Archaeologists in Ulpiana, an ancient city in Kosovo’s Dardania region, have uncovered a rare mosaic with an inscription dedicated to Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527–565 CE) and his wife, Theodora. Kosovo’s Minister of Culture, Hajrulla Çeku, announced the find, calling it only the second such mosaic discovered at the site in recent years.
City rebuilt under the emperor’s rule
Ulpiana was a prosperous urban center in the Roman province of Dardania from the first to the sixth century CE. An earthquake in 518 CE destroyed much of the city, but it was later rebuilt under Justinian, who was born in the region.
Two years ago, archaeologists uncovered an inscription recording the city’s reconstruction as Justiniana Secunda. The newly uncovered mosaic, located within an episcopal basilica, is among the few known dedications to Justinian in his birthplace, making it a rare piece of historical evidence that directly links the emperor to the area.
Officials highlight cultural significance
Çeku described the discovery as “a powerful dedication” from Justinian to Dardania and its church. He said it shapes historical understanding of the emperor’s legacy and the city’s importance in the Byzantine era.
Christophe Goddard, Hajdari Arben, and Milot Berisha spearheaded the excavation as part of scientific research at the Ulpiana Archaeological Site.
Prime Minister calls it a rare example of heritage
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, also underscored the significance of the find. In a statement, he said the mosaic serves as a rare witness to Justinian’s connection with his homeland and stands as proof of effective international cooperation in heritage preservation.
Fascinating excavations are taking place in the ancient city of Ulpiana, where a rare inscription of the Emperor Justinian (527–565 C.E.) was discovered last year, showing his connection with Dardania.
This year, an international team of professors and students of archeology… pic.twitter.com/DWoVsIbgzK
— Albin Kurti (@albinkurti) August 17, 2024
Ulpiana’s location, near present-day Pristina, has long been recognized as a key archaeological site for understanding the region’s Roman and Byzantine past.
Heritage protection efforts intensify
The government has placed greater emphasis on protecting archaeological heritage in recent years. Çeku noted that excavations at Ulpiana and the site of Dresnik are being conducted on public land expropriated in 2024, a move that allows for broader exploration.
Another major discovery has been revealed at the Ulpiana archaeological site in Kosovo:
An inscription referring to Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora, only the second of its kind.
While the first inscription mentioned the founding of the city of Justiniana Secunda as a… pic.twitter.com/YHiQHpQHIZ
— Admirim (@admirim) August 2, 2025
Work is underway to develop conservation and management plans, strengthen professional expertise through international collaboration, and expand scientific studies and publications.
Commitment to preserving cultural identity
He added that heritage protection now receives unprecedented commitment, reflecting a shift toward long-term planning for cultural preservation. This includes training local experts, improving research standards, and ensuring that discoveries are documented and shared with the public.
“Archaeology continues to bring us our history. We continue with dedication to research and protect it,” Çeku said.
Discovery adds to historical understanding
The Ulpiana excavations continue to shed light on the city’s role as both a political and religious center in the early Byzantine period.
The mosaic’s discovery not only adds to the understanding of Justinian’s reign but also strengthens the cultural and historical identity of the region he once called home.
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