New discoveries in Croatia shed light on Illyrian burial rituals
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo credit: Dubrovački muzeji / Dubrovnik Museums)
Archaeological research at the Gomile site in Zakotorac on Croatia’s Pelješac Peninsula has continued this March, uncovering a wealth of artefacts dating back to the Iron Age.
The latest discoveries include metal, glass, amber, and ceramic objects, spanning from the 6th to the 3rd/2nd century BC.
These finds, along with two Illyrian helmets unearthed in 2020 and 2024, provide valuable insight into the burial practices of Illyrian communities and confirm Pelješac as one of the most significant archaeological zones on the eastern Adriatic coast.
(Photo credit: Dubrovački muzeji / Dubrovnik Museums)
A Burial Ground with a Rich History
The Gomile necropolis lies at the southern base of Kotorac, an ancient hillfort situated on a steep limestone elevation.
It is a commanding location overlooking a small karst field. Researchers believe that some of the burial mounds date back even further, to the Bronze Age, though these have yet to be fully explored.
According to Dr Domagoj Perkić from the Dubrovnik Museums’ Archaeological Museum, the Iron Age burial mounds can be classified into two types: those with a raised stone border and flattened top, and those with a stepped structure featuring multiple rings and a central grave.
(Photo credit: Dubrovački muzeji / Dubrovnik Museums)
In addition, stone-walled tombs have been identified among the burial mounds and along the surrounding rock formations, often containing the remains of multiple individuals.
An International Trade Hub
One of the most intriguing aspects of the site is the variety of objects found within the graves. Despite being located in the heart of Pelješac, the artefacts reflect connections with distant regions.
(Photo credit: Dubrovački muzeji / Dubrovnik Museums)
“We have amber beads from the Baltic, glass beads from the Levant, bronze jewellery from the western and central Balkans, and high-quality Greek ceramic vessels from colonies in northern and southern Italy,” explains Dr Perkić.
(Photo credit: Dubrovački muzeji / Dubrovnik Museums)
(Photo credit: Dubrovački muzeji / Dubrovnik Museums)
“These findings indicate significant mobility and trade links, with the Illyrian community on Pelješac playing a crucial role. Their wealth and importance likely stemmed from controlling key maritime and trade routes between the Mediterranean and the interior.”
(Photo credit: Dubrovački muzeji / Dubrovnik Museums)
Ongoing Research
Interdisciplinary studies will continue to uncover new insights into the Illyrians and their role in the broader Mediterranean cultural sphere.
This project is led by the Centre for Prehistoric Research in collaboration with archaeologists from the University of Zagreb, the Institute of Archaeology, the Dubrovnik Museums’ Archaeological Museum, and international partners from Slovenia and Split.
