Заштита и презентација архитектонских остатака и артефаката на античким локалитетима у Црној Гори
Protection and presentation of architectural remains and artifacts at the ancient sites in Montenegro

Summary/Abstract: Research, documentation and preservation of cultural heritage occupies a central place in the culture of one country and presents evidence of its identity. The ancient sites in Montenegro are numerous, but very poorly preserved and insufficiently archaeologically explored. Recent practice of archaeological research consisted in discovering the architectural and archaeological remains of the structure as well as moving artifacts without a precise plan for the conservation of this excavated material. At these ancient sites the necropolii are mainly explored, as theyhave given us a wealth of information and lots of movable artefacts and treasures, most of which are preserved, while the architectural remains and excavated structures, after documenting, are filled up or were left at the mercy of the ravages of time. Conservation of material remains as a visible, tangible evidence and facts about a historic period, the most important segment of protection. The foremost goal of conservation is documenting, preserving the quality and value of cultural treasure and the extension of the useful life of tangible evidence as a witness of continuity of life in the area. Undoubtedly one of the most important sites of ancient history in Montenegro is an archaeological site Duklja. Now visible and somewhat presented, it consists of the remains of buildings from the period of antiquity but they are in various stages of decay and should be brought to full restoration and recognition. As we would like to bring Duklja closer to visitors and its touristic purpose, appearance of the former grand buildings would have to, for those that we have enough relevant information about earlier appearance, size and purpose, go through conservation restoration projects, reconstruction and analysis so that the end result would, at least in part, be a visual appearance of the temple, streets, baths or basilica. There is also an issue, which requires an urgent intervention, of serious vs. improvised Lapidarium, as all structural and decorative architectural elements lay directly on the ground and are randomly arranged. We are talking about epigraphic monuments, remarkably decorated with fragments of stone sculptures that once adorned temples and the Basilica of Duklja. From museological and conservation point of view, it would be adequate to return fragments to their original place, but we are still not sure of their original location, so it is better to organize Lapidarium in a neutral space on the location. None of the prominent archaeological sites in Montenegro are adequately protected or even presented in a modern way, either in their natural environment, nor the abundance of materials in the museums. Good presentation of cultural treasures is increasing revenues and the quality of this experience for tourists encourages the desire to re-visit.

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