Books by Cristian Dima
Mega Publishing House, 2021
Merchants, traders, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, politicians yet also pilgrims, exiles, fugitives or... more Merchants, traders, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, politicians yet also pilgrims, exiles, fugitives or adventurers travelled in and to the Greek colonies, the Roman provinces or the Barbarian territories for shorter or longer periods of time, travels that lasted from a few days to several weeks. For the Greco-Roman world, such manifestations are reported by various epigraphic sources, but especially by literary sources which record the movement and mobility of the populations as well as the cosmopolite character of large towns and trading centres, alluring various categories of individuals. Furthermore, feats and military campaigns were accounted and re-accounted by many of the classical authors, emperors or their supporters, documenting not a few times the practiced routes, the places where trading exchanges occurred, the army built roads etc. The number of itineraries, surviving the passage of time and presenting place names and distances in-between these on a given path, shows they were important in the Greco-Roman world indeed. The written sources of the classical Antiquity did not record in the case of the Second Iron Age civilisation of the intra-Carpathian area information regarding trading routes, exchanges of goods, local products etc. These may be referenced only indirectly, through parallels with other Barbarian civilisations or by the manner in which transport of commodities and trading relations in and with the Greco-Roman world is mirrored. The commercial relations of the Geto-Dacian communities with the products of the Greco-Roman civilisation were broadly discussed in a monograph aimed to both analyse and study the products reaching the space inhabited by the Dacian civilisation as well as the possible trading routes via which these products were distributed.
Mega Publishing House, 2017
This is not an ordinary MANUAL, in the sense most textbooks are. We do not have the vanity to pro... more This is not an ordinary MANUAL, in the sense most textbooks are. We do not have the vanity to produce general rules, to edit standards and procedures concerning an archaeological investigation. Starting with the middle of the 20th century many high quality books were written on this subject.
This handbook reflects our experience within the ERASMUS + project: “From Theory to Practice - International Teaching in Field Archaeology in Roman Sarmizegetusa” - FIT in Archaeology (contract 2015-R001-KA203-015185), financed by European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme coordinated in Romania by National Agency for Community Programmes in the Field of Education and Vocational Training (ANPCDEFP). The project was coordinated by The National Museum of History of Transylvania from Cluj-Napoca, with four European universities as partners in this enterprise: Babeş-Bolyai University at Cluj-Napoca, University of Exeter, University of Viena and Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg. We would like to share our experience with whoever would be interested.
As a response to the changing needs of society and as an anticipation for the carriers of tomorro... more As a response to the changing needs of society and as an anticipation for the carriers of tomorrow in archaeology, we involved the staff members beginning with the employers in archaeology and ending with the teachers involved in the higher education of the students, in order to create and develop a new curriculum that is more reliable with the needs of the labour market. This intellectual output represents a preamble of the Manual for the methods of teaching and learning on the archaeological sites. The curriculum has established the goals and the targets of the practice stages on the archaeological sites, the expected results, performance indicators, as well as the way in which the student's work will be evaluated. This curriculum aims to present in detail the knowledge and skills which a student can develop within a practice program in the archaeological field school.
This pedagogical materials entitled Curriculum – International education offer in Archaeological field-schools/ Curriculum – Ofertă educaţională internaţională în şantierele arheologice – şcoală, available in bilingual format, it was created in such a way to fit perfectly into the educational programs in each universities with archaeological profile from Europe.
It is consist in an introduction, were the programs was described, the general aims of this; the programme and module structure (12 modules: Non-invasive archaeology, Field-walking archaeology, Archaeological situations, Excavation Techniques, Recording the archaeological excavation, Collecting archaeological material, Primary conservation, Field drawing, Drawing archaeological finds Photography at archaeological excavation, Topographic survey and GIS, Epigraphic Databases); Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and the Assessment Methods; Programme Regulations; School Support for Students and Students’ Learning; Admission Criteria; Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards and the Quality and Standards; and the module description.
To be easier to fallow and implement each module has been inserted following the same pattern: module title; module code; duration; short description; the most important aims of the modules; with a special emphasis on the intended learning outcomes, being evaluate the module module specific skills and knowledge, then the discipline specific skills and knowledge, and the personal and key transferable/ employment skills and knowledge; a summary and structure of the syllabus plan; learning activities and teaching method; formative assessment; and finally in was point out the indicative learning resources.
This curriculum developed after the two-year of international programme, by the professors and researchers of the five partner institutes, in such way to offer students a solid grounding in a range of fieldwork methods applied in Roman Archaeology and tested within the specific context of the site at Sarmizegetusa, Romania.
Phd Thesis by Cristian Dima
PHD Thesis defended at The Romanian Academy
Advanced Study School of The Romanian Academy (SCOSAA... more PHD Thesis defended at The Romanian Academy
Advanced Study School of The Romanian Academy (SCOSAAR)
”VASILE PÂRVAN” ARCHAEOLOGY INSTITUTE
BUCHAREST
Scientific Leader: Dr. Valeriu Sîrbu, C.Ș. I
11 October 2018
Papers by Cristian Dima
Acta Musei Napocensis, 2019
During the Late Iron Age, draft animals, both oxen and horses, mules or donkeys, were harnessed o... more During the Late Iron Age, draft animals, both oxen and horses, mules or donkeys, were harnessed on the transport vehicle by a double yoke that transmitted the traction power to the wagon through which it was fastened. Certain metallic parts were attached on these double wooden yokes, some of them having a functional role, and others an ornamental one. Such metal parts were also discovered in pre-Roman Dacia, most of them coming from fortunate discoveries, illegal detection and less in clear archaeological contexts. Some of the pieces presented in this article have been discussed and featured typologically and chronologically, but a number of differences and sub-variants require a re‑discussion of these. Also in this article will be discussed other yokes known in pre-Roman Dacia which will be typologically and chronologically framed.
