The Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, announced today a major archaeological discovery in Strikçan, Bulqiza. Researchers have identified the first monumental tomb of the Roman period in Albania.

The find emerged during the scientific project Archaeological Research in the Bulqiza Valley, led by the Institute of Archaeology. Moreover, the monument shows impressive dimensions, about 9 by 6 meters, with a funerary chamber 2.40 meters high. In addition, it contains rare architectural and epigraphic elements.

Inside the monument, archaeologists uncovered a bilingual inscription dedicated to the buried individual, Gelliano, and to the god Jupiter. Therefore, Gonxhja stressed, “This is the first inscription of its kind ever discovered in the Dibra region.”

The tomb includes three distinct parts: the burial chamber, the antechamber, and a monumental staircase. Furthermore, it preserved archaeological objects such as glass vessels, bone artifacts, weapons, and textile fragments woven with golden threads. As a result, these finds confirm the high social status of the deceased.

Experts argue that the upper structures suggest the typology of a mausoleum. Consequently, the discovery becomes invaluable for the study of the Roman hinterland in Albania.

Because of its exceptional importance, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, together with the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage Tirana and the Institute of Archaeology, will initiate procedures for preliminary protection of the site.

Finally, the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, and the Institute of Archaeology will continue to support research. In this way, they enrich the archaeological map of Albania step by step.

/a.c/