Artikulli trajton aspekte të strukturës administrative të Durrësit mesjetar. Identifikohet koncep... more Artikulli trajton aspekte të strukturës administrative të Durrësit mesjetar. Identifikohet koncepti i dekarkive si njësi bazë e organizimit territorial qytetas, i ngjashëm me disa qytete italiane. Për çdo dekarki duhej të kishte 2 përfaqësues, dëshmuar nga një Këshill i të 12-ve. "Topothésia" lidhet me traditën bizantine, përdorur për administrimin e territorit bujqësor të kultivuar. Si drejtues i pushtetit ekzekutiv përmendet Rectori dyrachij. Përgjatë qeverisjes së Topiajve hasim tri pozicione ushtarake: kapiten; kështjellar; komestabël. Në dy dokumente hasim protovestiarius, me traditë bizantine, dhe komunitetin durrsak. Topiajt duhet të kenë ruajtur pozicionet e ulëta për mbarëvajtjen e punëve të përditshme, por kanë eliminuar postet e larta, duke përqendruar pushtetin te baronët pranë feudalit. Me kalimin e Durrësit nën Venedikun, përdorimi i sistemit të administrimit me qeveritarë venedikas të zgjedhur zhduku përfundimisht sistemin komunal të drejtimit të qytetit.
This article will discuss the archaeological traces associated with ancient
shrines discovered in... more This article will discuss the archaeological traces associated with ancient shrines discovered in Durrës and further inland. Nine cases have been identified where the published evidence is convincing enough to locate the position of shrines across the territory. The case for each shrine will be outlined individually, after which aspects relating to their chronology and topography will be discussed. The author has dealt broadly with problems related to the origin of these shrines and their relationship with indiginous populations. Discussions also include: the positioning of shrines within the geomorphology of the terrain; the visual aspect of shrine locations; the concept of temple duality; the reasons for constructing temples in particular places; the possible identification of those gods to whom the temples were dedicated; the attributes of these gods and the geographical positioning of their temples; the operation of shrines within the polis territory, and their abandonment. Finally, the author situates the information provided by these nine temples within the historical context of the establishment and development of the Epidamnus. The author concludes by making it clear that this article should be considered a first step towards a fuller study with a more in-depth theoretical analysis of the issue.
L’Illyrie méridionale et l’Epire dans l'antiquité: actes du VI colloque international de Tirana (20-23 mai 2015), 2018
The Dyrrachium Hinterland Project is focusing on the landscape along the two main roads leading f... more The Dyrrachium Hinterland Project is focusing on the landscape along the two main roads leading from Durrës towards the southeast; firstly the road leading towards Kavajë, and secondly the road leading from Arapaj towards the Erzen river and Romanat. These routes were of great importance already during Antiquity; the Via Egnatia following the first route and the Hadrianic aqueduct leading water to Dyrrachium from the river Erzen along the second.
R. KULE-ZOTO, M. PËRZHITA (ed.), Varreza periudhës romake në qytetin e Durrësit. Gërmimi vitit 2012 [The necropolises of the Roman period in the city of Durrës. Excavations of the year 2012], 2019
R. KULE-ZOTO, M. PËRZHITA (ed.), Varreza periudhës romake në qytetin e Durrësit. Gërmimi vitit 2012 [The necropolises of the Roman period in the city of Durrës. Excavations of the year 2012], 2019
... française en Albanie, financés par le Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes, en co... more ... française en Albanie, financés par le Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes, en collaboration avec l'Institut Archéologique d'Albanie et les Écoles françaises d'Athènes et de Rome, ont commencé en 1992 sous la direction de Pierre Cabanes et de Neritan Ceka[1] [1 ...
Rapport sur les 5e et 6e campagnes d'étude des trouvailles du sanctuaire de la colline de Dautë à... more Rapport sur les 5e et 6e campagnes d'étude des trouvailles du sanctuaire de la colline de Dautë à Durrës (Epidamne-Dyrrhachion).
