The Most Famous Ancient Sites of Albania: Discover Albania’s Greek, Roman and Byzantine Ruins

In antiquity, the region was inhabited by the Illyrians, a group of tribes with a complex social structure. The Illyrians lived between the Adriatic Sea and the river valleys of the Morava and Drava. Greek and Roman authors first documented them in the 4th century BC. Their tribal confederations included groups such as the Ardiaei, Taulantii, and Albanoi.

Greek settlers began establishing colonies along the Illyrian coast around the 7th century BC. Major Greek cities like Epidamnos (modern-day Durrës) and Apollonia emerged during this period. These colonies served as trade hubs and cultural bridges between Greece and the Illyrian hinterlands. 

The Roman conquest of the (entire) region began in 168 BC following their defeat of the Illyrian king Gentius. The Romans incorporated the territory into their expanding empire as part of the province of Illyricum. They established cities like Dyrrachium and Apollonia. Greek cities in Albania were incorporated into the Roman administrative framework but maintained their cultural identity. Greek remained a prominent language in the region, and Greek culture continued to influence local customs and traditions. 

In the 4th century AD, the division of the Roman Empire brought significant changes. The eastern part of Albania fell under the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire. During this era, Christianity began to spread more deeply into the region. Byzantine emperors promoted the building of churches and other religious institutions. The introduction of Christianity marked a shift from the polytheistic traditions of earlier times.

In the 6th and 7th centuries AD slavic tribes settled in the region, leading to demographic and cultural changes. These migrations weakened the Byzantine control and led to the rise of new political entities. By the 11th and 12th centuries, Albania was a contested region between Byzantine and Norman forces. The Normans targeted strategic locations such as Dyrrachium, pivotal for their ambitions in the Balkans.

The late 12th and 13th centuries saw a period of instability and shifting control. The region of Arbanon emerged as an autonomous principality with its own local rulers. This autonomy came as Byzantine authority waned and regional powers asserted themselves. 

In the 14th century, the region experienced further turmoil as it fell under the sway of various powers. The Byzantine Empire lost control to the Serbian ruler Stefan Dušan, who briefly dominated the area. The Black Death further altered the demographic landscape, diminishing the Greek population. During this time, Albanian and Vlach communities became more prominent in the region. The Byzantine Empire later managed to recover some territories but faced continuous challenges.

As the Middle Ages progressed, Albania saw fluctuating control between regional powers and external forces. The Ottoman Empire began to assert influence over the region in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. By the late 15th century, the Ottomans had established dominance over Albania. This marked the beginning of a new era in the region’s history, leading to a long period of Ottoman rule.

For instructions on how to use the maps click here. Below follows the best-preserved sites in Albania, each with a brief introduction. For a visual overview of all sites in Albania please consult our Roman sites map above.

Detailed description of all ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine sites in Albania

1a. Dyrrachium (Durres, Albania) 

Located on Albania’s Adriatic coast, Durres was first settled in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists from Corinth.  The city’s earliest name, Epidamnos, is thought to have Illyrian origins. In Roman times, the name Epidamnos fell out of favor. The Romans preferred the name Dyrrhachion, which evolved into Dyrrachium. The Romans gained control after the Illyrian Wars in 229 BC. They believed Epidamnos was unlucky because it resembled the Latin word for harm. Therefore, they used the name Dyrrhachium instead. Dyrrhachium is a Greek word that means “bad ridge” or “rocky shore.” Ancient sources like Cassius Dio and Appian provided various explanations for the name. The city was described as having a difficult coastline. According to legend, the city was named after a hero, Dyrrachius.

The early settlement of Durrës included two areas. The first was an inland hill site, while the second was the port area. Archaeological evidence suggests these were distinct before merging. The name Epidamnos likely referred to the inland site, while Dyrrhachion referred to the port.

By the time of the Roman Empire, Durrës was a bustling city. It was an important naval and commercial center. The Romans constructed many public buildings and improved infrastructure. They built roads linking Durrës to other parts of the empire. The city also became a major base for the Romans’ military and naval operations. Durrës became the western end of the Via Egnatia, the road linking Rome to the east. The city’s harbor was crucial for trade and military movements. In 27 BC, Emperor Augustus made Durrës a colony for retired soldiers. It gained the status of a “free city,” which was a significant honor.

In the 4th century, Durrës became the capital of the province of Epirus Nova. The city was strengthened by Emperor Anastasius I after an earthquake damaged it. His fortifications included thick, strong walls that stood for centuries. The city remained an important center during the Byzantine Empire.

Durrës faced many challenges during the Middle Ages. It was attacked by various forces, including the Ostrogoths and Bulgarians. The Byzantines fortified the city but struggled with frequent invasions. The Normans captured the city several times in the 11th and 12th centuries.

In 1205 the city was taken over by the Republic of Venice and slipped from Byzantine control. It became known as Durazzo. The Venetians held it until 1213 when it fell to the Despotate of Epirus. Durrës changed hands multiple times, including brief periods of control by Sicily and Serbia.

The Ottomans took Durrës in 1501 after a siege. The city remained under Ottoman rule for over four centuries.

