Exploring the Archaeological Treasures of Butrint (Albania) and Chersoneses (Ukraine)
The opportunity to compare the archaeology of two fascinating ex-communist countries, Albania and Ukraine, arose unexpectedly. Butrint, in Albania, and Chersoneses, in Ukraine, are both part of a prestigious group of archaeological sites supported by the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI). Having spent time excavating at Butrint, I was invited by PHI to visit Chersoneses, accompanied by John Camp, director of the Athenian Agora project.
Travel and Tourism Challenges: Albania vs. Ukraine
One of the biggest surprises on this journey was the need to purchase a visa at the Ukrainian embassy in Athens—a process that involved a two-day trip and an 80-euro fee. In stark contrast, tourists visiting Butrint in Albania can easily purchase a visa on arrival for just 10 euros at the port of Saranda, facilitating the flow of visitors. Butrint’s tourism has been thriving, with an estimated 14,000 international visitors and a staggering 40,000 Albanian and Kosovan visitors annually. Ticket revenues from these visitors fund conservation efforts, security, and even popular concerts. On the other hand, Chersoneses faces obstacles to tourism due to bureaucratic entry requirements, which limit its potential as a major tourist destination.
Excavation Discoveries: Butrint and Chersoneses
While at Butrint, I had the privilege of working on the discovery of the long-lost Roman colony site. Previous excavations focused mainly on the classical Greek city, but our team uncovered evidence of the Roman colony, believed to have been established by Julius Caesar. This discovery provides new insights into the history of the area, particularly the establishment of the colony under Augustus after the defeat of Mark Antony at Actium. Our team also uncovered a beautifully crafted altar, providing a modest parallel to findings at Nikopolis in Northern Greece.
Meanwhile, in Chersoneses, the focus has been on the Chora, the agricultural hinterland surrounding the ancient Greek colony. For over a decade, archaeologist Joe Carter from Austin, Texas, has mapped the agricultural landscape of Chersoneses, aided by modern satellite imagery of the area. This work has provided invaluable insights into ancient farming practices, which continue to be relevant as the region develops.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: Albania vs. Ukraine
Conservation efforts present unique challenges in both locations. In Albania, Butrint faces an uphill battle against developers, with mafia-led construction projects threatening the integrity of the site. Despite these challenges, international collaboration has helped reignite interest in archaeology in Albania, training a new generation of Albanian archaeologists.
In Ukraine, Chersoneses benefits from Soviet-era infrastructure, including museums, libraries, and archives, but faces a different kind of challenge. The site is increasingly being impacted by modern development, with residential blocks and summer houses encroaching on the agricultural land that surrounds it. Efforts to gain UNESCO World Heritage status for Chersoneses and the Chora are ongoing, but concerns remain about balancing tourism with site preservation.
Cultural Identity and Archaeology in the Black Sea Region
The archaeological wealth of both Butrint and Chersoneses highlights the region’s rich and complex history. From ancient Greek colonies to Roman settlements and Byzantine ports, these sites offer a window into the region’s diverse cultural past. For both Albanian and Ukrainian communities, the archaeology of Butrint and Chersoneses holds significant cultural value, raising important questions about ownership, identity, and how best to preserve these historic treasures for future generations.
Conclusion: The Importance of Archaeology in Modern Culture
Ultimately, both Butrint and Chersoneses stand as testament to the power of archaeology to shape modern cultural identity. Despite the challenges faced by each site—whether political pressures, conservation issues, or the balance between tourism and preservation—these archaeological projects remind us that heritage is more than just the past. It is a critical part of shaping modern cultural narratives and understanding historical legacies in today’s world.