Artikulli trajton aspekte të strukturës administrative të Durrësit mesjetar. Identifikohet koncep... more Artikulli trajton aspekte të strukturës administrative të Durrësit mesjetar. Identifikohet koncepti i dekarkive si njësi bazë e organizimit territorial qytetas, i ngjashëm me disa qytete italiane. Për çdo dekarki duhej të kishte 2 përfaqësues, dëshmuar nga një Këshill i të 12-ve. "Topothésia" lidhet me traditën bizantine, përdorur për administrimin e territorit bujqësor të kultivuar. Si drejtues i pushtetit ekzekutiv përmendet Rectori dyrachij. Përgjatë qeverisjes së Topiajve hasim tri pozicione ushtarake: kapiten; kështjellar; komestabël. Në dy dokumente hasim protovestiarius, me traditë bizantine, dhe komunitetin durrsak. Topiajt duhet të kenë ruajtur pozicionet e ulëta për mbarëvajtjen e punëve të përditshme, por kanë eliminuar postet e larta, duke përqendruar pushtetin te baronët pranë feudalit. Me kalimin e Durrësit nën Venedikun, përdorimi i sistemit të administrimit me qeveritarë venedikas të zgjedhur zhduku përfundimisht sistemin komunal të drejtimit të qytetit.
This article will discuss the archaeological traces associated with ancient
shrines discovered in... more This article will discuss the archaeological traces associated with ancient shrines discovered in Durrës and further inland. Nine cases have been identified where the published evidence is convincing enough to locate the position of shrines across the territory. The case for each shrine will be outlined individually, after which aspects relating to their chronology and topography will be discussed. The author has dealt broadly with problems related to the origin of these shrines and their relationship with indiginous populations. Discussions also include: the positioning of shrines within the geomorphology of the terrain; the visual aspect of shrine locations; the concept of temple duality; the reasons for constructing temples in particular places; the possible identification of those gods to whom the temples were dedicated; the attributes of these gods and the geographical positioning of their temples; the operation of shrines within the polis territory, and their abandonment. Finally, the author situates the information provided by these nine temples within the historical context of the establishment and development of the Epidamnus. The author concludes by making it clear that this article should be considered a first step towards a fuller study with a more in-depth theoretical analysis of the issue.
L’Illyrie méridionale et l’Epire dans l'antiquité: actes du VI colloque international de Tirana (20-23 mai 2015), 2018
The Dyrrachium Hinterland Project is focusing on the landscape along the two main roads leading f... more The Dyrrachium Hinterland Project is focusing on the landscape along the two main roads leading from Durrës towards the southeast; firstly the road leading towards Kavajë, and secondly the road leading from Arapaj towards the Erzen river and Romanat. These routes were of great importance already during Antiquity; the Via Egnatia following the first route and the Hadrianic aqueduct leading water to Dyrrachium from the river Erzen along the second.
R. KULE-ZOTO, M. PËRZHITA (ed.), Varreza periudhës romake në qytetin e Durrësit. Gërmimi vitit 2012 [The necropolises of the Roman period in the city of Durrës. Excavations of the year 2012], 2019
R. KULE-ZOTO, M. PËRZHITA (ed.), Varreza periudhës romake në qytetin e Durrësit. Gërmimi vitit 2012 [The necropolises of the Roman period in the city of Durrës. Excavations of the year 2012], 2019
... française en Albanie, financés par le Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes, en co... more ... française en Albanie, financés par le Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes, en collaboration avec l'Institut Archéologique d'Albanie et les Écoles françaises d'Athènes et de Rome, ont commencé en 1992 sous la direction de Pierre Cabanes et de Neritan Ceka[1] [1 ...
Rapport sur les 5e et 6e campagnes d'étude des trouvailles du sanctuaire de la colline de Dautë à... more Rapport sur les 5e et 6e campagnes d'étude des trouvailles du sanctuaire de la colline de Dautë à Durrës (Epidamne-Dyrrhachion).
Deux fragments de skyphoi portant des dédicaces peintes dans la technique de la figure rouge perm... more Deux fragments de skyphoi portant des dédicaces peintes dans la technique de la figure rouge permettent de confirmer l'identification du sanctuaire d'Artémis à Dyrrhachion.
