Natura selvaggia: fiumi, montagne, uomini in Montenegro dalla preistoria al tardo antico

The geomorphology of Montenegro has had a significant impact on the history of the communities that inhabited this challenging yet captivating land since prehistoric times. Through the project “Ancient and modern itineraries along the river valleys of Montenegro: from remote sensing and landscape archaeology to the enhancement of cultural sites and routes”, we aim to narrate the history of encounters and clashes between human groups and often wild nature in these lands. By analyzing archaeological finds in the vast river valleys of Montenegro, and applying phenomenological principles to archaeology, we will take a jour- ney through a natural environment dotted with important archaeological and cultural sites. Our aim is to highlight aspects that shed light on the relationship between humans and nature. This itinerary begins and ends in the two municipia of Doclea, close to the Adriatic coast, and Municipium S, located inland near the border with Serbia. We will follow the course of the Zeta River in the Bjelopavlići valley and touch on the Durmitor massif and the Tara River valley. By identifying the few remaining archaeological traces, we will attempt to recount the challenging relationship between ancient communities and nature. This relationship is characterized by the technological dimension, which is necessary to overcome natural obstacles, and the search for supernatural assistance through ancient deities. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve control and conquest.