- National Institute of Archaeology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Department of Prehistory.
Saborna 2,
Sofia-1000
Bulgaria
-
Glocalization, 3D GIS, Climatic Changes, Prehistory, Neolithic Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, and 57 moreEarly Neolithic pottery technology, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Pottery technology and function, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Palaeoclimatology, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeological Geophysics, Archaeometallurgy, Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology, Black Sea region, Aerial Photogrammetry, Statistical Methods in Archaeology, Kite Aerial Photography, C14 Dating, Virtual 3-D City Models by Geomatics techniques. , Photogrammetry, Remote sensing & GIS, GPS, Surveying, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, LiDAR, Satellite Images, Archaeology, Antropomorphic Figurines, Balkan prehistory, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Computer Applications & Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Trade, Exchange, Pottery, Metallurgy, Social Change During the Early Bronze Age, Vertebrate Paleontology, Geology, Taphonomy, Paleoecology, Neolithic, Central Asia, Western Balkans, Contemporary History, Communism and national question, Anthropomorphic Figurine Studies, Neolithic Figural Art, Bulgarian archaeology, Spatial analysis (Archaeology), Spatial archaeology, Vinca culture, Vinča culture, Neolithisation of Europe, Neolithisation, Neolithisation / Neolithic Revolution, Philosophy, Strukturalisme, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistory of Ukraine (Prehistoric Archaeology), Prehistory in the Black Sea region, History and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, and History edit
-
Specialized in Neolithic and Copper Age in South-Eastern Europe.edit
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), History of Religion, Environmental Archaeology, and 24 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Prehistoric Settlement, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, The Neolithic Revolution, Mesolithic/Neolithic, Eurasian Prehistory, Neolithisation, Neolithic, Balkans, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Neolithic of the Balkans, Vinca culture, Bulgarian Neolithic, Anthropology of Religion, Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory, and Neolithisation of Europe
https://books.google.bg/books?id=KU15Pj5uvRwC&printsec=frontcover&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false The Prehistoric Bronze (PBF) finds are a research and editorial project of the Academy of Sciences and Literature in Mainz, in the... more
https://books.google.bg/books?id=KU15Pj5uvRwC&printsec=frontcover&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
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 ..."
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 ..."
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreReligion and ritual in prehistory, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, Prehistory, Balkans, Prehistoric Archeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Metalurgy, Eneolithic cultures, Black See Civilization, and Varna culture
BG text. It is possible to select the text and translation with Google Translate.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geology, GeoArcheology, Neolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, 14C dating (Archaeology), Neolithic, Bulgarian archaeology, 14C-dating, Neolithic of the Balkans, Radiocarbon Dating (Archaeology), 14C dating, absolute chronology, Vinča culture, Cultura Dudesti, Vinca culture, and Danube region
Polished stone axes and adzes are ubiquitously recovered during the process of archaeological investigations at Neolithic settlements in the Balkans. Such artifact types are most commonly interpreted as the everyday tools of woodworking,... more
Polished stone axes and adzes are ubiquitously recovered during the process
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.
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.
Research Interests:
It is possible to select the text and translation with Google Translate. Most of the cited literature have links to review the originals. The following presents the preliminary results of the archaeological investigations undertaken at... more
It is possible to select the text and translation with Google Translate. Most of the cited literature have links to review the originals.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic, Prehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Vinča culture, Antropomorphic Figurines, Praehistoric Archaeology, and neolithic settlement structure
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Promachon-Topolnica settlement is located on the SE slopes of Mount Cercine close to the west bank of the Strymon river, on a natural pass into the beginning of the valley of the Middle Strymon. The prehistoric settlement which lies... more
The Promachon-Topolnica settlement is located on the SE slopes of Mount Cercine close to the west bank of the Strymon river, on a natural pass into the beginning of the valley of the Middle Strymon. The prehistoric settlement which lies across the Greek Bulgarian border is being jointly investigated by Greek and Bulgarian archaeologists .The !8th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities of Kavala, the Archaeological Institute of Sofia and PetricArcheological Museum coordinated their excavations with the aim of publishing the findings
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 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.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The neolithic settlement Promachon-Topolnica extends over both sides of the Greek-Bulgarian border at the pyramid 63. The boundary line divides the settlement into two areas, a Greek (sector Promachon) and a Bulgarian (sector Topolnica).... more
The neolithic settlement Promachon-Topolnica extends over both sides of the Greek-Bulgarian border at the pyramid 63. The boundary line divides the settlement into two areas, a Greek (sector Promachon) and a Bulgarian (sector Topolnica). According to the spreading of ceramics in the area, it seemed to cover an area of ca. 40 hectares. However, recent geophysical investigations in the Bulgarian sector Topolnica caused a reassessment of the extent of the settlement. The site has been investigated in the years 1980-2003, 1980 to 1991 in the sector Topolnica and 1992 until 2003 in the sector Promachon. In the years 1995, 1996, 2002, 2010 and 2011 geophysical investigations took place.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeological geophysics (Archaeology), and 9 moreArchaeological Geophysics, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Neolithic, Neolithic of the Balkans, Near Eastern Prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory, and neolithic settlement structure
The warm, south and south east extremes of the Big Island at Durankulak, protected from the north wind falls relatively steeply to the water and consists of two terraces which are between 2–7 m wide. The first (lower) today lies circa... more
The warm, south and south east extremes of the Big Island at Durankulak, protected from the north wind falls relatively steeply to the water and consists of two terraces which are between 2–7 m wide. The first (lower) today lies circa 1–2 m above the water level and obviously came into being as a cliff terrace during the 4th cent. BC when the world ocean had reached a level 3.5 m above today’s level. The Black Sea
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Black Sea Region Archaeology, and 15 moreBulgarian archaeology, Near estern archaeology, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Lower Danube Archaeology, Dobrudja, Durankulak, Varna Necropolis, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, Durankulak cemetery, Varna culture, Dobruja, and Black See region
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, and 15 moreNeolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Black Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Praehistory, Chalcolithic Metallurgy, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, Varna Necropolis, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Durankulak cemetery, Varna culture, and Black See region
Research Interests:
Religion, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeology of Religion, and 18 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Black Sea region, Eurasian Prehistory, Prehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Danube Delta, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Lower Danube Archaeology, Anthropology of Religion, and BlackSea Coast
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Architecture, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 9 morePrehistoric Settlement, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistory, Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Neolithic settlement, and neolithic settlement structure
This is an introductory summary report presents the discussion organized by the department to the Prehistory Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Is a discussion on Status of studies of so-called... more
This is an introductory summary report presents the discussion organized by the department to the Prehistory Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Is a discussion on Status of studies of so-called transition period in Bulgaria.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, and 12 morePrehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Prehistory, Bulgarian archaeology, Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Eneolithic, Archeometallurgy, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Metalurgia, Archaeology of the Eurasian steppe belt, Metalurgy, Metalurgia Prehistórica, and Еarliest daggers in Europe
The article presents the collection of the German artist Kurt Peters (throughout his life he painted portraits and rural houses in Bulgaria. Find Paintings:... more
The article presents the collection of the German artist Kurt Peters (throughout his life he painted portraits and rural houses in Bulgaria. Find Paintings: http://auction-victoria.com/viewentity.asp?C12_SP=3&C13Field=I.MODIFIED&C13Dir=-1&C2=&C8U=0&C8E=115&C12=1). Since 1927 he has lived in Sofia in 1927 Since then his death he visited all the prehistoric settlements around Sofia. So he gathered a collection of prehistoric artifacts, the most interesting of which is that of Kurilo-Kremenitsa. Collection Today is divided into two - the majority are kept in the National Museum of History - Sofia and the other in the National Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. For time-collection Kurilo-Kremenitsa is one of the largest and includes anthropomorphic sculptures from the Еarly Neolithic to the Early Eneolithic (in Bulgarian chronology). The lack of stratigraphic data cause Anthropomorphic sculpture of Kurilo-Kremenitsa be examined by typological perspective. Today chronological definition of different types of anthropomorphic plastic clearly confirmed by modern research. Collection of anthropomorphic figurines Kurilo-Kremenitsa subject of later studied by other archaeologists and L. Pernicheva that the findings in this article.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 13 morePrehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, Prehistory, Neolithic, Prehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Anthropomorphic Figurine Studies, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, and Prehistoric Anthropomorphic Figurines
The article presents Anthropomorphic sculpture of the late Neolithic settlement Usoe in Asparuhovo, Varna region (Bulgaria). Here is presented the complete collection of anthropomorphic figurines found in studies of the Neolithic... more
The article presents Anthropomorphic sculpture of the late Neolithic settlement Usoe in Asparuhovo, Varna region (Bulgaria). Here is presented the complete collection of anthropomorphic figurines found in studies of the Neolithic settlement Usoe in years 1971-1976. This is a small example of the Bulgarian Archaeology, published when complete collection of prehistoric anthropomorphic figurines.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 16 moreReligion and ritual in prehistory, Archaeology of Ritual and Magic, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, Eurasian Prehistory, Prehistory, Neolithic, Prehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Anthropomorphic Figurine Studies, and Prehistoric Anthropomorphic Figurines
This study presents the earliest fortification systems of prehistoric settlements in northern and north central Bulgaria during the Eneolithic (5th century BC).. The study is based on the results of archaeological surveys tell Golyamo... more
This study presents the earliest fortification systems of prehistoric settlements in northern and north central Bulgaria during the Eneolithic (5th century BC).. The study is based on the results of archaeological surveys tell Golyamo Delchevo (Varna) Ovcharovo, Poliantsa and Targovishte (Targovishte), etc. Radingrad settlement. The results of these studies provide valuable information that sheds light on the structure of settlements in the Eneolithic societies heavens and how to protect them.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Architecture, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 8 morePrehistoric Fortification (Archaeology), Aegean Archaeology, Eurasian Prehistory, Eurasian Prehistory, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Neolithic & Chalcolithic enclosures, and Hystory of Architecture
The paper considers a problem (rather critical) application of seriation in archeology, published in 1980 in the journal Praehistorische Zeitschrift 55 (1980/1). This article has been criticized theoretically typological structure of the... more
The paper considers a problem (rather critical) application of seriation in archeology, published in 1980 in the journal Praehistorische Zeitschrift 55 (1980/1). This article has been criticized theoretically typological structure of the method proposed in 1972 by K. Goldman. In analyzing the statistical data is checked using the program of the KORAN (by A. Zimmermann) with some modifications by Bernhard Weninger. As a result proved unfounded criticism of the methods of K. Goldman and demonstrated the usefulness of the practical application of the method in archeology.
