Ancient limestone statue discovered in Bylis park

TIRANA, March 7 – An ancient limestone statue has been accidentally discovered close to the Bylis archeological park in southern Albania. The statue believed to show the body of a deity or an Illyrian soldier is considered as one of the most important archeological finds in Bylis. It was accidentally discovered during reconstruction works of a local road next to Bylis. According to Bashkim Vrekaj, the Bylis Park director, the statue which has its head missing belongs to the Hellenistic period of the IV to II centuries B.C.
“The discovery has values because it shows that maybe in this part of the Bylis territory, just before entering the ancient city, there existed a temple, altar or monumental grave,” said Vrekaj as quoted by local media. Archeologists hope they will also find the missing head of the statue. Byllis used to be the largest city in Southern Illyria, but despite this fact, it was mentioned relatively late by historians and ancient geographers. Its walls have a length of 2250m and over an area of 30ha. In 49-48 B.C. the city surrenders to the forces of Caesar and served as a base for his large army. Bylis became a Roman colony, during the first years of the dominium of Augustus, and its name became Colonia Iulia Augusta. During the Late Antique period Bylis became an important center and several large Palaeo-Christian basilicas were constructed, all of them carrying lavishly decorated mosaics.