Archäologisches Korrespondenzblatt 50/1, 2020
The miniature or model wagons made of iron, bronze or even clay represent a rare category of obje... more The miniature or model wagons made of iron, bronze or even clay represent a rare category of objects with special significance and symbolism present in different periods. During the La Tène period, this artefact is missing from archaeological contexts throughout Central Europe and the Carpathian Basin, despite a well-attested tradition during the Hallstatt period and the Bronze Age. Furthermore, in the Balkans, especially in ancient Macedonia, this type of artefact ceased to be deposited in archaeological contexts from the beginning of the 4th century BC, despite a notable presence in several necropolises, such as Archontiko, Sindos, Vergina or Pydna. However, an exception to this rule appears to occur in the Dacian milieu, where a wagon model, an axle with a wheel attached and another three wheel fragments were discovered. The majority of the model-wagons belonging to earlier periods were discovered in funerary contexts but, for the ones discovered in pre-Roman Dacia, the funerary context is difficult to prove for some, while for others the context seems to be a votive one. The presence of this kind of artefact in Dacian contexts is related to certain beliefs and religious practices that have similar patterns and roots found in different cultural spheres and which resulted from
several encounters and cultural exchanges. Religious ideas circulated from one population to another preserving certain symbolism, even though the original idea was sometimes altered. Thus, an issue discussed here and one related to the origin of such manifestations, the cultural encounters and connections with other populations, represents the roots of this phenomenon and the type of interaction of ideas from one period to another in various regions.
Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology, vol 7, No 1, 2020
The subject of this paper is related with some solar and celestial representation discovered in t... more The subject of this paper is related with some solar and celestial representation discovered in the intra-Carpathian space dated from the Late Iron Age. The paper will focus on water-birds protomes discovered at Sarmizegetusa Regia and Costești-"Cetățuie", water-birds shaped handles on some situlae handles and other birds' representation. As well the study will focus on the association of this water-bird representation with wheels or chariots and some vessels. The research is not concerned only on discussion of the symbolism of this group of representation, but as well on understanding the origins and how the idea travelled from one community to other and finally reach the space lived by Dacian communities..
ARCHAEOLOGIA BULGARICA XXII 2018 2 , 2018
The miniature or model wagons and chariots made in iron, bronze or even clay represent a rare cat... more The miniature or model wagons and chariots made in iron, bronze or even clay represent a rare category of objects with special significance and symbolism. During the Late Iron Age this artefact was missing from the archaeological contexts in all over Europe, despite a well-attested tradition of First Iron Age or Bronze Age. However, an exception of this rule appears to be in the Dacian milieu, where a wagon model and other four wheel fragments were discovered. Thus, an issue that will be discussed here is related with the unclear archaeological contexts where this objects were found and, further, to understand the signification and symbolism of such deposition. The majority of the miniature or model wagon belonging to earlier periods were discovered in funerary contexts, but, for the ones discovered in pre-roman Dacia, the understanding of archaeological context seems to be difficult to and some of the objects could be placed in connection with miniature or model wheel votive deposition from Celtic sanctuaries.
This paper presents the first installation produced with the data collected on the ancient roman ... more This paper presents the first installation produced with the data collected on the ancient roman city of Colonia Dacica Sarmizegetusa: it can be considered a concrete example of a full workflow, from photogrammetric 3D acquisition to gaming experience, able to contribute to the community of experts in the domain of virtual museum. The visualization of enormous archaeological contexts like a whole ancient city has been a test bed to develop tools and methodologies in order to create and maintain accurate and fully real-time enabled 3D models. In the temporary exhibition, open until 30 September 2016, a multimedia installation based on "natural interaction" solutions was set up: thanks to Kinect and Leap-Motion sensors visitors can interact with virtual environments and objects, using gestures to experience a more engaging and intuitive experience. Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.3 [Computer Graphics]: Picture/Image Generation—Line and curve generation I.4.1 [Image processing and computer vision]: Digitization and Image Capture—I.6.0 [Simulation and model-ing]: General—I.6.5 [Simulation and modeling]: Model Development—
Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology 1/2, 2014, 40-49
The article analyzes a Roman thin-cast bronze saucepan discovered in the Dacian fortress from Ard... more The article analyzes a Roman thin-cast bronze saucepan discovered in the Dacian fortress from Ardeu (Hunedoara County, Romania). The authors argue that the object belongs to a small group of similar discoveries which comprises a variant of the thin-cast saucepans belonging to Petrovszky type III. The saucepan was produced between the last two decades of the 1 st century BC and the third decade of the 1 st century AD in a workshop which can be located in the north-eastern part of the Italic Peninsula, probably at Aquileia. This is the first discovery which attests with certainty the existence of the thin-cast saucepans in the north Danubian territory, element which is important in the context of the trade relations developed along the route connecting Aquileia with the Sava Valley and the Danube during the Augustan Age.
Drobeta XXIII, 2013, p. 113-120., 2013
ABOUT A STYLUS FOUND IN ARDEU, JUD. HUNEDOARA
(Abstract)
The hill Cetăţuie from Ardeu is well k... more ABOUT A STYLUS FOUND IN ARDEU, JUD. HUNEDOARA
(Abstract)
The hill Cetăţuie from Ardeu is well known for the ancient and medieval discoveries from the end of the XIXth century by Téglás Gábor. But in the last years the interest in investigating the site was risen. A lot of artifacts were discovered and were published
by the researchers team. Most of them belonging to the Dacian Kingdom time, but there are also from other epochs like Copper Age, Bronze Age, First Iron Age, Roman Province Dacia time, Migrations and Medieval time.
In this paper we are presenting a small iron slate peneil (stylus) found in 2002 campaign on the upper part of the hill. It is preserved fragmentary (L preserved – 7,1 cm) and its slender rod is rounded in section with the diameter of de 0,4 cm. Now it couldbe found in the Roman and Dacian Civilisation museum in Deva, Inventory No. 40332.
The piece is common for the Roman time and it is a proof (together with someother pieces) of a Roman presence on the top of the Cetăţuie hill in the Roman Province Dacia time.
Marisia. Studii și Materiale. XXXI. p. 157-160., 2011
The paper presents an iron vessel found in a suspicious way on the territory of the Dacian capita... more The paper presents an iron vessel found in a suspicious way on the territory of the Dacian capital,
Sarmizegetusa Regia, lately attained by the Museum of Deva. In Late Iron Age these types of artefacts are rare
for the region; from Dacia only eight such metal vessels are known in the present, dated to the 2nd century AD.
