Archaeologists have uncovered six ancient mosaic floors at Qesarat in southern Albania, revealing new details about a large settlement that flourished along the Vjosa River during the Roman period. The discovery was made near Tepelenë during the 2026 excavation season. Researchers date the newly exposed architectural complex to the fourth century A.D., about 1,600 years ago.
The floors contain multicolored geometric patterns and human figures. Fragments of painted wall decoration also survived, suggesting considerable resources were devoted to decorating the building’s interior. Similar combinations of mosaics and painted walls have survived at other Roman villas across the ancient world. The discovery was announced by Vjosa National Park. The Albanian-Italian archaeological project is led by Eduart Shehi and Sabina Veseli of Albania’s Institute of Archaeology and Custode Silvio Fioriello of the University of Bari Aldo Moro.
Surveys reveal a large Roman settlement
The mosaics are part of a much broader archaeological landscape at Qesarat. Other discoveries in Albania have similarly revealed new evidence about settlements and monumental architecture in the ancient Balkans.
Researchers have investigated Qesarat for several years and identified a large, multi-layered settlement dating mainly to the Roman and Late Antique periods. Earlier work suggested it may have developed around a substantial Roman villa before expanding across the natural amphitheater occupied by the modern village.
During the first survey seasons, archaeologists examined about 70 hectares, or 173 acres. They recorded 67 topographical units and identified about 20 archaeological sites. Many showed evidence of activity during more than one period. Previous investigations also revealed a large building with thermal spaces and evidence of Roman residences decorated with mosaics and painted walls.
The latest mosaics add to evidence that Qesarat contained a significant concentration of buildings rather than a single isolated complex. Archaeologists have not yet published a full interpretation of the newly excavated structure, and its exact purpose remains unclear.
History stretches back thousands of years
Qesarat’s history predates Roman rule by thousands of years. Earlier surveys uncovered material attributed to the Late Neolithic and Bronze Age. One concentration covered more than three hectares, or 7.4 acres, and produced more than 1,100 flint artifacts and hundreds of pottery fragments.
Researchers have suggested the evidence could represent an unusually large prehistoric settlement, although further excavation is needed. The discoveries add to a growing archaeological picture of Albania, where Late Antique mosaics found at ancient Antipatrea have also provided evidence of communities that flourished during the later Roman world. Further excavation at Qesarat could determine whether the fourth-century complex served as an elite residence, belonged to a larger settlement, or had another function.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
