Polish researchers discovered Bassania – lost city from antiquity

In 2018, Polish scientists in Albania found the remains of the lost city of Bassania. This center may have been destroyed by the Romans at the turn of the century.

The discovery took place in the northwest of the country, near the city of Shkoder. In May this year, part of the walls and the gate were excavated. For the construction of the structure, stone blocks were used, which were placed from the outside; inside the walls there were earth and small stones. The walls themselves were over 3 meters wide.

Scientists clearly emphasize that this type of defensive building style was characteristic of Hellenistic culture. Numerous coins and ceramics from the 4th-1st century BC were also discovered on the site.

According to the researchers, the remains of defensive structures were difficult to distinguish, taking into account the specific geological structure – conglomerates and sandstones. The ruins were seen as rocks.

Bassania was an important stronghold of the Illyrian kingdom. According to Titus Livius, the Romans conquered the lands of the Illyrians in 168 BCE, where Gentios was the last independent king. The city of Bassania is mentioned by Livy in the context of the struggle.