The aim of this paper is related with the treatment of the main military
topographic aspects of t... more The aim of this paper is related with the treatment of the main military topographic aspects of the city of Durrës during the Ottoman period. This goal we tried to achieve through combining the data taken from different sources. In relation with the city's fortifications, it's already clear that their evolution is more complicated that has thought. Also, already we have clear evidences that the investments of the Ottoman Empire on fortifications have been considerable. Unfortunately such studies and analyzes lacked and as consequence not only the constructions of this period have been totally ignored, but also have created considerable misunderstandings and misuse. From the other part, the design of the city organization within the walls, proves that has had an urban continuity from the medieval city to the Ottoman era even why on modest dimensions. After, these basic aspects of the city organization are fossilized, also imposing to the modern age, in the main lines of the city development. The clearer evidence are the roads, especially those who follow the north-south axes. Already we have clearly shown that nevertheless the evolution of fortification in the southeastern line, there has been a continuity of a superpose established since the Late Antiquity. The designed roads in the second map have as starting point the territory near this line of walls. Those for sure follow the axes of the medieval roads. Preserving the medieval urban organization, also the continuity of the Ottoman city has preserved the same development principles. Of course, were the enduring changes of the dwellings evolution, connected for many reasons, mainly with the land property. These data reject the description of Idris Bitlisi that after the occupation of Durrës, the Ottomans rebuild everything within the city. The urban continuity shows the opposite.
This paper publishes two inscriptions and fragments of a part of a building based on archways tha... more This paper publishes two inscriptions and fragments of a part of a building based on archways that were found near the harbour of Durrës during rescue excavations in 2000. Their typological and chronological classifications lead us to consider other scattered elements of Roman architecture from Durrës as well as crowning elements of gravestones from the necropolis of the city, dating from the Early and High Empire. Parallels can be shown with monuments from other cities on both sides of the Adriatic. By doing this, the cultural profile of ancient Dyrrachium can be at least partly reconstructed.
This paper focuses on the results of a joint geoarchaeological research project of urban historic... more This paper focuses on the results of a joint geoarchaeological research project of urban historical remains in the ancient Roman city of Durrës, Albania. The project began with a desk-based analysis of all the historical and archival evidence including aerial photos from the 1920s–40s, a period before major urbanization of the area and prior to the capture of satellite imagery in the 1960s. These aerial photographs were re-processed and then combined with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) imagery and used to locate a Late Roman villa in the city. The integrated results produced a visual idea of what the villa looked like, when analysed in conjunction with the known archaeological and historical literature. During analysis, different levels of data reliability and resolution have been identified, which inform methodological choices when undertaking reconstructions of the villa. These methodological issues have generic resonance in the reconstruction of urban landscapes.
Abstract: The Albanian-German excavations in the theatre of Apollonia, carried out from 2006 to
2... more Abstract: The Albanian-German excavations in the theatre of Apollonia, carried out from 2006 to 2010, brought to light many details of the building’s groundplan, architecture, dating and development. The stage building is clear in many points and the spectator area (koilon) could be partially reconstructed as well as a monumental arch of till now uncertain position. The adjacent area round the theatre has also been cleared. The theatre, constructed in the later 3rd century B.C. underwent in Roman times greater changes to create an arena for gladiatorial combats. The material revealed gives evidence that the area was abandoned after the 3rd century A. D. Inscriptions indicate a division into twelve parts of the koilon. A curious stone disc can be interpreted as the crowning of an Agyieus. Keywords: Apollonia (Albania), theatre, Hellenistic and Roman Period, koilon, division in phyle, Greek and Roman ceramics, glass, coins, Agieus
Archaeological Investigations in a Northern Albanian Province: Results of the Projekti Arkeologjik i Shkodrës (PASH): Volume Two: Artifacts and Artifact Analysis, 2023
El presente volumen, publicado bajo el patrocinio del proyecto europeo EPNet (ERC-2013-ADG 340828... more El presente volumen, publicado bajo el patrocinio del proyecto europeo EPNet (ERC-2013-ADG 340828), corresponde a la tesis doctoral del albanés Eduard Shehi, la cual se centra en el estudio de la terra sigillata en Iliria, tema que resulta novedoso y, a la vez, interesante dado el escaso número de datos que tenemos de la zona hasta la actualidad. El Dr. Shehi presenta su trabajo como un precedente para futuras investigaciones en este campo de estudio (producción local, comercio, relaciones económicas, etc.), habiendo creado un corpus, a partir de ahora imprescindible, para el estudio del comercio de cerámica en el Adriático. El autor realiza en la introducción un estudio historiográfico sobre las consideración que las sigillatas han tenido en Albania durante el siglo XX, pasando después a realizar un contexto histórico y político del reino ilirio, y de las principales ciudades de la posterior provincia romana. El catálogo de las formas presentes en el corpus estudiado ocupa la parte más destacable del volumen (más de 150 p.) y representa un completísimo estado de la cuestión. El autor concluye en contra de la opinión generalizada que el uso de vajillas de sigillata por poblaciones indígenas no puede considerarse un criterio de romanización.
