Publications
Butrint
Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Albania, offers a comprehensive archaeological narrative spanning 5,000 years of Mediterranean history. The site's strategic significance as a seaport is highlighted through the integration of latest archaeological data, revealing its evolution from Bronze Age foundations to its role under Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian rule. A key insight emerges from the chronological organization of findings, which traces Butrint’s transformation—from an ancient Greek sanctuary and Roman colony to a medieval Byzantine kastron—and its rediscovery by the Italian Archaeological Mission in 1928. This work not only sheds light on Butrint’s cultural heritage but also establishes it as Albania’s premier archaeological site, blending academic rigor with accessibility for students and general readers alike.
Butrint and Coastal Chaonia (Saranda, Albania)
Recent research at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, Albania, has uncovered evidence of long-term settlement on the acropolis and advanced our understanding of the site's historical development. Using innovative methodologies such as laser scanning, mapping, stratigraphic investigations, and digital documentation, the Butrint Project—led by the University of Bologna in collaboration with the Archaeological Institute of Tirana—has reconstructed Butrint’s past from its Hellenistic city walls to its modern-day significance. Underwater explorations of the lagoon have further elucidated the site’s topography and landscape dynamics. The project also integrates landscape archaeology to analyze settlement patterns and socioeconomic factors across coastal Epirus, while promoting public engagement through educational initiatives. This interdisciplinary approach not only deepens our knowledge of Butrint’s Mediterranean history but also underscores its cultural heritage value.
The glass from the Western Defences at Butrint
A detailed analysis of glass artifacts from the Western Defenses at Butrint, particularly from Towers 1 and 2, reveals a sophisticated trade network connecting Butrint with Egypt, Syria, and Palestine during the Late Roman and Byzantine periods. The study cataloged and classified glass fragments—including window glass, bottles, jugs, and goblets—by type, color, and manufacturing technique. Chemical composition data was used to trace the provenance of these artifacts, suggesting a dynamic exchange of goods. Tower 1's context hints at its possible role as a storage or recycling hub, offering new insights into the economic and cultural dynamics of the time.
Butrint National Park 'Integrated Management Plan' - Combining Natural Park with Cultural Heritage
Butrint, a UNESCO-listed site straddling the boundaries of cultural heritage and natural conservation, faces significant challenges due to climate-induced flooding, particularly affecting its ancient theatre and Roman forum. A novel Integrated Management Plan (IMP), implemented in 2021, aims to address these issues by streamlining conservation efforts and archaeological interventions across both cultural and natural domains. This approach seeks to overcome the inefficiencies caused by jurisdictional overlaps between institutions, ensuring sustainable and long-term management of the site's monuments. The IMP represents a critical step toward balancing the preservation of Butrint's rich layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian heritage with the protection of its surrounding natural park ecosystem.
A Colossal Cult Statue Group from Dobër, Albania: Visual Narratives of East and West in the Countryside of Butrint
A colossal cult statue group from the countryside of Butrint, Albania, reveals the region's pivotal role as a cultural crossroads between East and West. The statues, discovered in 1913 on a low hill called Dobër, depict the enthroned Mother of the Gods flanked by two standing male figures—likely Attis or a figure from the Trojan saga, such as Askanios—and an unidentified male. Stylistic analysis suggests these statues date to the late fourth or third century BCE and were likely housed in a temple at Dobër. The group serves as a visual narrative of Butrint's literary and cultural ties to Troy, while also highlighting its strategic importance during Rome's Macedonian Wars and Augustan colonization. Archival research challenges the association of a veiled female head from Ioannina with this group, reinforcing the focus on Butrint's historical significance.
The Roman Suburb on the Vrina Plain Outside Butrint, Albania
Archaeological excavations led by the Butrint Foundation between 2000 and 2007 revealed a previously unrecognized Roman suburb on the Vrina Plain, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint in Albania. This unfortified settlement emerged around a multi-arched bridge spanning the Vivari channel, initially consisting of small dwellings and shops before evolving into a substantial channelside villa—akin to those found within Butrint's walled enclosure. The discovery challenges earlier assumptions by Luigi Maria Ugolini, who had not identified this suburb at Phoinike or Butrint. This study, published in GROMA: Documenting Archaeology, sheds new light on the early Roman urbanization and architectural development outside Butrint's fortified boundaries.
