TIRANA, June 12 /ATA/ - Archaeologists have uncovered previously unknown mosaics near an early Christian basilica in the central Albanian city of Elbasan, shedding new light on the history of the ancient settlement of Scampis.

The discovery was made during excavations conducted under a project exploring a Roman-Byzantine quarter located outside the walls of the ancient fortress of Scampis, including an early Christian basilica situated beyond the city's fortifications.

The excavations, led by Albania’s Institute of Archaeology, took place in the Scampis archaeological area opposite the main gate of Elbasan Castle.

Among the finds is a well-preserved polychrome mosaic depicting a Eucharistic scene, as well as an inscription mentioning two benefactors, including a deaconess named Euridyce.

According to researchers, the newly uncovered mosaics belong to an earlier phase of the basilica than previously documented, providing fresh evidence of the site's development during the late Roman and early Byzantine periods.

The project was approved by Albania’s National Council of Material Cultural Heritage. Following the discovery, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, in cooperation with the Municipality of Elbasan, is preparing a rehabilitation and conservation programme for the area surrounding the monument.

The initiative aims to preserve and restore the site while making it more accessible to visitors and promoting its cultural and historical value.

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