Archaeologists have uncovered a monumental Roman-era tomb in Strikçan, near Bulqiza in northern Albania’s Dibra region, about 56 miles from Tirana. The discovery is drawing attention for its rare bilingual inscription, dedicated to both the deceased, Gellianos, and the Roman god Jupiter.
Dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries
The tomb, dated to the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., is the first of its kind identified in the region. Measuring roughly 30 by 20 feet, it features a burial chamber rising nearly 8 feet, an antechamber, and a monumental staircase decorated with geometric designs. The scale and layout suggest the structure may have functioned as a mausoleum rather than a simple grave.
Discovery announced by the minister
Albania’s Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, announced the find on his Facebook page, describing it as a major addition to the country’s archaeological record and cultural heritage.
The excavation is part of the Archaeological Research project in the Bulqiza Valley, led by the Institute of Archaeology in cooperation with local experts, including Academician Adem Bonguri and MSc. Erikson Nikolli.
Artifacts recovered despite looting
Although the site had been looted in antiquity, researchers found and returned part of its original inventory. Items included glass vessels, bone combs, knives, and a large fragment of textile woven with gold threads that once wrapped the body of the deceased. These finds, combined with the elaborate architecture, point to the high social status of the individual buried there.
Bilingual inscription: Latin and Greek
The bilingual inscription carved inside the tomb is the first of its kind documented in the Dibra region. Scholars confirm that one language is Latin, consistent with Roman funerary traditions and the dedication to Jupiter.
Reports identify the second language of the inscription as Greek, suggesting a persisting presence of Hellenistic culture alongside Roman influence in the Balkans.
Engineering skill and craftsmanship
Archaeologists noted the tomb’s construction reflects remarkable engineering skill for the period. Large stones, quarried from distant sites, were carefully carved and set into place with precision. The combination of monumental staircases, carved masonry, and decorative stucco demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and artistry.
Dibra’s role in Roman times
Historically, Dibra formed part of the Roman province of Moesia, a key crossroads of trade, military movement, and cultural exchange. If confirmed as Latin-Greek, the inscription would add weight to the blending of Roman and Hellenistic traditions in the Strikçan tomb, offering archaeologists a unique perspective on cultural interaction in the region.
Discoveries such as the Strikçan tomb provide a rare glimpse into the funerary traditions, architectural techniques, and religious beliefs of the region during Roman rule.
National attention and future research
Minister Gonxhja’s announcement has brought national attention to the site, highlighting its importance not only for scholarship but also for cultural tourism. Excavations in the area are ongoing, with the hope of discovering additional tombs, inscriptions, and artifacts that could expand our understanding of ancient life in Dibra.
Standing as both a historical and cultural landmark, the tomb underscores Albania’s Roman heritage while also reflecting possible Greek influence and the broader traditions of ancient civilizations in the Balkans.
