Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development
“Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania
Vol (I), No.1, 2014
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
RESEARCH ARTICLE
ARCHEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL DATA FOR DYRRACHIONIN
DURING THE TRANSITION FROM
LATE ANTIQUITY TO THE MIDDLE AGES
AFRIM HOTI
“Alxander Moisiu” University, Durrës, Albania
Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
The monuments of paleochristian period have an important place in the cultural fund of Dyrrachion city
(Δυρράχιον). Studying these monuments in the archaeological sphere becomes even more difficult
because of the fact that they inherit some monuments and a definite matter derived from the diggings done
only in the Castle and Macellum of the late Antiquity. (Fig.1).Nonetheless, even historical resources for
the IV-IX centuries are restricted to offer a hypothetical reconstruction of ancient – medieval Dyrrachion.
Even though these are the circumstances, examining some archaeological and historical data on
Dyrrachion, there can be noticed a series of features which highlight the trajectory of the economic and
cultural growth of the city during the transition period from late antiquity to middle ages (late 4 th century –
late 9th century).
Key words: archaeological, historical, data, late antiquity, middle ages, Dyrrachion city
The southwest wall of the castle is compound of four
bastions with the same number of vails. In this line there are
preserved in relatively good conditions four bastions in six
angled shape. (named with the letters: A, B, C, D, E: the in –
between walls: A- B, B-C,C- D,D- E and E-F; and two
entrances: one in the length of the vail A – B and the other
alongside the vail D – E.
The bastions have been designed considering the shaft as a
symmetric axle maintaining the same distance throughout all
the length of the south-western wall. Thus the distances from
bastion A to bastion B; from bastion C to bastion D; also
from D to E, maintain the same distance to the module of
origin: each 80 m distance away from each other. There is
only one exception from this rule the distance from bastion
B to C as the shortest distance, approximately 72 meters.
The bastions which reach a height of 11.00 meters have been
designed and built in two floors, the lower one has served
just as a warehouse and the upper floor, the so called the
floor of the loopholes and the pinnacles. The lower and the
upper floors are connected through wooden stairs. Opposite
the pinnacles it is laid the platform which served for the
guards movement. The height of the vails is about 9.00
meters, but it is to mentioned that this value is not the initial
height because the cultural depots have obviously raised the
level of the ground. The initial height has also been affected
by the damage of the pinnacles, which resulted in its
diminishment. If it were that, we may add the part of the
pinnacles to this value, then the real value of the vail’s
height reaches about to 11 meters. The width of the vails
moves in between 3.20 – 4.00 meters. From a par calculation
it results that the average width of the vails it should have
Ancient late buildings and their survival in the middle
Ages.
I.1. Byzantine castles
From the whole system of fortification, the south-west wall
long 490 meters represents the best preserved line up to our
times from late antiquity. (Fig.1).
The barbaric attacks and the earthquake strikes during the 4 th
to 6th century A.C. gravely damaged the protective basis of
Dyrrachion. The city emperor Anastasius I(491 – 518)
originated from the senatorial aristocracy had built one of
the strongest castles of the time for the revival of the city.
The emperor’s investment was found as evidence on the
inscriptions found in the bricks of the southwest wall
holding the seal “Anastasius the employer”.
The walls of the castle were mainly built with bricks and
mortar, where the thickness of the horizontal space in
between bricks (6 – 8 cm) is larger than that of the bricks,
which is estimated up to 4.5 – 5 cm. An approximate
calculation of the building materials quantity it results that
more or less 15 million bricks, 120 thousand m3 of strong
mortar and approximately 35 thousand m3 of stone for the
foundations were needed to build the castle. These castle
walls built only with bricks and strong mortar mixed with
ceramic pieces are also an evidence of a known technique in
the outer wall of Constantinople also built by the emperor
Anastasius I.1
1
From 60 built works during Anastasius epoch, the castle of Dyrrah
is listed alongside the most important military buildings of the
Byzantine space: Hrysou(1981). There are also evidenced bricks
with monograms of Justinian I .( 527-565): which suggests that he
has also invested in the reconstruction of the city after the
earthquake that took place during his period, year 522: Hoti &
Komata ,2006.
