Bilingual inscriptions found in Roman tombs in Albania –

A Roman-era grave was found in Strikçan, northern Albania, with a rare bilingual funeral inscription. It dates back to the 3rd or 4th century AD and is 9 by 6 meters (30 x 20 feet) in height and has a burial chamber of 2.4 meters (8 feet) high, the first monumental tomb found in Albania during the Roman period.

The grave consists of three parts: a huge staircase leading to the entrance hallway of entry and finally the burial room. The stair walls are decorated with geometric decorations on the stucco. It is constructed from large stones that quarry from a distance and transport to location. Evidence of the wall structure at the top of the grave suggests that this may be a mausoleum design, not just a basement tomb.

The size and structure of the tomb are not the only elements of archaeological significance. The tomb was robbed in ancient times, but remains of the funeral were found on the beds of the funeral room, including glass containers, bone combs, knives and most textiles woven with gold thread.

It also contains inscriptions from Greek and Latin, dedicated to the occupants of the tomb. The deceased is associated with the Gellius family, perhaps as a relationship, or a liberal who chooses to take his own name. Gens Gellia is a well-known Samnite origin family whose most famous members today are Aulus Gellius, Grammarian, Magistrate and the author of Attic Nights, popular stories and prose from other ancient sources that almost boil down to us almost intact, missing only a chapter.

Due to its importance, the tomb will be granted a protected status, while archaeologists record and analyze its contents, including human bone remains.