Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme, Archaeological site near Pogradec, Albania
The Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme are five monumental structures carved into rock formations along the Shkumbin River valley. The site sits at approximately 1040 meters elevation and contains multiple burial chambers with distinct architectural designs and varying interior layouts.
These tombs were built between the 4th and 1st centuries BC as burial places for Illyrian rulers. They belonged to the ancient city of Pelion, which lay near the Roman Via Egnatia and served as a major regional center.
The burial chambers display Ionic architectural features and reveal how Illyrian people honored their dead through carefully designed spaces. The decorative elements carved into the rock show what mattered to these ancient communities in their final resting places.
The site is reached through the village of Selce e Poshtme, located near Pogradec in the region. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths leading to the tombs are uneven and exploring the area takes time to navigate properly.
Tomb II contains a theater-like chamber designed for ceremonial rituals honoring the deceased Illyrian rulers. This unusual arrangement shows that the tombs served not only as burial places but also as spaces where gatherings and commemorations took place.
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