Research Interests:
The article presents interesting results of archaeological research in the greek sector Promachon of the Neolithic village Promachon-Topolnica in 2003
Research Interests:
Chronobiology, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, and 10 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Greek Archaeology, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Late Neolithic, Neolithic settlement, Archaeology of Northern Greece, and neolithic settlement structure
First published on anthropomorphic figurines found in prehistoric necropolis in Durankulak, Western Black Sea - Northeastern Bulgaria. The present article discusses the facts about the graves which were discovered anthropomorphic figures.
Research Interests:
In the Lower Danube Later Neolithic-Early Eneolithic complex will be East territorium, namely Dobrudja, occupied by the owners of Hamangia culture an important place. The anthropomorphic sculpture of this culture is unusually interesting.... more
In the Lower Danube Later Neolithic-Early Eneolithic complex will be East territorium, namely Dobrudja, occupied by the owners of Hamangia culture an important place. The anthropomorphic sculpture of this culture is unusually interesting. Their specific, conservative style has on the attention of many investigators, such as D. Berciu, O. Höckmann, P. Haşoti e.g. drawn. In the present study new typological classification available, were considered wherein the full-length figures (11) separately from the fragmented (12). The two typological lines are joined together, as a result creates a hierarchical structure. The different types of plastic are comparable with each other territorially and chronologically, which favors the sign-off of broader, cross-regional characteristics. In the article we first tried the typological enough information to fully documented and metric data to present, which allows the determination of start and stop of severe proportions. This is a basis for comparison with other ancient cultures, the proportions of plastic in Southeast Europe. It was an attempt to segregate different types of anthropomorphic sculpture, characteristically made for the cemeteries and the settlements of the culture Hamangia. The described grouping by presence or absence of individual typological features in these objects corresponds to the observed differences in the excavations between the sacred and the utilitarian archaeological material. We use it here to group objects of the simple matching coefficient, ie, without removal of the negative association. Unfortunately for the greater part of the old materials from the region Northern Dobrudja the exact dates for the local situation of the characters are so well the whole environment in which they are discovered, not known. It should be emphasized that originate most of the in the article under consideration anthropomorphic figures vary len from other cultures from the same period of the Lower Danube region from the necropolis ¬ what the sphere of cultural life of ancient people and the possibilities of its interpretation in a new light sets. Compared with the other objects show the explorations of the necropolis from the time of culture in Hamangia Durankulak unique a funeral ritual, which testifies to the fact that the anthropomorphic clay sculpture was placed in the burial pits in front of the body position (626 and 1036 grave, etc.) and that the figures were created specially for the funerals and the fulfillment of the funeral ritual also buried.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Data Analysis, History of Religions, and 20 moreHistory of Art, Prehistoric Settlement, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, Statistical Methods in Archaeology, Eurasian Prehistory, Neolithic, Computer Applications & Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Museum Digital, gvSIG, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Stone tools, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, Settlement & Landscape research, Prehistoric Anthropomorphic Figurines, Anthropology of Religion, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
This article was first published about 626 grave of prehistoric cemetery in the village Durankulak (Western Black See). This is the grave of a woman buried with 4 clay idol. The grave is the time of culture Hamangia IIIa. The article... more
This article was first published about 626 grave of prehistoric cemetery in the village Durankulak (Western Black See). This is the grave of a woman buried with 4 clay idol. The grave is the time of culture Hamangia IIIa. The article makes the reconstruction of the burial ritual and other related features that tomb.
Research Interests:
Religion, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Archaeology of Religion, History of Religions, and 12 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Prehistoric Settlement, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, Eurasian Prehistory, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, and Durankulak
This chapter attempts to reconstruct the number of Neolithic population of Bulgaria which was about 70,000 to 90,000 people. The question of the connection of these people with the Indo-Europeans is considered and a conclusion is drawn... more
This chapter attempts to reconstruct the number of Neolithic population of Bulgaria which was about 70,000 to 90,000 people. The question of the connection of these people with the Indo-Europeans is considered and a conclusion is drawn that there could not have been an immediate link between them. Most probably the Indo-European Linguistic group came into existence much more later and beyond the territories of the Fertile Crescent; the Fertile Crescent population itself could have existed only before the appearance of the Indo-European group.
Research Interests:
In this chapter, the book is presented on the development of Neolithic cultures in Bulgaria. This is the period between 6400 and 4800 years cal BC. In chapter four the Neolithic cultures from Bulgaria are presented. Their areas cover... more
In this chapter, the book is presented on the development of Neolithic cultures in Bulgaria. This is the period between 6400 and 4800 years cal BC. In chapter four the Neolithic cultures from Bulgaria are presented. Their areas cover certain geographical niches. In western Bulgaria the Early Neolithic is presented by the West Bulgarian Painted Ceramics culture, and the Late Neolithic by the Kourilo culture which is the western variant of the Vinča culture. In Thrace, the Early Neolithic Karanovo culture is replaced by the Late Neolithic Kalojanovets culture. In the Rhodopes mountains, the local variant Rakitovo of the Karanovo I culture (Rakitovo) is a representative of the Early Neolithic. In Central-Northern and North-Eastern Bulgaria, the Early Neolithic culture Ovcharovo (EBN-B) turns into the Late Neolithic Hotnitsa culture. In the Kamchija area the Early Neolithic culture Tsonevo develops into the Late Neolithic culture Oussoe. In Dobrougea and along the Black sea coast there is no Early Neolithic predecessor of the Hamangia culture.
Research Interests:
European History, Archaeology, Experimental Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Eurasian Nomads, and 24 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Medieval Balkans, Mesolithic/Neolithic, Eurasian Prehistory, Bulgarian history, Prehistory, Byzantine historiography, Neolithic, Bulgarian archaeology, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Neolithic of the Balkans, Kievan Rus', Neolithization, Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, Slavic Languages and Literatures, Early medieval Bulgaria, Neolithic cultures, Byzantine history and archaeology, and Neolithisation of Europe
The Neolithic cultures of the country turned continuously into the Eneolithic ones. The latter experienced an incredible prosperity during the second half of the 5th millenium B.C. when there appeared the earliest metalurgy centre in the... more
The Neolithic cultures of the country turned continuously into the Eneolithic ones. The latter experienced an incredible prosperity during the second half of the 5th millenium B.C. when there appeared the earliest metalurgy centre in the world; this centre was formed within the territories of the Balkan Peninsula. At the end of the 5th millenium the culmination of the climatic maximum caused a heavy global ecological crisis of which the Eneolithic population becomes a victim. This causes a deep and long-lasting pause in the prehistorie development not only of this country but of the whole region — a sircumstance that has very rarely been taken into consideration.
Research Interests:
The spiritual life of Neolithic Bulgaria has been extremely rich and various. The cult for fertility and the female role in it is reflected in the anropomorphic figurines represented in this publication by a number of unique examples... more
The spiritual life of Neolithic Bulgaria has been extremely rich and various. The cult for fertility and the female role in it is reflected in the anropomorphic figurines represented in this publication by a number of unique examples published here for the first time. Less representative are the zoomorphic figurines which are impossible to interprete as pieces of art. But the zoomorphic and antropomorphic pottery is true art. There is a large variety of Late Neolithic figurines, among which a number of Early Eneolithic prototypes could be mentioned. Richly decorated, they most probably were altars because on such a find from Hotnitsa legs from a figurine that had originally been attached to the altar can be seen. These altars were called „small cuit tables“ and are an important component of the Neolithic art complex. The development of the burial rites during the Neolithic is of special interest. From the period of the Early Neolithic we know a few burials intra murum laid in a hoker position, while from the Late Neolithic we already have information about some extra mural burials. Among these the burials in Durankulak are entirely studied. Here the dead were buried bi-ritually; the women in a hoker position with the head to the North and the men stretched on their backs with their heads also to the North. Certain differences in social status between the individuals buried can be noticed. During the Early Neolithic there appeared the sign system. It can be found in the incised ornaments of ceramics or is independantly met on pintaderas and lids or bottoms of pots. The latter are especially characteristic of the Late Neolithic.
Research Interests:
Religion, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Art History, Art, and 31 moreBalkan Prehistory (Archaeology), History of Religion, Archaeology of Religion, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Social Archaeology, History of Art, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Prehistoric Settlement, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, Visual Arts, Mesolithic/Neolithic, Eurasian Prehistory, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Balkans, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Neolithic figurines, Neolithic Figural Art, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, Iconography Neolithic figurines Levant, iconography Neolithic Near East figurines, and Anthropology of Religion
The article presents the principles for classification of Neolithic anthropomorphic sculpture in Bulgaria (SE Europe). As historiography, here are the views of Bulgarian authors on this issue. For the examples used unpublished... more
The article presents the principles for classification of Neolithic anthropomorphic sculpture in Bulgaria (SE Europe). As historiography, here are the views of Bulgarian authors on this issue. For the examples used unpublished anthropomorphic figurines Northeastern Bulgaria (from Samovodene, Kachitsa, Hotnitsa-Orlovka, etc.) and there are many citations to previous publications (Usoe, Hamangia culture, etc.). Here is presented a hierarchical structure in which typological tures to handle complex of prehistoric anthropomorphic figurines. Presented a hierarchical structure serves as the basis for the study of prehistoric anthropomorphic sculpture in Bulgaria, and numerical codes presented here are based on statistical processing.At the beginning of the article briefly outlines and chronological framework of the earliest (monochrome) in the Balkans Neolithic (6500-6000 cal. BC).
