First traces of human society in Albania !

Systematic excavation of Albanian territory, especially after the Second World War, have almost succeeded in filling the large gap in our knowledge about prehistoric and ancient times.Research has revealed that Albania is a country with an ancient civilisation.

The first traces of man discovered so far on Albanian territory go back to the middle and late Palaeolithic period .This area ( stretching overall from 100,000 to 10,000 BC) is represented by findings along the shores of the Ionian sea and at the foot of Mt Dajti, near Tirane, in central Albania. These remains include tools made of microlithic flint, calcinous deposits and fossils of wild easts.

The discoveries made in the Neolithic sites are of particular interest. The Cakran settlement, situated in the southern coastal area, which belongs to middle Neolithic times (5000 BC). has brought to light remains of huts, either partially or totally buried in the ground, earthenware vases, decorated with painted motifs, anthropomorphic vases, stone tools. The Cakran civilisation is very similar to contemporary civilisations north of the Adriatic.

The Neolithic settlement discovered at Kamnik in the mountainous area of Kolonje, shows different characteristics. On a hillside, among the ruins of rectangular-based huts formed of two peaces, traces have been found of two ovens, intended for the firing of painted ceramics.

Of all the prehistoric settlements in Albania, the most important is that of Maliq, a locality situated on the Korce plateau. The northern section of the plateau, also called the plain of Maliq was even those early days submerged by the waters of a shallow lake. The excavations which have taken place there for several years have brought to light the remains of a prehistoric settlement, consisting of several superimposed layers. It is possible to deduce that human life appeared in the late Neolithic area (about 2700 BC). In the copper Age these areas had been covered with water, so inhabitants built their homes on platforms supported by piles.

Non migrant groups of human beings created the first rural centres. The civilisation of these sites was essentially agricultural and pastoral, despite the pursuits of hunting and fishing indicated by rudimentary boats. These are also signs of primitive weaving, while tools were improving technically. At Maliq and in other prehistoric centres, ceramic objects were among the major archaeological finds. The variety of earthenware vases, as well as the assortment of decorations, have relealed the origins of inhabitants of the Neolithic settlement in these regions and their relationship to those in the south-east of Balkans.

By their characteristics, the Neo-aeneolithic civilisation of the Maliq and Kamnik sites form part of the larger Aegean-Anatolian group. The first bearers of this civilisation were groups of primitive farmers from the Neolithic era who, after leaving Asia Minor in search of new territory, reached the Southern Balkans. Following the valleys of the Bistrica and of the Devoll, they then settled in the south-east. At the same time a new migration of populations took place with the aim of appropriating not only their land, but also the veins of bronze. As far as one can tell, it seems that these were people who founded the Tren settlement, situated in the same basin as Maliq but a bit further south, and where traces of the same civilisation have been discovered.