Ricerche topografiche a Byllis e nel suo territorio

Topographical research carried out in Byllis (Southern Albania) brought to light the complex Hellenistic fortified landscape, whose pattern was later embedded in the Byzantine system. Located in the Vjosa River valley, together with Klos Byllis was a sort of garrison over the route going up from the coast towards the heart of Epirus. Byllis (ha 30) is, surrounded by a fortification wall with perimeter of m. 2250, one of the most relevant architectural complex of the ancient world: new investi- gations highlighted the tight relationship between the monumental center and the city walls. This connection is at the basis of the monumental and representative function of the Hellenistic architecture. Therefore a new image of the ancient city emerges, in which the ceremonial and representative spaces seem be more important than the habitation functions. The result is a new cytiscape whose monumental and military image is strongly linked to the presence of the basileus.