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Typology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Archaeology of Religion, and 19 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Method and Theory in the Study of Religion, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, Statistical Methods in Archaeology, Neolithisation, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Neolithization, Neolithic Figural Art, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, Iconography Neolithic figurines Levant, iconography Neolithic Near East figurines, Anthropology of Religion, and Neolithisation of Europe
This article is a little addition to the study of the earliest metal daggers "Die frühesten Metalldolche Südost-und Mitteleuropas. - Praehistorische Zeitschrift 68, 1993/1, 103-145." It is addressed mainly to the dagger from the tomb №... more
This article is a little addition to the study of the earliest metal daggers "Die frühesten Metalldolche Südost-und Mitteleuropas. - Praehistorische Zeitschrift 68, 1993/1, 103-145." It is addressed mainly to the dagger from the tomb № 982 of the prehistoric necropolis in Durankulak (Northeastern Bulgaria). Investigations of this dagger is of great importance to the prehistory of Europe. The period in which it occurs is associated with the collapse of one of the most powerful cultural system in Europe, that of late Eneolithic cultures in Bulgaria (about 4200 years BC). Long hiatul chronologically in the second half of IV millennium BC Dobrogea (Northeastern Bulgaria) is again inhabited by tribes coming from Nord Pontic steppes. These people are already aware of an entirely new, progressive method for enrichment of copper ores with a mixture of arsenic (As). This is a completely new technology for Europe and is essential to the Bronze Age.Discovered in a tomb 982 from Durankulak (Northeastern Bulgaria) is discussed in the broader context in reflecting the turbulent historical processes in the second half of IV millennium BC. Arsenic-bronze (As) of which the earliest daggers and axes of the fourth millennium BC, have the same production technology. This progressive technology happens after "hunger for metal," typical of Europe in IV millennium BC and a new "know-how", reached Europe through the migration of northern nomads. The introduction of this technological revolution, which eventually paved the way for the emergence of classical bronze metallurgy.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Data Analysis, Neolithic Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), and 15 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Social Archaeology, Agricultural History, Archaeometallurgy, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Statistical Methods in Archaeology, Black Sea region, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Isotopic Analysis, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Durankulak, and Anthropology of Religion
Promachon-Topolnica a Neolithic settlement in the Balkans, situated on the border between Greece and Bulgaria (Balkans). The settlement was studied in two sectors: the sector in years 1980-1991 Topolnica (Bulgaria) is a sector in the... more
Promachon-Topolnica a Neolithic settlement in the Balkans, situated on the border between Greece and Bulgaria (Balkans). The settlement was studied in two sectors: the sector in years 1980-1991 Topolnica (Bulgaria) is a sector in the years 1992-2003 Promachon (Greece). In this informative article presents the results of the study. The article is richly illustrated with color photographs.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Agriculture, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreAegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Radiocarbon Dating (Earth Sciences), Agricultural History, Prehistoric Art, Animal Production, Prehistory, Neolithic, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Stone tools, Late Neolithic, Settlement & Landscape research, Archaeology of Northern Greece, neolithic settlement structure, and Neolithic setlement
In the late Neolithic, at the end of the VI century BC. In the region of Middle and Lower Struma/Strimon establish culture Topolnica-Akropotamos. Its appearance changes radically the appearance of the area and structure of Neolithic... more
In the late Neolithic, at the end of the VI century BC. In the region of Middle and Lower Struma/Strimon establish culture Topolnica-Akropotamos. Its appearance changes radically the appearance of the area and structure of Neolithic habitation system during this period consists of numerous large settlements along the plateaus along the rivers. These concerns and the settlement Promachon-Topolnica. The study is of utmost importance to the prehistory of the Balkans. It's about eponyms object given the name of the late Neolithic culture Topolnica-Akropotamos. The article presents the results of the study of decorated ceramics, as is the focus of bitumen (type Topolnica), black on red pottery (type Strumsko and Akropotamos). Stratigraphy of the neolithic Promachon-Topolnica change current ideas about the development of this type of decoration.One of the important discoveries made in Promachon-Topolnica is the finding of the earliest in the Balkans graphite drawing. The inspection revealed a genetic link between dark picture "type Strumsko" wide and graphite drawings, which proved to be synchronous. Terms were not only ornamental their schemes, but also ceramic forms. This discovery also changes the traditional view that the homeland of graphite decoration of ceramics is Thrace. This fact is confirmed by our observations on the earlier vessels late Neolithic Graphitized surface of the object Promachon-Topolnica that allowed to trace the process of occurrence of graphite drawing that is near the Middle Struma/Strimon. It is noteworthy that the complex Kaloyanovets (Karanovo IV) in Thrace, a synchronous Topolnica-Akropotamos (Late Neolithic) graphitized vessels are completely unknown.Overall we can say that in the region of Middle and Lower Struma culture Topolnica-Akropotamos having a decorative canon, which is maintained after the sunset. Thus, this interesting culture leaves its imprint in the form of influences and technical innovation on large parts of Southeast Europe.
Research Interests:
Chronobiology, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, and 25 moreBulgaria, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Prehistoric Settlement, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Radiocarbon Dating (Earth Sciences), Agricultural History, Ceramics (Archaeology), Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, 14C dating (Archaeology), Neolithic, Balkans, Computer Applications & Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Museum Digital, gvSIG, Prehistoric Archeology, Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Stone tools, Late Neolithic, Pottery fragmentation, Settlement & Landscape research, Archaeology of Northern Greece, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The context of the open grave in closed complexes idols and cult objects from Durankulak (Bulgaria) throws further light on the complex problems of the interpretation of prehistoric anthropomorphic figurines in Europe.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, History of Religion, Neolithic Archaeology, Funeral Practices, and 13 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Agricultural History, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Black Sea region, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Archaeology of cult, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, and Durankulak
This article is of the earliest metal daggers, which in some cases are hardly distinguishable from knives, is compiled in the area between southern Bulgaria (Rohdope mountains), the western Ukraine and Upper Austria (Mondsee). They can be... more
This article is of the earliest metal daggers, which in some cases are hardly distinguishable from knives, is compiled in the area between southern Bulgaria (Rohdope mountains), the western Ukraine and Upper Austria (Mondsee). They can be dated to the so called transitional phase between the Eneolithic and the Early Bronze Age according to current Bulgarian terminology. The oldest examples can be placed in the earlier part of the 4th millennium B. C. and are associated with the Bodrogkeresztur Culture. An analysis of the formal aspects of these daggers allows them to be divided into 12 types (with variants), which only partially show genetic connections. The distributions of the individual dagger types do not necessarily correspond to the areas occupied by archaeological cultures defined by pottery. Groupings based on spectral analysis result two main geographic concentrations. Daggers made with arsenic alloys are found in the western Pontic area where as west Carpathian and central Danubian examples show no arsenic inclusions. Interestingly, some Bodrogkeresztur type daggers in Transylvania are made with arsenic alloys, others are not (Arıuşd, Mereşti and Mastacän). Therefore we assume that the daggers first spread from west to east and later dispersed in the opposite direction. The earliest dagger horizon dealt with here, is seen as being a fundamental part of the deep seated changes which lead to the formation of the Early Bronze Age after Aegean terminology.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Balkan History, Data Analysis, and 21 moreMetallurgy, Funeral Practices, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Agricultural History, Statistical Methods in Archaeology, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Trade, Eurasian Prehistory, Isotopic Analysis, Prehistory, Pottery, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Early Metallurgy in Near East, Chalcolithic Metallurgy, Archeometallurgy, Eneolithic in Central Europe, Exchange, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Еarliest daggers in Europe, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, and Social Change During the Early Bronze Age
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Art History, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 11 moreHistory of Art, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Praehistory, Neolithic figurines, Anthropology of Religion, and Preahistoric Archaeology
Research Interests:
In 2022, the 31st season of the active research of the Archaeological Complex took place near Durankulak village. Eneolithic buildings and structures from the VIIth and the Vth horizons were studied on the Golemijat Ostrov. The... more
In 2022, the 31st season of the active research of the Archaeological Complex took place near Durankulak village. Eneolithic buildings and structures from the VIIth and the Vth horizons were studied on the Golemijat Ostrov. The investigation was mainly concentrated on Building 24/VII.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
The goal of geophysical research in 2021 was a comprehensive study of the bottom of Durankulak Lake. The following tools was employed: Side Scan Sonar 2 pcs. (StarFish 450H and StarFish 990) with visualization system for obtaining... more
The goal of geophysical research in 2021 was a comprehensive study of the bottom of Durankulak Lake. The following tools was employed: Side Scan Sonar 2 pcs. (StarFish 450H and StarFish 990) with visualization system for obtaining information about the nature of the lake bottom and the presence and / or absence of artificial objects; Compact sub bottom - SES 2000 Compact for bottom depth scanning and surface stratigraphy detection; and DGPS coordinating system with Heading (Trimble SPSx61) in Roll RTK configuration and geo-electrical resistance meter. Multibeam echosounder was also used to supplement the data.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
2021 marked the 30th season of the archaeological excavations of the Durankulak Archaeological Complex. The buildings and structures of the 8th and 7th horizon were mainly studied, such as those from the Early Neolithic settlement on the... more
2021 marked the 30th season of the archaeological excavations of the Durankulak Archaeological Complex. The buildings and structures of the 8th and 7th horizon were mainly studied, such as those from the Early Neolithic settlement on the Big Island belonging to the Hamangia Culture III and IV. Building №25 / VIII was completely studied. It was found that in its earliest stage the building was approximately square in shape. Its total built-up area is 39 m2. The floor of the building is covered with 5 clay layers. The interior space is common. The building had four structures located close to the walls. They cover about 17% of the interior space. One of them is a semi-domed thermal structure (structure 1). It was constructed directly on the floor. The oven shows five repairs concerning mainly the strengthening and restoration of the dome. Next to the oven, in the northeastern corner of the room, a square structure 2 was made measuring 1.10 × 1.10 m. It has a flat clay floor on which a large bone battle axe and anatomically arranged bones from the limb of deer (Cervus elaphus) were found in situ. To the west of structure 2 a quern (structure 3), also made of clay, was found. It is of a rectangular shape and contains a shallow basin (2–5 cm deep, measuring 1.50 × 1.20 м). Its floor was reinforced with a base of small stone slabs. The fourth structure is located in the southwestern corner of the room. It was built directly on the floor and measures 2.10 × 1.20 m.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
The surveyed in 2020 territory falls within zone B of the protected area of the Durankulak Archaeological Complex. To the east it borders upon the shores of Lake Durankulak, and to the west – upon European route E–87. The results of the... more
The surveyed in 2020 territory falls within zone B of the protected area of the Durankulak Archaeological Complex. To the east it borders upon the shores of Lake Durankulak, and to the west – upon European route E–87. The results of the survey could be interpreted as follows):
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.
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.
Research Interests:
The results of the study of building № 25 / VII-VIII showed that it has a slightly trapezoidal shape. The total built-up area is 69 m2. The building has undergone two stages of development: the first stage refers to the Hamangia III... more
The results of the study of building № 25 / VII-VIII showed that it has a slightly trapezoidal shape. The total built-up area is 69 m2. The building has undergone two stages of development: the first stage refers to the Hamangia III Culture, and the second one - to Hamangia IV Culture.
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%.
