by Dr. Qazim Namani
On March 1, 2023, a team from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments — Qazim Namani, Emin Sallahu and Alban Kastrati — made a working visit to the village of Marali.
At the invitation of Azem Vrenezi, the team visited the archaeological site known as “Ara te Kisha” (“Field by the Church”), where they were informed about accidental discoveries made during agricultural activities in the area.
According to Azem Vrenezi, seven graves covered with stone slabs were discovered while ploughing the field. The foundations of an early religious building were also discovered above the graves. In the village, this building has traditionally been known as the Church of Marali.
Until recently, there was also a spring known as “Kroi i Kishës” (“Church Spring”) near the church. The spring was later diverted through pipes by a local family. During ploughing in the area around the church, roof tiles and other traces of a settlement were also discovered.
Azem explained that members of his family had used several stones from the archaeological site to construct the wall surrounding their yard. The team examined this wall and observed several stones bearing fluting, grape-leaf motifs and a Roman inscription. Based on these remains, the team concluded that the site is archaeological and dates to antiquity.
The researchers believe that the remains may belong to a significant early Christian place of worship, potentially important for understanding the history of civilization in the region.
On one of the stone slabs, they found the inscription “M. Aurel”, which provides an opportunity for further research into the name.
According to historical sources, Marcus Aurelius was a well-known Roman emperor and philosopher of the 2nd century AD. The researchers suggest that, in this particular case, the inscription may perhaps refer to a Dardanian citizen from that period.
The legitimate owner of the parcel is Aziz Vrenezi.
Azem and several other villagers also provided information about archaeological traces at the sites known as “Prrocka” and “Kungullari”, which cover a fairly large area. Bricks, pottery, flooring and other traces have also been found there during agricultural activities.
Opposite the village, the team also documented another site called “Seishta”, which they believe may correspond to an early archaeological settlement known as “Selishta”.
In the village of Marali, the team also recorded several local place names, including:
* Ara te Kisha
* Kroi i Kishës
* Kungullari
* Bokat e Gorishtës
* Seishta
* Prrocka
* Gryka e Lenishtave
* Guri i Madh
* Shkoza
* Rrezinat
* Kodra e Shullanit
* Mullini i Shkozës
* Kroi i Madh
* Lugu i Vrenezit
* Hani i Himit
Source
Gjetje arkeologjike në lokalitetin “Ara te Kisha” në fshatin Marali të Malishevës – Trungu & InforCulture”.