Landscapes of water and landscapes of power: hydraulic politics in Butrint (Albania) between Venetians and Ottomans
Archaeological evidence from Butrint, Albania, reveals how hydraulic landscapes and water management strategies evolved between Venetian (14th–18th centuries) and Ottoman (19th–20th centuries) rule, reflecting shifts in political power and local economies. The study demonstrates that changes in water infrastructure—such as canals, irrigation systems, and settlement patterns—were not merely functional but deeply tied to broader hydraulic politics. These adaptations influenced regional landscapes, economic activities, and settlement dynamics, illustrating the complex interplay between environmental manipulation and governance in a border area. The research underscores the significance of water resources as both a tool for control and a catalyst for social transformation.
The Abandonment of Butrint: From Venetian Enclave to Ottoman Backwater
Butrint's abandonment after the Ottoman sack of 1537 was not due to immediate depopulation but rather a gradual decline exacerbated by environmental adversities, including malaria and emergent wetlands. The site remained economically active and strategically important to Corfu despite being resettled. This study analyzes excavated Venetian houses and later burials at the Roman forum to argue that Butrint's final abandonment was influenced by plague, border-zone dynamics, and state decay, rather than immediate post-sack abandonment. The research focuses on the period from A.D. 1386 to 1928, before archaeological excavations began.
The Goddess of Butrint: a Mythological Paradigm
A new interpretation of the 'Goddess of Butrint' statue challenges its traditional classification, revealing it as a symbolic fusion of Themis and Apollo. This mythological paradigm, discovered during 1928 excavations at Butrint's theatre, was likely intended to commemorate Augustus' victory in Actium and the deification of Livia. Unlike previous assumptions that treated the head (object no. 1227) as a fragmentary sculpture or a variant of Apollo's Anzio type, this study integrates historical analysis with stone carving techniques and stylistic elements, arguing for its unified significance. The head's asymmetrical design, polychrome residues, and varied carving stages further support this reinterpretation. While the statue's body was destroyed in 1943, the surviving head offers critical insights into its original intent.
The new Italian and Albanian archaeological project in Butrint (2015-2018)
A new archaeological project (2015–2018) in Butrint, led by Italian and Albanian researchers, has significantly advanced the understanding of the site's ancient history. The collaboration uncovered previously unknown monuments and structures, shedding light on the region's cultural heritage dating back to at least the 1920s when early excavations began under Luigi Maria Ugolini. This project builds upon decades of research, revealing new insights into Butrint's layered past as a major center in Northern Epirus. The study employed modern archaeological techniques to document and analyze findings, contributing valuable data to the preservation and interpretation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Battling Water: the Frontiers of Archaeological Excavations at Butrint (1928–2014)
Rising sea levels have significantly altered the archaeological landscape at Butrint revealing that its ancient urban center developed much later than previously believed. The Roman Forum Excavations (RFE) Project pioneered wet-site excavations, reaching depths of up to four meters below the water table in the ancient urban center. This approach challenged the traditional perception of groundwater as an obstacle and demonstrated that the lower city emerged as dryland only in the second half of the 2nd century BCE. The study highlights how relative sea-level rise has shaped both ancient inhabitants' actions and modern archaeological practices, serving as a case study for understanding the impact of coastal changes on Mediterranean seaports.
Bouthrotos (Butrint) in the Archaic and Classical Periods: The Acropolis and Temple of Athena Polias
Archaeological excavations at Butrint, Albania, have revealed significant insights into the urban layout and historical shoreline of Bouthrotos during its Archaic and Classical periods (8th–4th century BCE). The Roman Forum Excavations (RFE) Project uncovered stratified material beneath the forum, allowing researchers to reconstruct the evolution of the acropolis and the Temple of Athena Polias. Notably, the study identified the temple's partial remains and traced the formation processes of the Butrint headland, providing a clearer understanding of its development in relation to Greek colonization in the region.