85
Archeological and historical data …
A. Hoti
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
been 3.80 m – 4 m. The width deflections observed in
The podium’s shape is that of a cylindrical stump with a
different points of the platform have been because of the
diameter of 5.75 meters and a height, which goes up to 0.90
damages that the fortification system had gone through in
m. Its structures, built with uncouth stones and with rough
different periods.
limy mortar, which are also built over rectangular slab made
of concrete; that inside part of the slab holds the inscription
of the podium’s stump. It is almost certain that the central
block might have served as a plinth to hold a statue
(Hoti,1996); because a fragment of a marble statue was
found near the podium. (A man’s hand of a natural size
holding a cup on its hand)
The platform occupies the whole surface from the edge of
the podium up to the inner plinth of the retaining wall of the
colonnade. Its platform is divided into two concentric
sectors: a) the central sector juxtaposed around the podium
(with a radius of 3.20 m) most probably paved with mosaics;
and b) peripheral sector paved with marble tiles of the
preconesian type.
Some inscriptions in Greek letters are carved on the
surface of some tiles: πΑΤ on one side of the basement
(positions number 1 and 13-14), εy (number 22) etc. it is not
so clear their meaning but it is obvious that these
inscriptions served as outlines for orientations or the
numbers served to tell their positions. Meanwhile, in one of
the west side tiles it is outlined a circled figure divided in
eight radial sectors inside which it is carved the cross and the
text of a bilingual inscription (Greek and Latin):
ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΝΟΥΒΕΛΛ =κωυσταντίνου του
νωυβελ[ισσιμοχ] =(Konstandinu tu nuvell (novelissimu?).
Fig.1. Location map of macellum (based on JRA .14.393).
It is held that this inscription is related with the cult of the
Constantine the Great; a feature encountered mostly during
During the early Middle Age centuries, the castle was
the late period of the 6thcentury, time when it was greatly
submitted to a partial reconstruction and to some repair in
commemorated the work of this personality, as a supporter
given segments. The fortification system is still with the
of Christianity constitution. The portico with a relatively
same dimensions of the 6th century as it is noticed also by
large surface has been under clear sky, such a position it
the chronicler Ana Komnena.(“Alexsiade”,V, I, 1).(Fig.3).
might have also served as a public square. The podium itself
I.2. Macellum
might have served to hold an imperial statue. The piece of
The traces of the Macellum structure were ascertained by the
sculpture found in its ruins perhaps it belongs to a statue
beginning of the year 1987, during some building actions
exposed on the podium platform.
taken for the construction of a square behin “Aleksandër
Moisiu” Culture Palace.(Fig.2).
After the examinations of the preliminary excavations, it
was stated that Macellum was built over the ruins of roman
terms. It constituted the main compositional code for the
evolution of the urban plan of
Dyrrachion during
palaeochristian period, because it was settled in the main
square of the city.
Macellum has the main surroundings according to a scheme
where all the building structures follow the line of the
concentric circles. They start from the podium centre in a
circular form, continue with the colonnade and the circular
vestibule ending with the circulated wall of the commercial
Fig. 2. View of the Macellum, 1990.
convention. This architectural solution makes us wonder
The
porch
with
the width of 5.30 meters, occupies the whole
about the circular form with a diameter of 72 meters and an
space
of
the
corridor
confined amid the parietal wall of the
overall surface of 5000 m2.
portico
and
the
inside
wall of the commercial environments.
Circle type colonnades with a diameter of about 40 meters
The
porch
has
had
an
organizing role from the functional
engirdle the portico. The platform is laid inside the space of
th
point
of
view,
so
that
it could have a frontal free
the colonnade (from which it has been discovered 5/6 of
communication with the portico; on the other hand, it served
the surface which scales up to 1050 m2), paved with marble
to facilitate the traffic in the commercial environment
tiles. The podium is settled in the center of the platform, in
groups.
its south-eastern part there is a well and in its south-western
part a pit.
