Butrint, unique water fountain discovered at pagan temple

29/06/2019 21:56

They believe that the excavations in this area will rewrite Butrint’s history.

A water fountain built at the source, still functional, was found at the foundation of a temple built in the 1st-century a.d. It is considered the oldest of its kind in all of Balkan.

The fountain still pours clean water, and the cleaning structure is still visible, together with a basin that used to be filled and refreshes the population in the public area.

Archaeologists believe that this is the ancient temple dedicated to Zeus the Savior. The structure of the temple where the name of Zeus was written ten times, was among the most important locations in the city, after the amphitheatre.

The stone structures have engravings with the names of dozens of slaves who earned their freedom.

David Hernandez, co-director of the project, after proving that the aqueduct was built by Emperor August, 14 a.d, says that this is the oldest of all constructions of this nature. August tried to give the splendour of Rome to this city, with sidewalks, massive white buildings, golden engravings and 6 km long aqueducts.

The third important discovery was the confirmation of a basilica on the structure of the Roman Forum, which was placed above the Zeus Temple.

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