The discovery resulted from joint fieldwork by Albanian and Italian archaeologists conducting research in the Qesarat area to document and study traces of its archaeological heritage.

The Albanian-Italian expedition forms part of the Institute of Archaeology’s research programme and aims to deepen understanding of the archaeological and historical heritage of the Tepelena region.

The work at Qesarat was also featured in a report by Albanian broadcaster Report TV, showing the findings and field activities of the joint expedition.

The Academy of Sciences said archaeological research and field documentation were part of broader efforts to study, identify and preserve Albania’s cultural heritage.

The latest discovery adds to archaeological research being carried out across Albania through scientific cooperation projects involving foreign institutions and researchers.

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The discoveries were made during excavations at the acropolis of the ancient city near Bushat, northern region of Shkoder, a site dating from the fourth to the first centuries BC.

The excavation project is being carried out by the University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage and the University of Warsaw’s Centre for Research on Ancient Southeastern Europe, in cooperation with regional cultural heritage authorities.

According to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodra, the findings provide new information on the extent of the ancient urban area, the architecture of its public buildings and later phases of occupation at the Illyrian-era settlement.

The Bushat site was recently granted protected archaeological status and is expected to be equipped with visitor signage in the coming months as part of efforts to improve public access and heritage preservation.

Authorities said maintenance and conservation work has also been stepped up at several major archaeological sites in northern Albania, including the settlements of Koman and Bushat, as well as Rozafa Castle and Lezha Castle.

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A mixed team of international and local experts led by Professor Christophe Goddard, and including Arben Hajdari and Milot Berisha, made a remarkable discovery at the archaeological site of Ulpiana: the dedication by Emperor Justinian (527-565 AD) and his wife Theodora of an “urbs Dardaniae”, one of the very few Latin dedications of the imperial couple in the late Roman world.

The mosaic represents very rare piece of evidence and proves the closeness of the emperor to the province of origin.  The church presents one of the greatest discoveries of the late Roman Empire and its most important emperors.

The Anthropology Professor at the University of Pristina, Tahir Latifi, hailed the unearthing of the inscription of Emperor Justinian at the archaeological site of “Ulpiana” as an extraordinary discovery.

“Mentioning Justinian the Great and his wife Theodora as founders of the city and contributors to huge churches in the city of Dardania, Justiniana Secunda, presents important historical evidence and a fresh evidence for historiography,” Professor Latifi said via the social media on Wednesday.

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