Montenegrin archaeologists uncover Roman tomb with rare artifacts

Archaeologists in Montenegro have uncovered a Roman tomb dating back more than 1,600 years.

The Roman tomb, belonging to an elite woman, contains an exceptional collection of grave goods. Among the artifacts, a rare and intricately crafted glass diatreta stands out, featuring a detailed scene of a gladiator engaged in battle with wild animals. This find not only sheds light on ancient craftsmanship but also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the ancient city of Doclea, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Archaeologists in Montenegro have uncovered a Roman tomb dating back more than 1,600 years, containing a wealth of elaborate grave goods. Among the most remarkable finds was a rare glass diatreta vessel, intricately decorated with a vivid scene of a gladiator battling fierce wild animals.

“Our diaterta is extremely rare—rarer even than the one in Plievlia—because it is figural,” said Miloš Živanović, the lead archaeologist at the Doclea Koshturnica necropolis, according to Arkeonews. “The net of the vessel features a battle scene with wild feline animals, likely cheetahs, centered around a gladiator.”

This yellow and green diatreta, also known as a cage cup, is only the second ever found in Montenegro. The vessel features an open “net” design—crafted by cutting and carving glass into intricate patterns or images—which is attached around the interior. Delicately held by thin glass supports, this design is considered a masterpiece of ancient glassmaking but requires extensive restoration.

The newly discovered diatreta, showing a venator (wild beast gladiator) fighting large cats, is unique. “This kind of diatreta not only showcases extraordinary technical skill, but also reflects the artistic refinement of the period,” said Živanović. “It’s a testament to the cultural richness of Doclea and the entire region during the Roman era.”

The tomb, located in the ancient Roman city of Doclea near Podgorica, was uncovered through the work of Montenegro’s Center for Conservation and Archaeology. Excavations over the past three years in the western necropolis have revealed more than 180 graves, each with artifacts ranging from jewelry and tools to ceramics and coins, illustrating life in a thriving urban center until the seventh century.

In addition to the diatreta, the team found gold earrings, a gold and jet bead necklace, bone tools, an iron spatula, game pieces, dice, and seven other glass vessels.

“The grave goods include two gold earrings with green glass beads, and a necklace made of gold and jet beads,” Živanović said. “Eight glass vessels were discovered in total, two of which are particularly notable. One is a finely crafted dark glass bowl or plate, while the other is a rare diatreta.”

Analysis of the woman’s bones revealed they were poorly preserved but showed she was unusually tall for her time. “All the findings,” Živanović added, “indicate she was a prominent individual of her time.”

By Naila Huseynova