Wet-Site Excavation and Field Methodology at Butrint, Albania: The Roman Forum Excavations Project
A groundbreaking approach to wet-site excavation at Butrint, Albania, has revealed well-preserved organic remains dating back to the 7th century BCE. The Roman Forum Excavations (RFE) Project, conducted between 2011 and 2013, pioneered the use of water table depths as a limit for archaeological excavation, reaching up to 4 meters below the surface in the ancient urban center. This methodology not only uncovered significant organic materials but also demonstrated the effectiveness of training local workers, which significantly improved excavation techniques and data quality. The study highlights the interconnectedness of field methodologies and their impact on the preservation and understanding of wet-site archaeology.
Beyond Butrint: The ‘Mursi Survey’, 2008
A field survey east of Butrint, Albania, reveals that the density of Imperial Roman sites extends significantly beyond the ancient city's immediate hinterland. Contrary to previous assumptions about urban continuity and landscape impact, the study finds sparse pre-Roman and post-Roman sites, with intense engagement between Butrint and its hinterland primarily during the Early Roman period following colonization. This challenges the narrative set by Horden and Purcell in The Corrupting Sea (2000), suggesting a more nuanced relationship between urban centers and their surroundings in this region.
Environment, Climate and Society in Roman and Byzantine Butrint
A multiproxy analysis of sediments from Butrint lagoon, Albania, reveals that periods of increased farming and siltation (AD 400–600 and 700–900) coincided with wetter conditions in the region. This environmental shift aligns with the territorial and economic expansion of the Byzantine Empire, suggesting trade played a pivotal role in altering land use during this era. The study combines sedimentology, geochemistry, and pollen analysis to reconstruct these changes, providing insights into the interplay between climate, environment, and societal development in Roman and Byzantine Butrint.
The Archaeology of Mediterranean Placemaking : Butrint and the Global Heritage Industry
Butrint, a significant archaeological site in the Mediterranean, has emerged as a pivotal case study for understanding Roman and Medieval Mediterranean history through extensive excavations and scholarly publications. Richard Hodges' two-decade leadership of the Butrint Foundation highlights the challenges and strategies of preserving cultural heritage, particularly during Albania's post-communist era. The research explores Virgil’s enduring influence on Butrint, the complexities of placemaking, and the roles of international regulations, nations, archaeologists, visitors, and local communities in shaping a site's identity. This interdisciplinary approach combines topographic archaeology with heritage management, offering insights into the global dynamics of cultural preservation.
A ‘god-guarded’ city? The ‘new’ medieval town of Butrint
Extensive excavations at Butrint, Albania, reveal the revival of a medieval town (10th–11th century) with distinct urban planning, fortifications, and economic structures. The study, based on data from the Butrint Foundation, highlights a 'new' medieval settlement characterized by organized streets, property boundaries, dwellings, churches, and wells, contrasting with its ancient past. This rediscovered town provides insights into the region's post-Byzantine urbanization and maritime trade dynamics in the southern Adriatic Sea.
Archaeology and Epic: Butrint and Ugolino Verino's Carlias
Recent excavations at Butrint, a historic Epirote port in Albania, reveal the decayed state of this fortified Venetian town and the living conditions of its inhabitants in 1493. Ugolino Verino's neo-Latin epic 'Carlias' describes Butrint as a crumbling stronghold, shaped more by literary influences than actual circumstances. The poem, written during Charles VIII of France's invasion of Italy, aimed to inspire the young king to emulate Charlemagne and undertake a crusade. This study reconstructs Butrint's material reality through archaeological evidence, contrasting it with Verino's poetic narrative.
Escaping Enver Hoxha’s Shadow: A Short History of the Butrint Foundation’s Project in Albania, 1993–2012
The Butrint Foundation's archaeological project in post-communist Albania (1993–2012) successfully established a self-governing archaeological park, marking a significant shift in cultural heritage management amid political transition. The initiative, analyzed through four distinct phases, reflects evolving attitudes toward heritage conservation in Albania as it transitioned from communism to democracy. This case study offers insights into capacity-building strategies for archaeology, demonstrating how international collaboration and adaptive governance can address challenges in post-conflict regions.
A Short History of the Butrint Foundation’s Conservation Programme at Butrint, Albania: 1994–2012
From 1994 to 2012, the Butrint Foundation successfully navigated the challenges of conserving Albania's UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint, during a period marked by political instability following the fall of communism. The foundation's efforts not only stabilized and preserved the site but also fostered collaboration with local authorities, particularly the Institute of Monuments, and trained Albanian conservators to independently manage the site's upkeep. This case study highlights the importance of international cooperation and capacity building in the long-term conservation of culturally significant sites.
