A temple from the 4th-3rd centuries BC has been discovered in Shkodra, in a settlement near Bushati. For years, Albanian and Polish archaeologists have been excavating under the direction of Saimir Shpuza, unearthing structures in the ancient city they refer to as Basania, although no inscriptions have come to light that confirm its early name.
"A structure that we can identify with a temple has been discovered on the top of the hill, a structure that can be dated to the 4th-3rd centuries BC. A fragment of a slightly later fortification was also found there, probably from the 2nd-1st century BC," Saimir Shpuza told Balkanweb.
The ancient city hidden behind the hills near Bushat in Shkodra is bringing to light archaeological evidence from the 4th century BC every year. A large gate, a reception hall and a temple have come to light so far in Bushat, while archaeologists are searching for a civilization over 2 thousand years old. Elements of the lost Illyrian city begin somewhere near the national road where the southern gate is located. The archaeologists' research, however, "reconstruct" the old city in an imaginary way, discovering elements such as reception halls, where Illyrian feasts were held every year. The area was given to Skanderbeg by the Venetians in the Middle Ages. The 20-hectare Illyrian city, on the hill where the presence of a temple was confirmed, sees 19 other settlements from different historical periods.