Archäologischer Anzeiger 2019/1, pp. 228-251, 2019
https://lens.idai.world/?url=/repository/AA_2019_1_Fiedler_Lens/AA_2019_1_Fiedler_Lens.xml
The ex... more https://lens.idai.world/?url=/repository/AA_2019_1_Fiedler_Lens/AA_2019_1_Fiedler_Lens.xml The excavations at Babunjë are aimed at clarifying the urban structure, private buildings and in particular the fortifications of the site, which was founded in late Archaic times and abandoned in the early Hellenistic period, and seek to examine it as an example of the complex settlement structure on the east coast of the southern Adriatic. The small settlement of only approx. 5 ha, which geophysical surveys have shown to possess a regular street grid with long, narrow insulae, could have been dependent on Apollonia. The excavations prove that Babunjë was fortified with a circuit wall in the 5th cent. B.C. Different construction techniques and building materials – conglomerate, mud-bricks and layered roof tiles were used – indicate the wall was built in a hurry. Details of the construction processes can be discerned in the stratigraphy. A Classical building has also been investigated; two rooms – turned away from the street and possibly oriented towards an adjoining courtyard – have been exposed so far. An especially noteworthy find is the bronze statuette of a warrior on a galloping horse.
The Dyrrachium Hinterland Project is focusing on the study of the landscape along the two main ro... more The Dyrrachium Hinterland Project is focusing on the study of the landscape along the two main roads leading out from Durres towards the southeast; firstly the road leading towards Kavaja, and secondly the road leading from Arapaj towards the river Erzen and Romanat. These routes were of great importance already during antiquity; Via Egnatia following the first one and the Roman aqueduct leading water to Dyrrachium from the river Erzen following the second one. Our study is based partly on previous archaeological knowledge, partly on new information collected by us during an intensive surface survey. During the two first field seasons in 2013 and 2014 we walked 191 tracts and documented a total of 28 sites, of which the majority was previously unknown. The earliest site detected by us dates to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age and produces lithics similar to the ones found in Bishti i Pallës. Evidence for the use of the landscape picks up again during the Late Archaic period, i.e., shortly after the founding of Epidamnos/Dyrrachium. From now onwards pottery seems to spread out from the city to the surrounding landscape. Whereas Late Hellenistic and Roman finds on the basis of the American-Albanian survey of 2001 were lacking on the promontory to the north of the urban centre this does not seem to be the case in our study area, where sites dating to these periods are the most commonly occurring. The landscape was most actively used during the first centuries after Christ. Apart from several sites, both villae rusticae and villages, we also have documented several architectural blocks belonging to a monumental building, possibly a temple, a previously unknown vertical shaft of the aqueduct as well as a Latin grave inscription that all date to these centuries. The settlement of the Dyrrachian hinterland clearly contracts beginning from the Late Roman period. The only major Late Roman (fourth/fifth to sixth century AD) site that we so far have documented is Qerret that is located next to Via Egnatia. Here we have also found the outlines of an Early Christian basilica that seems to have stayed in use until the Late Byzantine period. Another striking result of our survey work is the close to complete absence of Medieval finds in the landscape. This picture changes radically during the Ottoman period, when we have evidence for intensive land use and population increase. During this period we even have evidence for a harbour site next to the outflow of the Darçi river and the Kavaja Salinas.
