Medieval ceramics from the Upper Vjosa Valley, southern Albania

This paper introduces initial results from the study of medieval pottery (7th –14th centuries AD), deriving from recent archaeological surveys and excavations in the Upper Vjosa valley. After a significant drop in ceramic numbers during the 7th to first half of 9th centuries, there is an evident increase from the second half of the 9th and 10th centuries. This upturn is associated with the introduction of a new typology of pots, probably influenced by byzantine productions. During the mid- and late Byzantine period, the ceramic assemblages are marked by imported fine glazed wares of Apulian and Aegean origin. By this time the valley may have gained considerable importance as a trading route within the inland regional trading network.