86
Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development
“Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania
Vol (I), No.1, 2014
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
The up-to-date records of the excavations show that both the
The need for a broad market was an expression of the
portico and the porch did not have a cover or a roof, but they
increasing of this city's role as a provincial metropolis and
were in the open.
the capital of the Province of New Epirus 7. Having worked
Commercial premises lie on the back of the porch, where are
as a monumental complex: with an open portico (porch)
clearly distinguished the ruins of eight commercial units. (Awhere took place even the activities of the province
F and A’-B’)2 From them, the foundations structures
community; a tradition started since the Theodosian dynasty
and few remnants of retaining walls are preserved. Each of
onwards, the monument spaces, other than as a trading
the premises, with a surface of 20-27 m2, is treated as a
place, served as the Forum of Byzantine province. 8 This dual
separate volume in asymmetrical shape: irregular
character of the monument is also faced in some other
quadrilateral or trapezoidal.
Palaeochristian
Macellums
of
other
Byzantine
In some of the wall bricks (size: 35x29x5 cm) stand stamps
cities.(Claude,1969).
with Christian symbols and monograms the same as those
The construction of Macellum might have been realized in
encountered in the castle of the late antiquity period 3.
the late fifth century9 and more likely might have been
The presence of the counter ruins in areas A and B shows
raised during the reign of Anastasius I (491-518); a period
that they were destined for the sale of meat and fish.
during which this emperor made many investments in his
Counters were constructed with bricks built in various ways,
native city. The data obtained from the current excavations
partly exploiting the internal sites or a corner of the shop 4.
indicate that this monument has been accessible at all times
During the discovery of macellum, there were also
of the Late Antiquity, even in the first decades of the middle
discovered 56 medieval graves. They were found located
Ages.
directly on the platform of the portico, in the floor of the
In the first half of the seventh century; after the demolition;
porch, on the ruins of shops, and outside them.
it seems that Macellum has lost its function and has been
Macellum was built on a square near the north western
turned into grave. Abandoning the city centre and its
corner of the Roman terms about 1.40 m above the level of
transformation into a cemetery; is a phenomenon that has
their ruins, not exploiting any of the premises of the previous
also occurred in of the Balkan Byzantine cities and those of
structures. Surrounded by other buildings of Christian
Asia Minor.10
religion this monument occupied a central position in the
Aspects of the development dynamics of the Dyrrachion in
urban composition of the early Byzantine city 5.
the IV-IX century.
The plan metric and architectural solution of Macellum
The period of late antiquity for the port of Dyrrachion is
offers us an example of the commercial environment, which
the time to intensify trade ties with many provinces and
on one hand keeps close to the Roman tradition (circular
cities of the Mediterranean (Hoti&Komata, 2004). In
colonnades, the type of capitals) and on the other hand
7
For the realization of buildings in Dyrrhachion a special role
reflects a compositional scheme somewhat special 6
played projects that rely on constructive principles of ancient
Macellum structures are harmonized in conformity
architecture while handicrafts local branch has been the leading
with other ancient late buildings. The axis of entry into the
manufacturer of construction materials (bricks, tiles, plates, etc..)
monument is almost parallel to the back of route that
:Hoti & Komata, (2006),198-199
connected the monument with the closest gate of the south8
Also used as a public square (Forum) where, instead of dedicatory
western
perimeter
wall
(“secret
gate”).
column or obelisk, apparently served the podium on which must
(Karaiskaj&.Bace,1975).
have been placed the statue. Moreover the inscription dedicated to
Constantine the Great; the fragment of a statue (probably of any of
the imperial couple: Anastasios I or Ariadnes); are among
evidences that make us to label this monument also as a forum.