Studia Universitatis „Babeș-Bolyai”. Historia. 54/1-2, 2009, p. 18- 34., 2009
Dacian weapons discovered at Ardeu
(Hunedoara county)
- Abstract -
A. Emplacement of the site
Ard... more Dacian weapons discovered at Ardeu
(Hunedoara county)
- Abstract -
A. Emplacement of the site
Ardeu village is located in South-Western Transylvania (Fig. 1/3),
on the Ardeu Valley (Fig. 1/2). From a geographical point of view, the arrea
belongs to the Metaliferi Mountains – a small group in the Southern part of
the Romanian Western Carpathians.
The “CetăŃuie” Hill is placed right near the road named DJ 705, with
a good positon on the shortest way from the Dacian Kingdom’s capital (Fig.
1/1) area to the region rich in golden minerals in the Apuseni Mountains
(Romanian Western Carpathians).
The hill was inhabited during several historical periods.
B. The discoveries
This ancient pieces that we intent to present in this paper were
found fortunately, but also through archaeological investigations.
C. The weapons
1. Iron shield boss - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40993 (Fig. 2/2), fragmentary.
2. Iron curved-dagger scabbard - MCDR-Deva nr. inv 40599 (Fig. 3/3),
fragmentary.
3. Bone dagger handle - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40608 (Fig. 3/2), fragmentary.
4. Iron lance-head - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40950 (Fig. 3/5), fragmentary.
5. Iron lance-butt - MCDR-Deva, nr inv. 23387 (Fig. 3/4), fragmentary.
6. Iron lance-butt - MNIR, box 157, without inventory number (Fig. 3/1).
D. Analogies and chronology
Three of the pieces which we present here (Fig. 2/2-3, Fig. 3/2) were
discovered in the same complex, partially investigated, but very probably
dated at the end of the Ist century B.C. or, at the begining of the Ist century
A.D. The other objects are dated, based on the analogies, during the Ist
century B.C. - Ist century A.D.
Comunicări stiintifice 7,. Mediaş, 2008, p. 38-45. , 2008
Spurs and bits from Dacian Kingdom.
The spurs and bits are harness pieces that belong to the eq... more Spurs and bits from Dacian Kingdom.
The spurs and bits are harness pieces that belong to the equipment of a knight. Made from metal, the spurs are attached to the heels of the bearer, and play an important role in transmitting some of the commands to the horse, though prick fixed to their ends. Also for well communication with the horse, more common in antiquity were bits. This kind of pieces from Pre-Roman Dacia were discovered in a funerary context, but at the same time they have been found in civil and fortified settlements. They have been dated to a very wide period of time, from the middle of the second century B.C. to the end of the first century A.D. In some funeral tombs, this pieces are associated together with another armament pieces, belonging to an elite warrior.
In this study we have present aspects of terminology but also to try to make a connection between a precise type of spurs with a precise type of bit. We must observe the fact that in combination with Tracian harness pieces, the use of horses in an attach campaign was very efficient, the animal having been trained for this purpose probably responded instantaneously to the commands given by the rider.
Brukenthal. Acta Musei, III, 1, Sibiu, 2008, p. 81-89., 2008
ABOUT A CELTIC KNIFE, RECENTLY UNEARTHED AT CLUJ
The archeological research, made from 1 apr. 20... more ABOUT A CELTIC KNIFE, RECENTLY UNEARTHED AT CLUJ
The archeological research, made from 1 apr. 2005 until 15 sept. 2005, in Cluj-Napoca, on Câmpului street, was executed by a research team, from National History Museum of Transilvania, lead by Valentin Voieşian.
Here was discovered a hallstattian settlement, a living complex from La Tène period, and some post-roman
tracks, in 32 archeological sections.
The La Tène archeological complex, was found in S16, S18, S19 şi S20 sections (Pl. I). In the NE corner, of
S20 section, at -1,80m, was found a war celtic knife (Pl. II). This one has 31 cm length, and 3,5 cm maximal
width.
This kind of knife, named Hiebmesser or hit knife or war knife, are frequently found in celtic tombs from central-European and carpathian-danubian area. In Romania, such kind of pieces was found in nord-vest of Romania, and intra-Carpathian region, and they are characteristic for early period of La Tène. Such pieces
were found at Apahida (Cluj District), Piscolt (Satu-Mare District), Ciumeşti (Satu-Mare District), Peţelca (Alba District), Papiu-Ilarian (Cluj District), Aiud (Alba District) etc.
Regarding the chronological frame, these kinds of pieces are dated from the beginning of La Tène B1 until La Tène C1. We think that the knife found at Cluj, could be dated in middle La Tène, C1. All knives, except this one, were found in funeral context. From researcher information, near by the place were the knife was found, there were found animal bones, not in a clear context, but we cannot exclude the assumption of a ritual deposit. Such kind of complex could prove the opinion that this kind of knife was used for animal sacrifice.
Anuarul Muzeului Etnografic al Transilvaniei
Archeological researches from Floreşti – “Green Hat”, brought to light a lot of discoveries from ... more Archeological researches from Floreşti – “Green Hat”, brought to light a lot of discoveries from prehistoric time like Neolithic till migration period. I a few surfaces we discovered some living complex from the second Age of Iron, La Tène. This represents a small Celtic between Someş Valley and small Gârbău Valley. We talk about the home found in section
called S15. This one has cvasirectangular shape with round corners. The archeological material found in it constituted majority of pottery fragments both hand made and madeusing the wheel. Among the pottery there were found two horns belonging to a cervuselaphus and to a bourus. The last one has some remakes, and probably became a drinking recipient like a rython.
The house found in Floreşti had no fire place inside, just one outside. Also in the interior of this house there were no steers or other construction, as in the case of other houses from this period. This aspect could be met because this living place was not entirely researched and because of the presence in the interior of a complex of hop pile.
This house is well framed in the picture of Celtic settlement discovered on Someş Valley, Mureş Valley and in west end north-west of Romania. The occupation of the peoples who lived in this house was both agriculture and animal breeding.
