The special burial rite of antiquity in Durrës is discovered for the first time

The burial site discovered recently in Durrës

 During the excavations carried out in the months of September-October 2021, Albanian archaeologists managed to discover a very special burial rite that is encountered for the first time in the territory of Durrës. It is thought to be the first of its kind in the territory of Albania.

The "Refrigerium" was a memorial meal consumed above (or inside) a tomb. It was done cyclically on the day of death, the ninth day after death, and then on each anniversary.

During its realization, water, wine, milk or honey were poured on the grave of the deceased, in order to comfort or "refresh" (hence the Latin word ‘Refrigerium’) of his soul, which at that time was believed to always be close to the body.

Brikena Shkodra-Rrugia is the archaeologist who led the scientific research that was implemented by the Institute of Archeology and she tells in the video "Culture in 1 minute" about the discovery that was found in a cemetery with 12 graves, belonging to 3 different chronological periods, which thought to date from the late 6th century AD.