Il progetto Liburna: Ricerche archeologiche subacquee in Albania (campagne 2007-2010)

When considering Underwater Archaeology in the Western Mediterranean, Albania is without doubt one of the least developed areas, notwithstanding the extraordinary importance of its coastline, dotted with important ports, ancient, medieval and modern. The objectives of the Liburna Project include not only the formation of archaeological maps of the Albanian coast and the conduction of excavations, but also the creation of activities aimed at the training of young underwater archaeologists and the development of the archaeological patrimony beneath the sea. Based on the little information available to date and on technical-scientific considerations, the following four major areas will be the main focus of investigations, until such time as the entire coast can be studied: a) The natural bay of Porto Palermo, situated in the territory of Borsch, approximately 40km from Saranda. It is a natural point of anchorage and refuge for navigating ships. b) Orikum, in the bay of Valona, and the Acroceraunia promontory: an ancient city with an important port, noted in ancient sources as the location of the clashes between the fleet of Caesar and Pompey during the civil wars of the Roman Republic. c) The Bay of Dürres: home to one of the principle ancient ports of Albania and of the Adriatic. Given the geomorphologic characteristics of the sea floor and the scarce visibility of this area, it will most likely be necessary to conduct preliminary geophysical investigations.