Archaeologists have made a major discovery during excavations at the Archaeological Park of Ulpiana in July–August 2025. The finding reveals the exact year of construction of the Episcopal Basilica of the ancient city of Ulpiana – Iustiniana Secunda, dating back to 545 AD.
The identification became possible after experts deciphered an inscription on a multicolored mosaic located in the nave of the basilica. The inscription, structured in nine lines, mentions Emperor Justinian (Iustinian) and Empress Theodora, confirming the construction of the church in the 18th year of Justinian’s reign, specifically in 545 AD.
This discovery is considered of exceptional importance, as it not only provides the exact date of the basilica’s inauguration but also directly documents imperial intervention in a provincial Dardanian city. It strongly links the site to the figure of Emperor Justinian, who is believed to have had origins in this region.
Archaeological Significance
Archaeologist Milot Berisha, manager of the Ulpiana Archaeological Park, explained that the latest finding is a second epigraphic inscription placed in the Episcopal Basilica’s nave.
“The inscription mentions Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, confirming the construction of this church in 545 AD,” Berisha stated.
According to him, this is one of the rarest archaeological testimonies, not only in Kosovo, but across the former Illyricum and the broader Roman-Byzantine world.
He emphasized that this finding provides rare chronological precision, dating the basilica between September and December 545 AD—a rarity for Byzantine provinces. This precision is crucial for understanding architectural and ecclesiastical developments in Dardania and the Balkans of that period.
The research was led by a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists: Christophe J. Goddard (École normale supérieure – PSL, France), Arben Hajdari (University of Pristina), and Milot Berisha (Kosovo Archaeological Institute – Ministry of Culture).
Connection to Dardanian Heritage
Berisha stressed that this is a tangible proof of the historical heritage of the Albanians, connecting the territory with one of the most significant figures of the Byzantine Empire – Emperor Justinian.
“The rebuilding of Ulpiana and the creation of Iustiniana Secunda, as well as the mosaic inscription, clearly demonstrate the strategic and cultural importance of this region in the 6th century,” Berisha noted.
This discovery follows another significant one in 2023, which had proven that Justinian and Theodora personally decided to establish Iustiniana Secunda and financed its construction.
Historical Context
- Ulpiana was originally founded in the early 2nd century AD by Roman Emperor Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) as a municipium.
- After being destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 518, it was rebuilt by Justinian I in the 6th century, renamed Iustiniana Secunda.
- Around 618 AD, the city was destroyed by Slavic invasions and never rebuilt, though its ruins were later reused for construction, including at the Monastery of Gračanica.
Since 2009, systematic excavations have resumed, supported by the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, the European Union (IPA II funds), and international partners. In 2016, the Ulpiana – Iustiniana Secunda Archaeological Park was officially established, just 12 kilometers from Pristina.
Post-War Discoveries
Excavations after the 1998–1999 war uncovered important structures:
- A pagan temple with portico
- Roman baths (thermae)
- Fortified basilicas with towers
- The main Roman road, Cardo Maximus
- The Cloaca Maxima drainage system
- A baptistery
- Over 300 artifacts, now displayed in the National Museum of Kosovo
Berisha highlighted that two rare mosaic inscriptions found in Ulpiana uniquely mention Justinian, Theodora, Iustiniana Secunda, and Dardania—a direct testament to imperial presence in the region.
Conclusion
The new findings in Ulpiana strengthen the historical narrative of Dardanian civilization and reinforce Kosovo’s cultural identity. The discoveries link the region with Emperor Justinian’s heritage, showing its strategic and cultural role in the Byzantine Empire.