See: Hoti,(1996),176-177
9
Conducted excavations in the south of the podium, under the seal
layer of the runway platforms , issued a cultural stratum of the end
of IV century after Kr.cak limit that can be used as a terminus ante
quem for the dating of macellum
10
During the VII-VIII centuries we also have a kind of poverty of
the daily-use facilities, a phenomenon that occurs not only in the
inventory of the graves; but also in cultural layers deposited in the
Macellum ruins and in other monuments discovered in Durres.
See:.Hoti(2005),57-58; Such a phenomenon associated with a
significant reduction in the monetary circulation, due to the import
restriction, whereas such a situation was also accompanied by a
significant weakening of economic and political dependence from
Byzantium. Spahiu,(1979-1980);Hoti&Myrto,(1991).In the seventh
century the number of monetary workshops significantly decreased
due to administrative reform of the year 629. In the tense political
circumstances there was a steep decline of the coins circulation.
After the conquest of the majority of the Balkan from Slavs, of
northern Italy from Longobarda and of Syria and Egypt from
Arabs, there was a sensitive inflation of the Byzantine coin. For
these reasons Constantinople and Thessaloniki remained the only
workshops
of
the
empire
that
continued
their
activities:Grierson(1999)
2
Some excavation results in areas D and E are presented in the
article published by : HOTI & METALLA & SHEHI ,2004.
3
Dyrrachion's manufactory during the sixth century has produced
large quantities of bricks with different size. In some of their sides
have been faced different types of monograms. Among them have
been also faced fragments by the monograms of Emperor
Anastasius
I
(491-518)
and
Justinian
I.(
527565):Zheku,(1972);Hoti,(1996)
4
Macellum must have had the weights room, the toilet (WC), etc.
Any of the premises may have served even for keeping the
livestock. Their slaughter, by keeping on the rituals of worship,
should be done at the square of the podium
5
In the north and east of the monument were found Christian
buildings belonging to the same time frame, the V-VI century. The
presence of several cult buildings near and around it shows that this
monument has played an important role in urban formulation for
the decoration and enrichment of the city centre of Paleochristian
period. See for these: Hoti,(1996).
6
Until today we do not have such a construction known and yet
there is no indication for markets with Colonnade such as that of
Dyrrhachion to determine precisely its topology. Comparisons can
be made only for special architectural elements. An example from
the same Empire area appears in Caricin Grade of southern Serbia,
considered until now as a VI century building, built in honour of
the birthday of Emperor Justinian
87
Archeological and historical data …
A. Hoti
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
commercial premises of Macellum; except imperial
about years 644-663, had as destination trading of these
Byzantine coins11, were also found ceramic objects
objects in the Episcopal city of Dyrrachion13.
(amphorae; lamps, etc.); jewellery objects; glass objects,
During the period of Late Antiquity the most used sea lines
etc., some of which seem to belong import items.12
were the routes (itineraries): Kerkyra–Patras–CorinthSince the mid sixth century onwards it is concluded an
Dyrrhachion;Dyrrhachion – Brindisi - Otranto; Dyrrhachion
increase in manufacturing activity of the city. In Dyrrachion
– Olcinium -Salona.
it operated a manufacture for producing construction
Just like all over the empire, during the VII-VIII century,
materials, together with the latter also a thin ceramic
also in Dyrrhachion, there is a limited development of the
manufactory. Monograms faced in bricks (some of them
construction activity, in the extent that, in comparison with
belonging to the emperors Anastasius I and Justinian I) and
previous construction rhythms, they were insignificant and
Christian symbols (crosses, palm branches, Eucharistic
did not alter the physiognomy of Dyrrhachion city of the
elements, etc.) testify to the role of imperial authority and
Palaeochristian period14 Most of the ancient buildings of late
the church as "defensor civitatis” Objects originating from
antiquity continued to function even in early medieval
manufacturing and commercial centres of the Mediterranean,
beginnings. The Byzantine surrounding walls were
discovered in stratigraphical contexts of Macellum, at the
preserved in the same condition. There were also in use
foot of the castle and elsewhere, can be found in some
some other monuments: the forum, the chapel of the
aspects:
amphitheatre, and together with them the Church of St.
