Archaeological field survey in the Upper Vjosa Valley

CeRPHAAL in collaboration with the University of “Aleksandër Xhuvani” in Elbasan initiated an archaeological field survey in the territory of the Upper Vjosa Valley, which was extended over two working seasons during the year 2015 – May to June and September to October. The primary aim of the investigation was to identify evidence of human occupation in the area and to examine the long-term territorial dynamics. The survey covered an area of approximately 0.82 km2, extending from the city of Permet in the north to the border point of Tre Urat in the south, encompassing both sides of the Vjosa Valley. The fieldwork led to the identification of a series of new archaeological sites situated between the hilly terrains and historically cultivated river terraces. The survey yielded archaeological material, consisting mainly of pottery fragments and architectural building remains, spanning chronologically from the Late Bronze Age (1500-1100 BC) to the Medieval Period (7th – 15th Centuries AD). Most of these newly identified sites likely represent multi-period rural settlements of varying functions and typology. As part of the project, a training program was provided for the students from the University of Elbasan who participated in the fieldwork, covering fieldwork methodologies, documentation practices, GIS mapping, and primarily material analysis.