Durres, the Albanian link between west and eastMar 6, 2009
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Metal Soldier guarding the coast of Durres
Archeological rubble outside the Durres museum
Gladiator Christopher (or wild animal??)
| 3/8/09 Back in Roman times, the road from Durres (the other city awarded independent state status from Julius Cesar) connected with the road from Apollonia to become the Via Egnatia, a major trade route linking the Roman empire to the “Near East” (e.g., Istanbul, then Constantinople). As a result, Roman ruins, both big and small, can be found scattered all over the city (literally; the archeological rubble outside of the arqueological museum is astounding). However, inside is a treasure trove of ancient finds. Check out the examples of strigia, the tool used by the ancient Greeks to scrape oil and sweat off their bodies, or Fran’s personal favorite, ancient tombstones featuring the head and nether regions of important men. Christopher particularly enjoyed roaring through the tunnels used by ancient gladiators in the amphitheater; hidden in a small alleyway we found a fabulous centuries-old mosaic being systematically damaged by water. Such a shame that Albania struggles to find the resources to preserve its ancient treasures. |
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