Archaeological research at the Gomile site in Zakotorac on the Pelješac Peninsula continued in March this year, uncovering numerous metal, glass, amber, and ceramic finds dating from the 6th to the 3rd/2nd century BC. These discoveries, along with two complete Illyrian-type helmets from the 4th century found in 2020 and 2024, contribute to the understanding of Illyrian burial rituals in the second half of the last millennium BC and position Pelješac as one of the most significant archaeological zones on the eastern Adriatic coast.

The research is led by Dr. Hrvoje Potrebica, with Dr. Domagoj Perkić as deputy leader. The expert team includes archaeologists Dr. Marko Dizdar, Dr. Borut Križ, Dr. Aleksandar Kapuran, mag. archaeol. Marta Kalebota, Miroslav Vuković, Paula Knego, Krešimir Grbavac, Mirna Šandrić, archaeology student Mila Erceg, and conservators-restorers Dr. Miona Miliša and Sanja Pujo.

The Iron Age necropolis of Gomile is located at the southern foot of the prominent hillfort settlement of Kotorac, which sits on a steep limestone elevation above a small karst field, dominating the landscape.

"Conical mounds, believed to be older (Bronze Age) and previously unexplored, are scattered along the natural route leading to the Vidohovo spring and the western part of Pelješac. In contrast, a group of Iron Age mounds lies just below Kotorac, categorized into two types: those with a peripheral ring and a leveled stone embankment, and stepped mounds with two or three rings and a central tomb. Between the mounds, as well as along the rock formations, dry-stone-built tombs are also visible. All these Iron Age mounds contain multiple graves and tombs with the remains of several individuals," explained Dr. Domagoj Perkić, head of the Archaeological Museum of the Dubrovnik Museums.

One particularly intriguing aspect of this relatively small site in central Pelješac is the presence of grave goods from all corners of the ancient world.

"We have amber beads from the Baltic, glass beads from the Levant, bronze jewelry from the western and central Balkans, and the most luxurious ceramic vessels from Greek colonies in northern and southern Italy. This indicates highly developed mobility and trade networks, with the Illyrian community on Pelješac playing a crucial role in them. The reason for their importance—and, consequently, their wealth—likely lies in their strategic position along a major maritime route, controlling navigation through the Mljet, Pelješac, and Neretva channels, as well as trade routes from the Mediterranean to the interior," Perkić stated.

Further interdisciplinary research will provide new insights into Illyrian communities and their role in the Mediterranean cultural sphere during the last millennium BC. As in the past five years, the research is coordinated by the Center for Prehistoric Research, in collaboration with archaeologists from the Department of Archaeology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, the Institute of Archaeology, and the Archaeological Museum of Dubrovnik Museums. They are joined by colleagues from the Archaeological Museum in Split, the Dolenjski Museum in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, and the Academy of Arts in Split.