Antic Town of Gajtan

The antic town of Gajtan in Albania holds a rich treasure trove of Illyrian history and culture. Despite its seemingly deserted appearance, extensive archaeological excavations have revealed its significance.

Gajtan is renowned as one of the oldest walled Illyrian settlements in Albania, attracting archaeologists' attention for its potential to illuminate the material culture of ancient Shkodra. Excavations conducted between 1961-1963 unveiled building structures, pottery fragments, tools, decorative items, sections of the city wall, and traces of religious practices.

Of particular interest is Gajtan's religious landscape. Discoveries indicate that ancient Illyrians participated in foreign cults, including the worship of the goddess Artemis, evidenced by the finding of a bronze priestess figure near the town. Deeper excavations revealed a dedicated cult area, featuring stone-filled circles representing the Sun as a deity. Additionally, a cemetery containing children buried in large containers suggests sacrificial rituals for defending the city walls.

These findings underscore the strong belief of Gajtan's Illyrian inhabitants in the Sun and natural phenomena. The absence of Greek or Roman idol figures in excavations indicates a deeply-rooted and authentic belief system preserved over centuries. While the Artemis priestess sculpture remains a noteworthy discovery, it pales in comparison to the profound traces of natural cults unearthed within the town's depths.