Kratul

Kratul was an Illyrian settlement characterized by its unique elliptical fortification, located in the territory of the Labeates tribe in modern-day northern Albania. The site was occupied from the early Iron Age through to the 1st century CE, showcasing a distinctive military architecture with walls constructed from unworked stones without mortar. The fortification featured three strategically placed gates and was similar in layout to other nearby Illyrian sites, such as Gajtan, but with notable differences in shape and the absence of towers. Situated on a hill, Kratul's ruins overlook the modern village of Boks, with the nearby Shtoj tumuli indicating earlier Bronze Age activity in the region. This site provides significant insights into the defensive strategies and settlement patterns of the Illyrian tribes during the Iron Age.