Roman heritage in Kosovo

Being that Dardania had and today Kosovo has a central position between the road networks that connected the south Aegean with the Danube basin, and with the Adriatic Sea, it was a strategic jewel.

Below is a listing of the prominent settlements during the Roman period and an explanation of what they were, when they were inhabited, and when they were founded, accompanied by an array of pictures that illustrate the archaeological finds and remnants.

It was located near a rich mining area and also had a geo-strategic position situated close to the ancient crossroads that linked east with west, were dominant factors for the foundation, development and existence through centuries.

The earliest forms of occupation (human activity and civilization) date to the prehistoric period, but especially highlighted by archaeologists are the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Since the second part of the 20th century, the ancient town of Ulpiana has been in a continuity study through the loupe and pickaxe of either local or foreign archaeologists that have contributed until present day with the discovery of a few cult and sacral monuments: a basilica and necropolis, as well as parts of ramparts with watchtowers, castrum - Roman military garrison and hundreds of movable artifacts, different in form, material and usage, as well as human remains, architectural structures and elements, all testimony of the cultural material very important for the scientific field of archaeology.

On the other hand, these advanced methods and techniques will also help on the determination of the extent of character and nature of Ulpiana, while keeping in mind that it is a multilayer site.

The ancient Via Lissus-Naissus Roman road was a diagonal route, connecting the central Balkans region with the Adriatic coast, passing through Vindenis.

Archaeological researches carried out at the Çifllak area during the first decade of the first millennium resulted in the discovery of the remains of a Roman bath complex, with wide dimensions.

A number of discoveries have confirmed the presence of relics, buildings and rare mosaics on the site, indicating the existence of civilization in Dresnik during the Roman Period.

[13] The site of Klokot is located close to Banja e Kllokotit, in an alluvial terrace stretched along the Morava river flow, an area known for the fertile land and near the warm thermal mineral waters spring.

One of the most interesting accidental archaeological discoveries is a marble sculpture of a woman found near said Banja e Kllokotit, regarded a masterpiece of Dardanian art according to Milot Berisha.