Nymphaion (fire sanctuary)

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. 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. Attested local tribes of the area were the Bylliones and the Amantes. In the 7th–6th century BCE Apollonia was founded on the Illyrian coast near this site by a joint colony of Corinth and Kerkyra. According to ancient literary tradition the fire of the sanctuary never went out before an ancient war fought between Apollonia and the Illyrians. 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. Until the Apollonian conquest, the control of the bitumen mines may have produced in part the wealth of Thronion.

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. Selenicë is still a modern producer of hydrocarbons and high quality bitumen.