Why is this important: Debates about the age of languages shed light on the roots of human communication and the historic and cultural heritage of a people. However, the challenge of accurately pinpointing when a language was “born” means that any claims about linguistic timelines inevitably spark controversy. This is especially true in regions like the Balkans, where language and historical interpretation are intertwined with national identity and can even have real-life political or social consequences. Heggarty’s study, published a year ago in Science, upends previous assumptions by suggesting that the Indo-European language family, including Albanian, is older than scholars have long believed, potentially reshaping our understanding of European prehistory.

Why is this important: The penalties imposed on Tirana are significant and set a precedent for handling similar incidents in Albanian football. The Disciplinary Commission announced that KF Tirana will play the rest of their Superliga matches and any remaining fixtures in the Albanian Cup without fan attendance. Additionally, the club must pay a fine of 300,000 leks. These sanctions underscore the importance of ensuring player safety and the repercussions clubs face for failing to control their supporters.

Why is this important: The preservation of Lezha Castle not only protects a significant cultural and historical site but also contributes to the broader understanding of urban development in ancient cities. This project is vital for maintaining the integrity and historical value of the site, ensuring it remains a testament to the area’s rich heritage. Lezhë Castle stands at an elevation of 322 meters (1,056 ft) with its highest point reaching 186 meters (610 ft), making it a prominent landmark.