What exactly was discovered in Srb?

The remains of stone walls of an ancient structure were found, along with movable finds such as fragments of Roman pottery, glass, and mosaic tesserae.

From which period do the finds date?

Initial finds point to the Roman period, likely the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, but the final dating still needs to be confirmed by further analyses.

Who conducted the research?

The research was conducted by the Archaeological Museum Zadar, led by curator Slavko Šarčević, in collaboration with the Serb National Council (SNV).

What was the purpose of the discovered structure?

It is presumed to be part of a Roman villa rustica, or an agricultural estate, which will be confirmed with the continuation of research.

Culture

Zadar Archaeologists in Srb Uncover Possible Roman Villa

C.F. · Prije 3h | 2 min

Trial excavations by the Archaeological Museum Zadar at the Raštele site have revealed the remains of an ancient structure, likely a Roman villa rustica, opening a new chapter in understanding the ancient past of Lika.

Summary

In July 2026, the Archaeological Museum Zadar explored the Raštele site in Srb (Lika).
Stone walls were excavated, and fragments of pottery, glass, and mosaics were found, pointing to a Roman structure.
Experts speculate that it is a villa rustica from the 1st or 2nd century AD.
The discovery is considered an important step for understanding the ancient history of Lika.

During July 2026, a team from the Archaeological Museum Zadar conducted trial excavations at the Raštele site in the village of Srb, located in Lika. The work resulted in the discovery of the remains of a structure from the ancient period, which, based on initial findings, is presumed to be a Roman villa rustica, or an agricultural estate.

Collaboration between the museum and the local community

The fieldwork was led by curator Slavko Šarčević. Alongside the institution's director, Morana Vuković, museum staff Ana Karađole, Antonio Lovrinčević, Vladimir Kusik, and Ivan Čondić actively participated in the research. They were joined by students and external associates: Tomislav Ivančić, Iris Osmančević, Patrik Galičić, and Filip Bugarski.

An important partner in the entire endeavor was the Serb National Council (SNV), whose external associate Ana Bezić Spasojević was directly involved in field activities. The collaboration between these institutions underscores a shared commitment to preserving and researching the region's rich cultural heritage.

Rich finds beneath the surface

The excavations yielded the remains of stone walls, indicating the existence of a structure of greater value and more representative purpose. Among the collected movable materials, fragments of Roman pottery, glass, and a significant number of mosaic tesserae stand out. These artifacts suggest that the site was active during the Roman period, most likely in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.

Although precise dating will only be known after further analyses are completed, the evidence gathered so far provides strong indications of the site's nature. Definitive confirmation of the character and function of the structure is expected with the continuation of archaeological work.

New insights into Lika's antiquity

The results of this year's campaign mark a significant advance in understanding the ancient past of the Srb area. The discovery opens the door to new knowledge about the way of life and settlement of this part of Lika during Roman times, a region that remains insufficiently explored in this context.

#Arheološki muzej Zadar #Srb #Lika #rimska vila #arheologija #kulturna baština #antika

Zadar Archaeologists in Srb Uncover Possible Roman Villa

Collaboration between the museum and the local community

Rich finds beneath the surface

New insights into Lika's antiquity

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