Italia’s ex-ambassador to Azerbaijan publishes book on Caucasian Albania

A new book titled “Caucasian Albania – The Lost Kingdom: Research and Discoveries in Azerbaijan and the Eastern Caucasus” has been published in Italy, shedding light on the history, archaeology, and architecture of the ancient state of Caucasian Albania.

The author, Augusto Massari, served as Italy’s ambassador to Azerbaijan from 2017 to 2021. Written in Italian, the 466-page book includes a preface and 13 chapters, covering topics ranging from Caucasian Albania’s ties with the Roman Empire to acts of vandalism committed by Armenians in Karabakh. The text is accompanied by 68 illustrative photographs, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The publication aims to introduce European readers to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Caucasian Albania. Natig Alishov, Head of the Department of the Ancient Period and Albanian Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), provided active support in preparing the book.

Massari and Alishov conducted joint field trips to Ismayilli, Gabala, Oghuz, Sheki, Gakh, Zagatala, Balakan, Gadabay, and Karabakh, visiting ancient settlements, archaeological sites, churches, and monuments of Albanian Christian heritage. These visits enabled the collection of extensive material for the book.

The publication is considered the first comprehensive work on the history, archaeology, and architecture of Caucasian Albania presented to the international community in the 21st century.

By Vugar Khalilov