From 15-30 October 2007, the first season of a program of geophysical survey commenced at the site of Doclea as a joint research project between The British School at Rome (BSR), the Archaeological Prospection Services of Southampton (APSS) and the Universita’ Degli Studi di Urbino. The survey was undertaken on behalf of Dr. Miomir Mugosa, the Mayor of Podgorica, and the Council of Podgorica under the direction of the Museum of Podgorica (Director – Zorica Mrvaljevic, Dr. Dragan Radovic) as part of the wider ‘New Ancient Doclea’ project. The aim of the geophysical survey was to discover the extent of the remains of the ancient Roman town of Doclea through locating and mapping the presence of subsurface archaeological features, for the purpose of preserving and developing the site as a national heritage site, and where possible to help pinpoint potential areas for excavation.

In the central portion of the west area our survey revealed one complete insula block, with inner courtyards and cortiles, and possibly the top portion of a second insula block. The strength and form of the signal suggests there is significant ceramic material surviving beneath the surface. The rest of this west area was largely devoid of archaeological features suggesting that this area represents the outer limit of the Roman urban development. The size and orientation of the insulae make it possible to establish the wider town plan.

The eastern portion of our survey area contains the most well preserved standing monumental structures, and in the immediate surroundings the survey revealed buried building complexes in the area directly to the east and west of the forum. There is also a possible street running alongside the forum which is strong evidence to support the projected town plan of Doclea.