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Albania Uncovers First Monumental Roman Tomb Naming 'Gelliano'

Local officials plan visitor access pending ongoing study.

Overview

  • Excavation at Strikcan began in early August after locals reported unusual stones near the North Macedonia border.
  • The underground chamber measures 9 by 6 meters and dates to the third to fourth century AD.
  • Inscriptions in Greek letters identify an occupant called Gelliano, and a separate text dedicates the tomb to Jupiter.
  • Finds including gold-embroidered fabric, glass plates and knives point to an upper-class burial.
  • Archaeologists report at least two episodes of looting and say nearby inscribed stones tied to another monument remain undeciphered, as authorities prepare to develop the site for tourism.