A large Roman burial chamber from the third to fourth century AD has been unearthed by archaeologists in Albania.
The discovery is the first of its kind found in the Balkan country that was once part of the Roman Empire.
Locals had tipped off staff from the Institute of Archaeology after noticing some unusual stones on a plateau near the border with North Macedonia.
They began excavating in early August and found the underground structure. Its large limestone slabs were inscribed with Greek lettering.
Erikson Nikolli, the project’s lead archaeologist, said: “The inscription tells us that the person buried here was named Gelliano, a name typical of the Roman period.
“We are uncertain about the identity of the second individual, but it is likely a family member.”
The tomb measures 9m (29ft) by 6m (19ft).
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It is believed to be a wealthy person’s resting place and is grander than other burial sites found in the area.
Authorities in Albania are already planning to develop the site into a tourist attraction.
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Mr Nikolli’s team last week used brushes to reveal the intricately carved edges of the tomb’s white roof stone and walls.
He said: “We also uncovered a piece of fabric embroidered with gold thread, which confirms our belief that we are dealing with a member of the upper class.”
The team also found glass plates and knives.
Nikolli said the tomb had been looted at least twice, once in antiquity and later with heavy machinery to move a huge rock on top of the chamber.
He added the occupant’s name was inscribed in Greek letters but carried a Latin meaning, and a second inscription shows the tomb was dedicated to the god Jupiter.
Experts have not yet speculated on inscriptions on stones found nearby, which are believed to have belonged to another monument now surrounded by cornfields and a quarry.
