Abstract

Risan (ancient Rhizon) lies on the northern branch of the bay of Boka Kotorska on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro. The site is known very well from ancient sources. The convenient shore location of Rhizon made it an important harbour already in the Seventh century BC. The geographic position made it a favorite base for Illyrian pirates, preying on the fleets of Rome and of Greek towns and colonies. In the times of queen Teuta Rhizon was Illyrian capital. In 228–229 BC Teuta started the first Illyrian war (228–229 BC), ended with her defeat. Rome gradually subordinated the Illyrian Kingdom, and finally, in 138 BC, entirely incorporated it into the newly formed province of Dalmatia. On excavations carried in Risan by the Center for Research on the Antiquity of Southeastern Europe, University of Warsaw, were found many fragments of Greek, Hellenistic and Roman amphorae. More than 20 amphora types have been distinguished in the material to date, covering a period from the Fourth century BC to the Sixth century AD. This preliminary analysis concentrates on the types being in use during the times of Teuta and her family, i.e. from the beginning of the reign of her husband, King Agron (250–230 BC), through her regency (230–228 BC) until the rule of Pinnes, Agron’s son from his former marriage (230–217 BC).