Field research at Babunjë, a small fortified settlement of ca. 5 ha lying between the Corinthian-Corcyraian colonies of Apollonia and Epidamnos, seeks to achieve a better understanding of the colonial settlement structure at the eastern coast of the southern Adriatic (and further south along the Ionian Sea). Babunjë was founded at the end of the 6th century BC and was abandoned in the last decades of the 4th century BC. The site had a fortification with a ‚bastion‘ or unusual large tower which was built some decades after Babunjë’s foundation. A planned urban layout shows long, narrow insulae with single rows of house-plots. A two-roomed house was excavated completely. Small settlements like Babunjë were, after the large colonies, most probably an important part of the colonial settlement structure on this coast. Available at: https://publications.dainst.org/journals/index.php/rm/article/view/3666
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Papers by Eduard Shehi
shrines discovered in Durrës and further inland. Nine cases have been identified
where the published evidence is convincing enough to locate the position of shrines
across the territory. The case for each shrine will be outlined individually, after which
aspects relating to their chronology and topography will be discussed.
The author has dealt broadly with problems related to the origin of these
shrines and their relationship with indiginous populations. Discussions also include:
the positioning of shrines within the geomorphology of the terrain; the visual aspect
of shrine locations; the concept of temple duality; the reasons for constructing temples
in particular places; the possible identification of those gods to whom the temples
were dedicated; the attributes of these gods and the geographical positioning of their
temples; the operation of shrines within the polis territory, and their abandonment.
Finally, the author situates the information provided by these nine temples
within the historical context of the establishment and development of the Epidamnus.
The author concludes by making it clear that this article should be considered a first
step towards a fuller study with a more in-depth theoretical analysis of the issue.
Papers on the Artemision in Dyrrhachion by Eduard Shehi
shrines discovered in Durrës and further inland. Nine cases have been identified
where the published evidence is convincing enough to locate the position of shrines
across the territory. The case for each shrine will be outlined individually, after which
aspects relating to their chronology and topography will be discussed.
The author has dealt broadly with problems related to the origin of these
shrines and their relationship with indiginous populations. Discussions also include:
the positioning of shrines within the geomorphology of the terrain; the visual aspect
of shrine locations; the concept of temple duality; the reasons for constructing temples
in particular places; the possible identification of those gods to whom the temples
were dedicated; the attributes of these gods and the geographical positioning of their
temples; the operation of shrines within the polis territory, and their abandonment.
Finally, the author situates the information provided by these nine temples
within the historical context of the establishment and development of the Epidamnus.
The author concludes by making it clear that this article should be considered a first
step towards a fuller study with a more in-depth theoretical analysis of the issue.
topographic aspects of the city of Durrës during the Ottoman period. This goal we tried to achieve through combining the data taken from different sources. In relation with the city's fortifications, it's already clear that their evolution is more complicated that has thought. Also, already we have clear evidences that the investments of the Ottoman Empire on fortifications have been considerable. Unfortunately such studies and analyzes lacked and as consequence not only the constructions of this period have been totally ignored, but also have created considerable misunderstandings and misuse.
From the other part, the design of the city organization within the walls,
proves that has had an urban continuity from the medieval city to the Ottoman era even why on modest dimensions. After, these basic aspects of the city organization are fossilized, also imposing to the modern age, in the main lines of the city development. The clearer evidence are the roads, especially those who follow the north-south axes. Already we have clearly shown that nevertheless the evolution of fortification in the southeastern line, there has been a continuity of a superpose established since the Late Antiquity. The designed roads in the second map have as starting point the territory near this line of walls. Those for sure follow the axes of the medieval roads.
Preserving the medieval urban organization, also the continuity of the
Ottoman city has preserved the same development principles. Of course, were the enduring changes of the dwellings evolution, connected for many reasons, mainly with the land property. These data reject the description of Idris Bitlisi that after the occupation of Durrës, the Ottomans rebuild everything within the city. The urban continuity shows the opposite.