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%.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, European Archaeology, and 15 moreArchaeological Excavation, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Paleobotánica, Dobrudja, Durankulak, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, Varna culture, and Black See region
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... 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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, and 15 moreBalkan archaeology, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Late Neolithic, Vinča culture, Cultura Dudesti, Neolithic of the Near East, Boian culture, Eneolithic cultures, Praehistoric Archaeology, and Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology
The Eneolithic settlement “Bohot” is found in the “Kremika” locality, the south sector of “Chervensko Nive”, within the territory of the village Bohot, Municipality Pleven, District Pleven. It is situated in the southern Lower Danube... more
The Eneolithic settlement “Bohot” is found in the “Kremika” locality, the south sector of “Chervensko Nive”, within the territory of the village Bohot, Municipality Pleven, District Pleven. It is situated in the southern Lower Danube Valley, on a high fluvial terrace. The terrain has a north-east – south-west inclination.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, and 15 moreBalkan archaeology, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), European Archaeology, Neolithic, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Early Eneolithic pottery, Early Eneolithic, Chalkolithikum, Eneolithic cultures, Early Chalcolithic, Praehistoric Archaeology, and Vădastra culture
In 2019, excavations on The Big Island (tell Golemija ostrov), Durankulak village, were carried for the 28th consecutive season. In 2019, work focused on buildings 8/VII, 24/VII and 25/VII–VIII. At Building 8/VII was reached the bedrock... more
In 2019, excavations on The Big Island (tell Golemija ostrov), Durankulak village, were carried for the 28th consecutive season. In 2019, work focused on buildings 8/VII, 24/VII and 25/VII–VIII. At Building 8/VII was reached the bedrock and registered the measures for the preparation of the terrain for the construction of the buildings of the earliest horizon VIII:
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, and 15 moreHistory of Civilization, Balkan archaeology, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Dobrudja, Neolithic of the Near East, Durankulak, Black See Civilization, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, and Black See region
Geophysical Prospection and Aerial Photo of the Durankulak-nivata the 2019 Season. Ivan Vajsov, Peter Milo, Christian Tzankov, Tomáš Tencer, Michal Vágner In 2019 was conducted a large-scale geophysical survey of the site... more
Geophysical Prospection and Aerial Photo of the Durankulak-nivata the 2019 Season.
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, 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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeological Geophysics, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Geophysical Prospection, and 8 moreCopper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, Geomagnetic Dating Methods in Archaeology, Archaeologicl Geophysics / Geophysical Prospecting / Archaeology / Earth Sciences, Protobulgarians, Black See Civilization, and Durankulak cemetery
Neolithic Settlement of Koprivets (Archaeological Excavations in 2018) Ivan Vajsov, Volodya Popov The results of the archaeological research in 2018 confirmed the stratigraphic observations made during previous seasons. Three negative... more
Neolithic Settlement of Koprivets (Archaeological Excavations in 2018)
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).
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).
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, and 12 moreNeolithic Transition, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Neolithic of the Balkans, Early Neolithic, Praehistory, Neolitikum, Bulgarian Arthistory, Praehistoric Archaeology, and neolithic settlement structure
In 2018, the field studies on The Big Island (Tell Golemija 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... more
In 2018, the field studies on The Big Island (Tell Golemija 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 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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Food Science, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreBalkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Archeobotany, Bulgarian archaeology, Praehistory, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Durankulak, Eneolithic cultures, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, praehistoric settlement, and Black See region
In 2017, several structures from the Late Neolithic, Early Chalcolithic, Final Chalcolithic, and of Antiquity were studied in the western half of the site. With regards to the Late Neolithic Period, several structures (both positive and... more
In 2017, several structures from the Late Neolithic, Early Chalcolithic, Final Chalcolithic, and of Antiquity were studied in the western half of the site.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Late Antique Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, and 12 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Late Neolithic, Bulgarian Neolithic, Roman Archaeology, and neolithic settlement structure
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... more
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).
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 12 moreBalkan archaeology, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic pottery, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Late Neolithic, Bulgarian Neolithic, Egean Archaeology, and Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology
The Prehistoric settlement of Damyanitsa near the village of Damyanitsa, Sandanski Municipality, Blagoevgrad district is a neo/Chalcolithic settlement of an open type similar to Promachon–Topolnica. It is known since the early 1980ies,... more
The Prehistoric settlement of Damyanitsa near the village of Damyanitsa, Sandanski Municipality, Blagoevgrad district is a neo/Chalcolithic settlement of an open type similar to Promachon–Topolnica. It is known since the early 1980ies, when Lilyana Pernicheva (NIAM – BAS) and Małgozata Grębska-Kulow (RHM – Blagoevgrad) conducted there sondage studies. Today the site is affected by the construction of Struma Highway thus provoking the need of preliminary archaeological research. In 2016 a central long trench (CT) was laid as well as 64 control ones. The studies were carried out on the grounds of a local support plan – quadrant grid oriented according to the geographical north. Provisionally the site has been divided into three sectors - northern, central and southern ones. All the three sectors revealed archaeological structures dating from the Late Neolithic, Early and Late Chalcolithic and Late Antiquity (AD 3rd–4th c.). There is a hiatus between the southern and central sectors. It has been ascertained that there an ancient river was running causing numerous floods in the nearby settlements. The results of the studies have helped to clarify the chronology of the Late Neolithic as well as of the Early and Late Chalcolithic in the region of Lower Struma River. The observations on the super-positions of the pottery with painted decoration of Akropotamos type (style) and of Krioneri type (style), as well as on the occurrence of graphite painting in the region are of a special interest. It is noteworthy that the transition from the Late Neolithic to the Early Chalcolithic registered in Damyanitsa and associated with the fire in the village and the appearance of a new one at the same place well corresponds to the situation known in Promachon–Topolnica. However, alongside the great amount of anthropomorphic figurines, the absence of the so called candlesticks should be noted as they are rather typical cult attribute of Topolnica–Akropotamos Culture. Probably this is due to the different status of both villages and this circumstance is to be explored during the future regular archaeological research.
Research Interests:
EXCAVATIONS AT GOLEMIYA OSTROV NEAR DURANKULAK 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... more
EXCAVATIONS AT GOLEMIYA OSTROV NEAR DURANKULAK
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan History, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreBalkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Black Sea region, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Achaeology, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, Black See Civilization, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, and Dobruja
The site is known under the name of Gorna Manastiritsa situated in the Chakmak tepe locality since the 1930s but after the 1990s it became more popular as Borovo-Magaritsata. In 2015, we carried out a magnetic survey with a 16-probe... more
The site is known under the name of Gorna Manastiritsa situated in the Chakmak tepe locality since the 1930s but after the 1990s it became more popular as Borovo-Magaritsata. In 2015, we carried out a magnetic survey with a 16-probe magnetometer SENSYS MX. The survey was aimed at revealing the plan and the size of the sites. The mag-netogram revealed numerous pointed and linear magnetic anomalies on the entire surveyed area (8 ha). Our preliminary interpretation suggests a two-tiered spatial organization including enclosed core area (0.20-0.27 ha) in the NW part towards the edge of the terrace. It is limited by several linear features and correlations of points with oval to rectangular shape. The pointed anomalies beyond its limits seem to cluster (like pits for preparing clay or postholes) around regularly spaced anomaly-free rectangular spaces, thus possibly marking the edges of houses. The only chronological indicators are provided by the typical Vadastra pottery with excised ornaments found on the surface.
Research Interests:
The excavated area is situated at the N part of Izvor Late Neolithic site. It is located on a low Pleistocene river terrace covered by 1.10-1.60 thick dark smolnitsa soil formed during the Holocene. The archaeological remains form a... more
The excavated area is situated at the N part of Izvor Late Neolithic site. It is located on a low Pleistocene river terrace covered by 1.10-1.60 thick dark smolnitsa soil formed during the Holocene. The archaeological remains form a 0.20-0.70 m thick layer which is badly disturbed. The high concentration of burnt daub pieces, fragmented grinding stones, pottery sherds (including 3 complete vessels) and anthropomorphic figurines unearthed on an area measuring 10 x 4 m and NW-SE oriented provides ground to suggest a probable location of a house at the NE periphery of the settlement. The animal husbandry is dominated by cattle breeding followed by sheep/goat (adults mostly) and pig (1 year old or younger mostly), a ratio suggesting a balanced strategy of supply both of meat and secondary products. The high number of lower limb bones, as well as the lack of higher value meat zones, suggest that the predominant part of the meat was prepared and consumed at another location.
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 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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Art History, Zooarchaeology, Balkan History, and 13 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Terracotta Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Praehistory, Arheologija, Vinca culture, and neolithic settlement structure
A magnetic survey covering 9510 sq. m (measurement density 1.0 x 0.2 m) was carried out on the western bank of the Durankulak Lake. The surveyed area extended from the newly built parking lot towards the touristic info center. The field... more
A magnetic survey covering 9510 sq. m (measurement density 1.0 x 0.2 m) was carried out on the western bank of the Durankulak Lake. The surveyed area extended from the newly built parking lot towards the touristic info center. The field data from caesium G-858 magnetometers (in vertical gradient mode) were additionally calibrated with reference to data from the magnetic observatory in Panagyurishte (PAG) and measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of two types of limestone abundant on the surface. The most promising results show a number of localized dipoles (possibly iron objects and/or fired installations), some rectangular correlations and several circular zones with low magnetic values. The latter could be compared to non-magnetic limestone accumulations with negative geometry (the so-called tholoi) known from the neighboring Hellenistic ritual area.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Archaeological GIS, Neolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, and 16 moreEuropean Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Prehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Praehistory, Neolithic figurines, Figural Terracottas, Arheologija, Neolithic Figural Art, Vinca culture, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, Iconography Neolithic figurines Levant, Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory, and Bulgarian prehistory
The systematic excavations at Tell Golemiya Ostrov near Durankulak were re-opened in 2015. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the year Prof. H. Todorova, the first and longtime excavator of the site, passed away and was not able to see... more
The systematic excavations at Tell Golemiya Ostrov near Durankulak were re-opened in 2015. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the year Prof. H. Todorova, the first and longtime excavator of the site, passed away and was not able to see the results of the new excavation.
The field work focused on small scale excavation of the massive burnt clay platform in building 8, VIIIth building level. 78 plastered floors, most of which have eroded in the meantime, were documented during the last campaign in 2004 and today there were 13 only left. The associated finds reveal that the platform was part of a big building built in Hamangia IV period, on top of the stone foundations of an earlier house of the same size and orientation of Hamangia III period. We assume that the strong firing of the platform in situ had constructive and symbolic function related to the central position of this building in the village.
In the SE part of the excavated area there were finds and features both from the preceding phase of occupation, Hamangia III, as well as from the succeeding Varna culture.
The field work focused on small scale excavation of the massive burnt clay platform in building 8, VIIIth building level. 78 plastered floors, most of which have eroded in the meantime, were documented during the last campaign in 2004 and today there were 13 only left. The associated finds reveal that the platform was part of a big building built in Hamangia IV period, on top of the stone foundations of an earlier house of the same size and orientation of Hamangia III period. We assume that the strong firing of the platform in situ had constructive and symbolic function related to the central position of this building in the village.