Patrimonivm Apvlense, VII, 2008, p. 69-81., 2008
Sargetia XXXIII, 2005, p. 179-195., 2005
SPURS BELONGING TO THE DACIAN KINGDOM PERIOD Abstract
The spurs are harness pieces that belong to... more SPURS BELONGING TO THE DACIAN KINGDOM PERIOD Abstract
The spurs are harness pieces that belong to the equipment of a knight. Made from metal, they are attached to the heels of the bearer, and play an important role in transmitting some of the commands to the horse, though prick fixed to their ends. The spurs from Pre-Roman Dacia were discovered in a funerary context, but at the same time they have been found in civil and fortified settlements (see the map in Pl. II). They have been dated to a very wide period of time, from the middle of the second century B.C. to the end of the first century A.D. An aspect that the archaeological researchers observed is that the spurs from Dacia have many analogies with Celtic spurs. In this study I have attempted to discuss aspects of terminology as well as attempting to create a typological classification of the spurs from Pre-Roman Dacia because these tasks have never been carried out in our scientific literature. We must observe the fact that in combination with Tracian harness pieces, the use of horses in an attach campaign was very efficient, the animal having been trained for this purpose probably responded instantaneously to the commands given by the rider.
Magazin istoric. Decembrie 2006 p. 58 - 60, Dec 2006
Magazin istoric. Magazin istoric. Decembrie 2006 p. 58 - 60
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Books by Cristian Dima
This handbook reflects our experience within the ERASMUS + project: “From Theory to Practice - International Teaching in Field Archaeology in Roman Sarmizegetusa” - FIT in Archaeology (contract 2015-R001-KA203-015185), financed by European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme coordinated in Romania by National Agency for Community Programmes in the Field of Education and Vocational Training (ANPCDEFP). The project was coordinated by The National Museum of History of Transylvania from Cluj-Napoca, with four European universities as partners in this enterprise: Babeş-Bolyai University at Cluj-Napoca, University of Exeter, University of Viena and Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg. We would like to share our experience with whoever would be interested.
This pedagogical materials entitled Curriculum – International education offer in Archaeological field-schools/ Curriculum – Ofertă educaţională internaţională în şantierele arheologice – şcoală, available in bilingual format, it was created in such a way to fit perfectly into the educational programs in each universities with archaeological profile from Europe.
It is consist in an introduction, were the programs was described, the general aims of this; the programme and module structure (12 modules: Non-invasive archaeology, Field-walking archaeology, Archaeological situations, Excavation Techniques, Recording the archaeological excavation, Collecting archaeological material, Primary conservation, Field drawing, Drawing archaeological finds Photography at archaeological excavation, Topographic survey and GIS, Epigraphic Databases); Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and the Assessment Methods; Programme Regulations; School Support for Students and Students’ Learning; Admission Criteria; Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards and the Quality and Standards; and the module description.
To be easier to fallow and implement each module has been inserted following the same pattern: module title; module code; duration; short description; the most important aims of the modules; with a special emphasis on the intended learning outcomes, being evaluate the module module specific skills and knowledge, then the discipline specific skills and knowledge, and the personal and key transferable/ employment skills and knowledge; a summary and structure of the syllabus plan; learning activities and teaching method; formative assessment; and finally in was point out the indicative learning resources.
This curriculum developed after the two-year of international programme, by the professors and researchers of the five partner institutes, in such way to offer students a solid grounding in a range of fieldwork methods applied in Roman Archaeology and tested within the specific context of the site at Sarmizegetusa, Romania.
Phd Thesis by Cristian Dima
Advanced Study School of The Romanian Academy (SCOSAAR)
”VASILE PÂRVAN” ARCHAEOLOGY INSTITUTE
BUCHAREST
Scientific Leader: Dr. Valeriu Sîrbu, C.Ș. I
11 October 2018
Papers by Cristian Dima
several encounters and cultural exchanges. Religious ideas circulated from one population to another preserving certain symbolism, even though the original idea was sometimes altered. Thus, an issue discussed here and one related to the origin of such manifestations, the cultural encounters and connections with other populations, represents the roots of this phenomenon and the type of interaction of ideas from one period to another in various regions.
(Abstract)
The hill Cetăţuie from Ardeu is well known for the ancient and medieval discoveries from the end of the XIXth century by Téglás Gábor. But in the last years the interest in investigating the site was risen. A lot of artifacts were discovered and were published
by the researchers team. Most of them belonging to the Dacian Kingdom time, but there are also from other epochs like Copper Age, Bronze Age, First Iron Age, Roman Province Dacia time, Migrations and Medieval time.
In this paper we are presenting a small iron slate peneil (stylus) found in 2002 campaign on the upper part of the hill. It is preserved fragmentary (L preserved – 7,1 cm) and its slender rod is rounded in section with the diameter of de 0,4 cm. Now it couldbe found in the Roman and Dacian Civilisation museum in Deva, Inventory No. 40332.
The piece is common for the Roman time and it is a proof (together with someother pieces) of a Roman presence on the top of the Cetăţuie hill in the Roman Province Dacia time.
Sarmizegetusa Regia, lately attained by the Museum of Deva. In Late Iron Age these types of artefacts are rare
for the region; from Dacia only eight such metal vessels are known in the present, dated to the 2nd century AD.
(Hunedoara county)
- Abstract -
A. Emplacement of the site
Ardeu village is located in South-Western Transylvania (Fig. 1/3),
on the Ardeu Valley (Fig. 1/2). From a geographical point of view, the arrea
belongs to the Metaliferi Mountains – a small group in the Southern part of
the Romanian Western Carpathians.
The “CetăŃuie” Hill is placed right near the road named DJ 705, with
a good positon on the shortest way from the Dacian Kingdom’s capital (Fig.
1/1) area to the region rich in golden minerals in the Apuseni Mountains
(Romanian Western Carpathians).
The hill was inhabited during several historical periods.
B. The discoveries
This ancient pieces that we intent to present in this paper were
found fortunately, but also through archaeological investigations.
C. The weapons
1. Iron shield boss - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40993 (Fig. 2/2), fragmentary.
2. Iron curved-dagger scabbard - MCDR-Deva nr. inv 40599 (Fig. 3/3),
fragmentary.
3. Bone dagger handle - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40608 (Fig. 3/2), fragmentary.
4. Iron lance-head - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40950 (Fig. 3/5), fragmentary.
5. Iron lance-butt - MCDR-Deva, nr inv. 23387 (Fig. 3/4), fragmentary.
6. Iron lance-butt - MNIR, box 157, without inventory number (Fig. 3/1).
D. Analogies and chronology
Three of the pieces which we present here (Fig. 2/2-3, Fig. 3/2) were
discovered in the same complex, partially investigated, but very probably
dated at the end of the Ist century B.C. or, at the begining of the Ist century
A.D. The other objects are dated, based on the analogies, during the Ist
century B.C. - Ist century A.D.
