In a ground-breaking archaeological excavation at the site "Gomila" in Zakotorac on the Pelješac Peninsula, the Dubrovnik Museums team has uncovered yet another remarkable find—a Greek-Illyrian helmet. The discovery, made in one of the dry stone additions to the graves and believed to be of votive significance, promises to shed new light on the burial practices of Illyrian communities during the latter half of the last millennium BC.

Led by Dr. Domagoj Perkić, Head of the Archaeological Museum, the Dubrovnik Museums team, including assistant curators Paula Knego and Vicenco Pijerov, have been actively involved in the excavations. Their collaborative efforts with archaeologists from other institutions, such as Hrvoje Potrebica, Marko Dizdar, Borut Križ, Marta Kalebota, Miona Miliša, Miroslav Vuković, Mirna Šandrić, and with the assistance of Ivan Pamić, have been instrumental in this significant discovery.

The find not only enriches our understanding of ancient burial rituals but also elevates the importance of the Pelješac region as a key archaeological site along the eastern Adriatic coast. This discovery adds to the already impressive array of artefacts uncovered during the excavation, including jewellery, clothing, and other grave offerings.

The research is being conducted in close coordination with the Centre for Prehistoric Research, alongside archaeologists from the Department of Archaeology at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb, the Institute of Archaeology, and the Dubrovnik Museums. Collaboration extends further to include colleagues from the City Museum in Korčula, the Dolenjska Museum in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, and the Academy of Fine Arts in Split.

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As the excavation progresses, anticipation builds for further revelations that will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. The Dubrovnik Museums team remains committed to unravelling the mysteries of the past and sharing their findings with the world.