Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme

On the right bank of the river Shkumbin at an elevation of 1040 m above sea level, lie the remains of the ancient city of Pelion and the accompanying necropolis.

From the 4th to 1st centuries BC the city was the royal residence of Illyrian kings and therefore, also probably an important political and economic centre.

[2] In 1996, Albania included the Royal tombs of Selca e Poshtme in the UNESCO World heritage list of proposals.

During the 6th to 5th centuries BC the settlement developed as a proto-urban center on the road that ran along the river Shkumbin connecting the coast of Albania to Macedonia.

Around 570 BC/550 BC we arrive at the phase of Selcë IV, evidenced by traces of burnt dwellings, pottery, including imports from Corinth in the lower horizon, and some Ionian wares.

One of these tombs was reused at the end of the 2nd century and a wide array of finds were discovered therein, including weapons, bronze vessels, ceramics and gold jewellery.

During the 4th century AD Selca, as a military and administrative centre, was re-fortified with stone walls bound with mortar.

Above there is a theatre-like complex with two stepped rows of seats that could have served for any rituals or family visits to do with the deceased.

The upper level is a rock cut exedra as an Ionic hemicycle, with eight pilasters whose capitals were made separately flanking the entrance.

Among the grave goods are golden earrings, necklaces, pins, rings, all of the Hellenistic type, belt fittings, iron, a silver ornament depicting a battle scene, armour, spear points and 30 ceramic vessels.

[7] Tomb IV has a 5 m high facade with two separately carved Ionic columns and the entablature and tympanum of a temple.

The burial chamber roofed is carved into a barrel vault and was originally covered in painted plaster.

Seven niches are carved into the rock of the long facade, partially covered with inscriptions that could have been made by the builder or the work supervisor, according to archaeologists.