The spurs and bits are harness pieces that belong to the equipment of a knight. Made from metal, the spurs are attached to the heels of the bearer, and play an important role in transmitting some of the commands to the horse, though prick fixed to their ends. Also for well communication with the horse, more common in antiquity were bits. This kind of pieces from Pre-Roman Dacia were discovered in a funerary context, but at the same time they have been found in civil and fortified settlements. They have been dated to a very wide period of time, from the middle of the second century B.C. to the end of the first century A.D. In some funeral tombs, this pieces are associated together with another armament pieces, belonging to an elite warrior.
In this study we have present aspects of terminology but also to try to make a connection between a precise type of spurs with a precise type of bit. We must observe the fact that in combination with Tracian harness pieces, the use of horses in an attach campaign was very efficient, the animal having been trained for this purpose probably responded instantaneously to the commands given by the rider.
The archeological research, made from 1 apr. 2005 until 15 sept. 2005, in Cluj-Napoca, on Câmpului street, was executed by a research team, from National History Museum of Transilvania, lead by Valentin Voieşian.
Here was discovered a hallstattian settlement, a living complex from La Tène period, and some post-roman
tracks, in 32 archeological sections.
The La Tène archeological complex, was found in S16, S18, S19 şi S20 sections (Pl. I). In the NE corner, of
S20 section, at -1,80m, was found a war celtic knife (Pl. II). This one has 31 cm length, and 3,5 cm maximal
width.
This kind of knife, named Hiebmesser or hit knife or war knife, are frequently found in celtic tombs from central-European and carpathian-danubian area. In Romania, such kind of pieces was found in nord-vest of Romania, and intra-Carpathian region, and they are characteristic for early period of La Tène. Such pieces
were found at Apahida (Cluj District), Piscolt (Satu-Mare District), Ciumeşti (Satu-Mare District), Peţelca (Alba District), Papiu-Ilarian (Cluj District), Aiud (Alba District) etc.
Regarding the chronological frame, these kinds of pieces are dated from the beginning of La Tène B1 until La Tène C1. We think that the knife found at Cluj, could be dated in middle La Tène, C1. All knives, except this one, were found in funeral context. From researcher information, near by the place were the knife was found, there were found animal bones, not in a clear context, but we cannot exclude the assumption of a ritual deposit. Such kind of complex could prove the opinion that this kind of knife was used for animal sacrifice.
called S15. This one has cvasirectangular shape with round corners. The archeological material found in it constituted majority of pottery fragments both hand made and madeusing the wheel. Among the pottery there were found two horns belonging to a cervuselaphus and to a bourus. The last one has some remakes, and probably became a drinking recipient like a rython.
The house found in Floreşti had no fire place inside, just one outside. Also in the interior of this house there were no steers or other construction, as in the case of other houses from this period. This aspect could be met because this living place was not entirely researched and because of the presence in the interior of a complex of hop pile.
This house is well framed in the picture of Celtic settlement discovered on Someş Valley, Mureş Valley and in west end north-west of Romania. The occupation of the peoples who lived in this house was both agriculture and animal breeding.
The spurs are harness pieces that belong to the equipment of a knight. Made from metal, they are attached to the heels of the bearer, and play an important role in transmitting some of the commands to the horse, though prick fixed to their ends. The spurs from Pre-Roman Dacia were discovered in a funerary context, but at the same time they have been found in civil and fortified settlements (see the map in Pl. II). They have been dated to a very wide period of time, from the middle of the second century B.C. to the end of the first century A.D. An aspect that the archaeological researchers observed is that the spurs from Dacia have many analogies with Celtic spurs. In this study I have attempted to discuss aspects of terminology as well as attempting to create a typological classification of the spurs from Pre-Roman Dacia because these tasks have never been carried out in our scientific literature. We must observe the fact that in combination with Tracian harness pieces, the use of horses in an attach campaign was very efficient, the animal having been trained for this purpose probably responded instantaneously to the commands given by the rider.
This handbook reflects our experience within the ERASMUS + project: “From Theory to Practice - International Teaching in Field Archaeology in Roman Sarmizegetusa” - FIT in Archaeology (contract 2015-R001-KA203-015185), financed by European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme coordinated in Romania by National Agency for Community Programmes in the Field of Education and Vocational Training (ANPCDEFP). The project was coordinated by The National Museum of History of Transylvania from Cluj-Napoca, with four European universities as partners in this enterprise: Babeş-Bolyai University at Cluj-Napoca, University of Exeter, University of Viena and Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg. We would like to share our experience with whoever would be interested.
This pedagogical materials entitled Curriculum – International education offer in Archaeological field-schools/ Curriculum – Ofertă educaţională internaţională în şantierele arheologice – şcoală, available in bilingual format, it was created in such a way to fit perfectly into the educational programs in each universities with archaeological profile from Europe.
It is consist in an introduction, were the programs was described, the general aims of this; the programme and module structure (12 modules: Non-invasive archaeology, Field-walking archaeology, Archaeological situations, Excavation Techniques, Recording the archaeological excavation, Collecting archaeological material, Primary conservation, Field drawing, Drawing archaeological finds Photography at archaeological excavation, Topographic survey and GIS, Epigraphic Databases); Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and the Assessment Methods; Programme Regulations; School Support for Students and Students’ Learning; Admission Criteria; Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards and the Quality and Standards; and the module description.
To be easier to fallow and implement each module has been inserted following the same pattern: module title; module code; duration; short description; the most important aims of the modules; with a special emphasis on the intended learning outcomes, being evaluate the module module specific skills and knowledge, then the discipline specific skills and knowledge, and the personal and key transferable/ employment skills and knowledge; a summary and structure of the syllabus plan; learning activities and teaching method; formative assessment; and finally in was point out the indicative learning resources.
This curriculum developed after the two-year of international programme, by the professors and researchers of the five partner institutes, in such way to offer students a solid grounding in a range of fieldwork methods applied in Roman Archaeology and tested within the specific context of the site at Sarmizegetusa, Romania.