1b. Durres Roman amphitheatre

The Roman amphitheatre in Durrës, Albania was erected in the early 2nd century AD. Emperor Trajan initiated its construction, and it became a central feature of the city. The amphitheatre’s design was impressive, accommodating up to 20,000 spectators, making it the largest in the Balkan Peninsula. Its design includes an elliptical shape, with axes measuring 132.4 meters and 113.2 meters. The arena itself measures 61.4 meters by 42.2 meters and stands 20 meters high. It was built on a sloping hillside, and features multiple staircases and galleries at various levels. 

It remained in use until the 4th century AD. The structure faced significant damage during its early years, with an earthquake in 345 or 346 AD causing considerable harm. This seismic event likely led to the closure of the gladiatorial games that were held there. 

In the latter part of the 4th century, an early Christian chapel was built within the amphitheatre. Initially adorned with frescoes, this chapel later featured mosaics added in the 6th century. The presence of the chapel indicates the transition of the amphitheatre from a venue of public spectacles to a place of worship. During the medieval period, another chapel was constructed around the 13th century. 

By the 16th century, following the Ottoman conquest, the amphitheatre was largely covered over. Ottoman builders constructed a wall nearby, and the amphitheatre’s visibility was significantly reduced. The structure remained buried and largely forgotten until the 1960s when it was rediscovered.

Despite its historical and cultural value, the amphitheatre faces significant threats. Development pressures have led to modern housing being constructed over part of the site. Additionally, the amphitheatre suffers from structural weaknesses, and its mosaics and frescoes are slowly deteriorating. 

Apolonia lies in the southwestern part of the country. It is about 13 miles from Fier. This historic city is set in a picturesque landscape. The site remains well-preserved and combines natural beauty with ancient ruins. 

The origins of Apollonia date back to the 6th century BC. Greek settlers from Corfu and Corinth established the city. They initially named it Gylakeia after their leader, Gylax. Soon after, the city’s name changed to Apollonia, honoring Apollo, the Greek god. Apollonia was situated on a hilly plateau, overlooking the fertile Musacchia plain. It commanded views of the Adriatic Sea and the Mallakastra hills.

In the early period, Apollonia grew rapidly. Several wars contributed new conquests. For example, the city gained control over the lower Shushicë valley and bitumen mines. The expansion helped Apollonia benefit from fertile lands and increased trade. The wealth from these gains was used to build monuments.

During the classical era, Apollonia minted its own coins. This began in the 5th century BC. The city also had a significant military and economic role. It was known for its rich soil and strategic location by the Aoos River, modern Vjosa. Apollonia’s harbor played a crucial role in its prosperity.

The 4th century BC was a period of great growth. Apollonia’s population and urbanization increased significantly. The city remained a strategic position as a river-port. It controlled a large plain, which extended about 10 kilometers. Apollonia was described by Strabo as a well-governed city. Aristotle noted that it had a narrow oligarchy with few privileged citizens.

By the 3rd century BC, Apollonia was well-established. The city was part of a larger Greek colonization network. It had strong ties with Corinth, its mother city. The city became rich from agriculture and slave trade. Its harbor could accommodate a large number of ships. The local supply of asphalt (bitumen) added to its wealth. This resource was valuable for ship maintenance, since bitumen was used as a material making them waterproof.

The Roman era marked a new chapter for Apollonia. In 229 BC, the city peacefully came under Roman control. It was an important location on the Via Egnatia. This road connected Rome with the eastern parts of the empire. Apollonia’s position made it vital for military operations.

The city was praised by the Roman orator Cicero as a significant city. Apollonia was a center of learning and culture. It had a famous Academy where notable figures studied. Octavian, later known as Augustus, trained here. As a result, the city received many privileges from Augustus, which helped maintain its importance. 

The city’s decline began in the 3rd century AD. An earthquake in 234 AD changed the river’s course. The harbor silted up, and the area became a swamp. This environmental change made the city less habitable. Nearby settlements like Avlona, now Vlorë, grew more important. The city was still a religious center with early Christian influences. Bishops from Apollonia attended major church councils.

Despite its decline, Apollonia’s archaeological remains are significant. Excavations have revealed many ancient structures. These include temples, public baths, and houses. The remains provide insights into both Greek and Roman urban planning. 

3. Finiq Archaeological Park

This ancient settlement lies near the modern village of Finiq, in the Saranda district. It is situated about 10 kilometers from the Ionian Sea. The site is thought to have been continuously inhabited from the Greek period through the Roman Empire and into the Byzantine era. 

Finiq’s origins are believed to be in the Greek period, around the 4th century BC. The city was likely founded by Greek settlers. By the 2nd century BC, the city had come under Roman influence. It was integrated into the Roman province of Epirus Nova.  During this era, Finiq saw the construction of several important structures. These included public baths, a theater, and a basilica. 

The city continued to be populated under Byzantine rule for around 10 centuries, although its significance gradually diminished compared to the Roman era. During this time, Finiq saw the construction of several churches and other religious buildings. It was abandoned after Ottoman invasions.

Excavations have revealed the city’s layout, including a theatre, agora, cisterns, residential areas, walls and religious buildings such as a church and temple.