Ancient Roman forum discovered in Butrint park

TIRANA, May 28 – The portico of 2,00- year- old forum believed to have been sunk by seismic waves has been discovered in the Butrint archeological park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Albania. The discovery was made by an Albania-US expedition which has also uncovered a church and 13 tombs belonging to the 13th century.
“The forum is the most important and biggest monument after the amphitheatre. Its dimensions with a length of 75 meters and width of 21 metres show it is one of biggest forums in Roman provinces and at the same time one of the most well-preserved,” says Dhimiter Condi, an Albanian archaeologist as quoted by local media.
David Hernandez, the U.S archeologist participating in the expedition describes the new excavated site as one of the most important building of Roman times, adding another giant monument to Butrint.
Archeologists say they will continue carrying out excavations even next June.
The Butrint settlement became an important stop along the merchant trade routes and reached the height of its glory in the 4th century BC as one of the major maritime and commercial centres of the ancient world. The sight of the fortifications alone, which date from the 6th century BC, evokes the military and economic potential of the city at the time. The hill on which the acropolis stands is encircled by a wall built from huge stone blocks. The amphitheatre, dating from the 3rd century BC, bears witness to the cultural riches of the city: the stone banks of seating, of which 23 rows have been preserved, would have held an audience of 1,500. The theatre is situated at the foot of the acropolis, close by two temples, one of which is dedicated to Asclepios, the Greek god of medicine, who was worshipped by the city’s inhabitants.
Excavations have brought the light to many objects – plates, vases, ceramic candlesticks – as well as sculptures including a remarkable ‘Goddess of Butrint’ which seems to completely embody, in the perfection of its features, the Greek ideal of physical beauty.