The expedition is aimed at compiling an archeological map of the Drino Valley, where ancient Hadrianapolis lies
Tirana Times
TIRANA, July 26 – A team of archeologists has resumed excavations in the ancient Roman city of Hadrianapolis located in the southern district of Gjirokastra, local media reported. The expedition is co-led by professor Roberto Perna of Italy’s University of Macerata and Dhimiter Condi of the Albania Archeological Institute.
The expedition is aimed at compiling an archeological map of the Drino Valley, where ancient Hadrianapolis lies. According to archeologist Condi, Italian and Albanian students are participating in the expedition along with archeology students from Oxford University. Archeologists say the some Roman objects found in the ancient theatre of Hadrianapolis will be restored. Meanwhile, a ballet night with renowned Albanian dancer Anbeta Torovani and some Italian colleagues of hers will be held on August 14 in the archeological site. Located in Drino valley in Gjirokastra region by a village bearing the same name, Roman Adrianopolis dates back to the second century A.D. The theatre was excavated in 1984 and has a capacity of 4,000 seats in 27 steps. The settlement, Hellenistic in origin, was re-founded under Emperor Hadrian, who gave it its name. The excavated remains include public buildings such as a theatre and Roman baths, large parts of the urban settlement and an extensive necropolis.