Advanced Study School of The Romanian Academy (SCOSAAR)
”VASILE PÂRVAN” ARCHAEOLOGY INSTITUTE
BUCHAREST
Scientific Leader: Dr. Valeriu Sîrbu, C.Ș. I
11 October 2018
several encounters and cultural exchanges. Religious ideas circulated from one population to another preserving certain symbolism, even though the original idea was sometimes altered. Thus, an issue discussed here and one related to the origin of such manifestations, the cultural encounters and connections with other populations, represents the roots of this phenomenon and the type of interaction of ideas from one period to another in various regions.
(Abstract)
The hill Cetăţuie from Ardeu is well known for the ancient and medieval discoveries from the end of the XIXth century by Téglás Gábor. But in the last years the interest in investigating the site was risen. A lot of artifacts were discovered and were published
by the researchers team. Most of them belonging to the Dacian Kingdom time, but there are also from other epochs like Copper Age, Bronze Age, First Iron Age, Roman Province Dacia time, Migrations and Medieval time.
In this paper we are presenting a small iron slate peneil (stylus) found in 2002 campaign on the upper part of the hill. It is preserved fragmentary (L preserved – 7,1 cm) and its slender rod is rounded in section with the diameter of de 0,4 cm. Now it couldbe found in the Roman and Dacian Civilisation museum in Deva, Inventory No. 40332.
The piece is common for the Roman time and it is a proof (together with someother pieces) of a Roman presence on the top of the Cetăţuie hill in the Roman Province Dacia time.
Sarmizegetusa Regia, lately attained by the Museum of Deva. In Late Iron Age these types of artefacts are rare
for the region; from Dacia only eight such metal vessels are known in the present, dated to the 2nd century AD.
(Hunedoara county)
- Abstract -
A. Emplacement of the site
Ardeu village is located in South-Western Transylvania (Fig. 1/3),
on the Ardeu Valley (Fig. 1/2). From a geographical point of view, the arrea
belongs to the Metaliferi Mountains – a small group in the Southern part of
the Romanian Western Carpathians.
The “CetăŃuie” Hill is placed right near the road named DJ 705, with
a good positon on the shortest way from the Dacian Kingdom’s capital (Fig.
1/1) area to the region rich in golden minerals in the Apuseni Mountains
(Romanian Western Carpathians).
The hill was inhabited during several historical periods.
B. The discoveries
This ancient pieces that we intent to present in this paper were
found fortunately, but also through archaeological investigations.
C. The weapons
1. Iron shield boss - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40993 (Fig. 2/2), fragmentary.
2. Iron curved-dagger scabbard - MCDR-Deva nr. inv 40599 (Fig. 3/3),
fragmentary.
3. Bone dagger handle - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40608 (Fig. 3/2), fragmentary.
4. Iron lance-head - MCDR-Deva nr. inv. 40950 (Fig. 3/5), fragmentary.
5. Iron lance-butt - MCDR-Deva, nr inv. 23387 (Fig. 3/4), fragmentary.
6. Iron lance-butt - MNIR, box 157, without inventory number (Fig. 3/1).
D. Analogies and chronology
Three of the pieces which we present here (Fig. 2/2-3, Fig. 3/2) were
discovered in the same complex, partially investigated, but very probably
dated at the end of the Ist century B.C. or, at the begining of the Ist century
A.D. The other objects are dated, based on the analogies, during the Ist
century B.C. - Ist century A.D.
The spurs and bits are harness pieces that belong to the equipment of a knight. Made from metal, the spurs are attached to the heels of the bearer, and play an important role in transmitting some of the commands to the horse, though prick fixed to their ends. Also for well communication with the horse, more common in antiquity were bits. This kind of pieces from Pre-Roman Dacia were discovered in a funerary context, but at the same time they have been found in civil and fortified settlements. They have been dated to a very wide period of time, from the middle of the second century B.C. to the end of the first century A.D. In some funeral tombs, this pieces are associated together with another armament pieces, belonging to an elite warrior.
In this study we have present aspects of terminology but also to try to make a connection between a precise type of spurs with a precise type of bit. We must observe the fact that in combination with Tracian harness pieces, the use of horses in an attach campaign was very efficient, the animal having been trained for this purpose probably responded instantaneously to the commands given by the rider.
The archeological research, made from 1 apr. 2005 until 15 sept. 2005, in Cluj-Napoca, on Câmpului street, was executed by a research team, from National History Museum of Transilvania, lead by Valentin Voieşian.
Here was discovered a hallstattian settlement, a living complex from La Tène period, and some post-roman
tracks, in 32 archeological sections.
The La Tène archeological complex, was found in S16, S18, S19 şi S20 sections (Pl. I). In the NE corner, of
S20 section, at -1,80m, was found a war celtic knife (Pl. II). This one has 31 cm length, and 3,5 cm maximal
width.
This kind of knife, named Hiebmesser or hit knife or war knife, are frequently found in celtic tombs from central-European and carpathian-danubian area. In Romania, such kind of pieces was found in nord-vest of Romania, and intra-Carpathian region, and they are characteristic for early period of La Tène. Such pieces
were found at Apahida (Cluj District), Piscolt (Satu-Mare District), Ciumeşti (Satu-Mare District), Peţelca (Alba District), Papiu-Ilarian (Cluj District), Aiud (Alba District) etc.
Regarding the chronological frame, these kinds of pieces are dated from the beginning of La Tène B1 until La Tène C1. We think that the knife found at Cluj, could be dated in middle La Tène, C1. All knives, except this one, were found in funeral context. From researcher information, near by the place were the knife was found, there were found animal bones, not in a clear context, but we cannot exclude the assumption of a ritual deposit. Such kind of complex could prove the opinion that this kind of knife was used for animal sacrifice.
called S15. This one has cvasirectangular shape with round corners. The archeological material found in it constituted majority of pottery fragments both hand made and madeusing the wheel. Among the pottery there were found two horns belonging to a cervuselaphus and to a bourus. The last one has some remakes, and probably became a drinking recipient like a rython.
The house found in Floreşti had no fire place inside, just one outside. Also in the interior of this house there were no steers or other construction, as in the case of other houses from this period. This aspect could be met because this living place was not entirely researched and because of the presence in the interior of a complex of hop pile.
