Butrint Atlas

picture by Pierluigi Giorgi

Buthrotum, also known as Bouthrotos, is located in the southern area of ​​present-day Albania, near the border with Greece. Part of the historical region of Chaonia, Butrint stands at the end of the Ksamil peninsula, surrounded by the Butrint Lake and the Vivari Channel, which separates the promontory from the overlooking alluvial Vrina Plain. The territory of the city developed as a consequence of the deposition of alluvial sediments carried by a large estuary including both the valley on the north and south sides of Butrint. While the rise of the sea level decreased and the accumulation of alluvial debris intensified, the connection between the estuary and the sea gradually disappeared. Lake Butrint therefore remains the only evidence of this large bay where the water courses flowed, while the coasts once directly in contact with the sea are now a marshy environment.

The center developed in a favourable position for the access to a hinterland rich in natural resources, for connections with the cities located further north, and for the control of routes and commerce towards Greece and the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It should come as no surprise that the area of the city was first occupied during the late Bronze Age and exploited until the fall of the Ottoman empire, leaving behind a long and articulated history and a highly stratified settlement. 

 

The Atlas of the city is designed as an instrument to help students and scholars approach Butrint and its monuments. The aim is not only to help the scientific community, as well as anyone interested, get in contact with this site, but also to list the fundamental and updated bibliography for each of its monuments, result of almost one century of international excavations and research. 

Unless otherwise stated, all the pictures are intended as part of the Photographic Archive of the Archaeological Mission.

Sanctuary of Asclepius

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Greek Agora and Roman Forum

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Acropolis

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Tower of Inscriptions

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Gymnasium complex

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Triconch Palace

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Baptistery

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Great Basilica

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Nymphaeum

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Hellenistic Building and Northeast Church

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Colombarium

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Well of Junia Rufinia

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Wall Circuit and Gates

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Vrina Plain

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