Ancient and middle aged Bylis

TIRANA, Sept. 20 – Only 5-6 kilometers from the Ballshi town, on the right side above some hills one may see the Hekali place where the ancient ruins of the Bylis town are found. It is believed that it was created since the ancient times and continued to exist during the Middle Age as well. Bylis has started to exist since the 4th century B.C. and populated by the people from a nearby town known with the name of Nikoja. Bylis surrounding walls were some 2,200-2,300 meters long and having more space than Nikoja it soon turned into an important center for the Bylyni big family. They produced their coins during the years 220-260. then during the second century it seemed it lost its importance and turned into a small town or a village because of the wars between the Illyrians and the Romans. During the 6th century its area was reduced to one third of the previous one.
The first archaeological excavations at the area started in 1976. there were found five paleochristian basilicas, five mosaics belonging to the 5-6 century, other ancient monuments, surrounding walls, a ruined theatre, three walking areas and other objects. The town has Greek and roman architecture which mix with the Illyrian one of the time. Bylis is a good tourist place to be visited.