Author: Petrit Latifi
Several archaeological finds that were initially attributed to the Greeks have been reassigned to the Illyrians, highlighting the intricate overlap of ancient cultures in the Balkan region. Here are some notable examples:
1. Ceramics from the Bronze and Early Iron Age:
Initially classified as Greek, these ceramics have been reattributed to the Illyrians based on distinctive stylistic and technological features characteristic of Illyrian craftsmanship [oai_citation:1,The Mysterious Illyrians and Their Conflicts With Ancient Greeks and Romans – GreekReporter.com](https://greekreporter.com/2024/05/03/illyrians/) [oai_citation:2,Illyrians, people of Ilion – COGNIARCHAE](https://cogniarchae.com/2018/07/16/illyrians-people-ilion/).
2. Fortifications and Urban Structures
In areas like modern Albania and Montenegro, archaeological studies have revealed that certain fortifications and urban layouts once thought to be of Greek origin are actually Illyrian. These structures reflect native architectural styles rather than those imported by Greek colonists [oai_citation:3,Illyrians – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illyrians).
3. Grave Goods
Items such as weapons and jewelry found in Greek burial contexts have been reexamined and identified as Illyrian. This reassignment is supported by the discovery of similar artifacts in unequivocally Illyrian burial sites, suggesting a broader cultural influence and exchange between the Greeks and Illyrians [oai_citation:4,The Mysterious Illyrians and Their Conflicts With Ancient Greeks and Romans – GreekReporter.com](https://greekreporter.com/2024/05/03/illyrians/) [oai_citation:5,Illyrians, people of Ilion – COGNIARCHAE](https://cogniarchae.com/2018/07/16/illyrians-people-ilion/).
Many of these artifacts are now displayed in museums worldwide, providing insights into the rich cultural tapestry of the ancient Balkans. Significant collections of Illyrian artifacts can be found in institutions like the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb and the Dubrovnik Museum in Croatia, among others.
