In line with antique historical sources, written heritage and rich archeological material, Budva is one of the oldest urban centers at the Adriatic, over 2,500 years old. A lot of monumental heritages from Antique and Middle Ages are proofs of continuing and active life of this antique town. Illyrians, i.e. this Illyrian tribe Enhelian, are the oldest autochthon people of Budva.
In the 5th century B.C. Greek tragedian Sophocles, among first writers mentions Budva “Illyrian town”. In the 4th century B.C. it is colonized by the Greek, when it became a rich trade center (emporion), while in the middle of the 2nd century B.C. or more precisely in 168, it was conquered by the Roman Empire. In 1st century of new era, Roman writer Pliny the elder mentioned it as a „fortified town of roman citizens“. Budva had in that period all the features of a true Roman town with monumental buildings, paved roads and massive walls. It will remain within Roman Empire until its fall in 395.