In the SE part of the excavated area there were finds and features both from the preceding phase of occupation, Hamangia III, as well as from the succeeding Varna culture.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Architecture, Neolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, and 14 moreNeolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Balkans, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Praehistory, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Chalkolithikum, Durankulak, Eneolithic cultures, and Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Aerial Archaeology, and 16 moreArchaeological geophysics (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Archaeological Geophysics, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Neolithic, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Aerial Photography, Neolithic of the Balkans, Near Eastern Prehistory, Early Neolithic, Geophysical Prospection, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory, and Neolithisation of Europe
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), GeoArcheology, and 9 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Prehistoric Archeology, Geophysical Prospection, Archaeo-geophysical prospection, Neolithic, Vinca culture, diet, and Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory
Research Interests:
"2011: Neolithic settlement Kurt Orman is in meters Kurt Orman, of 3.54 km southeast of Bata, Pomorie (Black Sea). A straight line distance of 14.5 kilometers from the Black Sea, 6.86 km from Kozareva mound and 9.00 km of earthquake zone... more
"2011: Neolithic settlement Kurt Orman is in meters Kurt Orman, of 3.54 km southeast of Bata, Pomorie (Black Sea). A straight line distance of 14.5 kilometers from the Black Sea, 6.86 km from Kozareva mound and 9.00 km of earthquake zone - fault Prosenik. The village is situated on the second terrace, 50 meters north of the River Aheloy, under the western slope of the mountain fortress of Aheloy. The modern configuration of the terrain is visible low mound with a diameter of 200 meters with recessed from the south - to the river and visible from 2.00 to 3.00 meters in height the object is passing by irrigation ditch, with concreted drainage valves and 2.00 meters wide which now not functioning. This place is kind of line - overgrown with shrubs and trees separating the settlement of the western and eastern sectors. Neolithic settlement Kurt Orman in Bata, Pomore was found crawling in 2006, when a team led by Ljudmil Vagalinski of (National Institute of Archaeology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences) crawls a wide area near the village of Bata, by registering a number of sites among which is object № 27 - neolithic Kurt Orman. Documentation of crawls, and includes GPS point location which is identified on the site. The main task of studies in 2011 is making geomagnetic survey of the village with cesium magnetometer (Geometrics G-858), which take into account variations in the values of the total vector of the local magnetic field through which to delineate the boundaries of the village and layout of archaeological structures. The measurements are consistent with working square grid consisting of 36 squares, 30 of size 40 x 40 m and 6 (the most southern, those to the river Aheloy) size 40 x 30 m squares are oriented geographic north. Of these, 26 were examined squares (areas 1-26), which was covered area of 39,600 m2 site with the highest concentrations of anthropogenic materials. Each of the 25 areas is crawled separately, as the distance between profiles is 1.0 m measurements are made at intervals of 0.2 m, the average density measurements is 0.2 x 1.0 m obtained results are normalized and uniformly distributed through the post processing software. During this process were used at various software products in order to make clear geomagnetic map of the village. For even greater accuracy and precise positioning of the resulting maps were used georeferenced orthophotographs on the ground, and made during the current survey hot copy. As a result of the study it was found that: the village is located on the specified crawl space, it formed a low mound with a height of 2.0 to 3.0 m, from the west, south and east it is surrounded by two parallel rounds with increased intensity magnetic field, circular parallel linear anomalies restricting the village from the west, south and east probably marked the route of the two protective moat (internal diameter 150 m and an outer tees 170-200 m), which shows and hot copy inside the fenced area clear spots were observed with elevated magnetic field, presumably burning places of massive buildings (larger spots) and the ovens or dug small structures (smaller spots); in the northern part of the settlement it surrounding its "trenches" interrupt, which was probably the entrance of the village. The magnetic map obtained from the studies clearly outlines concentrically located around the settlement areas of dens and larger patches of relatively regular geometric shapes inside. Analyzing the results of geomagnetic survey of neolithic Kurt Orman noted that they are a good basis for future archaeological research and the desirability of conducting such drilling in places registered with anomalies such as those of the dens and in the interior of the settlement. Interesting results of geomagnetic research provokes us to do drilling studies to determine the stratigraphy and chronology of the settlement. Here are the results of archaeological research as stratigraphic layers within the village belong to the end of the Early Neolithic (Asagi Pinar 5 in Turkey). Found white painted ceramics and obsidian.
2012:
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2012:
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Research Interests:
Prehistoric Archaeology, Geophysics, Geoarchaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Landscape Archaeology, and 8 moreArchaeological Method & Theory, Neolithic Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Archaeological Prospection, Archaeological Geophysics, Balkan prehistory, Eurasian Prehistory, and European Prehistory (Archaeology)
"Prehistoric settlement is located in the area, the Kremenitsa to Kourilo municipality, Sofia railway line Sofia-Mezdra. The site is localized for the first time in 1928 by Nedelcho Petkov. He draws attention to open when digging Early... more
"Prehistoric settlement is located in the area, the Kremenitsa to Kourilo municipality, Sofia railway line Sofia-Mezdra. The site is localized for the first time in 1928 by Nedelcho Petkov. He draws attention to open when digging Early Neolithic painted ceramics. His scientific information gained popularity in the summary report in V. Mikov, J. Gaul, H. Todorova and others. In the 50 years of the 20th century, Kurt Peters, painter of German origin, visiting famous prehistoric settlements in Sofia field and collect a large collection of archaeological materials. By Kourilo-Kremenitsa comes one of the largest collections of Neolithic anthropomorphic figurines in Bulgaria (about 140 pieces) today in the funds of National Museum of History-Sofia and National Institute of Archaeology with Museum-BAS. Collected by K. Peters large amount of pottery fragments give rise to H. Todorova give the name "Kourilo" culture of Late Neolithic in the Sofia area.
In 2012 a cesium magnetometer measured area of 19 800 square meters, with simultaneous recording of variations in the magnetic field and the magnetic gradient. In the software processing the data from these measurements are obtained magnetic map of the area in which they can be established borders and layout of some potential archaeological structures. Because of the method was not possible to ascertain which of the resulting anomalies are due to termoremanenten magnetism (traces of burned buildings and furnaces) or Registered geometry of buried structures (pits, dugouts, etc.). Priori data interpretation is complicated by the possibility dug buildings also have been burned and thus simultaneously accounting values of overlapping structures. However, clearly distinct areas of high and low concentration in rows anomalies probably marking the location of buildings with various sizes. To clarify the geology of the study area were made and two major power profile. To clarify the nature of the sediments in the periphery settlements are made of 4 more electric profile. The total length of the profiles is 516 m, with the number of reported points - 116. The results indicate the existence of a distinctive anthropogenic layer located below the humus layer with total thickness of 2.0-2.5 m in the periphery of the village is identified layer, which can be interpreted as a trace of clay embankment (shaft). Correlate the results with chronological data obtained from the study of materials found on the surface, we can assume that layer of this place have layers Late Neolithic (culture Kourilo) in liaison with the protective gear. The second layer probably refers to the Early Eneolithic (Gradeshnitza culture) when the protective device has ceased no function. This is confirmed by the magnetic card, which clearly shows that the structures with high values of the magnetic field covers a significantly greater area than that bounded by the shaft."
In 2012 a cesium magnetometer measured area of 19 800 square meters, with simultaneous recording of variations in the magnetic field and the magnetic gradient. In the software processing the data from these measurements are obtained magnetic map of the area in which they can be established borders and layout of some potential archaeological structures. Because of the method was not possible to ascertain which of the resulting anomalies are due to termoremanenten magnetism (traces of burned buildings and furnaces) or Registered geometry of buried structures (pits, dugouts, etc.). Priori data interpretation is complicated by the possibility dug buildings also have been burned and thus simultaneously accounting values of overlapping structures. However, clearly distinct areas of high and low concentration in rows anomalies probably marking the location of buildings with various sizes. To clarify the geology of the study area were made and two major power profile. To clarify the nature of the sediments in the periphery settlements are made of 4 more electric profile. The total length of the profiles is 516 m, with the number of reported points - 116. The results indicate the existence of a distinctive anthropogenic layer located below the humus layer with total thickness of 2.0-2.5 m in the periphery of the village is identified layer, which can be interpreted as a trace of clay embankment (shaft). Correlate the results with chronological data obtained from the study of materials found on the surface, we can assume that layer of this place have layers Late Neolithic (culture Kourilo) in liaison with the protective gear. The second layer probably refers to the Early Eneolithic (Gradeshnitza culture) when the protective device has ceased no function. This is confirmed by the magnetic card, which clearly shows that the structures with high values of the magnetic field covers a significantly greater area than that bounded by the shaft."
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, and 12 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistory, Neolithic, Computer Applications & Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Museum Digital, gvSIG, Neolithic of the Balkans, Stone tools, Settlement & Landscape research, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
In 2010 the method of geomagnetic survey was investigated area about 10,000 m2. Was made and airline photographer on site. Study area was divided into squares oriented geographic north bound square grid sector Promachon. As a result, was... more
In 2010 the method of geomagnetic survey was investigated area about 10,000 m2. Was made and airline photographer on site. Study area was divided into squares oriented geographic north bound square grid sector Promachon. As a result, was prepared geomagnetic map of the area showing the concentration of magnetized iron parts, which could be established borders and layout of archaeological probably burned structures. They are concentrated mainly near to the study squares. Visible is the concentration that outlines a number of external pins of the fortification system of the third phase of the complex (the classical phase of culture Toponica-Akropotamoc), detected during archaeological excavations in the eastern square M16, L16 and K16 (Sector Topolnica). Tagging and mapping of large areas without, concentration of magnetized particles that surround the village from the south and north. In correlation with results of geophysical surveys in the sector is evident Promachon their relationship with the areas where the absence of anthropogenic layers suggests accumulation at the periphery of the complex structure formed by the excavated during the construction of the settlement sterile soil, which can be interpreted as a sign of fuzzy, massive clay "defensive" wall encircling the earlier settlement - this second phase. Color Aerial Photography of the Neolithic village Promachon-Topolnica (2010) see in Teaching Documents.
In 2011, the same method (three-electrode vertical electrical sounding (VES) is investigated in uncharted territory Topolnica sector (Bulgaria). 230 points were measured in 8 profiles located radially existing georeferenced square grid plan. Results of 2011 be interpreted as follows: Eight profile Topolnica sector (Bulgaria) clearly fix the location of the protective shaft and the stages of construction. These results correlated with the results of archaeological research gave reliable data for the phases of construction activities which are: PHASE I (Late Neolithic culture - Topolnica-Akropotamos - Phase I): This is the first phase of settlement. Then began the construction of large buried objects and the construction of the protective shaft. This is used by dugout excavated soil. PHASE II (Late Neolithic culture - Topolnica-Akropotamos - Phase II): He graduated from the construction of environmental infrastructure projects dug the temple complex, the square in IET - Promachon sector, housing sector Topolnica 2 and others. Phase ends with the burning of the whole complex. Protective shaft ceases to function. PHASE III (Late Neolithic culture - Topolnica-Akropotamos - Phase III): After a brief hiatus time ground was leveled, including protruding above ground remains of the protective shaft. It was built an entirely new settlement consisting of earth homes built of stakes driven into the ground. This phase has two sub phases (Strumsko and Akropotamos and stage), which in places overlap. Then the eastern part of the village is surrounded by a double-breasted palisade. Built a new temple ground (home № 1 Topolnica sector) which is placed a large clay composition of three monumental anthropomorphic sculptures. To 4700 BC. village was destroyed and abandoned as was previously marked by placing objectives in special tanks vessels. PHASE IV Early Eneolithic culture - Dikilitash-Slatino - Phase I): The place is inhabited by a small group associated with mining and processing of the earliest copper. Evidence of this is found metallurgical furnaces, and one completely preserved sweat (Koukouli-Chryssanthaki, Bassiakos 2002). Then used to live in small pit. Perhaps the site was inhabited briefly, then was finally abandoned. Results of electric profiling of the Neolithic village Promachon-Topolnica (2011) see in Teaching Documents.
