Summer ’26 with the Centre, II

It is time for an update on this year’s research in Montenegro!

This year’s research season in Montenegro encompasses three complementary areas of activity: organisational work, documentation, and excavations.

The postponement of the start of the excavations allowed us to complete a number of important tasks at our research base in Risan. We were able to make the solar installation fully operational, carry out the necessary repairs, and supplement the equipment available at the research facilities. As a result, the base is now even better prepared for future seasons.

At the same time, we conducted intensive documentation work. For our Montenegrin partners, we prepared preliminary conservation documentation concerning the Carine VII section. Preparations were also under way for non-invasive surveys and a new research campaign in Herceg Novi, alongside the analysis and verification of the results of earlier geophysical surveys carried out at Rječan near Nikšić. Both sites were incorporated into our research programme on the basis of separate agreements with our Montenegrin partners.

In recent weeks, a series of working meetings also took place with representatives of the Office of the Chief Conservator of Montenegro, the Ministry of Culture, and the museums in Nikšić and Herceg Novi. The discussions concerned both current projects and plans for further cooperation.

As in the previous year, the most important excavation work will be carried out in a cave located high in the mountains near Herceg Novi, which contains exceptionally valuable remains dating from the Neolithic period. The research is being conducted as part of a European programme led by Professor Małgorzata Kot, with the participation of the Centre’s team, represented by Janusz Recław. Owing to the involvement of a large multidisciplinary team of specialists, it was not possible to conduct excavations in Risan and Herceg Novi simultaneously.

This decision was also influenced by this year’s weather conditions. The extreme heat experienced across Europe would probably have made work in Risan considerably more difficult, as was the case last year. By contrast, the conditions inside the cave allow the team to work safely and comfortably. A further motivation for continuing the research was provided by the highly promising results of last year’s season, which encouraged us to expand the research team. The excavations will begin in mid-August.

At the same time, another part of the Centre’s team will be conducting research at Novae in Bulgaria. The campaign will run from late July until early September and promises to be exceptionally intensive. Its importance is all the greater because work has also begun on a publication presenting the results of the most recent excavation seasons.

The research season also began with an important academic event. On 8 July, at the invitation of the Institute of Classical Archaeology at the University of Hamburg, Professor Piotr Dyczek delivered a lecture entitled “Balkan Adventures – Excavations in Albania, Montenegro, and Bulgaria”. In his presentation, he discussed the most important discoveries and current research questions related to the work carried out by the Centre at Scodra and Bushat in Albania, Rhizon in Montenegro, and Novae in Bulgaria.

The visit also resulted in closer cooperation between the two institutions. This will include not only the exchange of experience and the organisation of further lectures, but also joint non-invasive research at archaeological sites investigated by the Centre.