A group of researchers have asked the Albanian authorities to set up a museum to store and exhibit hundreds of thousands of Roman and Greek artifacts and antique relics found at the bottom of the little explored sea of Albania.
During a conference devoted to underwater archeology, archaeologists have warned that this vast wealth of discoveries in the southern part of the country, near the border with Greece, could be easily ruined by perpetrators, robbers, and treasure seekers.
James Goold, the president of the Florida Nautical Foundation, based in Florida, stated that the objects date from the 8th century BC until the Second World War and can be a major tourist attractions if properly evaluated.L'RPM Goold (Italian-Albanian Research Institute) has evidenced on the Sea sector from the Greek border to the Gulf of Vlora, at least 22 relics, from Antiquity to World War II and hundreds of amphorae.
These earthen pots are long and narrow and are used to transport olive oil and wine along trade routes between North Africa and the Roman Empire, where Albania (Illyria) was in the middle.
"It is time to build a museum for Albanian and foreign tourists. Many amphorae are probably already trafficked, many of whom we see as decorations in restaurants along the sea. Albania is trying to protect and capitalize on its wealth," the archaeologist Neritan Ceka said.
"The arrival of the research vessel Hercules RPM, 11 years ago, has been a real revolution," said Ceka, praising the work of the undercover professionals and the underwater drone module used for research.
RPM is an Italian-Albanian cooperation institute, the only one of its kind in Albania.