| Gradistë belt-plate | |
|---|---|
| Year | c. 280 BC |
| Type | bronze |
| Location | Historical Museum of Tirana,Tirana |
TheGradistë belt-plate is anIllyrian silvered bronze belt-plate found in the village of Gradistë in south-easternAlbania nearLake Ohrid.[1] The decorative belt-plate dates from the early 3rd century BC around the year 280 BC.[1] It depicts Illyrian warriors in combat both on foot and on horseback with a giant snake-dragon on the left and an unknown dead character with a face mask. The belt-plate shows the typical southern Illyrian shield used in southernIllyria and theIllyrian helmet. The snake in the side symbolizes the religious role it played in the religion of the Illyrians[2][3] According to several archaeologists the shields depicted in the Gradistë artifact indicate a widespread use of that particular shield type among Illyrians andAncient Macedonians.[4]
