Amantia, founded around the middle of the 5th century BC, was the historical capital of the ancient tribe of the Amantes. It is located in the present-day city of Ploce, 32 km northeast of Vlora in Albania. The city occupied an important defensive position above the Aoös River valley, along the road leading to the coast and to the Bay of Aulon (Vlorë).

Coordinates: 40° 22′ 37″ N, 19° 41′ 59″ E

Amantia was built on the slope of a high hill covering an area of 13 hectares. The settlement extended along the sides of the steep hill. The city was protected by a 2,100m long walled enclosure with three monumental gates.

The best-preserved monument is the stadium constructed on a natural terrace in the first half of the 3rd century BC. On the southern side of the city, outside the walls, stood a religious complex with a platform for a colonnaded Doric-style temple dedicated to Aphrodite. A series of monumental tombs are also to be found in the vicinity.

Amantia minted its own coins from the 3rd century BC. After the period of Greek colonisation, it came under the influence of Apollonia. In 148 BC, the city, along with Byllis, was included in the Roman province of Macedonia and Epirus Nova in the late 3rd century AD.

Amantia remained a small urban centre and was the seat of a bishop in early Christian times. The temple of Aphrodite was demolished, and a Christian basilica was built near the ruins using its materials. It is thought that the city may have been abandoned by the end of the 6 century AD.

A significant sculpture, a relief of the God of Fertility, can be seen in the Archaeological Museum in Tirana Museum. Other relics from Amantia are on display in the National Museum of History. Amantia was declared an archaeological park in 2005.