In 2011, the same method (three-electrode vertical electrical sounding (VES) is investigated in uncharted territory Topolnica sector (Bulgaria). 230 points were measured in 8 profiles located radially existing georeferenced square grid plan. Results of 2011 be interpreted as follows: Eight profile Topolnica sector (Bulgaria) clearly fix the location of the protective shaft and the stages of construction. These results correlated with the results of archaeological research gave reliable data for the phases of construction activities which are: PHASE I (Late Neolithic culture - Topolnica-Akropotamos - Phase I): This is the first phase of settlement. Then began the construction of large buried objects and the construction of the protective shaft. This is used by dugout excavated soil. PHASE II (Late Neolithic culture - Topolnica-Akropotamos - Phase II): He graduated from the construction of environmental infrastructure projects dug the temple complex, the square in IET - Promachon sector, housing sector Topolnica 2 and others. Phase ends with the burning of the whole complex. Protective shaft ceases to function. PHASE III (Late Neolithic culture - Topolnica-Akropotamos - Phase III): After a brief hiatus time ground was leveled, including protruding above ground remains of the protective shaft. It was built an entirely new settlement consisting of earth homes built of stakes driven into the ground. This phase has two sub phases (Strumsko and Akropotamos and stage), which in places overlap. Then the eastern part of the village is surrounded by a double-breasted palisade. Built a new temple ground (home № 1 Topolnica sector) which is placed a large clay composition of three monumental anthropomorphic sculptures. To 4700 BC. village was destroyed and abandoned as was previously marked by placing objectives in special tanks vessels. PHASE IV Early Eneolithic culture - Dikilitash-Slatino - Phase I): The place is inhabited by a small group associated with mining and processing of the earliest copper. Evidence of this is found metallurgical furnaces, and one completely preserved sweat (Koukouli-Chryssanthaki, Bassiakos 2002). Then used to live in small pit. Perhaps the site was inhabited briefly, then was finally abandoned. Results of electric profiling of the Neolithic village Promachon-Topolnica (2011) see in Teaching Documents.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geophysics, Geoarchaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, and 9 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Archaeological Prospection, Archaeological Geophysics, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Aegean Prehistory, and Archaeology of Northern Greece
Here we present the results of geomagnetic survey of the prehistoric settlement Yurcheshme west Black Sea. Inks is localized in 2006 as then indicated a high concentration of prehistoric material. When we visited noted the GPS coordinates... more
Here we present the results of geomagnetic survey of the prehistoric settlement Yurcheshme west Black Sea. Inks is localized in 2006 as then indicated a high concentration of prehistoric material. When we visited noted the GPS coordinates of all we find there are very small quantity of prehistoric material. However, we examined two squares of 40 x 40 m razultati obtained did not show that this place was a settlement of anthropogenic origin. ... And the results are negative results ... In 2012 we will try to identify a secure location of prehistoric settlement and will repeat again geomagnetic research.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, and 11 moreBlack Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Praehistory, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Durankulak cemetery, Hamangia, and Praehistoric cult
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, and 14 moreCopper age, Praehistory, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Prehistoric personal ornaments, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, Personal Ornaments In Prehistory, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Durankulak cemetery, Calcolithic Archaeology, praehistoric settlement, and Hamangia
Research Interests:
Exhibition of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria in Sofia, 2017
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, and 10 morePrehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic figurines, zoomorphic Figurines, Achaeological Setlement, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, Eagean Archaeology, and Neolithic setlement
Exhibition of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria in Sofia, 2017
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Paleobotany, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 14 moreBalkan archaeology, Black Sea region, Bulgarian archaeology, Praehistory, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Dobrudja, Durankulak, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, Durankulak cemetery, Varna culture, and praehistoric settlement
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeological Geophysics, Balkan archaeology, and 9 moreGeophysical Survey, Geophysical Prospecting, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Jamnaja culture, Lanscape Architecture, and Geophisical methods applied in archaeology
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, and 15 moreNeolithic, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Praehistory, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, History of Black Sea Regiuon, Black See Civilization, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, Durankulak cemetery, and Varna culture
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeological Geophysics, and 12 moreBalkan prehistory, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Praehistory, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Early Eneolithic, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Durankulak, Eneolithic cultures, Black See Civilization, Durankulak cemetery, and Black See region
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Pottery, Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 13 moreBalkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Archeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Chalcolithic, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Durankulak, Eneolithic cultures, Durankulak cemetery, Eneolithic chronology, and Black See region
Research Interests:
Neolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Neolithic, and 9 moreTerracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Early Neolithic, Neolithic figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurine Studies, iconography Neolithic Near East figurines, and Bulgarian Neolithic
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Figurines, and 9 moreTerracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Neolithic figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurine Studies, iconography Neolithic Near East figurines, and Bulgarian Neolithic
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Art History, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, and 13 moreNeolithic Europe, Neolithic, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Late Neolithic, Neolithic figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurine Studies, Vinca culture, Late Neolithic. Belgrade. Late Vinca Culture, iconography Neolithic Near East figurines, and Bulgarian Neolithic
Complex of buildings from Antiquity (1st, 3–4th c. AD). 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... more
Complex of buildings from Antiquity (1st, 3–4th c. AD). 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.
Research Interests:
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF THE PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENT DAMYANITSA 2017 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... more
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF THE PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENT DAMYANITSA 2017
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Balkan History, Neolithic Archaeology, and 13 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Neolithic, Archaeological Excavation, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Praehistory, Archaeological excavations, Excavations, and Praehistoric Archaeology
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Lithic Technology, Balkan archaeology, and 9 moreBalkan prehistory, Black Sea region, Archaeological Excavation, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Eneolithic, Archaeological excavations, Excavations, Durankulak, and Durankulak cemetery
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Religion and ritual in prehistory, and 19 moreBalkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Bulgarian history, Prehistory, Neolithic, Prehistoric Figurines, Archaeological Excavation, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Late Neolithic, Vinča culture, Archaeological excavations, Vinca culture, Excavations, and Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory
The poster presents the chronology of prehistoric settlement Promachon-Topolnica, which is of great importance for the history of the Neolithic in the Balkans. Promachon-Topolnica is the Bulgarian-Greek border. Survey results are a good... more
The poster presents the chronology of prehistoric settlement Promachon-Topolnica, which is of great importance for the history of the Neolithic in the Balkans. Promachon-Topolnica is the Bulgarian-Greek border. Survey results are a good example is the scientific cooperation among the Bulgarian and Greek archaeologists. The village is famous for the study of a large dug into the earth temple bull. Here for the first time using graphite as a technology to decorate pottery. This is a tradition from earlier Graphitized black topped technology vessels.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 morePrehistoric Settlement, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Prehistoric Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Prehistoric Archeology, Late Neolithic, Archaeology of Northern Greece, and Praehistoric Archaeology
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, Bulgarian archaeology, Praehistory, and 15 moreHelenistic Civilization, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Dobrudja, Kibele, Presentation of Archaeological Sites, Durankulak, Protobulgarians, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, Durankulak cemetery, Varna culture, and Black See region
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreBalkan archaeology, Neolithic Europe, Bulgarian archaeology, Praehistory, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Dobrudja, Presentation of Archaeological Sites, Durankulak, Eneolithic cultures, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Varna culture, and Black See region
The report was presented at the national conference "Struma Valley - roads and contacts" (November 8-10, 2023 in Pernik, Bulgaria). Two cult structures from the time of the late Neolithic - Topolnica-Akropotamos culture are presented.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, and 10 moreNeolithic Europe, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Neolithic settlement, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, Archaeology of Northern Greece, Praehistoric Archaeology, and neolithic settlement structure
Presentation presented at the LXI National Archaeological Conference in Pleven, Bulgaria. The organizers are the Municipality of Pleven, the Regional History Museum - Pleven and the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the... more
Presentation presented at the LXI National Archaeological Conference in Pleven, Bulgaria. The organizers are the Municipality of Pleven, the Regional History Museum - Pleven and the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NAIM—BAS).
