In this study snails from the 43 samples collected during 2005 and 2006 from the underwater archaeological site of the ancient port in Zaton near Nin were analysed. During the study, nine layers of 10 cm height were analysed. The aims of this study were to determine the composition of the community of snails from each layer to the level of species, to make a list of the determined taxonomic species of snails, to compare the number of shells, species and families in layers, to compare communities of analysed snails with the communities that still live in the area and finally, to determine the practical value of recorded snails in ancient times. During the study, 161 different species of snails were determined. The richest layers, according to the number of the shells, were layer II and layer VI, and the poorest layers were layers VIII and IX. In layers II and III, the largest number of different families and species of snails was found while in layers VIII and IX the number was lowest. Comparison between ancient communities of the snails with the communities of snails that still live in the area showed that the habitat has not changed a lot during time. Some species of snails found at the investigated locality were used as jewellery, as a food source and for colouring clothes during ancient time.