The best preserved Roman ruins in Albania

Explore the finest examples of ancient Roman architecture in Albania. Below, we have highlighted the best preserved Roman sites across the country.

Roman Albania

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.

Top Roman Sites in Albania

Each site listed here has played a role in shaping the ancient world. The ruins offer insight into Roman engineering, daily life, and culture. For an interactive visual overview of all Roman sites in Albania, please consult our Roman Sites Map above.

Explore the Best Preserved Roman Ruins in Albania

Below is a categorized list of Roman sites that have detailed articles.