New discoveries made in Butrint park

TIRANA, May 15 – A medieval grave, a one-storey building and a square of the 1st century B.C are some of the latest discoveries two U.S and Albanian archeologists have made at the Butrint archeological park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992.
“This is the first time a medieval grave is fully uncovered at the east of the ancient theatre of Butrint. The grave has been conserved and a US anthropologists is soon expected to arrive in Albania to carry out research on the skeleton believed to belong to a 35-year-old man” said U.S archeologist David R. Hernandez.
Albanian archeologist Dhimiter Condi says they have also discovered a building and square dating back to Emperor Augustus time in the 1st century BC, and A.D.
Excavation works by the two archeologists are expected to continue until the end of May.
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.