Ancient Greek City of Epetion Uncovered in Croatia!
Archaeologists in Croatia have made a significant discovery in the village of Stobreč, near Split, during a pre-construction excavation. This find has revealed a well-preserved Greek rampart and structures from various historical periods, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient Greek settlement of Epetion.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture of Croatia
Uncovering Epetion: An Ancient Greek City in Croatia
The excavation, led by Dr Marina Ugarković from the Institute of Archaeology in Zagreb, unearthed a Greek wall stretching 230 feet (70 metres) long and standing over 10 feet (3 metres) high in some areas. Dr Ugarković described the discovery as monumental, calling it the best-preserved Greek wall in Croatia, and drawing parallels to other significant archaeological finds worldwide. The preservation of this ancient wall marks it as one of Croatia’s most important Greek relics.
Though the site had been recognised as historically significant, it had only been partially explored. Now, this excavation confirms that the settlement dates back at least 2,000 years to the Hellenistic period. The layers of history discovered span from prehistory through to Roman times and the Middle Ages, with evidence of human activity dating as far back as the Middle Bronze Age, roughly 3,500 years ago. Dr Ugarković noted that this pushes the history of Epetion further back than previously believed.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture of Croatia
The Significance of Stobreč
The town of Stobreč, located along Croatia's Dalmatian coast, around 250 miles south of Zagreb, was originally founded as a Greek colony in the 4th century BC. Over time, it became an essential trading hub during the Roman Empire. The site’s archaeological potential was first identified during a preventive investigation by the Conservation Department in Split, prompted by a planned construction project. To ensure the protection of any historical artefacts, archaeologists were brought in to excavate the area ahead of development.
A Discovery Decades in the Making
This excavation is the most thorough exploration of Epetion since the 1960s when parts of the city wall were first uncovered by archaeologists Mladen Nikolanci and Dr Aleksandra Faber. The recent findings, including a megalithic structure with a double gate, indicate that the ancient city was much larger than previously thought.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture of Croatia
A Treasure for Local and Global History
Croatia’s Minister of Culture and Media, Dr Nina Obuljen Koržinek, visited the site, describing the discovery as immensely valuable for both the local community and the global understanding of ancient history. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the site for future generations.
Conservators Silva Kukoč and Ivica Pleština, who are overseeing the site, were astonished by the scale and significance of the discoveries. While the site’s archaeological potential was known, the extent of the findings far exceeded expectations. Further research is planned to continue studying and preserving the site. Minister Obuljen Koržinek assured that her ministry, along with the Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, will remain involved in the ongoing excavations to safeguard this important piece of history.
The recent discoveries in Stobreč highlight the rich and layered history of Croatia, shedding new light on its ancient past while offering a broader understanding of Greek civilisation’s influence in the region.