Giant promenade discovered in Apollonia

TIRANA, August 31 – After two busts considered as the most important discoveries made in the ancient site of Apollonia, the French-Albanian expedition has uncovered a giant promenade believed to the biggest in Albanian archeological sites.
The 150-meter promenade uncovered in the park’s northeastern area is believed to belong to Hellenistic era, archeologists say.
“This is the outline of the Agora promenade, the ancient city’s main square, which belongs to the Hellenistic era,” said a French archeologist as quoted by local media.
Archeologists have also found decorative pieces and ceramics in the promenade where excavations continue.
The French Albanian expedition in the southwestern ancient town of Apollonia uncovered another bust in the Roman villa section few days after a well-preserved bust believed to belong to a Roman athlete was found.
The marble bust showing a Roman woman was the third major discovery made in Apollonia last month when a bronze leg was also found.
Archeologists said the woman’s bust condition is not as perfect as the Roman athlete’s which has been put on display at the archeological museum in Tirana. The bust is damaged at its nose and left ear part.
The French director of the expedition Jean-Luc Lamboley thinks both statues could belong to an important aristocratic family in Apollonia at the end of the second century A.D, a hypothesis which is seriously being considered.
Excavations in the Apollonia park began during World War I by Austrian archaeologists. The process continues as it is believed that most of the city is still deep below Apollonia’s hills.