TOMBS OF THE LOWER SELCA

This archaeological site (Varret e Selcës së Poshtme) shelters unique vestiges in Albania: Hellenistic tombs of the 3rd century B.C. They were discovered in the years 1964-1972. They are five tombs located under the acropolis of the city of Selca which was the center of the Illyrian kingdom. Four of them were dug in the rock. They were erected between the end of the 4th and the 3rd century BC. Point of passage between the east and the west, Selca is then an important administrative center, in which some archaeologists see the capital of the Illyrian kingdom. The tombs were used as collective burials, since several sarcophagi as well as cinerary urns were found there. The work of the stone evokes the techniques of the Hellenistic Ionic style. This allows us to suppose sustained cultural exchanges between the region and the Greek cities. Tomb II is surmounted by a small hemicycle that resembles a theater with two rows of seats. This arrangement was probably used for funeral rituals. As for tomb III, its monumental entrance is flanked by eight Ionic pilasters, which are mixed with Illyrian iconography with a shield decoration. The rich funerary furnishings that have been discovered on site (sarcophagi, couches, precious metal jewelry, weapons and imported ceramics) attest to the importance of the individuals buried. Most of the pieces found here are today presented in the small museum of Pogradec.