Apollonia is a well known ancient site. Octavianus (later named Emperor Augustus) studied there as a youngster and Caesar stopped there on his way to fight Pompey. It was a Greek/Illyrian city and then became Roman. It was a very important economic and trade center during classical antiquity. I was born in Fier and when kids we used to go often and play around the area. Even as kids that place had something magical and mystique we could sense due to millennia of history.
Patrick, I love this video-one of your best. Your awe for Apollonia really comes through. I grew up in Fier, now living in the States, and it’s a bit surreal watching you explore my hometown from across the world. I hope this video helps put Apollonia on the map because it truly deserves it. They’re planning a new highway between Fier and Seman beach, which will hopefully draw more attention to places like Apollonia. Apollonia is the kind of place that whispers stories of the ancient world if you’re quiet enough to listen. Founded by Greek colonists in 588 B.C., this city had its moment-wealthy, powerful, the kind of place where the Romans sent their kids to study. Even Augustus, future emperor, walked these streets. But then, like all things, it faded. An earthquake, a silted harbor, and the world moved on. Now, it’s ruins-a temple here, a theater there-watching centuries pass. History frozen in time, waiting for people to show up and feel it. You did such a good job with showing us the place - and I notice many improvements.
This is greatness. We started our channel about a month ago because we want to retire in Italy and document the process. Fellow Texans here! ☺We'll just live vicariously through you right now until we get to go. Take care!
Love your channel! I live in Florida and after being away from my own country for 27 years I finally brought my husband from Croatia to visit Albania in 2022. He was sooo in awe of the place of Apollonia and the energy/history that it presents. BUT a minor correction, these are old Illyrian grounds, nothing Greek about this place besides those who claim it to be just playing politics. Apollonia is nothing but the beautiful Illyria
Patrick, this video and this place is delightful! I'm astounded that that sort and quality of Roman era artifacts are so accessible! I've seen such things elsewhere, but there are crowds and bell ropes keeping you away from them. Glad to see your adventure is continuing.
Hi Patrick! We were there just a couple of weeks ago. There is a very informative brochure that comes with your ticket, as well as many signs posted at each of the sites in English to tell you what they are. The structure with the columns was a monument that was once the entrance to a large kind of temple. The Roman Emperor donated 25 gladiators to fight in the celebrations that went on for days. Across from that the tiered seats were for the members of Senate, and that is where they had their congressional meetings. The theater is much farther away, and The big Hill behind those seats you passed has still not been completely excavated. The stones that looked like a canal are the remnants of the street, and those perpendicular sections of stone beside it were the foundations of shops. You were walking on the market street! The entire site is much larger than you even see. It was an impressive crossroads for trade between the east and Greece, before being a stronghold of Rome. Then, a series of earthquakes Combined with the river changing course away from the city caused the town to be abandoned. One of the most fascinating Greco-Roman sites!
The ruins are still standing! Wow. I wonder how difficult it is to become fluent in Albanian? Artists would love to draw and paint those statutes. You visit places other bloggers do not show us. Technically, you could live in this building today. Just incredible. Where can one go for cooler weather in the summer months? For people who do not want to hang out at the beach all day but just enjoy cooler weather. Also is the political situation stable there? They do have protests but not sure how that will impact long term stability. The smaller cities are also spectacular and not swarmed with tourists yet, but I am very sure that will come. Now is the time to be in Albania. I am glad tourists are discovering the country and once they become members of the EU, this will bring much needed revenue to the Albanians, as well as allow them to work elsewhere in Europe and send money home. Patrick you should offer group tour packages in Albania, with hotels, meals included.
@@patrickoverseas By coincidence, Patrick, I was actually just about to suggest Byllis to you. We went to Apollonia in mid-September and absolutely loved it, but we also went to Byllis, which is not too far away from Apollonia. It doesn't have the statutues, etc, but is still a very impressive site with a well-preserved theatre and extension ruins. What makes it extra special is that the road that leads up to it really isn't suitable for buses, so you won't find large tour groups there (Apollonia didn't look to busy in your video, but it was still very busy in September). There's a nice little restaurant/cafe at Byllis, but on the day we were there, we were the only tourists. It's a nice place to visit!
