Lion Gate

The Butrint archaeological site is located in the South of Albania, only a few kilometres from Sarande and close to the Greek Border. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city’s development.

 Butrint was originally one of the major centres of a local tribe, with close ties to the Corinthian colony of Corfu.  By the 4th century BC it became an important trade centre, which included a theatre, sanctuary and agora. In the 1st century BC the fortified part of Butrint was approximately four hectares.  It became a Roman colony in the 1st century AD, and its new residents added an aqueduct, Roman baths, a forum complex and a nymphaeum.

amphitheatre

Roman period

the central Baptistery

the famous Lion gate

detail

 source : heritage-key.com/category/site-use/city