New treasure found by University archaeologists

The present fieldwork season of the scientists from the UW Antiquity of Southeastern Europe Research Centre in ancient Risan was concluded by spectacular discoveries. The researchers found a pouch containing over 100 coins dating from 3^rd century BC as well as other coins and objects.

Two years ago the archaeologists from the UW Antiquity of Southeastern Europe Research Centre, who conducted excavations on the territory of ancient Risan (today Montenegro), found a collection consisting of 4600 coins dating from 3^rd century BC. According to scientists, it was the most valuable treasure of the period ever found by archaeologists. This season the researchers have made equally important discovery, however, of smaller size. In one of the rooms of a Hellenistic house belonging to a furniture manufacturer named Aglaos a pouch containing over 100 coins was hidden. Some of them originate from king Ballaios's treasure, others are coins dating from 3^rd century BC. This has been the second numismatic treasure from Risan, referred to by researchers as "minor treasure of Risan".

- In comparison with the treasure found two years ago the number of coins does not seem to be so impressive, however, we should remember that a similar treasure of Hellenic coins is also an unusual rarity and the combination of the two treasures is absolutely unique; a similar discovery has not been made in any other Hellenistic excavating positions - Professor Piotr Dyczek, the Director of the Centre said.

Apart from the coins, other magnificent objects were found during the season. They include a fragment of Attic red-figure krater, a guttus - a vessel for oil and liquid spices, most probably manufactured in Apulla at the turn of 4^th and 3^rd centuries BC. On some items there is graffiti - the abbreviations of Greek names of the owners.

- We were extremely excited to discover a fragment of a Corinthian bowl with relief decoration. On the surface there is a galloping horse rider in a coat blowing in the wind, who holds a javelin ready to be thrown. This image remains in accordance with the descriptions depicturing Medaurus, a god worshipped in Risan. Perhaps that is why one of Agloas’s house inhabitants, or the owner himself, had selected this particular bowl. - Professor Piotr Dyczek explains.

The University researchers have been working in Risan since 2001. The unique character of this place is connected with its enormously rich history. The origins of the city go back to 4^th century BC. In 3^th century BC the town was the capital of queen Teuta of Illyria. A hundred years later it was captured by the Roman Empire.

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