1- Thy can be seen in the products of the architectural
Anargyroi, that is mentioned for the last time in a historical
decorative Palaeochristian sculpture, commissioned by the
source of the year 714. (Hoti,1996:178). Significant
parlour of the Aegean, imported directly from the parlour of
restrictions were also made in the monetary circulation, this
Preconnesus (island in the Sea of Marmara), as a key
as a display the financial system crisis in all Byzantium.
construction site of the Empire, very rich in marble mines.
Having been under the direct control of the Slavs and Avars,
The majority of these facilities are widely used for the
Via Egnatia, as the empire's main commercial artery, for
construction of Christian worship, in the building of
some time, almost ceased to exist. These circumstances
Macellum and in various amenities.
brought as a consequence a significant contraction of sphere
2- In the amphorae of typological eastern and a little western
of exchange and circulation of currency in the region of
Mediterranean origin represented by: LRA 1-5, amphorae of
South-western Illyricum15. But although the interruption of
Samos, spatheion etc., some of which have been in
cash flow brought various difficulties in the economy and of
circulation until the first half of VII century. This rich
manufacturer level of the city, nevertheless archaeological
collection of different types testifies for an intense trade
excavations and sources speak of the continuity of life in
of wine, olive oil and other food assortments.
Dyrrhachion.
3-In the Byzantine jewellery products consisting of Christian
The city of Dyrhachion (Δυρράχιον), being less affected by
liturgy tools (studs, buckles etc.), that, regardless of
the crisis after the migration of peoples (late sixth century assumptions about their origin, even these ornaments
beginning of VII century), was easier to integrate into the
imported from Mediterranean markets through Egnatia and
maritime routes, were very favourite in the jeweller markets
13
In the repertoire of the best genre of the Byzantine handicrafts
of Dyrrachion and other cities of south western Illyricum.
also take place a number of gold and silver dish found in the
In the repertoire of the best genre of the Byzantine handicrafts treasury of Vrap village (12 km near Tirana). Dishes decorated with
also take place a number of gold and silver dish found in the various motifs are found together with belt buckles dated between
treasury of Vrap village(12 km near Tirana).Dishes decorated years 559-665: Balint,(2000).
14
In Dyrrhachion and in some medieval cities (Lissus,
with various motifs are found together with belt buckles of
Avar type dated between years 559-665. This hidden treasure Pulcheriopolis Kanina etc.) was noticed that for the needs of
refurbishing works but also the establishment of new buildings,
ranging from the VII century onwards have been made limited
investments for manufacturing building materials. The discovery,
in recent years, of a ceramic workshop near the Dyrrachion
Macellum, is a fact that during this stage it operated a ceramic
production workshop. It is likely that the products of this
workshop, by the beginning of the eighth century, have been items
that have circulated in markets of Dyrrhachion Archondia:Hot
(2003).
14. Numerical decrease of Byzantine coins was noticed from the
time of Justin II, especially after him, phenomenon found in all
Byzantine Balkan region. This state of non circulating coins except
the narrow regional causes finds an explanation also with the
general crisis of the financial system that affected the entire empire,
starting from the time of Constans II (mid-seventh century) until
the end of the eighth century:Hoti&Myrto,(1991):91-93
15
Numerical decrease of Byzantine coins was noticed from the time
of Justin II, especially after him, phenomenon found in all
Byzantine Balkan region. This state of non circulating coins except
the narrow regional causes finds an explanation also with the
general crisis of the financial system that affected the entire empire,
starting from the time of Constans II (mid-seventh century) until
the end of the eighth century:Hoti&Myrto,(1991):91-93
11
Anastasius I was the first Byzantine emperor who made monetary
reform. The emissions of coins cut from him in 498 under the name
"follis" will touch a new calculus that would change the outdated
Roman system, which was still preserved in Byzantine monetary
denominations. Following an effective financial policy, state
coffers were added, so that by the end of his reign, in the imperial
treasury were collected considerable sums amounted to 32
thousand gold Libra (or 2 million 300 thousand gold nomisma).
