In 2021, archaeological research resumed in the ancient center of Çuka e Ajtoit, within a joint project between the Institute of Archeology of Tirana and La Sapienza University of Rome. The site is located on a high hill in the shape of a pyramid in the territory of Konispol in Southern Albania, not far from the state border with Greece. In antiquity this area was part of the ancient territory of Kestrina. The fortification of the Hellenistic period surrounds an area of about 5 ha, while the entire settlement extends over an area of about 14 ha. The settlement is organized with terraces as the terrain is very steep. The houses are placed on the natural rock of the hill, which has been worked to create spaces for construction. Next to the Hellenistic period fortification at the top of the hill there is a Late Antique fortification surrounding a smaller area. Project research in 2021 focused on conducting intensive surveys by applying new methodologies such as the use of drones, orthophoto surveying and creating images in 3D. The results of the survey were very successful, as a large number of ancient dwellings and structures previously unknown and not included in the previous plans drawn up for this settlement, were integrated into the new plan of the settlement. This campaign resulted in a better understanding of the organization of the settlement.
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Name
Ҫuka e Ajtoit
Year
2021
Summary
enIn 2021, archaeological research resumed in the ancient center of Çuka e Ajtoit, within a joint project between the Institute of Archeology of Tirana and La Sapienza University of Rome. The site is located on a high hill in the shape of a pyramid in the territory of Konispol in Southern Albania, not far from the state border with Greece. In antiquity this area was part of the ancient territory of Kestrina. The fortification of the Hellenistic period surrounds an area of about 5 ha, while the entire settlement extends over an area of about 14 ha. The settlement is organized with terraces as the terrain is very steep. The houses are placed on the natural rock of the hill, which has been worked to create spaces for construction. Next to the Hellenistic period fortification at the top of the hill there is a Late Antique fortification surrounding a smaller area. Project research in 2021 focused on conducting intensive surveys by applying new methodologies such as the use of drones, orthophoto surveying and creating images in 3D. The results of the survey were very successful, as a large number of ancient dwellings and structures previously unknown and not included in the previous plans drawn up for this settlement, were integrated into the new plan of the settlement. This campaign resulted in a better understanding of the organization of the settlement.
BOGDANI., J, META., A., SHABANI., H., 2022 “Kërkime të reja italo-shqiptare në Çukën e Ajtoit/ New archaeological research at Çuka e Ajtoit”, Candavia, 9: 143-161.