2010, brought to light many details of the building’s groundplan, architecture, dating and development.
The stage building is clear in many points and the spectator area (koilon) could be partially
reconstructed as well as a monumental arch of till now uncertain position. The adjacent area round
the theatre has also been cleared. The theatre, constructed in the later 3rd century B.C. underwent in
Roman times greater changes to create an arena for gladiatorial combats. The material revealed gives
evidence that the area was abandoned after the 3rd century A. D. Inscriptions indicate a division into
twelve parts of the koilon. A curious stone disc can be interpreted as the crowning of an Agyieus.
Keywords: Apollonia (Albania), theatre, Hellenistic and Roman Period, koilon, division in phyle,
Greek and Roman ceramics, glass, coins, Agieus
The excavations at Babunjë are aimed at clarifying the urban structure, private buildings
and in particular the fortifications of the site, which was founded in late Archaic
times and abandoned in the early Hellenistic period, and seek to examine it as an example
of the complex settlement structure on the east coast of the southern Adriatic.
The small settlement of only approx. 5 ha, which geophysical surveys have shown to
possess a regular street grid with long, narrow insulae, could have been dependent
on Apollonia. The excavations prove that Babunjë was fortified with a circuit wall in
the 5th cent. B.C. Different construction techniques and building materials – conglomerate,
mud-bricks and layered roof tiles were used – indicate the wall was built
in a hurry. Details of the construction processes can be discerned in the stratigraphy.
A Classical building has also been investigated; two rooms – turned away from the
street and possibly oriented towards an adjoining courtyard – have been exposed so
far. An especially noteworthy find is the bronze statuette of a warrior on a galloping
horse.
During the two first field seasons in 2013 and 2014 we walked 191 tracts and documented a total of 28 sites, of which the majority was previously unknown. The earliest site detected by us dates to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age and produces lithics similar to the ones found in Bishti i Pallës. Evidence for the use of the landscape picks up again during the Late Archaic period, i.e., shortly after the founding of Epidamnos/Dyrrachium. From now onwards pottery seems to spread out from the city to the surrounding landscape. Whereas Late Hellenistic and Roman finds on the basis of the American-Albanian survey of 2001 were lacking on the promontory to the north of the urban centre this does not seem to be the case in our study area, where sites dating to these periods are the most commonly occurring. The landscape was most actively used during the first centuries after Christ. Apart from several sites, both villae rusticae and villages, we also have documented several architectural blocks belonging to a monumental building, possibly a temple, a previously unknown vertical shaft of the aqueduct as well as a Latin grave inscription that all date to these centuries.
The settlement of the Dyrrachian hinterland clearly contracts beginning from the Late Roman period. The only major Late Roman (fourth/fifth to sixth century AD) site that we so far have documented is Qerret that is located next to Via Egnatia. Here we have also found the outlines of an Early Christian basilica that seems to have stayed in use until the Late Byzantine period. Another striking result of our survey work is the close to complete absence of Medieval finds in the landscape. This picture changes radically during the Ottoman period, when we have evidence for intensive land use and population increase. During this period we even have evidence for a harbour site next to the outflow of the Darçi river and the Kavaja Salinas.
Field research at Babunjë, a small fortified settlement of ca. 5 ha lying between the
Corinthian-Corcyraian colonies of Apollonia and Epidamnos, seeks to achieve a better
understanding of the colonial settlement structure at the eastern coast of the
southern Adriatic (and further south along the Ionian Sea). Babunjë was founded at
the end of the 6th century BC and was abandoned in the last decades of the 4th century
BC. The site had a fortification with a ‚bastion‘ or unusual large tower which was
built some decades after Babunjë’s foundation. A planned urban layout shows long,
narrow insulae with single rows of house-plots. A two-roomed house was excavated
completely. Small settlements like Babunjë were, after the large colonies, most probably
an important part of the colonial settlement structure on this coast.
Available at: https://publications.dainst.org/journals/index.php/rm/article/view/3666