The ancient military camp at Gračine in Humac (Bigeste) from the 1st to 3rd century has been partially excavated and preserved between 1977 and 1988. At the site, remains of a Roman military complex have been unearthed.
Tourists who visit the camp can see the remains of ancient buildings with abundant traces of worked stone, bricks, and tiles, as well as remnants of a Roman bridge and road with milestones.
During the archaeological excavations at this site, numerous artifacts were found, including pottery, pitchers, vases, coins, jewelry, rings, glassware, tools, and weapons. A smaller portion of the exhibits is housed in the Museum of the Franciscan Monastery of St. Anthony, while the majority of the excavated materials (ceramics, glassware, numismatics) have never been exhibited.
This archaeological area was declared a national monument in 2003.
The camp was established after the Romans defeated the resistance of the warlike Illyrians, Dalmatians, and Pannonians in the 9th year and began building roads, bridges, and fortresses.
Their military camp was built at the site of Gračine in Humac, to accommodate a cohort of 400 soldiers and 100 horsemen,
Numismatic, metal, and ceramic findings suggest that it was built in the 1st century, most likely during the reign of Emperor Tiberius when the road Salona—Narona was completed.
It served a strategic and defensive role: protecting the Neretva Valley and the colony of Narona from incursions Illyrian tribes from the hinterland.
Only a small part of the complex, covering an area of 2350 m2, has been explored.
The materials for the construction of the walls were sourced from near quarries in Bijača, Hardomilje, and Crveni Grm.
The central part was occupied baths, mainly used military and civilian elites. Near the camp, there were various artisans, including blacksmiths, hairdressers, cobblers, stonemasons, and armorers, and probably a military brothel as well. Several fragments of tiles with the stamp of military units were found, suggesting that legions and cohorts were producing tiles and bricks at the site.
How to get to the military camp at Gračine?
The military camp at Gračine is located 3.6 kilometers from the main bus station in Ljubuški, and it is easily accessible car. By car, it takes about six minutes to reach the military camp from the center of Ljubuški.