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, and 15 morePrehistoric Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Late Neolithic, Neolithic figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurine Studies, Vinča culture, Cultura Dudesti, Vinca culture, Lower Danube Archaeology, Boian culture, Bone Industry In Praehistiry, Praehistoric Archaeology, and praehistoric settlement
In 2022, the 31st season of the active research of the Archaeological Complex took place near Durankulak village. Eneolithic buildings and structures from the VII-th and the V-th horizons were studied on the Golemijat Ostrov. The... more
In 2022, the 31st season of the active research of the Archaeological Complex took place near Durankulak village. Eneolithic buildings and structures from the VII-th and the V-th horizons were studied on the Golemijat Ostrov. The investigation was mainly concentrated on Building 24/VII.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreBulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Prehistoric personal ornaments, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Late Eneolithic, Presentation of Archaeological Sites, Durankulak, Eneolithic cultures, Personal Ornaments In Prehistory, Black See Civilization, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, Durankulak cemetery, and Black See region
The goal of geophysical research in 2021 was a comprehensive study of the bottom of Durankulak Lake (Fig. 1). The following tools was employed: Side Scan Sonar 2 pcs. (StarFish 450H and StarFish 990) with visualization system for... more
The goal of geophysical research in 2021 was a comprehensive study of the bottom of Durankulak Lake (Fig. 1). The following tools was employed: Side Scan Sonar 2 pcs. (StarFish 450H and StarFish 990) with visualization system for obtaining information about the nature of the lake bottom and the presence and / or absence of artificial objects; Compact sub bottom - SES 2000 Compact for bottom depth scanning and surface stratigraphy detection; and DGPS coordinating system with Heading (Trimble SPSx61) in Roll RTK configuration and geo-electrical resistance meter. Multibeam echosounder was also used to supplement the data.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Black Sea region, Underwater Archaeology, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Underwater research methods, Underwater Archaeology Method, and 6 moreDurankulak, Geophysical prospection optimization in geological prospecting, Arhaeology, Paleolandscapes, Durankulak cemetery, and Paleolandscape Reconstruction
2021 marked the 30th season of the archaeological excavations of the Durankulak Archaeological Complex. The buildings and structures of the 8th and 7th horizon were mainly studied, such as those from the Early Neolithic settlement on the... more
2021 marked the 30th season of the archaeological excavations of the Durankulak Archaeological Complex. The buildings and structures of the 8th and 7th horizon were mainly studied, such as those from the Early Neolithic settlement on the Big Island belonging to the Hamangia Culture III and IV. Building №25 / VIII was completely studied. It was found that in its earliest stage the building was approximately square in shape. Its total built-up area is 39 m2. The floor of the building is covered with 5 clay layers. The interior space is common. The building had four structures located close to the walls. They cover about 17% of the interior space. One of them is a semi-domed thermal structure (structure 1). It was constructed directly on the floor. The oven shows five repairs concerning mainly the strengthening and restoration of the dome. Next to the oven, in the northeastern corner of the room, a square structure 2 was made measuring 1.10 × 1.10 m. It has a flat clay floor on which a large bone battle axe and anatomically arranged bones from the limb of deer (Cervus elaphus) were found in situ. To the west of structure 2 a quern (structure 3), also made of clay, was found. It is of a rectangular shape and contains a shallow basin (2–5 cm deep, measuring 1.50 × 1.20 м). Its floor was reinforced with a base of small stone slabs. The fourth structure is located in the southwestern corner of the room. It was built directly on the floor and measures 2.10 × 1.20 m.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian archaeology, and 8 moreNeolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Durankulak cemetery, and Varna culture
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Bronze Age Archaeology, and 14 moreBalkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, European Archaeology, Magnetic Surveying, Bulgarian archaeology, Paleozoology, Praehistory, Earlier Bronze Age, Geomagnetic Dating Methods in Archaeology, Archaeologicl Geophysics / Geophysical Prospecting / Archaeology / Earth Sciences, and Magnetic Prospecting
The surveyed in 2020 territory falls within zone B of the protected area of the Durankulak Archaeological Complex. To the east it borders upon the shores of Lake Durankulak, and to the west – upon European route E–87. The results of the... more
The surveyed in 2020 territory falls within zone B of the protected area of the Durankulak Archaeological Complex. To the east it borders upon the shores of Lake Durankulak, and to the west – upon European route E–87. The results of the survey could be interpreted as follows:
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Geomagnetism, Balkan archaeology, and 14 moreBlack Sea region, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Magnetic Surveying, Bulgarian archaeology, Copper age, Praehistory, Copper age and Bronze Age, Magnetic survey, Durankulak, Geomagnetic Dating Methods in Archaeology, Magnetic Surveys, Black See Civilization, Geophisical methods applied in archaeology, and Durankulak cemetery
The results of the study of building № 25 / VII-VIII showed that it has a slightly trapezoidal shape. The total built-up area is 69 m2. The building has undergone two stages of development: the first stage refers to the Hamangia III... more
The results of the study of building № 25 / VII-VIII showed that it has a slightly trapezoidal shape. The total built-up area is 69 m2. The building has undergone two stages of development: the first stage refers to the Hamangia III Culture, and the second one - to Hamangia IV Culture.
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%.
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%.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Balkan History, and 15 moreChalcolithic Pottery, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Praehistory, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, and Varna culture
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, and 10 moreBalkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Prehistoric Archeology, Praehistory, Achaeological Setlement, Praehistoric Archaeology, and Vădastra culture
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 12 morePrehistoric Settlement, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistory, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Praehistory, Chalcolithic, Praehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, and Vădastra culture
In 2019, excavations on The Big Island (Golemija Ostrov) Tell, Durankulak village, were carried for the 28th consecutive season. In 2019, work focused on buildings 8/VII, 24/VII and 25/VII–VIII. At Building 8/VII was reached the bedrock... more
In 2019, excavations on The Big Island (Golemija Ostrov) Tell, Durankulak village, were carried for the 28th consecutive season. In 2019, work focused on buildings 8/VII, 24/VII and 25/VII–VIII. At Building 8/VII was reached the bedrock and registered the measures for the preparation of the terrain for the construction of the buildings of the earliest horizon VIII:
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan History, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreChalcolithic Pottery, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Black Sea region, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, and Hamangia culture
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... 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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, and 9 moreBalkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Prehistoric Archeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, and Eneolithic
GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTION AND AERIAL PHOTO OF THE DURANKULAK-NIVATA, THE 2019 SEASON Ivan Vajsov, Peter Milo, Christian Tzankov, Tomáš Tencer, Michal Vágner In 2019 was conducted a large-scale geophysical survey of the site... more
GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTION AND AERIAL PHOTO OF THE DURANKULAK-NIVATA, THE 2019 SEASON
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, 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.
Research Interests:
2018 REGULAR EXCAVATIONS ON GOLEMIJA OSTROV NEAR DURANKULAK 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... more
2018 REGULAR EXCAVATIONS ON GOLEMIJA OSTROV NEAR DURANKULAK
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 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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan History, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreChalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Black Sea region, Prehistory, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Dobrogea, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Hamangia culture, Geomagnetic Dating Methods in Archaeology, and Varna culture
In the southern part of the excavated area, a burned down building from Phase III of the Topolnica-Akropotamos culture was also investigated. Its internal inventory consists of two ovens with massive clay domes along with a plurality of... more
In the southern part of the excavated area, a burned down building from Phase III of the Topolnica-Akropotamos culture was also investigated. 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 and the Promachon painted style. Yet another important element related to this building are mudbrick walls. 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 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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 8 moreChalcolithic Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Praehistory, and Praehistoric Archaeology
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... more
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.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Art History, Neolithic Archaeology, and 10 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Ceramics (Archaeology), Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Neolithic, Bulgarian archaeology, Praehistory, and Praehistoric Archaeology
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Architecture, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 20 moreChalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Black Sea region, Archaeological Excavation, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Praehistory, Eneolith of Bulgaria, Archaeological excavations, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Chalkolithikum, Neolithikum, Dobrudja, Excavations, Archeologia Dei Balcani, and Eneolithic cultures
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeological Method & Theory, and 16 moreArchaeological geophysics (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Archaeological Geophysics, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Prehistory, Neolithic, Archaeological Excavation, Prehistoric Archeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Geophysical Prospection, Archaeological excavations, Excavations, Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory, and Neolithisation of Europe
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Paleoecology, and 15 moreArchaeological geophysics (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Archaeological Geophysics, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Prehistoric Archeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Geophysical Prospection, and Vinca culture
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Paleoecology, Archaeological geophysics (Archaeology), and 12 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Archaeological Geophysics, Balkan prehistory, Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Prehistoric Archeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, and Geophysical Prospection
Archaological research in the neolithic settlement Promachon-Topolnica is result of a long-term cooperation of a large Greek-Bulgarian team. The greek-bulgarian border separates the location in two sectors: Sector Topolnica in Bulgaria... more
Archaological research in the neolithic settlement Promachon-Topolnica is result of a long-term cooperation of a large Greek-Bulgarian team. The greek-bulgarian border separates the location in two sectors: Sector Topolnica in Bulgaria and sector Promachon in Greece. Archaological excavations took place in sector Topolnica within the years 1980-1991, in sector Promachon within 1992-2003. Geophysical surveys were curried out 1995, 1996 and 2002 in sector Promachon and 2010, 2011 in sector Topolnica. Two methods were employed: Geomagnetic and Geoelectric with a Vertical Electric Probing (VES). Burned settlement structures have been investigated, as well as the culture deposits of 5 occupations levels and the kind of the geological sub-structure. Structures of the two upper archaeological levels extend on the whole excavated area, they have irregular forms and offer a distribution picture like a mosaic. Near trenches two strata draw themselves considerably, which were verified also by excavation. The localization of an enclosure, which surrounds the earlier settlement, by using geophysical survey is particularly interesting. The construction is 5 m to 8 m wide and 1.5 to 2.4 m high made of earth probably on a natural elevated part of the ground. Its existence is verified by excavation in some trenches. The earlier phases of the settlement were destroyed by fire. During the later phases IIIA and IIIB the construction did not exist any more. That period the settlement was surrounded in its eastern part by a palissade. The results of the geophysical survey in the settlement Promachon-Topolnica confirmed the observations which have been made during the excavations and they enriched fundamentally our knowledge concerning the settlement structure. They are an excellent example of successfull interdisciplinary cooperation.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, and 22 moreArchaeological geophysics (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Neolithic, Prehistoric Figurines, Archaeological Site Formation Processes, Archaeological Excavation, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Prehistoric Archeology, Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Neolithic of the Balkans, Near Eastern Prehistory, Archaeological excavations, Excavations, and Archaeology of Northern Greece
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, and 9 morePrehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Neolithic figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurine Studies, Black See Civilization, and Praehistoric Archaeology
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian archaeology, and 10 moreEneolith of Bulgaria, Prehistoric personal ornaments, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Hamangia culture, Durankulak, Personal Ornaments In Prehistory, Achaeological Setlement, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, and Neolithic setlement
Research Interests:
Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Neolithic Europe, and 15 moreBulgarian history, Neolithic, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Aechaeology, Praehistory, Dobrogea, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Chalkolithikum, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, and Black See region
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, and 10 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Roman Archaeology, Egean Archaeology, and Praehistoric Archaeology
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, and 11 moreBalkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Bulgarian archaeology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Prehistoric ceramic vessel function(s), Egean Archaeology, and Preistoria egea
The prehistoric settlement in Golo Bardo locality in the vicinity of the villages of Gradishte and Asenovtsi, Levski Municipality, Pleven Region, is the largest settlement in this region, discovered during the preliminary field surveys... more
The prehistoric settlement in Golo Bardo locality in the vicinity of the villages of Gradishte and Asenovtsi, Levski Municipality, Pleven Region, is the largest settlement in this region, discovered during the preliminary field surveys along the route of the gas pipeline.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Settlement archaeology, Neolithic, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Early Eneolithic, Vinča culture, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Eneolithic cultures, Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology, and Bojan ceramics
The prehistoric settlement is located in Kremika locality, in the southwestern part of the Chervensko Nive locality in the vicinity of Bohot, Pleven Municipality, Pleven Region. It is situated in the southern part of the Lower Danube... more
The prehistoric settlement is located in Kremika locality, in the southwestern part of the Chervensko Nive locality in the vicinity of Bohot, Pleven Municipality, Pleven Region. It is situated in the southern part of the Lower Danube Plain, on a high non-flooded river terrace on the right bank of the canyon-like gorge of the Parchovitsa River, part of the eastern drainage basin of Vit River. The site was registered in 2011. In 2019, geophysical and archaeological investigations were conducted in the area within the limits of the gas pipeline servitude. During the rescue archaeological excavations, dugout and above-ground structures were revealed, part of a settlement from the transitional period between the Late Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic periods. The material culture is an original symbiosis between Vadastra III-IV Culture and the early Brenitsa Phase of the Gradesnitsa Culture. During the investigations, structures from other prehistoric and historic periods were also found: Chalcolithic materials related to the Gradesnitsa Culture, pits from the Late Iron Age, as well as the remains of farm buildings from the beginning of the 20th c. In the majority of the medium-sized prehistorical pits, deposits of animal bones and fragmentary pottery were found: a clear indication for a fading tradition from the Late Neolithic Period. The prehistoric structures, excavated within the settlement, are of several types: small-sized and largesized pits, several shallow dug-out dwellings, remains of above-ground dwellings, and several concentrations of pottery vessels – pithoi, with no apparent connections between them. The archaeological remains are irregularly distributed throughout the investigated area, at an approximate distance of 20–25 m from one another. A small stream used to flow through the settlement, with several household pits dug near it. Several completely preserved pottery vessels were also found. The impressive quantity of flint artefacts and flakes indicates that a specialized production of flint artefacts most probably took place here – not only for the personal needs of the inhabitants, but also for regional and supra-regional exchange. A considerable amount of miniature flint punches was discovered, used for the production of adornments. Of particular interest is the discovery of a type of miniature anthropomorphic figurines that was unknown so far from this region; they add in a way to our knowledge of the spirituality of the prehistoric population. The results from the investigations of the prehistoric settlement near the village of Bohot complement the overall picture of the development of the prehistoric settlement pattern in the region, and contribute to the elucidation of the so far unknown processes of settling, typical of the end of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Chalcolithic periods (4750 – 4600 ΒC).