This house is well framed in the picture of Celtic settlement discovered on Someş Valley, Mureş Valley and in west end north-west of Romania. The occupation of the peoples who lived in this house was both agriculture and animal breeding.
The spurs are harness pieces that belong to the equipment of a knight. Made from metal, they are attached to the heels of the bearer, and play an important role in transmitting some of the commands to the horse, though prick fixed to their ends. The spurs from Pre-Roman Dacia were discovered in a funerary context, but at the same time they have been found in civil and fortified settlements (see the map in Pl. II). They have been dated to a very wide period of time, from the middle of the second century B.C. to the end of the first century A.D. An aspect that the archaeological researchers observed is that the spurs from Dacia have many analogies with Celtic spurs. In this study I have attempted to discuss aspects of terminology as well as attempting to create a typological classification of the spurs from Pre-Roman Dacia because these tasks have never been carried out in our scientific literature. We must observe the fact that in combination with Tracian harness pieces, the use of horses in an attach campaign was very efficient, the animal having been trained for this purpose probably responded instantaneously to the commands given by the rider.
(2nd CENTURY B.C. - 1st CENTURY A.D.)
Summary
As concerns the social, economic, and political aspects, starting from the second century B.C., the Dacian civilization knew the most intense period of development. This development is easily noticeable when analyzing the material culture as it is known from the archeological research. An additional argument is offered by the interest showed for them by the ancient writers from the beginning of the second century B.C.. This was the moment when the fortifications and strengthened settlements on promontory of hills are starting to appear. The commercial relations are growing constantly, the number of imports from the near areas and especially from the Greek and Roman world are growing too, and the production of local workshops is in great development. The Dacian society’ stratification was pyramidal; on top of its hierarchy stood the king. Next to him appeared the members of the warrior elite, who enjoyed a great prestige which was displayed in the military vestments that they were wearing. This is the reason
why they can be considered the followers of the Thracian aristocracy from the fifth-fourth centuries B.C..
The military equipment discussed in this article are pieces with protective role. Thus, we discuss the helmets, which in the Dacian world were made of iron or bronze.
These helmets are extremely rare discoveries in archaeological sites, a common situation for the entire Barbarian world. An explanation of the low number of helmets was probably the high costs of producing this type of military equipment.
We discussed also the corselets. These are rare too. Discoveries of such objects are found in funerary archaeological complexes, in tombs of aristocrats. These ones were used by Dacian warriors from the mid-second century B.C. up to the first century B.C. and from the beginning of the next century we can notice that the corselets are replaced with the artifacts named lorica squamata. Also, in this century, the helmets disappeared.
In comparison with other defensive objects Dacian shields were discovered in larger numbers either in settlements or in funeral contexts. The shields were made of wood, leather and iron or bronze. Of course, only the metal fragments named umbones were discovered in archeological sites. The shields were dated throughout the period under discussion. The representations of shields on the “Trajan’s Column” are in bigger number in comparison with other equipment elements. The helmets do not appear at all in these magnificent representations of the Roman-Dacian wars. In conclusion, the military equipment belonging to Dacian warriors was permanently adapted to the new fight tactics.
OF THE SECOND IRON AGE
Summary
There is a large amount of information, resulting from archaeological
research during recent decades, which needs to be systematised. One of the
most important aspects that needs to be improved regards the terminology
used by researches, referring to categories of pieces, and not just disagreement regarding the terminology of chronology, etc. Improving this aspect entails the
standardisation of archaeological terms.
The necessity of a unified terminology can be seen in Romanian
archaeological historiography of recent years. The first attempt to make a
dictionary of terminology for the second Iron Age, is represented by the results
of two round tables, in Deva (Hunedoara county) in which many researchers
took part. These results were published in Sargetia, no. 27, vol. 1.
The paper entitled Funerary Archaeology and Sacrifices: A Unifying
Terminology, written by Valeriu Sârbu, is an important step in this direction. As
well as that, Valeriu Sârbu and Gelu Florea’s Imagery and Image in Pre-Roman
Dacia, raises a few terminological problems concerning the subject. George
Trohani gives a typology and terminology of Geto-Dacian pottery in his
doctoral dissertation entitled The Geto-Dacian Pottery from the 2nd Century BC and
1st Century AD from Romanian Plains.
In order to designate some categories of pieces for which the function is
not known, archaeologists use modern terms to name ancient objects that
probably do not have the same function as the modern objects of the same
name. Perhaps a good example for illustrating the problem is given by the so
called Dacian Fruit Bowl. Ioan Glodariu has demonstrated that these pots were
used for food consumption and that the leg becomes useful in the absence of a
table. However this term is still used because it has been used for so long in
archaeological literature that it has become engrained in the terminology.
Another kind of situation is when some categories of objects are
designated by terms that have another meaning. Often we find in specialised
literature incorrectly used terms such as sword, skewer, or falx. For example, the
Dacian weapon, so called falces by the Romans, is named either a curved sabre or
a falx. This situation also occurs for other periods, for example when a Bronze
Age weapon is termed Mycenaean type sabre, although this one is not curved
and is double-edged. Sword means an individual hand weapon used in ancient,
mediaeval or modern times, with a straight blade and with two sharpened
edges. The term sabre is used for an individual hand weapon used in medieval
or modern times, with curved blade and with a single sharpened edge on the
exterior side of its curvature and generally – with the exception of the Far East
– with a hilt curved in the opposite direction to the blade curvature.
Concerning curved weapons with the sharp edge on the inside of the
curvature, for the mediaeval period the term sickle or fighting scythe is used,
and for Antiquity the term falx is used.
Another example which will be discussed in this paper is connected
with the utilization of many terms to designate the same object, a situation that
leads to confusion and wrong interpretations. In Romanian literature one finds
terms such as cască and coif (both translated into English as helmet). Although
they have the same function, to protect the head, and are in fact translated with
127
same word in some languages, for the period we are talking about, we
consider that the appropriate term to use is helmet, because the other terms
designate modern objects. Helmet means piece of armour for head protection in
special situations: war or to indicate an aristocratic rank.