The number of coins of Emperors Anastasius I and Justinian I
found in Durres speaks of a roaring trade. Such a phenomenon
reminds us of a well known fact that during the reign of Justinian I,
Dyrrachion was seen as a safe place for storing monetary values:
Hoti&Myrto( 1991),91.Queen of the Goths, Arnalasuntha, in that
situation of unrest, decided to transfer its state coffers from
Ravenna in Durres: Chrysos,(1981), 98
12
In the repertoire of the best genre of the Byzantine handicrafts
also take place a number of gold and silver dish found in the
treasury of Vrap village (12 km near Tirana). Dishes decorated with
various motifs are found together with belt buckles dated between
years 559-665: Balint,(2000).
88
Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development
“Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania
Vol (I), No.1, 2014
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
new political - institutional formations undertaken by the
Arhondia of Dyrrachion had jurisdiction a territory by
imperial power.
conventional limits, as far as it was possible to exercise its
Arhondia of Dyrrachion, created in the beginning of the 8th
activity, regardless of the local proto-Arberor population,
century, was a self – governance form of the city and its
was extended in a much wider region. Its region, often called
surroundings. The Archons mentioned there are the
by nominations as Dyrrakia, Dysrrakia etc., remained
representatives of the local government of the city. In some
the major urban center, and the only military bases of
Byzantine novels of the time, especially those of the 8th and
Byzantium in the Adriatic coast. (Hoti,2005:58).
9th century, taking into special consideration in the
In the first decades of the eighth century, after returning of
Uspensky’s Taktikon (845 – 846), it is explicitly mentioned
its naval forces in the Adriatic, the Byzantine Empire still
the Arhondia of Dyrrachion, as the biggest and the most
continued to exercise its authority in the region of Otranto,
important district
on the outskirts of Ravenna, Venetia and in some islands of
in the coastal generations of east Adriatic. Dyrrachion and
Dalmatia.( Prigent,2008).
its harbor were mostly well known during this period as the
During the years 765-770 in the Adriatic Sea we have a
largest military base of Byzantine fleet.(Hoti, 2005).
visible presence of the Byzantine fleet, having as a
The organization of the Dyrrachion Province looked like
supporting base the Dyrrachion port where the local
archondian model that Byzantium had created for other
administrative structures of Archon were operating. In the
provinces in Dalmatia, and elsewhere. In Archondia of
district of the local aristocracy of the city, as seen even in the
Dyrrhachion (Δυρράχιον) it is also faced the type of the
readings of medallions, were also part the defensive military
castle "Castra" as a form of reduced paleokristian city plan
troops.(Kislinger, 2011). Durres citizen militia formally is
within the acropolis, a phenomenon that occurs in the
identified as a well armed regiment which was led by the
Aegean basin (Amphipoulis, Christoupolis etc.).(
power of the authority of Archon, strongly supported by the
ecclesiastical authority of the city.( Prigent,2008: 408).
Hoti,2005:57).
Fig.3.Durres in 1861,engraving by H.Daumet and J.Sulpic
The beginning of IX century IX- the end of XI century)
belongs to a period that the role of Dyrrachion city grew still
further, particularly after the establishment of the Theme
with the same name (811-815). Favourable geographic
position of Αρβανον region, replication of the Via Egnatia,
the strengthening of contacts with Western countries,
increasing the value of Byzantine coin16, all this made
possible that during the IX-X century to have a new impetus
to economic.
Since the beginning of this period new works are established
in the field of ecclesiastical monumental constructions.
