Montenegro offers beautiful blue seas, excellent visibility year-round, and lots of marine life, plus fascinating topside attractions. Even better, it provides a rare glimpse into ancient human history, thanks to some intriguing archaeological dive sites. Those sites which have been located and catalogued are only the tip of what is known to be a massive metaphorical iceberg; there are certainly many sites yet to be discovered, yet their existence is unquestionable. With tales of sunken cities like those found throughout the Mediterranean, ancient ships including a Roman Galley, and more; Montenegro is rapidly drawing the attention of the international archaeological community. Take a closer look for yourself at one of the best known and best documented sites discovered so far.
Antic Port Bigovica
Lying at the center of ancient Illyria, which was conquered by the Romans in 168 BCE, Montenegro was studied for some time during the 1870’s, but only since about 2004 has intense archaeological work at what is known as the meeting point between prehistory, ancient peoples, and classic Mediterranean civilization been conducted in earnest. Bigovica is a small bay located just south of the city of Bar, and for at least 22 centuries, it has been used as a merchant shipping port.
Here, divers have been finding amphorae for many years; unfortunately, some of what were probably the best examples available have been removed by souvenir hunters. Luckily for the rest of us, there are still excellent amphorae which have been determined to date back to as long ago as 300 BCE. Amphorae representing a number of historic ages have been found here, including examples from almost all of the most famous Mediterranean pottery makers. Italian and Greek types are well represented, as are Dressel 1, 2, and 6B; so are late Roman 1 and 2, North African amphorae, Byzantine examples from ages 6 to 13, and many more.
The ribs from an ancient ship have been found here, along with what appear to be building foundations and other architectural elements which are puzzling: could they be remnants of a lost city? Or were they lost in an accident during transport? Scientists are currently studying everything from geologic core samples obtained in the area to pieces of ancient glass and other materials discovered at this site and other nearby sites, to better understand what happened here thousands of years ago.
Diving is allowed at this important archaeological site, and as there is much to see between depths of five and 25 meters, the site is suitable for divers of every level. While examining the amphorae you find is encouraged, removing anything is not allowed. Be sure to notify scientists on site of anything of interest. Who knows, you may be the next to make a major discovery.
While visiting Montenegro, be sure to stop by the Museum in Bar, which features a fantastic display of many of the amphorae researchers have found so far. The museum is taking an active role in ongoing research, and offers a comprehensive and fascinating look at what the underwater archaeological sites of Montenegro have yielded to date. Be sure to bring your camera to document your finds, and enjoy what is certain to be an intriguing departure from the ordinary.