A new study of Doclea’s Roman Forum in Montenegro points to architectural links with Greece and Asia Minor (Anatolia), offering a clearer picture of how Roman, Adriatic, and eastern Mediterranean traditions came together in one of ancient Dalmatia’s major cities. Researchers found that the forum followed a largely Roman plan, while parts of its stone decoration drew on styles associated with the eastern Mediterranean.
The study, published in the Journal of Roman Archaeology, reassesses the forum and the large civil basilica on its western side. Researchers examined surviving walls, old excavation records, photographs and about 230 architectural fragments scattered around the site.
Many pieces had been moved from their original positions, reused in later structures, or damaged after the forum and basilica served as sources of building stone for centuries. Only slightly more than 20% of ancient Doclea has been uncovered by archaeological work.
Ancient Doclea’s Roman forum connects Greece and Asia Minor
The evidence suggests that the main forum-basilica complex took shape in the first century CE, probably during the Flavian period. Its layout fits a Roman tradition seen in other public centers, with a civic square connected to a basilica. But the decoration tells a more mixed story.
Several early cornices and capitals show close similarities to work from Asia Minor. Researchers compared details with examples from places including Miletus, Ancyra, Sagalassos, and Pergamon.
The study says these eastern influences may have reached Doclea through Greek cities in Epirus. Other features also reflect broader Greek-derived traditions that had already influenced parts of the region before Roman rule.
This makes Doclea an important meeting point between different architectural worlds. Northern cities in the province generally followed Roman models more closely, while southern centers showed stronger influence from Asia Minor.
The evidence from Doclea’s Roman Forum places the city between traditions connected with Greece and Asia Minor and those shaped more directly by Rome.
Eastern designs met Roman building traditions at Doclea
Researchers also identified a major later phase, around the late third or early fourth century CE, possibly during the reign of Diocletian.
The basilica’s facade appears to have been rebuilt in brick and updated with columns, arches, and Corinthian-style decoration that shared features with Diocletian’s Palace at Split. Even then, the basic structure was largely preserved.
The study cautions against viewing the complex as a single project from Diocletian’s time. Instead, the ruins point to a long history of construction, repair, and reuse.
Local limestone and the quality of the carving suggest local craftspeople carried out much of the work, even when they were following designs with roots far beyond Doclea.
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