Nymphaion (Ancient Greek: Νυμφαῖον, Nymphaîon) was the name given to the ancient sanctuary of the "eternal fire" located in southern Illyria, notably near Apollonia, in modern-day Albania.[1] The location also featured bitumen mines, which, still functioning today, have held a crucial role throughout the history of the region.
Placed inland on the Vjosë/Aoos river, the area was occupied by Illyrians since before archaic colonial times, and the site was likely already a place of worship because of its peculiar physical properties.[2] Attested local tribes of the area were the Bylliones and the Amantes.[3] In the 7th–6th century BCE Apollonia was founded on the Illyrian coast near this site by a joint colony of Corinth and Kerkyra.[2] According to ancient literary tradition the fire of the sanctuary never went out before an ancient war fought between Apollonia and the Illyrians.[4] Around mid-5th century BCE, after conquering nearby Thronion, Apollonia consolidated its control over the site of the fire sanctuary and the area of the bitumen mines.[5] Until the Apollonian conquest, the control of the bitumen mines may have produced in part the wealth of Thronion.[6]
The ancient site has been identified with the Selenica area, across from Byllis, a region rich in natural reserves of petroleum and gas, which were required to feed the eternal fire.[7] Selenicë is still a modern producer of hydrocarbons and high quality bitumen.[8]