@patrickoverseas oh man problem. I left the country when I was a teen and did not make it to see Ardenica. Also in Pogradec( you need to find a guide) but there are ancient ruins and I think tombs of the old illyrian kings. Albania is so ancient and it has been looted so many times especially since we were at the periphery of the Ottoman Empire. Many cities were decimated( especially after the death of Skenderbeg.) By the way, if u are into military history, skenderbeg has a record of 8 major battles 0 defeat (we are talking about going against the Ottoman who were the USA of 15th century) Skenderbeg kept the ottomans at bay for 25 years. His tittle Skenderbeg comes from turkish Iskander( in honor of Alexander the great) Also our money LEK(means alexander the great) for his mother was Illyrian.
Crazy! Think about that? Those statues were from the 2nd century! The Bible was completed/compiled between 40AD and 140AD. That's the 2nd century. We don't have history like that in America. SO looking forward to Touching Those Ruins with you, Patrick :)
Beautiful! I can hear birds singing and love the trees and lush green fields. Looking forward to seeing more of Albania 🇦🇱 from you.
Yes .such a beautiful area. A must see!
Apollonia is a well known ancient site. Octavianus (later named Emperor Augustus) studied there as a youngster and Caesar stopped there on his way to fight Pompey. It was a Greek/Illyrian city and then became Roman. It was a very important economic and trade center during classical antiquity. I was born in Fier and when kids we used to go often and play around the area. Even as kids that place had something magical and mystique we could sense due to millennia of history.
Such a beautiful place. Thank you for info. Helps the channel !
Patrick, I love this video-one of your best. Your awe for Apollonia really comes through. I grew up in Fier, now living in the States, and it’s a bit surreal watching you explore my hometown from across the world. I hope this video helps put Apollonia on the map because it truly deserves it. They’re planning a new highway between Fier and Seman beach, which will hopefully draw more attention to places like Apollonia.
Apollonia is the kind of place that whispers stories of the ancient world if you’re quiet enough to listen. Founded by Greek colonists in 588 B.C., this city had its moment-wealthy, powerful, the kind of place where the Romans sent their kids to study. Even Augustus, future emperor, walked these streets. But then, like all things, it faded. An earthquake, a silted harbor, and the world moved on. Now, it’s ruins-a temple here, a theater there-watching centuries pass. History frozen in time, waiting for people to show up and feel it. You did such a good job with showing us the place - and I notice many improvements.
Was beautiful ! And thankyou for your comment. And yes im in awe of Apollonia. I never knew of it till i moved here.
Patrick...!!!...This was wonderful...
Thank you Jay ! I hope your doing well. Its a must see place.
Those ruins are truly amazing. Very cool that you can walk around it and touch it. It blows my mind they created those structures and statues
Saw your Germany stop over ! loved it.
@@patrickoverseas it was a really nice little excursion:)
This is greatness. We started our channel about a month ago because we want to retire in Italy and document the process. Fellow Texans here! ☺We'll just live vicariously through you right now until we get to go. Take care!
Thank you for being here ! Im excited for you. I will check out your channel and subscribe !
@@patrickoverseas Thank you! We appreciate that so much!
Love your channel! I live in Florida and after being away from my own country for 27 years I finally brought my husband from Croatia to visit Albania in 2022. He was sooo in awe of the place of Apollonia and the energy/history that it presents. BUT a minor correction, these are old Illyrian grounds, nothing Greek about this place besides those who claim it to be just playing politics. Apollonia is nothing but the beautiful Illyria
Thank you for info !
Patrick, this video and this place is delightful! I'm astounded that that sort and quality of Roman era artifacts are so accessible! I've seen such things elsewhere, but there are crowds and bell ropes keeping you away from them. Glad to see your adventure is continuing.
Hi ! It was amazing! So much more of this beautiful country to see and explore. Thank you for watching.
Hi Patrick! We were there just a couple of weeks ago. There is a very informative brochure that comes with your ticket, as well as many signs posted at each of the sites in English to tell you what they are. The structure with the columns was a monument that was once the entrance to a large kind of temple. The Roman Emperor donated 25 gladiators to fight in the celebrations that went on for days.