A controversial issue concerns references to Dacian, Getian or GetoDacian
populations. In this case it is recommended to use different
terminology according to certain aspects relative to the geographic space or
historical period. Sârbu and Florea in the introduction to their work Imagery
and Image in Pre-Roman Dacia use the term Getian to refer to the population
between the Balkan and Carpathian mountains, from Dobrogea and the
Eastern Carpathian area, from the 4th to 3rd centuries BC and the 2nd century BC
to 1st century AD. They use the term Dacian for the population from the intraCarpathian
area, from the 2nd century BC to 1st century AD. The Geto-Dacian
or Daco-Getian term is used when referring to general issues from the 2nd
century BC to 1st century AD.
It is necessary to improve the Romanian terminology to a quality level
used in this field in other countries. An important step is to establish
equivalents between Romanian and international terminology, thus unifying
Romanian terminology with international archaeological practices. This step in
the usage of appropriate terminology is important for the new generations of
researchers, of which we ourselves are a part. It is recommended that each
study indicates the terminology used by the author, for the purpose of easy
comprehension.
Title: Descoperiri Coţofeni din periegheză la Şeuşa şi Drâmbar (jud. Alba). (New discoveries at Şeuşa and Drâmbar (Alba county)).
Imprint 2004.
Descr. 49-62 : Abb.
Patrimonium Apulense, 4 (2004)
In the 2017 campaign were continued the researches to the headquarters of the financial governor of Dacia Apulensis (Praetorium Procuratoris), investigating some new structures in relation to those discovered in previous campaigns with the purpose also to make a connection with the older diggings form late `70 and early `80. Therefore, the research was extended to North reported to the room named conventionally C (fig. 1), being opened two new surfaces Sp3 (3x3 m) and Sp4 (5X5m). Unfortunately, the newly researched Sp3 surface has been strongly affected by a modern intervention C70, that continued in the room named A. In the other new surface, Sp4, was identified two adjoining rooms named O and P. The O room was provided with a hypocaust system similar to the C room, while the room P was likely an annex in relation with the last phase of the hypocaust system.
At the same time, in the area with the big room with hypocaust heating system (C), were investigated some other contexts with the purpose of researching the earlier phases of this construction, represented by the civil buildings, which preceded the governor’s headquarters, being dug an evaluation trench named conventionally S4 placed in the South East corner of the F and D room. In the room N was also investigated the substructure of the C72 context, C22 was removed and in the G room has been emptied the C72 modern hole. Were further investigated the A and B rooms for unveiling the C71 channel.
In the 2016 were continued the investigation started in 2015 at Praetorium Procuratoris, with the main objective of unveiling entirely the big room with hypocaustum heating system, the investigation of earlier phase from this room, the connections with the buildings researched in `80, but also the investigation of the new building complex identified to the west of the above mentioned room. As well, there were executed some archaeological survey with the purpose to identify
earlier wooden phases.
Praetorium procuratoris. The headquarter of the financial governor of Dacia Apulensis is located inside the Roman enclosure, intra muros, in the so-called ”Grohotea Tornească” point, i.e. in the first insula east of cardo maximus and immediately south of the northern precinct wall.
The main result of this campaign is the investigation entirely the hypocaust room from the II Building Complex and the research of the construction phases from this area. The room has 11.25 x 8.20 m, with an area of 92 sqm. The hypocaust installation was entirely rebuilded, at a certain moment, the proof of this being the two levels of floor identified, but also the existence of two layers of plaster applied on the walls. The installation was settled on the entirely surface of the room, with three passages, two of them being most likely the praefurnium.
There are placed facing each other, with access from the corridors that are surrounding the room to the east and to the west. One of the passages was closed in a certain moment, probably when was build an annex room in the south-west corner of the main building. It has been noticed that the upper floor of the hypocaust installation had also two construction phases. In the debris of the building were also
found marble plaques, painted plaster used for the walls decoration.
The entrance in this room was destroyed by a modern hole and was placed in the west side of the north wall (Z5), judging by the two limestone blocks, and one from the threshold and one from the door frame.
Related with the rooms situated in the west side of this building complex that are still in research progress, some references regarding the construction phases could be made. The particular building complex named Corp III, was builded in the first stone phase, and it was separated by the Corp II, by an interstitium, passages. The perimeter walls of this new complex, identified in this moment, are the Z6 wall,
parallel with the Z2, and Z17 wall, placed at south, beyond the wall alignment of Z13. Those walls had two layers of plaster, identified with phases of construction Ia and Ib. In the Ib phase are build several walls, added to the perimeter walls, new rooms being constructed.
Praetorium procuratoris. The headquarter of the financial governor of Dacia Apulensis is located inside the Roman enclosure, intra muros, in the so-called „GrohoteaTornească” point, i.e. in the first insula east of cardo maximus and immediately south of the northern precinct wall. In the 1980'ies a complex building, comprising cult spaces, thermal facilities, offices, storage buildings (horrea), but also private rooms, was excavated. Many statue bases and altars were also found, but the excavations were not finished. With the purpose of further investigating such abandoned sites an east-west evaluation trench (S1), of 20 X 2m, was dug. Several walls from various phases, floors and numerous elements of hypocaustum heating system were identified. In several points the archaeological layers were disturbed by modern hols, made by local people in order to obtain marble blocks to be burnt for lime, but there are enough places where the Roman debris and structures are intact. The most important discovery of the 2015 campaign is a huge room, from which so far 9 x 8 m (72 square meters) were uncovered, by expanding S1 trench to the N (thus resulting a square, named Sp 1). The room was headed by a hypocaustum installation of which the bottom opus signinum floor was preserved in a relatively good condition. A few piles that sustained upper floor (suspensura) were also found. The suspensura, consisting of sesquipedales bricks, was covered with hexagonal ceramic pieces. The walls of the room, as far as we could establish, were simply painted with green, blue and red stripes. In the SW corner of the room a possible praefurnium opening was identified, as well as two other passages for hot air in the north and east walls. In the next campaigns we aim to uncover the whole room and continue excavating the other spaces, in order to establish the function of each segment of the building.
North Gate. The 2015 campaign focused on identifying other structural elements of the gate, on better understanding of the stratigraphic sequence and on further investigating the defensive trenches of the Roma town. The main results consisted in unveiling of blocks belonging to the west side of the later sandstone channel. It was also noticed that the bottom of the defence ditch, cut by the channel, does not reach the same level, as seen in 2014. In the extension of the S1 trench were also identified two foundations built in river stones on each side of the old channel, belonging to the Trajanic phase.