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 9 moreChalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Balkan archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Settlement archaeology, Praehistory, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Archeology, and Vădastra culture
Auf der Balkanhalbinsel hat der Fluss Strymon immer die Rolle eines wichtigen Verbindungsgliedes zwischen der Ägäis und Mitteleuropa gespielt. Über seinen Bereich und den Fluss Iskar war in der Urgeschichte die Donau erreichbar und über... more
Auf der Balkanhalbinsel hat der Fluss Strymon immer die Rolle eines wichtigen Verbindungsgliedes zwischen der Ägäis und Mitteleuropa gespielt. Über seinen Bereich und den Fluss Iskar war in der Urgeschichte die Donau erreichbar und über diese auch Mitteleuropa. Im 7.–6.
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.
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.
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Climate Change, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Balkan Studies, and 26 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Prehistoric Settlement, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Late Bronze Age archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Aegean Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, Prehistory, Neolithic, Aegean Prehistory, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Bulgarian archaeology, Prehistory in the Balkans and eastern mediterranean, Eneolithic, Anatolian and Balkan prehistory; palaeopathology; physical anthropology, European Copper and Bronze Age – Archaeometallurgy – Prehistoric Metalworking in Social Context – Settlement Archaeology – Application of Geophysical Methods in Archaeology – Neolithic – Theory / Cultural Anthropology – Material Culture Studies, Neolithic antropomorphic statuetes, Neolithic and Chalcolithic Archaeology, Bulgarian Neolithic, Archaeology of Bronze Age Europe, Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory, and Balkanian and Aegean Prehistory
Research Interests:
Eastern European Studies, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Eastern European history, Neolithic Archaeology, and 13 moreBronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Neolithic Europe, Prehistory, Arheology, Bulgarian archaeology, Eneolithic, Prehistorycal Archaeology, South-Eastern European Chalcolithic, Cucuteni Culture, Neolithic settlement, European Copper and Bronze Age – Archaeometallurgy – Prehistoric Metalworking in Social Context – Settlement Archaeology – Application of Geophysical Methods in Archaeology – Neolithic – Theory / Cultural Anthropology – Material Culture Studies, Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory, and neolithic settlement structure
Research Interests:
History, Ancient History, European History, Eastern European Studies, European Studies, and 45 moreArchaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Greek History, Roman History, Climate Change, Pragmatics, Climate Change Adaptation, Balkan Studies, Balkan History, Neolithic Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Bronze Age Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Ancient Greek History, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Prehistoric Art, Bronze Age (Archaeology), Black Sea region, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Mesolithic/Neolithic, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Prehistoric Archeology, Bulgarian archaeology, Late Bronze Age, Neolithic of the Balkans, Eneolithic, Helenistic Civilization, Neolithic & Chalcolithic enclosures, Grave Goods, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Copper Age, Varna, Hamangia, Dobrudja, Bulgarian Neolithic, Roman Archaeology, Neolithic, Balkan prehistory, Bulgarian prehistory, Varna Necropolis, and Neolithisation of Europe
Research Interests:
Illustration to the article "The Neolithic settlement Izvor: an initial colony on the eastern periphery of the Vinča Culture"
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Balkan archaeology, and 11 moreBalkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Vinča culture (Chalcolithic Archaeology), Neolithic, Chronology, Neolithic of the Balkans, Praehistory, Vinča culture, Vinca culture, Praehistoric Archaeology, and Old European Vinca
Data are from: S. Junghans, E. Sangmeister and M. Schröder. Metallanalysen kuperzeitlicher und frühbronzezeitlicher Boden unde aus Europa. Stud. Anänge Metallurgie (SAM) I (Berlin 1960); S. Junghans, E. Sangmeister and M. Schröder. Kuper... more
Data are from: S. Junghans, E. Sangmeister and M. Schröder. Metallanalysen kuperzeitlicher und frühbronzezeitlicher Boden unde aus Europa. Stud. Anänge Metallurgie (SAM) I (Berlin 1960); S. Junghans, E. Sangmeister and M. Schröder. Kuper und Bronze in der frühen Metallzeit Europas. Stud. Anänge Metallurgie (SAM) II 1–3 (Berlin 1968); S. Junghans, E. Sangmeister and M. Schröder. Kuper und Bronze in der frühen Metallzeit Europas. Stud. Anänge Metallurgie (SAM) II 4 (Berlin 1974).
BG Interview with Prof. Henrieta Todorova about prehistoric settlement Durankulak, Bulgaria (2004).
Research Interests:
Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 7 moreNeolithic Europe, Bulgarian archaeology, Durankulak, Achaeological Setlement, Black See Civilization, Praehistoric Archaeology, and Neolithic and chalkolithic Archeology
Durankulak Archaeological Complex. Static presentation 2004. Project "Durankulak Black See Archaeological Park"
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
DURANKULAK. Investigating Ancient Civilisation. That Even Had Tattoo Facilities. (Hunting Atlantis, Discovery, 2020). Discussion with PhD Vladimir Slavchev
Research Interests:
DURAHKULAK — Tell Golemija ostrov. Moments from the archaeological research. PART 2 (2018—2020)
Research Interests:
Like and share: https://www.facebook.com/skypicturesbulgaria Vast Stone Age cult complex discovery may be prehistoric Europe’s largest building Archaeologists have unearthed a prehistoric cult complex in Bulgaria which dates back some... more
Like and share: https://www.facebook.com/skypicturesbulgaria Vast Stone Age cult complex discovery may be prehistoric Europe’s largest building
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
Producer: Sky Pictures Bulgaria https://www.facebook.com/skypicturesbulgaria
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
Producer: Sky Pictures Bulgaria https://www.facebook.com/skypicturesbulgaria
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This film is from the romantic period of Bulgarian archeology. This is a film of the history of archaeological research on prehistoric settlement and necropolis Durankulak, Bulgaria. The film shows the social aspect of archaeological... more
This film is from the romantic period of Bulgarian archeology. This is a film of the history of archaeological research on prehistoric settlement and necropolis Durankulak, Bulgaria. The film shows the social aspect of archaeological research in Bulgaria in the 20th century.
Research Interests:
Religion, Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, and 8 morePrehistoric Art, Prehistoric Figurines, Terracotta Figurines, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Moravian Painted Ware Culture, Moravian Archaeology, Těšetice-Kyjovice, and Prehistoric Anthropomorphic Figurines
Fortification built on a hill known as Samuil's Fortress is the central unit of a system of protective gear - demos, closing Klyuchkata narrow. Coins found here are from the Byzantine Emperor Joan Tzimiskis (Ιωάννης Τσιμισκής) that... more
Fortification built on a hill known as Samuil's Fortress is the central unit of a system of protective gear - demos, closing Klyuchkata narrow. Coins found here are from the Byzantine Emperor Joan Tzimiskis (Ιωάννης Τσιμισκής) that warrants archaeologists to link the burning of the village with one of the military campaigns of Emperor Basilii II (Βασίλειος Β΄ Βουλγαροκτόνος) in 1014 AD. In 2013, in connection with the project "A thousand years of the Battle of Samuel (1014-2014) - Sustainable Development of Tourist Attractions " Samuil's Fortress " in Petrich municipality and performed rescue excavations and archaeological monitoring object Samuil's Fortress. Lit: C. Komitova. Archeologicesko nabljudenie po vreme na izpalnenieto na priekt "Hiljada godini ot bitkata na Samuil (1014-2014) – ustojcivo razvitie na turisticeskata atrakcija "Samuilova krepost“ v obstina Petrich. - AOR prez 2012, Sofia 2013,
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Аerial photos from 2013. Settlement from the Early Neolithic Monochrome Neolithic,Culture Koprivec, a period before Karanovo I), a Late Neolithic (culture Hotnitsa) and others.
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Аerial photos from 2012 - after the selector of archaeological research. Lit: V. Neseva, Cv. Komitova, Z. Korkutova, V. Petkov, M. Zlajanov, J. Farkov. No. 55. Archeologiceski rezervat "Anticen, srednovekoven i vazrozdenski grad Melnik".... more
Аerial photos from 2012 - after the selector of archaeological research. Lit: V. Neseva, Cv. Komitova, Z. Korkutova, V. Petkov, M. Zlajanov, J. Farkov. No. 55. Archeologiceski rezervat "Anticen, srednovekoven i vazrozdenski grad Melnik". Manastir "Sv. Bogorodica Pantanasa". - Archeologiceski otkritija i razkopki prez 2012 g. Sofia 2012. 473-475.
Аerial photos from 2011 - before the start of archaeological excavations and from 2012 and 2013 - after the selector of archaeological research. Lit: A. Aladzhov, I. Borisova-Katsarova and S. Goryanova. The Gate of Serdica. Archaeological... more
Аerial photos from 2011 - before the start of archaeological excavations and from 2012 and 2013 - after the selector of archaeological research. Lit: A. Aladzhov, I. Borisova-Katsarova and S. Goryanova. The Gate of Serdica. Archaeological Excavations 2011/2012. Sofia 2012.
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Research Interests:
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This file contains citations of articles by Ivan Vajsov. Most of them have links to review the originals.