New archaeological research at the Janice site in Pakoštane

Underwater archaeological research of the Roman period harbour in Pakoštane and the documentation of prehistoric sites at the nearby Janice site were conducted from 30 May to 11 June 2011. Research at the Roman period harbour is a continuation of the exploratory trenching of a Roman pier launched a few years ago by the University of Zadar. Research of the prehistoric underwater site began at the initiative of its discoverer Marko Meštrov, an archaeologist from Pakoštane. The archaeological research is being carried out by the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar in collaboration with the University of Zadar, the Han-Vrana Agency and the Römisch-Germanische Kommission institute of Germany. Leading the research effort at the site is Luka Bekić MSc (International Centre for Underwater Archaeology),joined by the site deputy head, assistant professor Mato Ilkić DSc (University of Zadar),and expert researchers Mate Parica, professor Zdenko Brusić DSc (University of Zadar),Marko Meštrov (Han-Vrana Agency),Mladen Pešić (International Centre for Underwater Archaeology) and Roman Scholz (Römisch-Germanisch Komission). Also participating in the archaeological research were young underwater archaeologists from seven Southeastern European countries taking part in a diving and archaeology training course organised by ICUA Zadar. The research is financed by the Tourism Board of the Municipality of Pakoštane.