New discoveries and ongoing exploration at the Cape of Rodon, Albania

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The relatively isolated Cape of Rodon in Albania is a famous beauty spot and visitor attraction due to its remote beaches and the remains of a castle built by Gjerg Kastrioti, aka Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero. However, as recent archaeological discoveries show, it may also be the site of an ancient Illyrian settlement that flourished during the 4^th century BC.

Image: Dr Adrian Anastasi

In ancient times the coastline of the area that is present day Albania was noted for it many fine natural harbours. This is one of the reasons why it was so attractive to successive waves of foreign settlers and invaders, from Greek colonists to Roman invaders and Venetian traders.

The Cape of Rodon, with sweeping bays either side of the promontory, and in particular the huge bay to the south which extends all the way down to Durrës, the city of Epidamnus and Dyrrachium in ancient times, would seem to be a likely place for settlement, and when a survey off the coast was carried out five years ago, the research team discovered two shipwrecks.  Archaeologist Dr Adrian Anastasi dated the wrecks to the 4^th or 3^rd century BC. The ships’ cargo included a range of ceramics including Corinthian amphorae of the types B and MSG V and some fine wares.   

Spurred on by the discovery of the wrecks, archaeologists decided to survey the adjacent mainland to see if there was a settlement nearby.  They have not been disappointed. The survey has revealed evidence for a pottery kiln, worked stone from a substantial structure and a huge number of tile fragments.  Dr. Eduard Shehi, told BIRN that the type and amount of material found appears to indicate a urban settlement.

The search will be concentrated on one of the hill that rise on the Cape, not far from the Church if Shna Ndoi (St Antony) and now covered with vegetation. The research project, under the auspices of the Institute of Archaeology, is expected to begin in September.

The Castle of Skanderbeg by Albinfo (CC BY 3.0)

It has long been thought that more archaeological material would be brought to light on the Cape of Rodon. Scholars Gjerak Karaiskaj, Apollon Baçe and Pirro Thomo all published work on finds made there some decades ago, but with this recent survey, and the go-ahead for the project being given by the Scientific Committee of the Institute of Archaeology, it is hoped the excavations will lead to the creation of an archaeological park which will help to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the promontory.

Visitors to the Cape often seek out the remains of ‘Rodoni Castle’ built by Skanderbeg. Skanderbeg chose the Cape of Rodon as a strategic point to fortify as part of his campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and was used as a point of embarkation for the crossing to Brindisi. Although taken by the Ottomans, the castle was rebuilt in 1500 by the Venetians. Some parts of the fortifications are still standing, while others are now destroyed or under the sea.

Archaeologists are also investigating the location of a lighthouse on the Cape. Assistant Professor Brikena Shkodra has been studying the westernmost part of Cape Rodon based on the evidence of Hungarian scholar Teodor Pablo who documented the presence of a lighthouse of uncertain date. Dr Shkodra also noted the archaeological strata visible on both sides of the peninsula.

Whatever the forthcoming excavations yield, it is clear that the Cape of Rodon has many interesting attractions – including the Church of Saint Antony (Shna Ndout) and perhaps the survey will be able to locate the remains of the Monastery of the Order of St Clare (Shën Klarës) which is said to have been built by Mamica Kastrioti, sister of Skanderbeg.

"Archaeological zoning is the first step to hinder any damaging interventions in the entire Cape," said Dr Adrian Anastasi. If the Cape of Rodon can be protected in this manner and made into an archaeological park, the beautiful natural environment and the layers of history across three millennia will also be protected.

Church of Shna Ndout by Albinfo (CC BY 3.0)

News article in Albanian: http://dardaniasacra.njekomb.com/?p=18715