Archaeologists from the University of Warsaw and the University of Tirana have uncovered the remains of a large Hellenistic-era temple in northern Albania, marking what researchers describe as the first Illyrian temple discovered in the region and a significant breakthrough in the study of a mysterious ancient settlement believed to be the lost city of Bassania.
The discovery was made near the village of Bushat, approximately 10 kilometres south of the city of Shkodra. The site contains the remains of a substantial Illyrian settlement, considered one of the few examples of a “lost city” in Europe.
Researchers believe the settlement may be the ancient city of Bassania, based on topographical analysis and comparisons with historical sources. However, archaeologists caution that further evidence is required before the identification can be confirmed.
Situated between the Illyrian capital of Shkodra and the Greek city of Lissos, the fortified city played an important role in ancient Illyria, located in present-day Albania. Following its abandonment during the 3rd century AD, the site gradually deteriorated and later became a source of building materials for nearby communities. Many local houses contain stone blocks taken from the ancient settlement.
The city’s remains were rediscovered in 2018 during a joint archaeological project led by the University of Warsaw’s Centre for the Study of the Antiquity of Southeastern Europe and the University of Tirana. Initial excavations revealed substantial defensive walls, fortified gates with bastions, and the remains of several buildings.
During the latest excavation season, researchers concentrated their efforts on the city’s acropolis, located on a hill overlooking the settlement. There, they uncovered the complete stone foundations of a rectangular structure measuring 13.6 metres by 9.6 metres.
According to archaeologists, the building’s dimensions and layout closely resemble those of classical Greek temples.
“Judging by the structure’s location on top of a hill and its orientation towards the cardinal directions, we can assume that these are the remains of a temple that crowned the city’s acropolis from the 4th to the 2nd century BC,” said Professor Piotr Dyczek, Director of the Centre for the Study of the Antiquity of Southeastern Europe at the University of Warsaw.
Excavations also revealed part of a surrounding defensive wall, believed to have formed a sacred enclosure, or *temenos*, dedicated to a deity.
The University of Warsaw described the discovery as particularly important for understanding Illyrian culture and religion. Researchers note that no other Illyrian temple has previously been identified in northern Albania.
Evidence from the site also suggests that the Romans later constructed a smaller building adjacent to the temple ruins. The structure reportedly functioned as an observation post for nearly a century, enabling Roman authorities to monitor a vast area stretching from Shkodra to ancient Lissos and the Adriatic coastline.
Archaeologists plan to continue investigations at the site as they seek further evidence to determine whether the settlement can definitively be identified as the ancient city of Bassania.
Sources : PAP
