Fourth Day of the Summer University: Professor Goddard Presents Archaeological Findings and the History of Ulpiana
Pristina, July 10 — Alongside the regular morning lectures, the afternoon of July 10 saw professors teaching at the Pristina International Summer University attend a presentation by French professor Christophe Goddard on the ancient site of Ulpiana.
At the location where archaeologists believe Emperor Justinian rebuilt Ulpiana, Professor Christophe Goddard explained to visiting professors of the Pristina International Summer University everything about the discoveries and history of the ancient site.
Seated near a simple wooden table under the shade of trees, with a laptop displaying photos from years-old excavations at the Ulpiana Archaeological Site, the professor from Paris’s École Normale Supérieure began his lecture on the journey artifacts take from their discovery site to museums.
By analyzing various ceramic fragments from ancient vessels, he scientifically determined the historical periods during which these vessels were used.
Professor Goddard explained that Ulpiana was abandoned after a devastating earthquake in 518 AD, which was followed by repeated floods.
The professors’ expedition then stopped at at the largest basilica of antiquity in the Balkans and at the mosaic and inscription uncovered in 2023 by a team led by Goddard himself and Professor Arben Hajdari of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pristina.
Professor Goddard highlighted the unique features of the mosaic and the Ulpiana Archaeological Park. He noted that all construction materials here are local, and even the decorations were crafted using drawings of local birds.
The international professors also visited other parts of the ancient city, showing keen interest in details about life during that era.
Short films were screened during the day at the UP-ward Student Film Festival, while the visit to Ulpiana concluded the activities of the fourth day of the Pristina International Summer University.
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