Across from that the tiered seats were for the members of Senate, and that is where they had their congressional meetings. The theater is much farther away, and The big Hill behind those seats you passed has still not been completely excavated.
The stones that looked like a canal are the remnants of the street, and those perpendicular sections of stone beside it were the foundations of shops. You were walking on the market street!
The entire site is much larger than you even see. It was an impressive crossroads for trade between the east and Greece, before being a stronghold of Rome. Then, a series of earthquakes Combined with the river changing course away from the city caused the town to be abandoned.
One of the most fascinating Greco-Roman sites!
yes, i got that with ticket. Beautiful place i just subscribed to you channel.
The ruins are still standing! Wow. I wonder how difficult it is to become fluent in Albanian? Artists would love to draw and paint those statutes. You visit places other bloggers do not show us. Technically, you could live in this building today. Just incredible. Where can one go for cooler weather in the summer months? For people who do not want to hang out at the beach all day but just enjoy cooler weather. Also is the political situation stable there? They do have protests but not sure how that will impact long term stability. The smaller cities are also spectacular and not swarmed with tourists yet, but I am very sure that will come. Now is the time to be in Albania. I am glad tourists are discovering the country and once they become members of the EU, this will bring much needed revenue to the Albanians, as well as allow them to work elsewhere in Europe and send money home. Patrick you should offer group tour packages in Albania, with hotels, meals included.
To beat the heat many go to the city of Korca, Or pogradec. There are protest at times here. but stable yes.
Have you visited Butrint and Byllis those are also pretty cool archeological sites
i dont know those two
@@patrickoverseas By coincidence, Patrick, I was actually just about to suggest Byllis to you. We went to Apollonia in mid-September and absolutely loved it, but we also went to Byllis, which is not too far away from Apollonia. It doesn't have the statutues, etc, but is still a very impressive site with a well-preserved theatre and extension ruins. What makes it extra special is that the road that leads up to it really isn't suitable for buses, so you won't find large tour groups there (Apollonia didn't look to busy in your video, but it was still very busy in September). There's a nice little restaurant/cafe at Byllis, but on the day we were there, we were the only tourists. It's a nice place to visit!
@@paulwoolgar5384 i will check it out when im in the area again thanks !
Patrick next time visit the manastir of Ardenica which is kinda close to Apollonia.
There, the national hero of Albania,Skenderbeg, was married.
Ohhhhh...thank you for that ! i mean it. Thanks, that adds to the channel.
@patrickoverseas oh man problem.
I left the country when I was a teen and did not make it to see Ardenica.
Also in Pogradec( you need to find a guide) but there are ancient ruins and I think tombs of the old illyrian kings.
Albania is so ancient and it has been looted so many times especially since we were at the periphery of the Ottoman Empire. Many cities were decimated( especially after the death of Skenderbeg.)
By the way, if u are into military history, skenderbeg has a record of 8 major battles 0 defeat (we are talking about going against the Ottoman who were the USA of 15th century)
Skenderbeg kept the ottomans at bay for 25 years.
His tittle Skenderbeg comes from turkish Iskander( in honor of Alexander the great)
Also our money LEK(means alexander the great) for his mother was Illyrian.
@@AsAbovesobelow952 Thank you so much for the info. And i will get a guide to see that in Pogradec !
Hi Patrick, what a beautiful location. Btw, could you give us the name of the diagnostic/medical center you went to in Tirana? Thanks ahead of time.
I went to American hospital #1...yes that's its official name...no joking
@patrickoverseas Thanks Patrick, I will stop by tomorrow. It is not far from my hotel.
Patrick, did you rent a car and drive to Fier and Appolonia?
Or take busses, etc?
We took a cab. The cabby was so kind. He stuck around and gave us a trip back to Fier with no charge going back.
@@patrickoverseas no kidding. Wow!
Crazy! Think about that? Those statues were from the 2nd century! The Bible was completed/compiled between 40AD and 140AD. That's the 2nd century. We don't have history like that in America. SO looking forward to Touching Those Ruins with you, Patrick :)
It was amazing!
You have no idea how many were stolen during communism and 1997 civil war. 95% of Albanian history lost.It is painful most of them sold by politicians
Ive heard. Breaks my heart.