Italian archeologists assist in Durres amphitheatre scientific publication

TIRANA, June 12 – Italian and Albanian archeologists resumed work this week to conduct research, certificate and maintain the southern part of the Roman ancient amphitheatre of Durres where excavation carried out in recent years has unveiled important findings of the amphitheatre’s post-ancient stages and structures of the big Roman monument.
Archeologists of Italy’s Chieti University will assist in completing documentation collected during past excavation on the structures and materials found in the amphitheatre and work on the final publication of the scientific material scheduled for the end of this year.
Different teams of archaeometrists will visit Durres amphitheatre in two research campaigns in June-July and September 2012.
The research, documentation and restoration campaign is funded by the Chieti University of Pescara and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a pilot project in cooperation with Albanian culture heritage institutions.
“This is a small intervention in the area of Italian-Albanian excavations pending the big project of monument’s restoration and extension, which we all hope will return to its previous glory,” says a statement by the Italian Institute of Culture.
Albanian culture officials have been lobbying to secure funds that would revitalize the Roman amphitheatre of Durres, the biggest in the Balkans, turning it into a site where different cultural events could be attended by up to 1,500 people. According to a decision by the National Council of Archaeology, the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Durres and the newly excavated remains of the Castle of Tirana will be restored and turned into museum centers. Under the project, the Durres amphitheatre which dates back to the 2nd century, will have its museum part restored and visitor areas extended. It will also be made available to the public as a venue for events. The project foresees further excavations and demolition of illegal buildings around the amphitheatre.
Archaeologists have discovered some of the country’s most beautiful mosaics in the ancient city of Durres and its suburbs. Apart from the “Durres Beauty” mosaic which is on display at the National Historical Museum in Tirana, Durres is also known for its mosaic at the ancient Roman amphitheatre, the Arapaj Basilica and several others which are being preserved pending to be displayed.