Archaeological site Glac is located along the Sava river, near the Serbian village Jarak next to Sremska Mitrovica. This site, however, was once on the outskirts of Sirmium, a capital city of the ancient Roman Empire. Its artifacts and history are now coming back to life thanks to the work of the University of Sydney, local Serbian authorities and long-time Indiana Jones fan, film director Chris Davis.
Newly released documentary 'Diglife' tells the tale of friendship and history as this international team of archaeologists unearths Emperor Maximian's 4th-century palace.
"I wasn't aware of the site until a good friend of mine, Richard Miles, who is also the co-director of the Glac project, told me the story. We are good friends, our kids go to the same school, and we have coffee together most mornings.
"When he told me the story I said, 'people need to hear about this. I'm making a documentary,'"Mr Davis told SBS Serbian.
With Prof Miles' approval, the two got to work.
While Mr Davis had never taken the lead on a documentary film before, his post-production skills were admired worldwide in films such as Mad Max and King Kong.
"What attracted me was the adventure and the discovery. My favourite film growing up was Indiana Jones and other adventure films that stuck with me. When someone talks to me about going overseas to these amazing places, stepping into the bush and the country, digging things up - you couldn't get me there fast enough."
While the adrenaline got him going, Mr Davis says the history made him stay.
The Glac site was not only owned by a Roman emperor, it was the birthplace of nine more Roman leaders.
He says this is just the beginning of a story the whole world will soon be fascinated by - and not just for its history, but also its tale of culture and friendship within the Serbian-Australian team.
"The best thing about the dig experience is friendship and all the people that have come together. The Serbians and Australians, but also a motley crew of people from all around the world.
"We have professionals, we have the locals who give us food and accommodation. These are friendships that have been fostered over the years," he says.
Amongst the ancient history, Mr Davis says there's always room for new beginnings. Some found the palace of an ancient Roman emperor, but some team members found love.
"Some [friendships] have blossomed into proper relationships," he says. "Soon we're expecting our first marriage [at the site], maybe even our first baby."
