Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme
Durrës
Located near the village of Selcë e Poshtme by the Shkumbin River in Albania, the Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme form part of the ancient Illyrian city of Pelion's necropolis. The site dates back to the Iron Age and flourished under the Illyrian tribe of Enchele from the 5th to 2nd centuries BC, reaching prominence as a royal residence and political center. The tombs, carved into rock beneath the acropolis, include monumental examples such as Tomb I, featuring Ionic architectural elements and rock-cut couches, reflecting strong Greek influences. Excavations revealed multiple phases of occupation from the Neolithic through the Roman period, with the settlement acting as a vital trading and administrative hub. The construction of the Via Egnatia nearby influenced its decline, but the site remained significant into late antiquity before Slavic conquest. The tombs and settlement collectively illustrate the cultural and political life of Illyrian royalty and their connections with neighboring civilizations.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during spring or early autumn for favorable weather and fewer crowds. It is advisable to arrange guided tours to fully appreciate the archaeological significance and architectural details of the tombs. Purchasing tickets in advance may be beneficial during peak tourist seasons. The site offers insights best appreciated with historical context, so consulting local guides or museums nearby is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The Royal Tombs are carved directly into rock beneath the ancient acropolis, featuring Ionic columns and Doric pilasters.
- •Traces of Neolithic human activity have been found at the site, indicating very ancient origins.
- •The city of Pelion, associated with the tombs, was a key Illyrian political and economic center during the Iron Age.
- •The Via Egnatia, a major Roman road, passed near the settlement, influencing its development and decline.
- •Excavations revealed tombs containing weapons, bronze vessels, ceramics, and gold jewelry, highlighting the wealth of Illyrian royalty.
History
The settlement at Selca e Poshtme has origins in the late Neolithic period, evolving through the Bronze Age into a proto-urban Illyrian city by the 6th century BC.
It reached its zenith between the 4th and 1st centuries BC as the royal residence of Illyrian kings of the Dassaretae tribe.
Excavations from 1969 to 1972 uncovered five occupational phases, illustrating continuous habitation and cultural development.
The city was fortified in the 4th century BC and later re-fortified during the 4th century AD under Roman influence.
The construction of the Via Egnatia bypassed the city, leading to its decline before eventual destruction by Slavic invaders.
Place Guide
Tomb I - Rock Chamber Burial with Ionic Order4th to 3rd centuries BC
This tomb features a rectangular burial chamber with a barrel vault and an antechamber. Its facade is decorated with Doric pilasters and Ionic capitals, with traces of original painting still visible. Inside are two rock-cut couches used for burial purposes, oriented similarly to Macedonian monumental tombs of the 4th century BC.
