In a remarkable archaeological find, a piece of silk textile dating back over 2,600 years has been discovered in Albania, marking it as one of the oldest known silk fabrics in the region. This discovery was announced by researcher and restorer Frederik Stamati, a respected figure in Albanian heritage preservation, who has frequently unveiled significant historical artifacts tied to the country’s rich cultural legacy.
 |
| A piece of silk dating back 260 years found in Albania |
The ancient silk was found in Apollonia, an ancient Greek city located near modern-day Fier in Albania, within a bronze urn. According to Stamati, this urn, now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Apollonia, held what was once a complete garment—likely a delicate silk mantle. Over the millennia, the garment degraded substantially, leaving behind only remnants of the fine fabric. Stamati describes the textile’s structure as intricate, with over 1,000 silk threads per 10 centimeters, closely resembling basket weaving in appearance, state media reports.
Within the urn, time and environmental conditions transformed much of the textile into a dark dust, yet a portion of the fabric survived. "A part of the silk cloth had come out of the urn and adhered to its outer surface, preserved as a faint, corroded mineral image,” Stamati explains. “If you examine the photographs closely, you can see that this 'block' actually contains two distinct textiles." He notes that one of these textiles, as seen in the second photograph, was woven with a looser pattern, a style that corresponds to modern-day garniture fabric—textiles typically used for decoration.
Stamati reveals that two different silk fabrics were stored within the urn, likely garments representative of their era. His careful analysis and preservation efforts highlight the sophistication of ancient textile craftsmanship, as well as the importance of protecting Albania’s historical artifacts for future generations.
With this find, Frederik Stamati continues his vital work in uncovering and preserving the historical identity of Albania. His hands have brought to light countless materials and historical evidence, further illuminating the story of Albania's ancient heritage.