Forumi romak Butrint 2012
A 2013 study on the Roman Forum of Butrint revealed significant insights into the site's architectural and urban development during the Roman period. The research, led by Çondi Dhimitër and David Hernandez, analyzed the forum's layout, structures, and inscriptions to reconstruct its historical context. Using archaeological surveying, documentation, and comparative analysis with other Roman forums, the study highlighted Butrint's unique blend of Greek and Roman influences, particularly in its public spaces and administrative buildings. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Butrint's role as a crossroads of cultural exchange in ancient Illyria.
The aristocratic oikos on the Vrina Plain, Butrint c. AD 830–1200
Archaeological excavations at Butrint, Albania, have uncovered evidence of a mid-Byzantine aristocratic oikos—a central administrative hub—dating from around AD 830 to 1200. The study reveals the structure and function of this elite residential complex within the Roman suburb, offering insights into Byzantine social organization and power dynamics. Drawing on Paul Magdalino’s theoretical framework, the research integrates material remains with historical analysis to reconstruct daily life, governance, and architectural practices of the period. This work advances understanding of aristocratic influence in peripheral regions during the Byzantine Empire's later phases.
Forumi në Butrint
Archaeological research at Butrint has uncovered significant insights into the forum's layout and evolution. The study reveals that the forum underwent multiple phases of construction and modification, reflecting its role as a central public space in ancient Butrint. Through detailed analysis of architectural remains, inscriptions, and stratigraphic data, researchers identified key structural elements, including columns and paving systems, which provide evidence of the forum's function as a political, religious, and economic hub. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of urban planning and civic life in ancient Illyria.
Butrint in the mid-Byzantine period: a new interpretation
Recent excavations at Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Albania's southwest coast, have uncovered significant evidence that reshapes our understanding of the site during its mid-Byzantine period (8th–15th century). The study, focusing on the Western Defences of the Lower City, reveals new insights into the construction and occupation phases of this fortified area. By analyzing layers of archaeological data, researchers propose a revised chronology for Butrint's Byzantine era, highlighting its strategic importance and adaptive reuse over centuries. This work builds on decades of excavations, including recent collaborations between the Butrint Foundation, the Albanian Institute of Archaeology, and the University of East Anglia.
Ecotourism Opportunities and Challenges in Butrint, Albania, a Unique UNESCO and Ramsar Site
Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992 and a Ramsar site since 2003, presents significant ecotourism potential due to its unique combination of geographical position, landscape, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. The park is the most visited by foreign tourists in Albania, with opportunities for year-round visitation through activities like birdwatching, walking trails, biking, and scuba-diving. However, uncontrolled human activities such as illegal urbanization, wetland reclamation, mining, irrational marine aquaculture, hunting, excessive grazing, and fires pose substantial threats to these ecotourism opportunities. The study recommends strategies to mitigate these challenges and maximize the park's potential for sustainable ecotourism development.
Osteological and molecular identification of brucellosis in ancient Butrint, Albania
A groundbreaking study confirms the presence of brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella bacteria, in human remains from ancient Butrint, Albania. Researchers identified severe vertebral lesions in two adolescent males dating to the 10th–13th centuries AD and ruled out tuberculosis through genetic screening. Positive amplification of Brucella DNA markers—IS6501 insertion element and Bcsp31 gene—in affected bones provided definitive evidence. This discovery suggests brucellosis was endemic in the region during the Middle Ages, offering new insights into past disease dynamics and human-animal interactions at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hispania and the Roman Mediterranean ad 100–700 : Ceramics and Trade
A comprehensive analysis reveals significant trends in the production and trade of ceramics, including fine wares, coarse wares, and amphora-borne goods, across the Iberian Peninsula and Balearics from the 2nd to the 7th century AD. The study synthesizes data from published sources and new, unpublished findings from excavations in key Mediterranean sites such as Beirut, Athens, Butrint, Durres, Carthage, Lepcis Magna, and Zeugma. It provides an unprecedented overview of Roman trade networks, tracing the movement of goods from the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean to the western Empire, including Britain. The research highlights the role of Iberian exports in shaping trade dynamics across the Roman Empire during this period.
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