Just three kilometers outside of Podgorica, Montenegro lies the remnants of the ancient town known as Duklja. Duklja, or best known as Doclea became a municipality sometime between the years 41 A.D and 54 A.D while Emperor Claudius was in power. The ancient town was home to about 10,000 residents of the Illyrian tribe known as Docleatae.
In 297, after the administrative divide of the Roman Empire, Doclea became the capital of the new Roman province of Praevalitana, which the famous Roman emperor Diocletian established in the administrative reform of 293. This split the southern part from the province of Dalmatia. The Doclea castle was built for the typical purpose of controlling the road coming from Dalmatia and going to Scodra.
Doclea went through a lot of vulnerable times and destruction in its later years. During the 4th and 5th centuries, barbarian tribes took it over and it went into decline. Later on in the 5th century, Doclea was attacked by the German Visigoths. In 518, a severe earthquake destroyed it. And then, the South Slavs moved to the land and began to rebuild Doclea during the 7th century.
Apparently, Pliny the Elder once said that the cheese of Doclea was a famous Illyrian product.
Also, turtles live there!
Can we also admire the incredible detail?
As I was looking for places to see in Podgorica, I was excited to discover the existence of Doclea. And, I was shocked and excited to discover how big it was. While researching, it seemed to be smaller judging by the photos I could find online.
It's a magnificent site and I definitely recommend anyone visit it if ever in Montenegro. Especially, if you are into the ancient ruins of the world.
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