Archaeology in Albania 2000–2004

INTRODUCTION This is the fourth report on Albania to appear in AR. Prof. Zhaneta Andrea, who contributed the previous three reports has now retired from the Archaeological Service, but kindly offered her help at various stages in the preparation of this one. This report includes for the first time contributions by excavators themselves, both Albanian and foreign, and also short newspaper references. The geographical divisions used in the report are shown in Fig. 1. Many changes have occurred in the relatively short period since the last Albania report (19911999). A new, privately operated institution, the International Centre for Albanian Archaeology (ICAA) was established in 1999 in Tirane, supported by the Packard Humanities Institute, under the aegis of the Butrint Foundation. The aim of the ICAA is to coordinate, develop and promote the research, excavation and conservation of Albania's outstanding archaeological heritage. It has already taken significant steps towards becoming a major archaeological institution in Albania, developing strong working relationships with the Institute of Archaeology (Academy of Sciences) and the Institute of Monuments (Ministry of Culture). Changes have also occurred in the field of cultural heritage protection. A new cultural heritage law, passed in the Albanian Parliament in 2003, imposes tougher fines and sanctions for illegal exploitation of sites and artefacts, and its application is hoped to better protect the country's archaeological remains. This is a positive development, but further refinements seem necessary for the law to function more efficiently. The Institute of Archaeology has increased cooperation with foreign partners, mainly from Europe and North America, and many collaborative excavations are now under way at sites around the country. These are usually co-directed by an Albanian and a foreign archaeologist, with both project staff members and students generally drawn in equal numbers from each participating partner. There is so far no restriction on the number of projects that can operate simultaneously in a year. Project proposals are normally submitted to the Scientific Council of the Institute of Archaeology for discussion and approval, usually at the start of the calendar year in which the research is planned to begin. Permits are generally given for two years' research, with the possibility of renewal, but the Scientific Council considers each case separately. No limit on the length of fieldwork seasons has been set, but seasons of one month are the norm.