The late antique castellum of Vig in northern Albania. Function and context

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Andreas Oettel
• Subject Area: Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology ; Ancient History ; Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 260501976

The late antique castrum of Vig in North Albania is located in the hinterland of the Adriatic town Lissus, which was connected by a road with the city Naissus (Nis/Serbia), as well as the Tabula Peutingeriana shows. It is situated in the archaeological unexplored valley of Gjader. It was assumed so far that the castrum of Vig secured this street. Until today has not been considered in this context that in the mountainous region northeast of Lissus / Lezha in early modern times silver mines and in 20th century copper mines were operated and are testified by early explorers. The function of the castrum possibly was primarily in the control of the river valley and ore mining. Plans are for a geophysical prospecting as well as the first time an archaeological excavation within the castrum, which was built in an unusual construction technology, to obtain reliable information about the previously unknown internal buildings as well as the time and position holding time of the castrum. It should also be clarified by a survey in the valley of Gjader whether there was a vicus of the castrum, as the name Vig/u seems to show, and whether also can be detected in earlier epochs ore mining in this region already. The study of function and context of the castrum of Vig and the exploration of the settlement history of the Gjader Valley will provide new knowledge on this inaccessible located, significant monument in northern Albania.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants