Popov, V., Vajsov, I., Evlogiev, J., Markova, H., Markov, D., Dzhurkovska, G. 2020. Neo-Еneolithic Settlement Golo Bǎrdo. – Archaeological Discoveries and Exavations 2019, Sofia 2020, 250–255, 2020
The Neo-Eneolithic settlement "Golo Bǎrdo" is located in the "Golo Bǎrdo" locality, falling withi... more The Neo-Eneolithic settlement "Golo Bǎrdo" is located in the "Golo Bǎrdo" locality, falling within the territory of the villages Gradishte and Asenovtsi, Levski Municipality, Pleven District. It is located in the south of the Lower Danube Valley, on an Osǎm River terrace. The terrain is level, slightly inclined north and north-east.
In the first excavation stage, were plotted 29 test trenches with different length and breadth. Results indicated presence of several consecutive prehistoric settlements on the site, dated to the beginning of the Late Neolithic (the time of the Vinca А3/В1 and the Samovodene – Ovcharovo cultures); the Late Neolithic (the Podgoritsa cultural group); the transition from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic (the Brenica phase of the Gradeshnitsa culture); the Early Eneolithic (the Polyanitsa – Vidra culture).
In the second and the third excavation phase, were excavated 184 archaeological structures – sunken featured buildings and pits with various functions (cult pits, refuse pits, pits for extraction of inert construction raw materials, etc.). The larger sunken features, which could be interpreted as buildings, were spaced 4 to 9 m apart and as a rule had oval plan. We assume these also featured suspended wooden floor superstructures, upon which the ovens were found.
The next phase in the settlement’s development is associated with the Late Neolithic, with structures including ground level and semi-sunken buildings, pits, etc. Notably, also to this period belong designated flint and bone tools processing areas.
The Early Eneolithic phase is registered only in the site’s west sector. The respective structures include destructions of the superstructures of raised buildings, deposits, refuse pits, special purpose pits, pits with deposited burnt wall plaster, etc.
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The Prehistoric Bronze (PBF) finds are a research and editorial project of the Academy of Sciences and Literature in Mainz, in the Department of Prehistory and Early History of the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main and at the Department of Prehistory and Early History Archaeology Department of History of the Westphalian University of Münster under the auspices of UNESCO sub-organization "on Internationale des Sciences et Préhistoriques Protohistoriques (UISPP)"
Short text
The variety of shapes as well as the large number of jewelry made of precious metal and copper shows the great importance that metal had in the jewelry area in the copper age of Southeast Europe. It is the most complete study of copper-age jewelry in Southeast Europe to date.
"... this volume is very welcome because it enables a quick overview of the jewelry forms of the Copper Age in Bulgaria and once again emphasizes the importance of the copper-age cultural phenomena in Southeast Europe, which should also be considered from a Central and Western European perspective ..."
Papers by Ivan Vajsov
of archaeological investigations at Neolithic settlements in the Balkans. Such artifact
types are most commonly interpreted as the everyday tools of woodworking, hide
processing, and/or tilling. However, Grebska-Kulow and Whitford (2016) have
previously presented evidence that these seemingly mundane objects might also have
been utilized in domestic rituals. At the Early Neolithic settlements of Ilindentsi and
Balgarchevo, located in the Struma River Valley of Bulgaria, several stone axes and
adzes were found placed below large storage vessels and ovens and/or were placed
directly on top of storage pits. We suggested that the latter contexts represent the
occurrence of ritual deposition. During more recent archaeological investigations, we
again discovered evidence to support our claim. At the Late Neolithic settlement of
Damyanitsa, two storage vessels found within buildings were found containing
numerous stone axes and adzes that had additionally been coated with ochre. In this
paper, we suggest that the latter is yet another example on the use of polished stone
axes and adzes in domestic ritual. In conclusion, we elaborate on the diachronic
characteristics of domestic ritual practices during the Neolithic Period in the Struma
River Valley, Bulgaria.
The following presents the preliminary results of the archaeological investigations undertaken at the prehistoric settlement of Izvor. The prehistoric settlement of Izvor is located in West Bulgaria in the western portion of the Sofia Basin (WGS84; 420 51.075’ N, 220 58.013’ E [Fig. 6]). Its center lies 600 m to the South-West of the confluence between the Slivnishka and Mataritsa Rivers [Map 1a, 1b] situated on a slightly sloped overflow terrace at an average elevation of 610 to 625 m a.s.l. [Fig. 1]. The settlement covers a surface area of approximately 150 000 m2.
The Neolithic settlement at Izvor is characteristic of the open-air settlement type and without natural defenses. The site is accessible from all sides, suggesting that the criterion for site location was the proximity to vital natural resources that would have influenced the life and prosperity of the community. The location selection of the settlement, therefore, should correspond with the social and economic characteristics of the region, rather than having been selected for the purposes of defense. Notably, the settlement lies in proximity to vital sources of fresh water.
The results of the investigations demonstrate that some of the dwellings at Izvor were built upon large wooden platforms rising approximately 1 meter above the terrain, similar to those described at Uivar, Romania. The weight of the massive structure was supported by large wooden posts. In at least one instance (building No. 1), an opening in the wooden platform was identified as utilized for the disposal of household waste [Fig. 7A]. We suggest that the construction of such raised house-types was likely imposed by the characteristic seasonal humidity of the region. We also recovered the remains of earlier short-lived dwellings that were utilized before the construction of the wooden platform dwellings.
Another type of anthropogenically derived positive structure—that has to date seemingly gone unrecognized at similar sites—was identified at Izvor and here described as spatial landmarks [Fig. 7B]. The landmarks are composed of small to large conically stacked concentrations of stone, daub, bone, pottery, and fragments of anthropomorphic figurines (particularly male figurines, [Fig. 18]). They range in size, the smaller ones having a diameter of 1 to 1.5 meters and the larger ones having a diameter of 3.5 to 4 meters. They are conically shaped and rise to a height of 40 to 70 cm. Fourteen such structures were investigated at Izvor. The structures, here interpreted as spatial landmarks, would have notably remained visible at the surface over a long period of time, suggesting that such constructions were perhaps intentionally constructed and served a particular purpose.
Considering the clay anthropomorphic figurines, at Izvor a significant amount of male representations has been noted. From a technological point of view, it is important to note that unlike the female figurines the male figurines were modeled from a single core – a circumstance that precludes the possibility that they were easily formed. Furthermore, figurine fragments were found distributed over the entire investigated surface without any apparent depositional or spatial patterning. However, a notable association can be made between the deposition of male figurine fragments and the construction of the small landmark structures. The lack of spatial patterning and the ubiquitous distribution of anthropomorphic figurine fragments over the entire excavated surface suggests that such artifacts were not themselves the leading addressees of restricted and/or ritualized cult practices. Rather, it is more likely that their manufacture and destruction was ritualized and their morphological variability excludes the possibility that such figurines represent images of a single personified deity.
The substantial number of male figurines recovered at the site presenting specific iconographic features leads us to believe that they may have been representations of a particular societal caste that was prominently positioned within the social hierarchy. In this context, it is probable to consider that the male figurines – lubiquitous within the distribution of the Vinča Culture – were employed during male initiation rituals and more specifically during warrior class initiations. Many historic and ethnographic parallels may be drawn upon to support such an interpretation, although for the moment it remains tentative. It should also be noted that the deposition of male figurine fragments within several of the small spatial landmarks might as well be connected with such initiation rites. We are aware that more information is needed before such a claim can be unequivocally supported, however we believe that it is inherently logical to accept the proposition that a warrior class would have been a necessary precursor to the conquering of new territories – as is the case of Izvor – or as a preventative measure taken in order to guard against potential attacks from the neighboring tribes to the south and east.
Therefore, it can be ascertained that the site was settled and occupied during the transitional Vinča B1/B2 phase and continued throughout the course of the entire Vinča B2 phase. Following its abandonment in the late B2 phase, the site was periodically revisited during the transitional Vinča B2/C phase as is evidenced by two pits identified in the north part of the southern sector (structure numbers 25 and 31) and also in Late Antiquity (3rd – 4th century) according to the subsurface disturbances of economic structures that were concentrated in the southernmost part of the site near the Slivnishka River.
The Vinča Culture reached its most widespread geographic distribution in the Late Neolithic (Vinča B) phase, perhaps in response to demographic and/or climatic stimuli. During this time, new territories were colonized—a process that evidently was not always peaceful. Conflicts with the local regional populations to the south and east inevitably arose as both attempted to settle the same “free” areas. In the case of Izvor, it appears as though the strategy employed by the Vinča in sending small colonies ahead of expansion in order to overtake their competitors was not successful as the settlement eventually collapsed. Vinča culture as a whole suffered considerable losses of territory in the south and appears to have redirected its efforts to the north and west. By the end of Vinča D, a renewed expansion towards the east can be witnessed, evidence of which is attested at the dwelling identified in the Sofia, Poduene area. It is supposed that at this time the expansion was motivated at moving closer to valuable copper sources and in strengthening exchange practices at the interregional scale. It remains unclear whether the bearers of Vinča D culture sought to integrate the local population. However, this last attempt at territorial expansion also resulted in collapse as it was again met by a serious competitor represented by the Krivodol-Sălcuţa Culture.
in a common edition as part of inter- Balkan scientific cooperation.
The excavation on Bulgarian territory was carried in the period from 1980 to 1990 by professor H. Todorova with her associates J.Bojatsiev, I.Vaisov and V. Draganov,archeologists of the Sofia Archeological Institute The reaserch project on the Greek side began in 1992 and continued till 2003 by Ch.Koukouli-Chrysanthaki director
of the 18th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities in collaboration with I. Aslanis (National Research Centre) F.Tomais-Konnstantopoulou (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the archeologists D. Malamidou and M.Valla (18th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities).The results of the two excavations conducted
from 1980 to 2003 can be summarised as follows: A combination of surface investigation excavation and the use of electromagnetic ground probe data has determined the extent of a prehistoric open type settlement, which covered two adjacent hills .This settlement compassed a total area of 5 hectares and has habitation layers of between 0,50 metres and 1,20 in depth.
The excavations on both the Greek and the Bulgarian sides have identified three habitation phases dated according to CI 4 analyses from the end of the 6th millennium B.C.totheend of the 5th millennium BC.
The earliest phase 1, which had the two building phases (l-ll) is represented by buildings with underground rooms, most of which have been dwellings and work areas. However, in the Greek sector, a more important subterranean structure was found. The large roughly circular subterranean structure of the Greek sector was much bigger than the other excavated subterranean rooms of the settlement. It has a radius of more than 12 metres and a depth of more than 7 metres. Excavation inside revealed many successive destruction levels covered with deposits rich in finds. The numerous floor levels with similar deposits show successive use. The deposits located on floors were plastered with clay and contained large number of grinding stones,pottery
vessels and small objects (figurines, tools and jewelry pieces) ,as well as fragments of clay structures, animal bones and horns. Of special interest was the presence of many bull skulls found ,which possibly come from the symbolic decoration of the room.
The size of the subterranean structure, the large number and the finds, as well as the large quantities of animal bones and grinding stones presupposes the presence of a large number of participants at activities which took place here and must be detected as a clear evidence for the use of this structure. The discovery of a so called "public" building, which reminds the much earlier ones from the Near East, gives valuable information about the organization of the Neolithic society.
The next habitation phase 2,which has two building phases (IIIA-IIIB), provided us with architectural remains indicating timber framed (wattle and daub)houses with interior hearths. The best example of a timber framed house was found in the Bulgarian sector. Inside this building on a bench next to the West wall fragments of three relief protomes of female figures were found, which most probably come from the decoration of the West wall. These figures as well us an anthropomorphic vase and many clay figurines found inside and around this building have been considered as evidence for its interpretation as a «sanctuary».
Of particular interest was also some evidence for an early extractive metallurgy of copper which came to light on the levels of habitation phase 2. A clay crucible was recovered from a pit whose inner surface was burnt and filled with ashes and burnt soil. Discovered close to the pit containing the crucible in the floor was a series of shallow pits with successive layers of burnt clay on the interior which appear to be related to an early copper metallurgy process. Taking into account the early date of the crucible and of the shallow pits the1st half of the 5th millennium BC- the Promachon-Topolnica settlement has yielded some of the earliest evidence of the copper metallurgy in Europe.
The last phase of habitation 3 (building phase IV) has been severely damaged by ploughing and the very few traces of buildings that have survived were preserved better in the Greek sector.
The joint excavation program brought to light very rich finds. Tools (flints, stone axes, clay spindle whorls, clay loom weights, bone points), jewellery pieces (bracelets, beads of clay, marble and malachite), schematic marble and clay figurines used as pendants and large quantities of pottery and clay figurines.
The high quality of the decorated pottery was particularly remarkable. There were different kinds of incised, rippled and painted decoration which represent the most common types of decorated pottery from the
Late Neolithic period in Northern Aegean area and especially in Eastern Macedonia, Aegean Thrace, as well as in the Middle Strymon valley and in the interior of the Balkans. Among the decorated pottery, that with
bitumen paint deserves a special mention as it constitutes evidence of the cultural relations of the settlement Promachon-Topolnica with Central Europe. On the other hand, the color painted pottery p.e. the so called Acropotamos style and the "black on red" pottery, points to the cultural relations with the North Aegean and especially with Eastern Macedonia settlements. Also typical of the habitation phases 1 and 2 was the making of figurines .Although the female form was the
predominant subject, the male figure was not absent. The many male figurines and especially the discovery of a marble phallomorphic sculpture of big scale, exceptional for this period, showed the clear recognition of the male and female reproductive forces.
Part of the remarkable finds were also two house models, both decorated with bucrania in relief seen as original evidence for the Neolithic architecture.
The study of excavation finds including the paleobotanical and paleozoological material revealed a settlement of an agricultural and pastoral nature whose cultural physiognomy was defined by its economic and cultural relations with the Aegean world, the Balkan hinterland and with Central Europe.
In the earlier occupation phase 1 (5320-5070 BC) the settlement is surrounded by an oval earthen wall with diameters 100 and 60 m respectively and has an expansion of just 0,6 hectare. The buildings inside are semi subterranean. Their material probably served to the construction of the surrounding earth wall.
According to the finds, this phase is divided into an early stage (1a), which is characterised by the presence of ceramics decorated with bitum and generally by elements of the Vinča culture. The second stage (1b) is characterised by the presence of the painted pottery of the Akropotamos style and generally by the growing influence of the South.
During the next occupation phase 2 (5070-4700 BC) the settlement extents to a wider area. In the periphery of the eastern settlement part, the Bulgarian sector Topolnica, traces of a palisade are revealed, which probably replaced the earthwall at that part. At the same phase should belong the earthwall, which was detected west of the Greek excavation area. In this case, the settlement with diameter 260 and 80 m respectively acquired a greater area of approximately 2.1 hectares. Inside the settlement the semi subterranean houses of the previous phase are filled with deposits and transformed into ground floors houses.
On the next stage of this settlement phase (phase 2b) belongs the house 1 of the Bulgarian sector Topolnica. The kind, the co-existence and the arrangement of the findings refer to a sanctuary. In the settlement phase 2 traces of early mining and processing of copper are detected, as suggested by the metallurgical facilities with a melting pot found in situ. In 4700 BC the settlement Promachon-Topolnica was abandoned.
Later, in the settlement phase 3 (4460-4250 BC) the place was inhabited by a small group of people. Typical of this phase is the ceramic painted inside and out with graphite and the incised ceramic of the type Maritza I.
therefore was in an ingression phase during which the harbor at Durankulak was flooded as some of the cliffs in the area testify to. The eastern and southern parts of the island were exposed to the waves through which the cliff terrace was formed. A series of crevices and caves on the island were created at this period by the washing away of the loose mio-cenean chalk sediment. I presume that at the location of the Hellenistic cave temple in trenches M and H 19–17 a larger natural cave existed. With regard to the second (upper) ter-race, it was used in the Copper Age (4700–4200 BC) as a source of stone for the Copper Age stone architecture. Later, in the 14 th – 13th cent. BC and in the 9th – 10th cent. AD, both terraces presented a suitable settlement site protected from the north wind and was also regarded as such in the early Medieval period. In the upper part of the miocenean deposits, on the slope above the north wall of the cave temple, there is a circa 80 cm thick sediment layer of loose, fine, white con-sistence which was used from the 5th mill. BC on for wall plaster in the dwellings and was also used later as plaster for the coarse stone wall of the Hellenistic temple. The Hellenistic plaster, however, is of an orange-/lightbrown colour because it was mixed with reddish brown earth which is also found on the island.
The deposits in the area of the cave temple were 3–15 m thick. For the major part they were made of stone resulting from the periodic collapse of the cave ceiling. These were separated from each other by fine weathered material and smaller stones. There are three habitation layers present: Hellenistic, Late Antique and Early Medieval.
The Prehistoric Bronze (PBF) finds are a research and editorial project of the Academy of Sciences and Literature in Mainz, in the Department of Prehistory and Early History of the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main and at the Department of Prehistory and Early History Archaeology Department of History of the Westphalian University of Münster under the auspices of UNESCO sub-organization "on Internationale des Sciences et Préhistoriques Protohistoriques (UISPP)"
Short text
The variety of shapes as well as the large number of jewelry made of precious metal and copper shows the great importance that metal had in the jewelry area in the copper age of Southeast Europe. It is the most complete study of copper-age jewelry in Southeast Europe to date.
"... this volume is very welcome because it enables a quick overview of the jewelry forms of the Copper Age in Bulgaria and once again emphasizes the importance of the copper-age cultural phenomena in Southeast Europe, which should also be considered from a Central and Western European perspective ..."
of archaeological investigations at Neolithic settlements in the Balkans. Such artifact
types are most commonly interpreted as the everyday tools of woodworking, hide
processing, and/or tilling. However, Grebska-Kulow and Whitford (2016) have
previously presented evidence that these seemingly mundane objects might also have
been utilized in domestic rituals. At the Early Neolithic settlements of Ilindentsi and
Balgarchevo, located in the Struma River Valley of Bulgaria, several stone axes and
adzes were found placed below large storage vessels and ovens and/or were placed
directly on top of storage pits. We suggested that the latter contexts represent the
occurrence of ritual deposition. During more recent archaeological investigations, we
again discovered evidence to support our claim. At the Late Neolithic settlement of
Damyanitsa, two storage vessels found within buildings were found containing
numerous stone axes and adzes that had additionally been coated with ochre. In this
paper, we suggest that the latter is yet another example on the use of polished stone
axes and adzes in domestic ritual. In conclusion, we elaborate on the diachronic
characteristics of domestic ritual practices during the Neolithic Period in the Struma
River Valley, Bulgaria.
The following presents the preliminary results of the archaeological investigations undertaken at the prehistoric settlement of Izvor. The prehistoric settlement of Izvor is located in West Bulgaria in the western portion of the Sofia Basin (WGS84; 420 51.075’ N, 220 58.013’ E [Fig. 6]). Its center lies 600 m to the South-West of the confluence between the Slivnishka and Mataritsa Rivers [Map 1a, 1b] situated on a slightly sloped overflow terrace at an average elevation of 610 to 625 m a.s.l. [Fig. 1]. The settlement covers a surface area of approximately 150 000 m2.
The Neolithic settlement at Izvor is characteristic of the open-air settlement type and without natural defenses. The site is accessible from all sides, suggesting that the criterion for site location was the proximity to vital natural resources that would have influenced the life and prosperity of the community. The location selection of the settlement, therefore, should correspond with the social and economic characteristics of the region, rather than having been selected for the purposes of defense. Notably, the settlement lies in proximity to vital sources of fresh water.
The results of the investigations demonstrate that some of the dwellings at Izvor were built upon large wooden platforms rising approximately 1 meter above the terrain, similar to those described at Uivar, Romania. The weight of the massive structure was supported by large wooden posts. In at least one instance (building No. 1), an opening in the wooden platform was identified as utilized for the disposal of household waste [Fig. 7A]. We suggest that the construction of such raised house-types was likely imposed by the characteristic seasonal humidity of the region. We also recovered the remains of earlier short-lived dwellings that were utilized before the construction of the wooden platform dwellings.
Another type of anthropogenically derived positive structure—that has to date seemingly gone unrecognized at similar sites—was identified at Izvor and here described as spatial landmarks [Fig. 7B]. The landmarks are composed of small to large conically stacked concentrations of stone, daub, bone, pottery, and fragments of anthropomorphic figurines (particularly male figurines, [Fig. 18]). They range in size, the smaller ones having a diameter of 1 to 1.5 meters and the larger ones having a diameter of 3.5 to 4 meters. They are conically shaped and rise to a height of 40 to 70 cm. Fourteen such structures were investigated at Izvor. The structures, here interpreted as spatial landmarks, would have notably remained visible at the surface over a long period of time, suggesting that such constructions were perhaps intentionally constructed and served a particular purpose.
Considering the clay anthropomorphic figurines, at Izvor a significant amount of male representations has been noted. From a technological point of view, it is important to note that unlike the female figurines the male figurines were modeled from a single core – a circumstance that precludes the possibility that they were easily formed. Furthermore, figurine fragments were found distributed over the entire investigated surface without any apparent depositional or spatial patterning. However, a notable association can be made between the deposition of male figurine fragments and the construction of the small landmark structures. The lack of spatial patterning and the ubiquitous distribution of anthropomorphic figurine fragments over the entire excavated surface suggests that such artifacts were not themselves the leading addressees of restricted and/or ritualized cult practices. Rather, it is more likely that their manufacture and destruction was ritualized and their morphological variability excludes the possibility that such figurines represent images of a single personified deity.
The substantial number of male figurines recovered at the site presenting specific iconographic features leads us to believe that they may have been representations of a particular societal caste that was prominently positioned within the social hierarchy. In this context, it is probable to consider that the male figurines – lubiquitous within the distribution of the Vinča Culture – were employed during male initiation rituals and more specifically during warrior class initiations. Many historic and ethnographic parallels may be drawn upon to support such an interpretation, although for the moment it remains tentative. It should also be noted that the deposition of male figurine fragments within several of the small spatial landmarks might as well be connected with such initiation rites. We are aware that more information is needed before such a claim can be unequivocally supported, however we believe that it is inherently logical to accept the proposition that a warrior class would have been a necessary precursor to the conquering of new territories – as is the case of Izvor – or as a preventative measure taken in order to guard against potential attacks from the neighboring tribes to the south and east.
Therefore, it can be ascertained that the site was settled and occupied during the transitional Vinča B1/B2 phase and continued throughout the course of the entire Vinča B2 phase. Following its abandonment in the late B2 phase, the site was periodically revisited during the transitional Vinča B2/C phase as is evidenced by two pits identified in the north part of the southern sector (structure numbers 25 and 31) and also in Late Antiquity (3rd – 4th century) according to the subsurface disturbances of economic structures that were concentrated in the southernmost part of the site near the Slivnishka River.
The Vinča Culture reached its most widespread geographic distribution in the Late Neolithic (Vinča B) phase, perhaps in response to demographic and/or climatic stimuli. During this time, new territories were colonized—a process that evidently was not always peaceful. Conflicts with the local regional populations to the south and east inevitably arose as both attempted to settle the same “free” areas. In the case of Izvor, it appears as though the strategy employed by the Vinča in sending small colonies ahead of expansion in order to overtake their competitors was not successful as the settlement eventually collapsed. Vinča culture as a whole suffered considerable losses of territory in the south and appears to have redirected its efforts to the north and west. By the end of Vinča D, a renewed expansion towards the east can be witnessed, evidence of which is attested at the dwelling identified in the Sofia, Poduene area. It is supposed that at this time the expansion was motivated at moving closer to valuable copper sources and in strengthening exchange practices at the interregional scale. It remains unclear whether the bearers of Vinča D culture sought to integrate the local population. However, this last attempt at territorial expansion also resulted in collapse as it was again met by a serious competitor represented by the Krivodol-Sălcuţa Culture.
in a common edition as part of inter- Balkan scientific cooperation.
The excavation on Bulgarian territory was carried in the period from 1980 to 1990 by professor H. Todorova with her associates J.Bojatsiev, I.Vaisov and V. Draganov,archeologists of the Sofia Archeological Institute The reaserch project on the Greek side began in 1992 and continued till 2003 by Ch.Koukouli-Chrysanthaki director
of the 18th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities in collaboration with I. Aslanis (National Research Centre) F.Tomais-Konnstantopoulou (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the archeologists D. Malamidou and M.Valla (18th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities).The results of the two excavations conducted
from 1980 to 2003 can be summarised as follows: A combination of surface investigation excavation and the use of electromagnetic ground probe data has determined the extent of a prehistoric open type settlement, which covered two adjacent hills .This settlement compassed a total area of 5 hectares and has habitation layers of between 0,50 metres and 1,20 in depth.
The excavations on both the Greek and the Bulgarian sides have identified three habitation phases dated according to CI 4 analyses from the end of the 6th millennium B.C.totheend of the 5th millennium BC.
The earliest phase 1, which had the two building phases (l-ll) is represented by buildings with underground rooms, most of which have been dwellings and work areas. However, in the Greek sector, a more important subterranean structure was found. The large roughly circular subterranean structure of the Greek sector was much bigger than the other excavated subterranean rooms of the settlement. It has a radius of more than 12 metres and a depth of more than 7 metres. Excavation inside revealed many successive destruction levels covered with deposits rich in finds. The numerous floor levels with similar deposits show successive use. The deposits located on floors were plastered with clay and contained large number of grinding stones,pottery
vessels and small objects (figurines, tools and jewelry pieces) ,as well as fragments of clay structures, animal bones and horns. Of special interest was the presence of many bull skulls found ,which possibly come from the symbolic decoration of the room.
The size of the subterranean structure, the large number and the finds, as well as the large quantities of animal bones and grinding stones presupposes the presence of a large number of participants at activities which took place here and must be detected as a clear evidence for the use of this structure. The discovery of a so called "public" building, which reminds the much earlier ones from the Near East, gives valuable information about the organization of the Neolithic society.
The next habitation phase 2,which has two building phases (IIIA-IIIB), provided us with architectural remains indicating timber framed (wattle and daub)houses with interior hearths. The best example of a timber framed house was found in the Bulgarian sector. Inside this building on a bench next to the West wall fragments of three relief protomes of female figures were found, which most probably come from the decoration of the West wall. These figures as well us an anthropomorphic vase and many clay figurines found inside and around this building have been considered as evidence for its interpretation as a «sanctuary».
Of particular interest was also some evidence for an early extractive metallurgy of copper which came to light on the levels of habitation phase 2. A clay crucible was recovered from a pit whose inner surface was burnt and filled with ashes and burnt soil. Discovered close to the pit containing the crucible in the floor was a series of shallow pits with successive layers of burnt clay on the interior which appear to be related to an early copper metallurgy process. Taking into account the early date of the crucible and of the shallow pits the1st half of the 5th millennium BC- the Promachon-Topolnica settlement has yielded some of the earliest evidence of the copper metallurgy in Europe.
The last phase of habitation 3 (building phase IV) has been severely damaged by ploughing and the very few traces of buildings that have survived were preserved better in the Greek sector.
The joint excavation program brought to light very rich finds. Tools (flints, stone axes, clay spindle whorls, clay loom weights, bone points), jewellery pieces (bracelets, beads of clay, marble and malachite), schematic marble and clay figurines used as pendants and large quantities of pottery and clay figurines.
The high quality of the decorated pottery was particularly remarkable. There were different kinds of incised, rippled and painted decoration which represent the most common types of decorated pottery from the
Late Neolithic period in Northern Aegean area and especially in Eastern Macedonia, Aegean Thrace, as well as in the Middle Strymon valley and in the interior of the Balkans. Among the decorated pottery, that with
bitumen paint deserves a special mention as it constitutes evidence of the cultural relations of the settlement Promachon-Topolnica with Central Europe. On the other hand, the color painted pottery p.e. the so called Acropotamos style and the "black on red" pottery, points to the cultural relations with the North Aegean and especially with Eastern Macedonia settlements. Also typical of the habitation phases 1 and 2 was the making of figurines .Although the female form was the
predominant subject, the male figure was not absent. The many male figurines and especially the discovery of a marble phallomorphic sculpture of big scale, exceptional for this period, showed the clear recognition of the male and female reproductive forces.
Part of the remarkable finds were also two house models, both decorated with bucrania in relief seen as original evidence for the Neolithic architecture.
The study of excavation finds including the paleobotanical and paleozoological material revealed a settlement of an agricultural and pastoral nature whose cultural physiognomy was defined by its economic and cultural relations with the Aegean world, the Balkan hinterland and with Central Europe.
In the earlier occupation phase 1 (5320-5070 BC) the settlement is surrounded by an oval earthen wall with diameters 100 and 60 m respectively and has an expansion of just 0,6 hectare. The buildings inside are semi subterranean. Their material probably served to the construction of the surrounding earth wall.
According to the finds, this phase is divided into an early stage (1a), which is characterised by the presence of ceramics decorated with bitum and generally by elements of the Vinča culture. The second stage (1b) is characterised by the presence of the painted pottery of the Akropotamos style and generally by the growing influence of the South.
During the next occupation phase 2 (5070-4700 BC) the settlement extents to a wider area. In the periphery of the eastern settlement part, the Bulgarian sector Topolnica, traces of a palisade are revealed, which probably replaced the earthwall at that part. At the same phase should belong the earthwall, which was detected west of the Greek excavation area. In this case, the settlement with diameter 260 and 80 m respectively acquired a greater area of approximately 2.1 hectares. Inside the settlement the semi subterranean houses of the previous phase are filled with deposits and transformed into ground floors houses.
On the next stage of this settlement phase (phase 2b) belongs the house 1 of the Bulgarian sector Topolnica. The kind, the co-existence and the arrangement of the findings refer to a sanctuary. In the settlement phase 2 traces of early mining and processing of copper are detected, as suggested by the metallurgical facilities with a melting pot found in situ. In 4700 BC the settlement Promachon-Topolnica was abandoned.
Later, in the settlement phase 3 (4460-4250 BC) the place was inhabited by a small group of people. Typical of this phase is the ceramic painted inside and out with graphite and the incised ceramic of the type Maritza I.
therefore was in an ingression phase during which the harbor at Durankulak was flooded as some of the cliffs in the area testify to. The eastern and southern parts of the island were exposed to the waves through which the cliff terrace was formed. A series of crevices and caves on the island were created at this period by the washing away of the loose mio-cenean chalk sediment. I presume that at the location of the Hellenistic cave temple in trenches M and H 19–17 a larger natural cave existed. With regard to the second (upper) ter-race, it was used in the Copper Age (4700–4200 BC) as a source of stone for the Copper Age stone architecture. Later, in the 14 th – 13th cent. BC and in the 9th – 10th cent. AD, both terraces presented a suitable settlement site protected from the north wind and was also regarded as such in the early Medieval period. In the upper part of the miocenean deposits, on the slope above the north wall of the cave temple, there is a circa 80 cm thick sediment layer of loose, fine, white con-sistence which was used from the 5th mill. BC on for wall plaster in the dwellings and was also used later as plaster for the coarse stone wall of the Hellenistic temple. The Hellenistic plaster, however, is of an orange-/lightbrown colour because it was mixed with reddish brown earth which is also found on the island.
The deposits in the area of the cave temple were 3–15 m thick. For the major part they were made of stone resulting from the periodic collapse of the cave ceiling. These were separated from each other by fine weathered material and smaller stones. There are three habitation layers present: Hellenistic, Late Antique and Early Medieval.
Building 24/VII consists of two parts – a spacious inner room and an open southern annexe. The external dimensions of Building 24/VII are: length of the northern wall - 8.50 m, of the eastern wall – 18.80 m and of the western wall – 17.50 m. The built-up area is 148 m2, of which the habitable living space is 100 m2. Of it, the internal one is 67 m2, and the external one (the southern antechamber) – 33 m2.
The walls of the building have stable stone foundations. They have been made of 7 – 8 courses of stone slabs. The masonry is two-sided, 70–75 cm wide. The lower courses have been fixed with yellow clay.
A large adobe structure (Structure 1950004) used for the storage of cereals (common/club wheat Triticum aestivo/durum and barley Hordeum vul.) and leguminous seeds (mainly bitter vetch Vicia ervilia) was revealed against the eastern wall of the building.
The same structure contained fragments of a large pithos and of some smaller vessels. A large amount of bone awls and spatulae, as well as several stone axes, were also found there. A bone retoucher – a tool for applying the stamped decoration was also present typical of the Hamangia culture.
One of the most interesting finds of 2022 are the three bone hairpins and one necklace found in situ. The ornaments appeared in the northern part of the inner room. The necklace is composed of 478 beads made of: Spondilus shell, marble, serpentinite (2 pieces), Dentalium (20 pieces) and ceramics (13 pieces). Ceramic beads have been discovered for the first time in Durankulak. The interesting circumstance about them is the fact that they are not made from reused pottery fragments, but from specially produced ceramic cylinders 5 to 6 mm in diameter. Their surface is perfectly smoothed and burnished. The clay mixture serving to make these cylinders was purified. They were heat treated in a controlled environment. The beads are of a uniform reddish-brown colour. The analysis of the ceramic beads shows that the technique employed to break the cylinders in question into smaller segment beads was the same as that used to make the marble and Spondylus beads. We note the fact that despite the flotation in Building 24/VII no micro tools (heavy points, etc.) have been found which could serve to make miniature ornaments such as the necklace beads. The whole situation related to the location of the necklace indicates unequivocally that its beads were not produced in situ. However, possibly the blazing of the fire that put the end of life in the building also interrupted the accomplishment of the final phase of making the ornament itself - the formation of a three-line string.
A butterfly-shaped amulet made of the so-called snake stone – serpentinite, was found next to the necklace. Such an amulet appears for the first time in Durankulak.
For now, it is difficult to determine the function of Building 24/VII. Analyzing the facts, we are inclined to accept that it was an economic building, the second one related to the household economic activity of the inhabitants of the settlement from the Late Eneolithic – Hamangia IV Culture.
According to the tracing data, we were able to select only one layer of mud deposited on the strongly denuded rocks in Durankulak Lake. In places the muddy layer reaches a depth of over 4 m. The reason why the layers cannot be clearly traced in depth is the fact that the muddy bottom, due to the decomposition of deposited organic material, generates a constant swamp gas that shields the signal and limits the breakthrough capabilities of the equipment. In the environment of moving water masses, as is the case with the Black Sea bottom, this is not the case, but with the stagnant water of Durankulak Lake, this has become an insurmountable problem.
In Durankulak Lake, 10 electric cross-sections were made, covering its entire area. The defined boundaries of the layers are stratified on the basis of specific resistances. The results confirmed the previous observations that the riverbed and flood terraces of the ancient river were formed by gravels, sands (mostly near the modern coastline), clay and precipitated loess. Of interest are the rise and fall of the strata registered in several of the profiles, which (unprovable for now) could be interpreted as indications of the presence of fault lines.
Summarizing the results obtained from the research of Durankulak Lake and the adjacent Black Sea shelf, we draw a clear picture of the paleorelief of the area. The contours of the ancient river, as well as the river pools areas, became very apparent. It was found that in some places the width of the ancient river reached 70–80 m. The greatest measured depth is in the eastern part of the lake – -4.25 m from elevation 0, the modern water mirror. Detailed bathymetry shows that the area around the Big and Small Islands has a slightly special relief. At about 50 m to the north, the bottom drops to -3.20 m. There is a large depression which can be interpreted as a river pool, a swampy area during the dry months of the year. Data have been found between the two islands for the presence of a pronounced rib connecting them, an indication of the existence in ancient times of a land connection between the Big and Small Islands. The established terrain configuration on the western bank of the ancient river showed that in ancient times the areas south and north of the Big Island were relatively flat and probably inhabited.
Data from the side-scan sonar (Compact sub bottom) show that in front of the eastern cape of the Big Island there is a significant accumulation of stones. Scattered stones are also found on the eastern shore of the lake, opposite the Small Island. The sonar images also show the contours of a sunken boat, as well as those of several of the metal cylindrical girders of the pontoon once connecting the coast with the Small Island.
The building has been damaged by numerous pits from the upper horizons. Of interest is an oval-shaped pit. It has vertical walls and is filled with stone slabs. Next to its northeastern wall, a ceramic bowl with a graphite decoration Varna II Type was found turned upside down.
In 2021, the study of building №24 /VII continued as well. The stone foundations of the western wall (preserved 13 m long) and part of the northern wall has been completely revealed. The foundations were made of large stone slabs. The lowest three courses of stones were fixed by yellow clay. The entrance to the building was from the south. The studied part of the building represents an elongated common room with several massive clay structures. One of them (structure 6) was attached to the central part of the western wall, and the other one (structure 5) to the southern end of the eastern wall. The structures are massive clay platforms raised in height. Their countertops were made of stacked logs, coated with several clay layers with a total thickness of 6–8 cm. The analysis of the charred wood showed that the timber used was oak (Quercus sp.).
Under the plasters of the eastern structures were found: fragmented ceramic vessels, a large number of charred seeds of legumes and cereals, mussel shells, bone tools, and others. A separation of seeds by species has been observed. In some of the structures, seeds were stored belonging predominantly to bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia), and in others were found club wheat (Triticum aestivo/durum), einkorn (Triticum monococcum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and others. The building 24 /VII contained a hoard consisting of the lower part of a thick-walled vessel, a mixture of seeds of legumes and cereals, and a fully preserved ceramic model of bread.
1. The recorded arrays of dipolar magnetic anomalies with high intensity in the magnetic gradient field and relatively small size are due to the presence of a significant amounts of contaminants, such as metal objects and/or other modern intrusions.
2. The presence of multitude of single anomalies could be interpreted as indicating the locations of scattered single stones.
3. The registered linear anomalies indicate the locations of modern water-mains and roads.
4. In the southern and eastern sectors of survey zones A, B, C, and D, were registered numerous negative anomalies, characterized by positive values of the variations in the intensity of the magnetic field and indicating the locations of negative structures, most of which are probably prehistoric. It should be mentioned that prehistoric materials are found only in survey zone B and belong to the Hamangia II culture.
5. The results of geophysical survey have provided irrefutable evidence of the existence of a large tumuli necropolis with more than 25 burial mounds, eight of which have already been excavated and published in volume II of the Durankulak series. Of the newly discovered structures, of special interest is the large complex consisting of several mounds registered in the southern section of survey zone D-1.
6. In survey zones A and D were detected spike anomalies with correlated arrangement, clustered in somewhat rectangular shapes. These are likely buildings of the 9th – 10th century AD satellite settlement.
The building from sub-stage 1A was small, of a shape close to the square measuring 6.5 × 6.0 m. Internal dimensions are 5.5 × 4.0 m (22 m²). Its massive walls have double-sided stone foundations 0.50 – 0.60 m wide. A thermal structure was attached to the eastern wall – a hearth with a half-dome; and to the western one – a clay podium with a square shape measuring 1.50 × 1.50 m and a height of 10 cm. There were several small and large clay structures of unclear shapes and purposes next to the northern wall. The structures in the room occupied about 15% of the living space.
In stage 1B, an annex was added to the building from the south, probably a covered terrace. For this purpose, the eastern and western walls were elongated by 5 m each. The dimensions of this extension are 4.5 × 5.5 m (20 m²). It rose 15 – 20 cm above the room from stage 1A, and the approach to the inner room was stepped. Several additional economic segments were situated there: a domed oven located in its south-eastern corner and an elongated clay trough (?) – in the south-western one.
During stage 2 the interior of the building was completely changed. A large room with dimensions of 10.0 × 4.5 m (45 m²) was formed. The building from this stage was open from the south where a wooden colonnade was arranged. This porch was covered with a stone pavement.
The life of building № 25 / VII ended with a fire, followed by a strong destructive earthquake, around the IX degree after MSK-64. It also marks the end of the settlement from the period of Hamangia IV Culture.
In 2020, the research of building № 24 / VII continued as well. There we came across the northwestern part of an unexplored earlier building – № 23 / V. The remains are framed by a low clay plinth 5 – 6 cm high. On the floor of the structure we found a charred grain of Triticum monococcum and Triticum dicoccum with an approximate ratio of 50:50%.
In the first excavation stage, were plotted 29 test trenches with different length and breadth. Results indicated presence of several consecutive prehistoric settlements on the site, dated to the beginning of the Late Neolithic (the time of the Vinca А3/В1 and the Samovodene – Ovcharovo cultures); the Late Neolithic (the Podgoritsa cultural group); the transition from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic (the Brenica phase of the Gradeshnitsa culture); the Early Eneolithic (the Polyanitsa – Vidra culture).
In the second and the third excavation phase, were excavated 184 archaeological structures – sunken featured buildings and pits with various functions (cult pits, refuse pits, pits for extraction of inert construction raw materials, etc.). The larger sunken features, which could be interpreted as buildings, were spaced 4 to 9 m apart and as a rule had oval plan. We assume these also featured suspended wooden floor superstructures, upon which the ovens were found.
The next phase in the settlement’s development is associated with the Late Neolithic, with structures including ground level and semi-sunken buildings, pits, etc. Notably, also to this period belong designated flint and bone tools processing areas.
The Early Eneolithic phase is registered only in the site’s west sector. The respective structures include destructions of the superstructures of raised buildings, deposits, refuse pits, special purpose pits, pits with deposited burnt wall plaster, etc.
The present preliminary geophysical survey indicated presence of various geomagnetic anomalies, some of which are sunken featured structures, and some – ground level structures.
Other than some final Late Neolithic Hotnica culture structures, the majority of the registered structures date to the Neolithic – Eneolithic transition and represent a kind of a symbiosis between Vadastra culture and the early Brenica phase of the Gradeshnitsa culture. It remains to be clarified whether the presence at the site of certain later materials – i.e. classical Gradeshnitsa artifacts, are introduced by newly arrived from the western cultural areal population. If so, locally observed ‘retardation’ in the evolution of the culture could perhaps be attributed to temporarily severed ties between the local inhabitants and the settlements to the west.
At the site were also registered several small pits from the Late Iron Age, as well as destructions of outhouses from the early 20th c.
1. At the time of the initial settling of the island, the entire rocky terrain had been levelled by depositing layers of reddish substance of finely crushed (grain size 0.3–0.5 cm) locally sourced rust-red coloured rock – limestone rock fragments, which likely owe their red hew to naturally occurring inclusions of iron and/or other metal with high content of natural ferromagnetic particles. The thickness of this initial backfill ranges 15–50 cm.
2. On top of the reddish backfill had been laid a “levelling” layer, of fine grey marsh clay, 10–15 cm thick. Actual construction work towards the urbanization and the erection of the earliest buildings of horizon VIII, dated to the time of the Hamangia III culture, began only after the setting of the second backfill.
During the resumed excavation of Building 25/VII–VIII we reached the floor of the first phase in the building’s life – the one associated with Hamangia III. During this time, the building featured an entrance at the east side, while to the south wall had been attached several storage cubicles for unsorted wheat – such was found on the floors of the cubicles. In one cubicle was excavated a package of fragmented pottery, consisting of components from large pithoi (2), semi-spherical lids (2), half-preserved (Pl. 3:3) cup with tall neck (1), low bowl on a high hollow foot (1), etc. The stratigraphic situation observed at Building 25/VII–VIII indicates the absence of a hiatus between phase III and phase IV of the Hamangia culture.
Ivan Vajsov, Peter Milo, Christian Tzankov, Tomáš Tencer, Michal Vágner
In 2019 was conducted a large-scale geophysical survey of the site Durankulak–Nivata, of the greater Durankulak Archaeological Complex.
As a result of the survey of the Durankulak–Nivata site was established that:
1. In the southern Area А are found numerous small-scale anomalies, likely graves, as well as larger ones – likely remnants of sunken featured structures. It should be noted that the surface scatter is rich in Late Neolithic pottery, which inclines us to seek here some of the sunken structures of the early Blatnitsa phase of the Hamangia culture. The smaller-scale anomalies, which could be interpreted as grave, likely date to the Antiquity period, and proximity to the Antiquity period necropolis coupled with surface finds of stone slabs, as well as with the several fragments of occipital bones from human skeletons speak in favour of this interpretation.
2. In the northern Area В too is registered an a great number of spaced 15 – 20 m apart anomalies, which could be indicating the sites of Antiquity or Early Medieval buildings. The fact that from this site have been reported materials of Antiquity and Middle Age date supports our conclusion.
3. In the central Area C were discovered three large stone concentrations, presently scattered also on the surface. Interpreting the situation, and accounting for the much more modest size of the Medieval buildings, we assume the said clusters are from destructions of buildings from the Antiquity period, like the structure registered at the foot of the west bank of a large building from the same age.
Ivan Vajsov, Volodya Popov
The results of the archaeological research in 2018 confirmed the stratigraphic observations made during previous seasons. Three negative structures were investigated dating from the Early Neolithic, Koprivets Culture (6200–6000 BC); and two more of the same kind – from the Late Neolithic. On the ground, two layers of the Early Neolithic have been clearly distinguished, the lowest being recorded only in the filling of the pits chronologically corresponding to the first phase of Koprivets Culture, and the second one – registered in the space around the pits and also in the upper layers of their filling corresponding to the second phase of the same culture.
In sq. Aa5 and Aa6 the layers from the Early Neolithic are interrupted by two pits from the Late Neolithic (Hotnitsa Culture); and in sq. Aa4 – by a similar one dating from the Bronze Age (structure No. 2018). The nature of the filling of Pit 3 compared to data on deposited daub in Aa2 (structure No. 2019), gives us grounds to identify the dug structures of the Late Neolithic as proving the existence of a specific social practice in the Late Neolithic, referred to in the literature as a "structural deposit". Here, however, there are no facts that speak of a purposeful arrangement of the burned daub (burned clay architectural elements).
In 2018, the study of a new building No.25 / VII (Culture Hamangia IV culture) began. Only its final stage was fully explored. A grinding structure, a domed furnace and a clay structure for processing and storage of wheat were revealed there. Several ceramic pots appeared in situ inside the latter structure. The building was destroyed by fire as the inhabitants of the settlement had managed to save the most precious - the wheat and the grinding stones.
Building N 25/ Vii contained also burnt seeds of coarse wheat (Triticum monococcum), soft wheat (Triticum aestivo/durum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), as well as some grains of peas (Pisum sativum), and vetch (Vicia ervilia and Vicia sativa). There was also a large number of not-burned grains of cereals.
With regards to the Late Neolithic Period, several structures (both positive and negative) were found across the entire excavated area. Concerning the many dug-in structures, of particular interest is pit 220.22, within which was found a large storage vessel containing the remains of two small piglets along with the singular long bone of a human child. In the southern part of the excavated area, a burned down building from Phase III of the Topolnitca-Akropotamos culture was also investigated. The building is oriented northeast-southwest and measures 10.10–13.00 meters in length and 5.70–6.00 in width. Its internal inventory consists of two ovens with massive clay domes along with a plurality of fully preserved ceramic vessels, including examples of the Akropotamos painted style and the Promachon painted style with red painted fields. Yet another important element related to this building are mudbrick walls (102.07, 102.08, and 102.36). The placement of these walls suggests that their purpose was to protect the building and its immediate surroundings from potential floods, as excess water would have flowed to the West and Northwest through the extinct river channel during times of heavy precipitation.
In the western part of the site, four buildings from the Early Chalcolithic period and one from the Final Chalcolithic period (216.1) were investigated.
In the northern part of the studied area, a complex of buildings from Antiquity (1st, 3-4th c. AD) was investigated. About 80 meters north of the complex was found a Christian necropolis consisting of 9 tombs and a cenotaph. The graves are oriented E-W and are without inventory. A singular exception concerns the grave of a child (No 10), from which earrings and a large number of glass beads were recovered.
Late Neolithic. From the Late Neolithic, several buildings and many dug-in structures were recovered. Typical for this period is the use of extinct river channels for the construction of buildings and for other utilitarian purposes, such as grain storage. A strong influence from the south (i.e. Northern Greece) is attested by the presence of brown painted Akropotamos, dichromic Dimitra, and red painted Promachon type ceramics. The settlement can most certainly be attributed to the larger cultural network that spread across Northern Greece and the Middle Struma River Valley nearing the end of the Late Neolithic (Bulgarian periodization system).
Early Chalcolithic. Concerning the Early Chalcolithic occupation, the layout of the settlement is more dispersed with a less clustered arrangement of buildings. Habitation areas are registered in the central and northern parts of the excavated area. Of the buildings from this period, building № 2 is of particular importance (page 111.2). Building № 2 is rectangular in shape having approximate dimensions of 5×10 meters. It is oriented NE-SW and contained several in-situ vessels, some of which were found stored or placed within ovens (figure 3). In total, 8 ovens were recorded within the building as well as a clay platform installation for grinding.
Final Chalcolithic.The occupation at Damyanitsa from the Final Chalcolithic is prominently represented within the cultural layers as well as by the existence of many different types of structure: buildings, round shaped stone clusters, a large concentric arrangement of stones (sectors 111–110), and by a separate zone seemingly reserved for economic activities and characterized by an astounding number of ovens (sectors 117–118). The last stage of the settlement and its sudden abandonment appear to confirm the existence of dramatic climate changes that occurred in the first half of the 4th millennium BC. Periodic flooding of the settlement and the sharp rise of groundwater levels led to the loss of habitable space and ultimately to the final abandonment of the settlement.
Ivan Vajsov, Vladimir Slavcev
Burned clay platform, building VII/8. The burnt clay platform was built over the debris of the W wall of building VII/8. Part of the W half of the platform was made on top of a structure made of tightly arranged wooden beams, raising it above the rest of the area and serving as a platform. Building VIII/8. The SW room of building VIII/8 was also excavated. The building has been interpreted as a storehouse. A platform made from stone slabs plastered with a layer of yellow clay (0.15-0.20 m thick) was built close to the W wall of the building. A room measuring 2.20 x 3.90 m was divided by a wall consisting of 4 rows of stone slabs bound by yellow clay. It was used for storing grain. Building VI/21.The excavation of the area to the north of building VII/8 started. The stone remains of one building (VI/21) and the W wall of another building (VI/20) were uncovered. Here, in the NW corner of sector G 4/3, two flint caches were found. They yielded 9 and 14 blades respectively. The stratigraphic position of the caches allows to date them to the Late Chalcolithic. The building functioned during building level V of the Late Chalcolithic, Varna culture III–IV.
The pottery assemblage reveals similarity to the Vinča B2-Kurilo style.
The test trenches at site 10B were situated at the S part of Izvor Late Neolithic site. The archaeological excavations revealed several interesting contexts situated above ground. Context 13 is a stone concentration and covered 25 sq. m. It comprised several layers of stones including many fragmented grinding stones, pieces of fired daub, potsherds, clay altars, etc. The chipped stone artefacts were found only at the periphery of the context. Context 7B was pyramid-shape and was made from small stones, daub, male anthropomorphic figurines mainly, spindle whorls, potsherds and animal bones. Remains of buildings were documented in several areas of the site, e. g. a corner of a burnt house in sq. F175. Postholes were found all over the site. It seems that the buildings were scattered and there were vast areas between them. The concentrations of artefacts can be interpreted as landmarks. The finds at the northern part of the site are typical for Vinča B2 culture, whereas the artefacts discovered at the southern part can be related to the so-called Vinča-Gradac phase.
The archaeological investigations at Damyanitsa were divided in two stages: Stage 1 on the left band of the Struma Motorway (eastern section) and Stage 2 on the right band of the Struma Motorway (western section).The prehistoric settlement at Damyanitsa consists of three occupation periods: the Late Neolithic-Early Chalcolithic transition (period 1), the Early Chalcolithic (period 2), and the Final Chalcolithic (period 3). Additionally, there is a recorded presence from the Late Bronze Age as well as a complex from Antiquity (1st to 4th centuries AD).
From the Late Neolithic, several buildings and many dug-in structures were recovered. Typical for this period is the use of extinct river channels for the construction of buildings and for other utilitarian purposes, such as grain storage. A strong influence from the south (i.e. Northern Greece) is attested by the presence of brown painted Akropotamos, dichromic Dimitra, and red painted Promachon type ceramics. The settlement can most certainly be attributed to the larger cultural network that spread across Northern Greece and the Middle Struma River Valley nearing the end of the Late Neolithic (Bulgarian periodization system).
Concerning the Early Chalcolithic occupation, the layout of the settlement is more dispersed with a less clustered arrangement of buildings. Habitation areas are registered in the central and northern parts of the excavated area. Of the buildings from this period, building № 2 is of particular importance (page 111.2). Building № 2 is rectangular in shape having approximate dimensions of 5 × 10 meters. It is oriented NE-SW and contained several in-situ vessels, some of which were found stored or placed within ovens. In total, 8 ovens were recorded within the building as well as a clay platform installation for grinding.
The occupation at Damyanitsa from the Final Chalcolithic is prominently represented within the cultural layers as well as by the existence of many different types of structure: buildings, round shaped stone clusters, a large concentric arrangement of stones (sectors 111–110), and by a separate zone seemingly reserved for economic activities and characterized by an astounding number of ovens (sectors 117–118). The last stage of the settlement and its sudden abandonment appear to confirm the existence of dramatic climate changes that occurred in the first half of the 4th millennium BC. Periodic flooding of the settlement and the sharp rise of groundwater levels led to the loss of habitable space and ultimately to the final abandonment of the settlement.
Building 24/VII consists of two parts – a spacious inner room and an open southern annexe. The external dimensions of Building 24/VII are: length of the northern wall - 8.50 m, of the eastern wall – 18.80 m and of the western wall – 17.50 m. The built-up area is 148 m2, of which the habitable living space is 100 m2. Of it, the internal one is 67 m2, and the external one (the southern antechamber) – 33 m2.
The walls of the building have stable stone foundations. They have been made of 7 – 8 courses of stone slabs. The masonry is two-sided, 70–75 cm wide. The lower courses have been fixed with yellow clay.
A large adobe structure (Structure 1950004) used for the storage of cereals (common/club wheat Triticum aestivo/durum and barley Hordeum vul.) and leguminous seeds (mainly bitter vetch Vicia ervilia) was revealed against the eastern wall of the building.
The same structure contained fragments of a large pithos and of some smaller vessels. A large amount of bone awls and spatulae, as well as several stone axes, were also found there. A bone retoucher – a tool for applying the stamped decoration was also present typical of the Hamangia culture.
One of the most interesting finds of 2022 are the three bone hairpins and one necklace found in situ. The ornaments appeared in the northern part of the inner room. The necklace is composed of 478 beads made of: spondilus shell, marble, serpentinite (2 pieces), dentalium (20 pieces) and ceramics (13 pieces). Ceramic beads have been discovered for the first time in Durankulak. The interesting circumstance about them is the fact that they are not made from reused pottery fragments, but from specially produced ceramic cylinders 5 to 6 mm in diameter. Their surface is perfectly smoothed and burnished. The clay mixture serving to make these cylinders was purified. They were heat treated in a controlled environment. The beads are of a uniform reddish-brown colour. The analysis of the ceramic beads shows that the technique employed to break the cylinders in question into smaller segment beads was the same as that used to make the marble and Spondylus beads. We note the fact that despite the flotation in Building 24/VII no micro tools (heavy points, etc.) have been found which could serve to make miniature ornaments such as the necklace beads. The whole situation related to the location of the necklace indicates unequivocally that its beads were not produced in situ. However, possibly the blazing of the fire that put the end of life in the building also interrupted the accomplishment of the final phase of making the ornament itself - the formation of a three-line string.
A butterfly-shaped amulet made of the so-called snake stone – serpentinite, was found next to the necklace. Such an amulet appears for the first time in Durankulak.
For now, it is difficult to determine the function of Building 24/VII. Analyzing the facts, we are inclined to accept that it was an economic building, the second one related to the household economic activity of the inhabitants of the settlement from the Late Eneolithic – Hamangia IV Culture.
According to the tracing data, we were able to select only one layer of mud deposited on the strongly denuded rocks in Durankulak Lake. In places the muddy layer reaches a depth of over 4 m. The reason why the layers cannot be clearly traced in depth is the fact that the muddy bottom, due to the decomposition of deposited organic material, generates a constant swamp gas that shields the signal and limits the breakthrough capabilities of the equipment. In the environment of moving water masses, as is the case with the Black Sea bottom, this is not the case, but with the stagnant water of Durankulak Lake, this has become an insurmountable problem.
In Durankulak Lake, 10 electric cross-sections were made, covering its entire area. The defined boundaries of the layers are stratified on the basis of specific resistances. The results confirmed the previous observations that the riverbed and flood terraces of the ancient river were formed by gravels, sands (mostly near the modern coastline), clay and precipitated loess. Of interest are the rise and fall of the strata registered in several of the profiles, which (unprovable for now) could be interpreted as indications of the presence of fault lines.
Summarizing the results obtained from the research of Durankulak Lake and the adjacent Black Sea shelf, we draw a clear picture of the paleorelief of the area (Fig. 4). The contours of the ancient river, as well as the river pools areas, became very apparent. It was found that in some places the width of the ancient river reached 70–80 m. The greatest measured depth is in the eastern part of the lake – -4.25 m from elevation 0, the modern water mirror. Detailed bathymetry shows that the area around the Big and Small Islands has a slightly special relief. At about 50 m to the north, the bottom drops to -3.20 m. There is a large depression which can be interpreted as a river pool, a swampy area during the dry months of the year. Data have been found between the two islands for the presence of a pronounced rib connecting them, an indication of the existence in ancient times of a land connection between the Big and Small Islands. The established terrain configuration on the western bank of the ancient river showed that in ancient times the areas south and north of the Big Island were relatively flat and probably inhabited.
Data from the side-scan sonar (Compact sub bottom) show that in front of the eastern cape of the Big Island there is a significant accumulation of stones. Scattered stones are also found on the eastern shore of the lake, opposite the Small Island. The sonar images also show the contours of a sunken boat, as well as those of several of the metal cylindrical girders of the pontoon once connecting the coast with the Small Island.
The building has been damaged by numerous pits from the upper horizons. Of interest is an oval-shaped pit. It has vertical walls and is filled with stone slabs. Next to its northeastern wall, a ceramic bowl with a graphite decoration Varna II Type was found turned upside down.
In 2021, the study of building №24 /VII continued as well. The stone foundations of the western wall (preserved 13 m long) and part of the northern wall has been completely revealed. The foundations were made of large stone slabs. The lowest three courses of stones were fixed by yellow clay. The entrance to the building was from the south. The studied part of the building represents an elongated common room with several massive clay structures. One of them (structure 6) was attached to the central part of the western wall, and the other one (structure 5) to the southern end of the eastern wall. The structures are massive clay platforms raised in height. Their countertops were made of stacked logs, coated with several clay layers with a total thickness of 6–8 cm. The analysis of the charred wood showed that the timber used was oak (Quercus sp.).
Under the plasters of the eastern structures were found: fragmented ceramic vessels, a large number of charred seeds of legumes and cereals, mussel shells, bone tools, and others. A separation of seeds by species has been observed. In some of the structures, seeds were stored belonging predominantly to bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia), and in others were found club wheat (Triticum aestivo/durum), einkorn (Triticum monococcum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and others. The building 24 /VII contained a hoard consisting of the lower part of a thick-walled vessel, a mixture of seeds of legumes and cereals, and a fully preserved ceramic model of bread.
1. The recorded arrays of dipolar magnetic anomalies with high intensity in the magnetic gradient field and relatively small size are due to the presence of a significant amounts of contaminants, such as metal objects and/or other modern intrusions.
2. The presence of multitude of single anomalies could be interpreted as indicating the locations of scattered single stones.
3. The registered linear anomalies indicate the locations of modern water-mains and roads.
4. In the southern and eastern sectors of survey zones A, B, C, and D, were registered numerous negative anomalies, characterized by positive values of the variations in the intensity of the magnetic field and indicating the locations of negative structures, most of which are probably prehistoric. It should be mentioned that prehistoric materials are found only in survey zone B and belong to the Hamangia II culture.
5. The results of geophysical survey have provided irrefutable evidence of the existence of a large tumuli necropolis with more than 25 burial mounds, eight of which have already been excavated and published in volume II of the Durankulak series. Of the newly discovered structures, of special interest is the large complex consisting of several mounds registered in the southern section of survey zone D-1.
6. In survey zones A and D were detected spike anomalies with correlated arrangement, clustered in somewhat rectangular shapes. These are likely buildings of the 9th – 10th century AD satellite settlement.
The building from sub-stage 1A was small, of a shape close to the square measuring 6.5 × 6.0 m. Internal dimensions are 5.5 × 4.0 m (22 m²). Its massive walls have double-sided stone foundations 0.50 – 0.60 m wide. A thermal structure was attached to the eastern wall – a hearth with a half-dome; and to the western one – a clay podium with a square shape measuring 1.50 × 1.50 m and a height of 10 cm. There were several small and large clay structures of unclear shapes and purposes next to the northern wall. The structures in the room occupied about 15% of the living space.
In stage 1B, an annex was added to the building from the south, probably a covered terrace. For this purpose, the eastern and western walls were elongated by 5 m each. The dimensions of this extension are 4.5 × 5.5 m (20 m²). It rose 15–20 cm above the room from stage 1A, and the approach to the inner room was stepped. Several additional economic segments were situated there: a domed oven located in its south-eastern corner and an elongated clay trough (?) – in the south-western one.
During stage 2 the interior of the building was completely changed. A large room with dimensions of 10.0 × 4.5 m (45 m²) was formed. The building from this stage was open from the south where a wooden colonnade was arranged. This porch was covered with a stone pavement.
The life of building № 25 / VII ended with a fire, followed by a strong destructive earthquake, around the IX degree after MSK-64. It also marks the end of the settlement from the period of Hamangia IV Culture.
In 2020, the research of building № 24/VII continued as well. There we came across the northwestern part of an unexplored earlier building – № 23/V. The remains are framed by a low clay plinth 5 – 6 cm high. On the floor of the structure we found a charred grain of Triticum monococcum and Triticum dicoccum¬¬ with an approximate ratio of 50:50%.
1. At the time of the initial settling of the island, the entire rocky terrain had been levelled by depositing layers of reddish substance of finely crushed (grain size 0.3–0.5 cm) locally sourced rust-red coloured rock – limestone rock fragments, which likely owe their red hew to naturally occurring inclusions of iron and/or other metal with high content of natural ferromagnetic particles. The thickness of this initial backfill ranges 15–50 cm.
2. On top of the reddish backfill had been laid a “levelling” layer, of fine grey marsh clay, 10–15 cm thick. Actual construction work towards the urbanization and the erection of the earliest buildings of horizon VIII, dated to the time of the Hamangia III culture, began only after the setting of the second backfill.
During the resumed excavation of Building 25/VII–VIII we reached the floor of the first phase in the building’s life – the one associated with Hamangia III. During this time, the building featured an entrance at the east side, while to the south wall had been attached several storage cubicles for unsorted wheat – such was found on the floors of the cubicles. In one cubicle was excavated a package of fragmented pottery, consisting of components from large pithoi (2), semi-spherical lids (2), half-preserved (Pl. 3:3) cup with tall neck (1), low bowl on a high hollow foot (1), etc. The stratigraphic situation observed at Building 25/VII–VIII indicates the absence of a hiatus between phase III and phase IV of the Hamangia culture.
In the first excavation stage, were plotted 29 test trenches with different length and breadth. Results indicated presence of several consecutive prehistoric settlements on the site, dated to the beginning of the Late Neolithic (the time of the Vinca А3/В1 and the Samovodene – Ovcharovo cultures); the Late Neolithic (the Podgoritsa cultural group); the transition from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic (the Brenica phase of the Gradeshnitsa culture); the Early Eneolithic (the Polyanitsa – Vidra culture).
In the second and the third excavation phase, were excavated 184 archaeological structures – sunken featured buildings and pits with various functions (cult pits, refuse pits, pits for extraction of inert construction raw materials, etc.). The larger sunken features, which could be interpreted as buildings, were spaced 4 to 9 m apart and as a rule had oval plan. We assume these also featured suspended wooden floor superstructures, upon which the ovens were found.
The next phase in the settlement’s development is associated with the Late Neolithic, with structures including ground level and semi-sunken buildings, pits, etc. Notably, also to this period belong designated flint and bone tools processing areas.
The Early Eneolithic phase is registered only in the site’s west sector. The respective structures include destructions of the superstructures of raised buildings, deposits, refuse pits, special purpose pits, pits with deposited burnt wall plaster, etc.
Ivan Vajsov, Peter Milo, Christian Tzankov, Tomáš Tencer, Michal Vágner
In 2019 was conducted a large-scale geophysical survey of the site Durankulak–Nivata, of the greater Durankulak Archaeological Complex.
As a result of the survey of the Durankulak–Nivata site was established that:
1. In the southern Area А are found numerous small-scale anomalies, likely graves, as well as larger ones – likely remnants of sunken featured structures. It should be noted that the surface scatter is rich in Late Neolithic pottery, which inclines us to seek here some of the sunken structures of the early Blatnitsa phase of the Hamangia culture. The smaller-scale anomalies, which could be interpreted as grave, likely date to the Antiquity period, and proximity to the Antiquity period necropolis coupled with surface finds of stone slabs, as well as with the several fragments of occipital bones from human skeletons speak in favour of this interpretation.
2. In the northern Area В too is registered an a great number of spaced 15 – 20 m apart anomalies, which could be indicating the sites of Antiquity or Early Medieval buildings. The fact that from this site have been reported materials of Antiquity and Middle Age date supports our conclusion.
3. In the central Area C were discovered three large stone concentrations, presently scattered also on the surface. Interpreting the situation, and accounting for the much more modest size of the Medieval buildings, we assume the said clusters are from destructions of buildings from the Antiquity period, like the structure registered at the foot of the west bank of a large building from the same age.
In 2018, the field studies on The Big Island Tell (Golimija ostrov) at Durankulak village continued for the 27th consecutive season. Building N8/ VII was fully explored (Culture Hamangia IV). We found out that it was originally without massive stone walls, only with razor-like ones and a roof supported by several rows of wooden poles.
In 2018, the study of a new building No.25 / VII (Culture Hamangia IV culture) began. Only its final stage was fully explored. A grinding structure, a domed furnace and a clay structure for processing and storage of wheat were revealed there. Several ceramic pots appeared in situ inside the latter structure. The building was destroyed by fire as the inhabitants of the settlement had managed to save the most precious - the wheat and the grinding stones.
Building No. 25/ Vii contained also burnt seeds of coarse wheat (Triticum monococcum), soft wheat (Triticum aestivo/durum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), as well as some grains of peas (Pisum sativum), and vetch (Vicia ervilia and Vicia sativa). There was also a large number of not-burned grains of cereals.
In the northern part of the studied area, a complex of buildings from Antiquity (1st, 3–4th c. AD) was investigated. About 80 meters north of the complex was found a Christian necropolis consisting of 9 tombs and a cenotaph. The graves are oriented E-W and are without inventory.
Concerning the Early Chalcolithic occupation, the layout of the settlement is more dispersed with a less clustered arrangement of buildings. Of the buildings from this period, building № 2 is of particular importance.
The occupation at Damyanitsa from the Final Chalcolithic is prominently represented within the cultural layers as well as by the existence of many different types of structure. The last stage of the settlement and its sudden abandonment appear to confirm the existence of dramatic climate changes that occurred in the first half of the 4th millennium BC.
The settlement is located in the southern part of the Lower Danube valley, on a river terrace of the river Osam. The terrain is flat, slightly sloping to the north and northeast. The sources of several rivers are located in the immediate vicinity. During the rescue archaeological excavations conducted in 2019 and 2020, part of the site was excavated. Sunken and above-ground structures were revealed. The first human presence at this place dates from the earliest stages of the Late Neolithic (5100 – 4900 BC), when a settlement emerged on an area of about 19 ha. In the material culture, one could observe the presence of a number of new elements, a kind of symbiosis between the western Vinča Culture A3/B1, the northern Dudeşti Culture, and the eastern Samovodene-Ovcharovo Culture. A typical feature of the settlement from this period is the presence of structures dug into the alluvial horizon, some of which could be defined as the remains of semi-dug-out dwellings with thermal facilities at their peripheries. From this period, special areas for the production of flint tools were identified, as well as depots for the extracted raw material. Dog skulls were found deposited in several of the pits, indicating the existence of an unknown Neolithic cult practice. A new type of stylized seated anthropomorphic figurines was discovered here – some of them are bisexual, hermaphroditic images. The fertile soils and abundant water sources provided good conditions for meeting the basic needs of the inhabitants. The discovery of a significant number of standardized sickles made from the antlers of red deer (Cervus elaphus) indicates the practising of intensive agriculture, the production of which probably served not only to meet the needs of the inhabitants of the village, but also for exchange. One of the richest collections of bone tools was discovered in the settlement. It is not clear why this population abandoned the village, but after a short interruption, small groups of new inhabitants resettled here during the Late Neolithic Period (Podgoritsa Cultural Group, 4750 – 4600 BC). To this period, the remains of massive above-ground buildings could be attributed. They were burnt down before the village was abandoned, and the burnt remains were “hidden” in specially prepared pits. Later, the place was inhabited by people that migrated from the west, carriers of the Early Chalcolithic Gradeshnitsa Culture (Brenitsa Phase), and once again during the later phase of the Early Chalcolithic by a population from Polyanitsa/Boyan Culture (4550-4400 BC). At this time, the buildings were already above-ground, with a rectangular shape oriented southeast-northwest. This settlement was destroyed by fire, which is the reason why the place was left for good. To this period belong also two shallow pits, covered inside with large fragments of thick-walled ceramic pithos. In one of them, there was a depot of seven ceramic vessels, and in the other – pottery sherds and a necklace of clay beads.
Jahrtausend v. Chr. war das der wichtigste Weg über welchen, mit Zwischenstationen, der Ackerbau und die Viehzucht nach Mitteleuropa gelangt sind. Die Urgeschichte des Strymonbereiches blieb aber leider lange Zeit kaum erforscht. Erst in den letzten Jahrzehnten des 20 Jh. fanden hier mehrere großflächige Ausgrabungen statt, so dass sich diese Lücke zu schließen begann. Diese Ausgrabungen warfen neues, oft unerwartetes Licht in die südosteuropäische Urgeschichte, in die sozialen Struktur und in die Glaubenswelt des prähistorischen Menschen. An erster Stelle sei hier die Grabung in Krainici bei Kjustendil erwähnt, wo die Anfänge der Neolithisierung Europas belegt sind. Es geht um der Zeit des s.g. Monochromen Neolithikums. Die Ergebnisse der Ausgrabungen weiterer neolithischer Lokalitäten wie Kovatschevo, Bălgarčevo, Separeva banja, Gălăbnik, Pernik, u.a. warfen Licht in die komplizierte neolithische Problematik. Die Stratigraphie des neolithischen Tells Gălăbnik – des einzigen Tells im Bereich des Mittleren Strymons – ist maßgebend für die Entwicklung im Zentralbalkan im VI Jahrtausend. Die umfangreiche spätneolithische Siedlung Promachon-Topolnica, am Strymonufer am Fuß des Kirkini- Berges, ist in den Jahren 1983–2003 beiderseitig der griechisch – bulgarischen Grenze erforscht worden. Ein einmaliges, zweistöckiges Souterrainheiligtum, gewidmet der Mutter Erde und ihrem Gatten – dem Stier ist dort festgestellt worden. Das Heiligtum ist 4 Meter in der Erde eingetieft und über 12 × 12 m groß – eine Erscheinung, ohne Gegenstücke auf europäischem Boden. Die frühsten, bislang bekannten Kupferschmelzanlagen sind ebenfalls in Promachon-Topolnica festgestellt worden, was die Anfänge der Metallurgie etwa um etwa 300 Jahre zurück im ausgehenden Spätneolithikum datiert. In dieser Frühzeit ist gediegenes Kupfer verarbeitet worden. Es stammt aus den unweit liegenden Erzlagerstätten, wo gediegenes Kupfer immer noch aufzufinden ist. Die Ausgrabungen in Slatino bei Kjustendil in Bulgarien, sowie auf Krioneri, bei Amphipolis und Dikili tasch bei Filipi in Griechenland brachten zahlreiche neue Kenntnisse über die Frühkupferzeit (um 4750–4600 v. Chr.) auf der Balkanhalbinsel. Namentlich das zum ersten Mal zugänglich gemachte Galepsos-Fundgut aus Krioneri bringt wichtige neue Aspekte, da es verdeutlicht woher die bekannten Galepsos-Importe im Beriech des Mittleren Strymons stammen. Das ganze frühkupferzeitliche Siedlungssystem des Strymonbereiches geht um 4600 v. Chr. In Folge der ökologischen Katastrophe des Klimaoptimums unter, gefolgt von einer über 1000 Jahre
andauernden Kulturzäsur. Eine interessante Lokalität am oberen Strymon stellt die Festung Krakra bei Pernik dar, wo spätkupferzeitliche Schichten und solche der frühen Bronzezeit die mittelalterliche Befestigung unterlagern. Funde der Baden-Boleráz-Cernavoda III Kultur und solche der Vučedol/Sitagri V Kulturvariante sind auch aus dem Bereich des Strymon-Nebenflusses Blatna bei Radomir bekannt (3400–3200 und 2400–2200 v. Chr.). Die Spätbronzezeit (um 1300–1100 BC) ist durch die Ergebnisse mehreren Ausgrabungen am Mittleren und Unteren Strymon erfasst. Darunter sind diese von Kamenska čuka, Krăsto und Marikostinivo bei Petrič in Bulgarien so wie jene des Gräberfeldes Fea Petra bei Sidirokastro im Nordgriechenland hervorzuheben. In Fea Petra sind enge Beziehungen zwischen der späten Mykenischen Welt und dem Norden der Balkanhalbinsel belegt, was auf das Vorhandensein in der Nordägäis einer Kontaktzone zwischen den beiden Kulturbereichen hindeutet. Aus der Spätbronzezeit ist auch ein interessantes Signalsystem nördlich des Kresna-Passes
festgestellt worden, bestehend aus einer Reihe Türme, errichtet auf dominanten Erhöhungen mit
Blickkontakt untereinander. Von großer Bedeutung für die Rekonstruktion des realen historischen Bildes ist die gewonnene Erkenntnis, dass gewaltige Zäsuren in der prähistorischen Entwicklung des Strymonbereiches vorliegen. Diese sind nun als objektive historische, paläoklimatisch bedingte, Gegebenheiten zu berücksichtigen. In Folge der neusten Forschungsaktivitäten zeichnet sich heute ein klares Bild der Urgeschichte des Strymonbereichs ab, welches gut mit den benachbarten Gebieten korrellierbar ist. Die genannten Forschungsergebnisse sind am Strymon Symposium vorgetragen worden und werden mit dieser Veröffentlichung der Symposiumsbeiträge einem breiten Publikum zugänglich gemacht. Die beteiligten Museen von Pernik, Kjustendil und Blagoevgrad (Bulgarien) und Seres, Filipi, Drama und Amphipolis (Griechenland) ermöglichten den Symposiumteilnehmer einen ad autopsiam Zugang zu den wichtigsten prähistorischen Funden, was von großer Bedeutung für die zukünftige prähistorische Forschung ist. Allen Mitarbeiter dieser Museen, die mit dieser komplizierten
Aufgabe beauftragt waren, gebührt der herzlichste Dank aller Symposiumsteilnehmer. Ferner sind wir dem Valentin Debochichki, Direktor des Museums von Kjustendil und der Leitung der merikanischen Universität in Blagoevgrad für die glänzende Organisation der Sitzungen, die den glatten Verlauf des Symposiums gesichert hat, zu großem Dank verpflichtet. Ferner sei folgenden Damen und Herren für ihren Einsatz für das Symposium und der Druckvorbereitung dieses Bandes aufs herzlichste gedankt: Dr. Chaido Koukouli-Chryssanthaki, Dr. Ioanis Aslanis, Dr. Magdalene Valla, Dr. Dimitra Malamidou, Dr. Biserka Gaydarska, Dr. Kalin Dimitrov, Mg. Veselin Draganov, Mg. Peter Zi darov, Assist. Ivailo Lozanov and Vessela Gertcheva. Zuletzt – aber doch an erster Stelle – sind wir der Gerda Henkel Stiftung für die Kostenübernahme für den Verlauf des Symposiums und für die Unterstützung für den Druck dieses Bandes zu tiefstem Dank verpflichtet. Ohne dieser Unterstützung währen die wichtigen prähistorischen Entdeckungen des Strymonbereiches noch lange Zeit Geheimnis ihrer Ausgräber geblieben.
Archaeologists have unearthed a prehistoric cult complex in Bulgaria which dates back some 7,500 years. Researchers have described the Palaeolithic settlement as “possibly Prehistoric Europe’s largest stone building”. Archaeologists working on the site have found traces of about 1200 graves. Another building contained cult artefacts, Archaeology in Bulgaria reports.
It once covered an area of over 200 square metres, although this could rise to 400 square metres if archaeologists prove that it had two floors. The researchers said that the structure collapsed because of an earthquake but were able to identify a kiln which was in use for 80 years.
The settlement is located on the Big Island in the Durankulak Lake in the North East of Bulgaria. Excavations of the peninsula began in the 1970s when researchers found what they believe was Europe’s first stone city, which originates from around 5500-5400BC when the Neolithic Hamangia Culture. Culture was in full effect.
Petar Zidarov, an archaeologist from New Bulgarian University in Sofia, told Archaeology in Bulgaria: “The challenge we are now facing is to reveal the sequence of the layers, or the stages of life, in one of the most monumental buildings ever in prehistoric Europe. The people who lived in this place were not just excellent builders but they were also among the first people in the world who started to smelt metals such as native copper and native gold, to forge jewels out of them, and to trade with them as far as the Mediterranean coast.”
Drone operators: Petar Petrov, Emily Plamenova
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