An ongoing Albanian-Italian archaeological expedition is currently taking place at the Archaeological Park of Antigonea, a site that holds a rich trove of ancient relics and historical evidence. This makes the ancient city of Antigonea increasingly appealing for archaeological exploration.
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| At the Archaeological Park of Antigonea |
“The results are satisfying. We have primarily focused on the city’s topography and urban planning, conducting excavations that have revealed two new residential structures previously unknown. In these structures, we’ve identified three to four phases of habitation,” said archaeologist Sabina Veseli.
“This is a unique archaeological mission because we have started to realize the goals we set when we began our work. It’s not just about discovering the ruins of some residences; the most important thing is that we are uncovering evidence of ancient Antigonea—what existed here before King Pyrrhus built a beautiful and organized city as we know it today. We’ve found habitation layers that now need to be identified and studied,” added Italian archaeologist Roberto Perna.
Moreover, this expedition serves as a training ground for both Albanian and Italian students, helping to prepare the next generation of archaeologists.
“This is my second consecutive expedition at Antigonea because I participated last year as well. I love fieldwork at this site, so I decided to return this year,” said an Albanian student.
When asked if it’s exciting to dig and explore in an ancient city, she responded, “Yes, it’s very exciting, especially when you discover new things. It leaves a lasting impression.”
“It’s my first time participating in archaeological excavations here at Antigonea. It’s a wonderful experience. We are uncovering many objects, and it’s thrilling to see new findings emerge step by step, each carrying its own ancient history,” commented an Italian student.
The archaeological site of Antigonea has now become a popular tourist destination. It is hoped that the findings from this expedition will be added to the existing tourist guide of the ancient city.
“Our fieldwork has contributed to an increase in monuments, which will spark interest among both locals and tourists visiting Antigonea. In addition to its vast archaeological wealth, Antigonea also offers natural tourism, as the views from the city are stunning, providing immense beauty both in terms of nature and archaeology,” archaeologist Sabina Veseli remarked.
Antigonea was founded in the 4th century BC and is the largest ancient city in Albania, covering an area of about 45 hectares. The most comprehensive archaeological excavations that revealed the city’s name and history were led by the renowned archaeologist, Professor Dhimosten Budina.