Sources give us evidence that during the years 813 to 826 is
built a monastery. A number of specimens of the
architectural decorative plastic of the IX century (capitals,
newels, ornate geometric freezer fragments, palmettes, etc.),
testify to the Byzantine-style buildings. A basilica with
baptistery on newels dated IX century was discovered near
the walls of the castle near the C tower (St. Nicholas).
Archaeological excavations in the city centre have met with
a large worship building (perhaps a cathedral) from which
have emerged architectural elements, pieces of frescos and
other materials of daily use, dated IX-X century.
Reconstruction with special fragmentary sections are also
done in the perimeter wall. By the end of the X century
sources also mention the church of St. Andrew, Sea
Monastery etc.(Santoro&Hoti&Sassi,2008).
Increased economic level made is possible to expand the
population of the city in annex fortification near Cape Paul
where it is likely that during this period have come
inhabitants of the interior territory, a phenomenon that has
affected necessarily further amendments of ethnic
physiognomy of the city. In Durres and its surroundings the
16
Increased circulation of coins becomes considerably since the
time of Emperor Theophilus onwards. In the catalog of coins of this
phase, after Theophilus, follow with currencies of Basil I (5 units),
of Leo VI (30 units), the emperor who until now is represented with
many coins. Afterwards continue with coins of Romanos I (3
units), of Constantine VII and Nikephoros II Phokas (3 pieces
each), with an increase in the time of John I Tzimiskes (11 units)
and Basil II (12 units):Hoti&Myrto,(1991):92-93.
16. Early medieval pottery discovered in Dyrrhachion, Kroia,
Lissus, Pulcheriopolis etc. is represented by different categories of
vessels. There predominate the pots jars, jerry and jugs. Among the
vessels that carry typical new elements not only in typological
treatment but also in their decoration, there are also the amphorapitcher (type Otranto with its two variants):Hoti, (1999):238-239
89
Archeological and historical data …
A. Hoti
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
names of places are preserved but there exist even the
12. Hoti, A., Metalla E., Shehi E. 2004.,” Recentissimi
foreign sources names (Carina,Gerdec,etc.) related to the
scavi archeologici a Durazzo, 2001-2003, in M.Buora, S.
Bulgarian occupation.( History,2002).
Santoro (eds.), Progetto Durrës. Atti del secondo e terzo
During this time in the town market, were in circulation
incontro scientifico. Strumenti della salvaguardia del
ceramic products and a diverse number of Byzantine
patrimonio culturale. Carta del rischio archeologico e
jewellery consisting of earrings, rings, pendant, bracelet, and
catalogazione informatizzata: esempi italiani ed
liturgy tools (crosses of type "Holy Land" and crosses),ect.(
applicabilità in Albania (Parma-udine 27-29 marzo
Hoti,1995) 17. After the creation of Theme new political2003). Alte tecnologie applicate all’archeologia di Durrës
administrative and church reorganization sped up the
(Durrës
22
giugno
2004)”,
Antichità
conditions for final transformation of Dyrrhachion into a
Altoadriatiche,58,Trieste,pp.514-516.
typical Byzantine-Arbëror city, among the most important in
13. Hoti A. 2005.” L’Illirico sudoccidentale nei secoli IVthe west of the empire. There will not be long and in
VII” ,
Gli Illiri e l’Italia(Atti del Convegno
Byzantine novels for this city, will come to powerful feudal,
Internazionale di Studi, Treviso 16 ottobre 2004),
coming from the ranks of the people belonging to the most
Treviso,53-75.
outstanding part of the city community. In Bishti i Pallës for
14. Hoti, A., Komata, D..2006.” Monograme, Symbole und
the first time will be mentioned the topical name Albenje.
