Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.33254/aia.21.1.3
(Pre-)Epetion, a Prehistoric, Hellenistic and Roman settlement: preliminary results from the 2024 excavations
Marina Ugarković
orcid.org/0000-0002-1134-7531
; Institute of Archaeology, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Niko Romac
orcid.org/0009-0003-8763-9818
; Institute of Archaeology, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Extensive rescue archaeological excavations began in 2024 in Stobreč near Split, known from historical sources as Epetion (Greek Ἐπέτιον), a Hellenistic urban settlement dating to the final centuries BC. These have since developed into the largest research project ever conducted at the site. A rich stratigraphic sequence was identified, revealing layered finds that notably include remains of urban infrastructure: parts of Hellenistic fortification walls and a tower, Roman drainage and road systems, as well as Late Antique economic (and possibly residential) structures. Material traces of a prehistoric settlement preceding the “Greek” Epetion have been confirmed for the first time. From these periods, the excavations have documented numerous small finds, comprising more than 100,000 fragments of movable objects such as ceramic vessels, tools, coins, costume items, as well as remains of animal bones and mollusks. These excavations, the preliminary results of which are presented in this article, signifi cantly expand current knowledge regarding the historical and cultural dynamics of Stobreč. They confirm the diachronic development of the settlement, its integration into the network of Adriatic settlements across the observed periods, and its role in regional connectivity and urbanization.
Keywords
Stobreč; Epetion; prehistory; Hellenistic; Roman; settlement; fortification; connectivity
Hrčak ID:
342667
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2025.
Visits: 680 *