Elbasan was probably founded during the 1st or 2nd century on the Via Egnatia. It was fortified in the 4th century and pillaged by the Goths during the 5th century. Also some churches were built during the time. After 519, when Scampis was mentioned as a bishopric, the town fades from sources. It was rebuilt in the year 1466 by Sultan Mehmed II., while the siege of Kruja, and called Il-basan.