 20th century it had completely ceased to exist, the monuments being either taken away or used as construction material by the locals. The present paper is an attempt to reconstruct the history and original composition of this important collection.