Inschriften der Frühbyzantinischen Zeit in Albanien”, 8
The formation of feudal civic culture is closely linked to the
Internationale
Symposion
für
Byzantinische
processes of Arbëror culture because Durres being the city in
Sigillographie“ (1-4 Oktober 2003), Studies in Byzantine
life continuity since antiquity, was one of the most powerful
sigillography 9, Leipzig, pp.197-200.
nuclei where was born the medieval Arber, main center of
15. .Karaiskaj, Gj. Bace, A. 1975.” Kalaja e Durrësit dhe
the social economic unity formation and linguistic and
fortifikimet përreth në kohën e
vonë antike”.
cultural unification of Arbanon region (Hoti,2005:58-59).
Monumentet, 9, pp.5-33.
16. Kislinger, E. 2011 ,”Dyrrhachion und die Küsten von
Epirus und Dalmatien im frühen Mittelalter –
Bibliography:
Beobachtungen zur Entwicklung der byzantinischen
1. Bálint, C. 2000 .” Some Avar and Balkan Connections
Oberhoheit”, Millennium 8/2011,Jahrbuch zu Kultur und
of the Vrap Treasure”From Attila to Charlemagne, New
Geschichte des ersten Jahrtausends n. Chr.(Yearbook on
York, pp.180-187.
the Culture and History of the First Millennium
2. Claude,
D.1969.”Die
byzantinische
Stadt
im
C.E.),Berlin/Boston.p.331-333
6.Jahrhundert”Byzantinisches Archiv,13, pp.63-68.
17. Prigent,V.
2008.”Notes
sur
l’évolútion
de
3. COMNENA, A. 2010.Alexsiade, a cura di G. Agnello,
l’administration
byzantine
en
Adriatique
(VIIIe-IXe
Palermo,libro V, I, 1.
siècle)” ,MEFRM – 120/2 – 394.
4. Evangelos, H.1981.“ Syinboli stin Istoria tis
18. Santoro, S., Hoti, A., Sassi, B.. 2005.” L’anfiteatro di
Iperion”Iperotika Kronika” 23. p. 98.
Durazzo. Studi e scavi 2004-2005”, Annuario della
5. Grierson, P. 1999. Byzantine Coinage, Dumbarton Oak
Scuola Archeologica Italiana di Atene LXXXIII, s.III,5,
Research Library and Collection , Washington
t.II, (2008), (Dyrrachium I),p.728.
D.C.pp.17-19.
19. Spahiu, H. 1979-1980. “Monedha bizantine të shek. V6. HISTORY 2002. History of the Albanian People, I,
XII të zbuluara në territorin e Shqipërisë”.Iliria, IXTirana,pp.218-219.
X,pp.353-422.
7. Hoti, A., Myrto H. 1991 ,”Imperial Byzantine coins
20.
Zheku, K, 1972. “ Zbulime epigrafike në muret
from Durrës”,Iliria ,1-2, pp. 91-122.
rrethuese të kalasë së Durrësit” , Monumentet, 3 ,
8. Hoti, A. 1995.”Des croix médièvales trouvées en
pp.35-57.
Albanie”,Iliria,1-2, pp.241-248.
9. Hoti, A. 1996.” Des données archéologiques sur le
christianisme ancien a Dyrrhachium (IV-VII siècles)”,
Iliria ,26, 1-2, pp.173-181.
10. Hoti, A. 2003.” Some features of the early medieval
pottery in Albania (7-11 centuries)”VII e Congres
International sur la Ceramique Medievale en
Mediterranee,”
(Thessaloniki
11-16
October
1999),Athens, pp.237-240.
11. Hoti A., Komata, D. 2004.”Trade relations between the
ancient tomns of Albania and the Aegeus region during
the IV-VII centuries”, Η Καβαλα Και Τα Βαλκανια”
(20-23 Σεπτεμβρίου 2001), Καβαλα, pp.167-180.
17
Early medieval pottery discovered in Dyrrhachion, Kroia, Lissus,
Pulcheriopolis etc. is represented by different categories of vessels.
There predominate the pots jars, jerry and jugs. Among the vessels
that carry typical new elements not only in typological treatment
but also in their decoration, there are also the amphora-pitcher (type
Otranto with its two variants):Hoti, (1999):238-239
90