- Prehistoric Archaeology, Archaeology, Ancient Glass, Roman Bronze Vessels, Archaeological Geophysics, Archaeological Prospection, and 29 moreRoman Small Finds, Bone and Antler, Roman Glass, Barbaricum, Sarmatians, Roman ceramics, Roman Dacia (Archaeology), Xray spectroscopy, cultura Santana de Mures, Romanisierung, Sântana De Mureş–Černjachov Culture, Manufacturing Combs, Roman Imports In East Europe, Phosphatenmethode, Medieval History, Classical Archaeology, Identity (Culture), Ethnicity, Roman provinces, Roman Archaeology, Roman Frontiers (Archaeology), Roman Dacia, Roman military archaeology, Acculturation and 'Romanisation', Roman Limes, Black Sea ancient history and archaeology, Black Sea Studies, Roman Forts and Camps, and Higher Educationedit
- ....edit
The present volume deals with one of the roman sites in south-east Transylvania. The Comolău ancient fortification, found in the centre of Covasna County, is one of the most enigmatic archaeological sites in the area. The stone-walled... more
The present volume deals with one of the roman
sites in south-east Transylvania. The Comolău
ancient fortification, found in the centre of Covasna County, is one of the most enigmatic
archaeological sites in the area. The stone-walled
fortification was introduced in the scientific
literature more than two centuries ago. Since
then, the archaeological site has contributed, in
different occasions, to the growth of the national
archaeological heritage by revealing new and rich
archaeological finds, most of which are of roman
origin. In the present, some scientific works consider the fortification as being part of the southeastern border of Roman Dacia, while others
consider it to be quite atypical for a roman military
building from that period, due to its irregular
pentagonal shape and its large and deep defensive
ditches. In the archaeological literature one can
find two very distinct approaches regarding the
roman military character of the fortification. Thus,
it is said that we deal either with an unusually
shaped roman camp, or with a stone fortification
that was built later than the existence of the roman
period in Dacia. This study tries to answer this
dilemma.
sites in south-east Transylvania. The Comolău
ancient fortification, found in the centre of Covasna County, is one of the most enigmatic
archaeological sites in the area. The stone-walled
fortification was introduced in the scientific
literature more than two centuries ago. Since
then, the archaeological site has contributed, in
different occasions, to the growth of the national
archaeological heritage by revealing new and rich
archaeological finds, most of which are of roman
origin. In the present, some scientific works consider the fortification as being part of the southeastern border of Roman Dacia, while others
consider it to be quite atypical for a roman military
building from that period, due to its irregular
pentagonal shape and its large and deep defensive
ditches. In the archaeological literature one can
find two very distinct approaches regarding the
roman military character of the fortification. Thus,
it is said that we deal either with an unusually
shaped roman camp, or with a stone fortification
that was built later than the existence of the roman
period in Dacia. This study tries to answer this
dilemma.
Research Interests:
The Apulum Roman Villa Project (ARVP) examines the “provincialization” and “de-provincialization” of Roman Dacia through the archaeological micro-history of a villa site at Oarda-Bulza, just outside one of the provincial capitals at... more
The Apulum Roman Villa Project (ARVP) examines the “provincialization” and “de-provincialization” of Roman Dacia through the archaeological micro-history of a villa site at Oarda-Bulza, just outside one of the provincial capitals at Apulum. As one of the first villas in Dacia to be excavated scientifically and from multidisciplinary perspectives, the site promises to shed new light on the interplays among forms of production, cultural consumption, community formation, and incorporation into a host of new imperial networks (economic, military, and social). Aerial, geophysical, and pedestrian surveys undertaken in 2018 allowed identification of four major buildings within an enclosure: an elite residential structure; a productive zone that also seems to have housed its own community; and two storage buildings. Additionally, traces of Early and Late Iron Age occupation have been identified on site. The surveys also point to the ongoing potential of the site for future excavations.
Research Interests:
The visible and invisible traces of the Roman Frontier in Dacia have been, for quite a long time, one of the most representative archaeological sites in Romania, and especially in Transylvania. On one hand, the Roman frontier in... more
The visible and invisible traces of the Roman Frontier in Dacia have been, for quite a long time, one of the most representative archaeological sites in Romania, and especially in Transylvania. On one hand, the Roman frontier in Transylvania, also known as Limes, symbolises a border between the Greek-Roman world and the local civilisations found in the regions north of the Danube. On the other hand, we rather deal with a large contact zone between the two parts of the antique ecumene. Romania decided to join the international initiative known as Frontiers of the Roman Empire (FRE) UNESCO site by inscribing on the UNESCO Heritage List the components found on its territory-the Dacian Limes and the segments of the Danubian Roman Border. The activity of preparing the nominations is conducted by several institutions. Along with the National Heritage Institute, that is responsible, by tradition, of all the UNESCO nominations in Romania, the activity also involves the National History Museum from Bucharest, the National Museum of Transylvanian History from Cluj-Napoca and the National Museum of the Eastern Carpathians from Sf. Gheorghe. The National Limes Commission has been established to coordinate all the undertaken activities and to assure proper communication between the above-mentioned institutions, both inside the national partnership and with the international partners.
Research Interests:
The demystification of history is an en vogue term used in historical research regarding the post- socialist region. One can ascertain that historical research conducted in many countries of the communist block have revealed and... more
The demystification of history is an en vogue term used in historical research regarding the post- socialist region. One can ascertain that historical research conducted in many countries of the communist block have revealed and superseded a whole series of historical myths and fabrications of the preceding period. At the same time one can observe that new historical myths, with a clear political influence, have emerged and been promoted in the communist period. In this presentation I intend to discuss the myth of ‘The Romanisation of the ancestors of the Romanian people’, which is a frequent topic found in Romanian and Moldavian textbooks . I also intend to track the differences between the modern historical discourse with regard to Romanisation and the ways this phenomenon is presented in both older and newer textbooks. As a base for my investigation I have used history textbooks from Moldavia issued after World War II.
Research Interests:
The visible and invisible traces of the Roman Frontier in Dacia have been, for quite a long time, one of the most representative archaeological sites in Romania, and especially in Transylvania. On one hand, the Roman frontier in... more
The visible and invisible traces of the Roman Frontier in Dacia have been, for quite a long time, one of the most representative archaeological sites in Romania, and especially in Transylvania. On one hand, the Roman frontier in Transylvania, also known as Limes, symbolises a border between the GreekRoman world and the local civilisations found in the regions north of the Danube. On the other hand, we rather deal with a large contact zone between the two parts of the antique ecumene. Romania decided to join the international initiative known as Frontiers of the Roman Empire (FRE) UNESCO site by inscribing on the UNESCO Heritage List the components found on its territory – the Dacian Limes and the segments of the Danubian Roman Border. The activity of preparing the nominations is conducted by several institutions. Along with the National Heritage Institute, that is responsible, by tradition, of all the UNESCO nominations in Romania, the activity also involves the National History Mus...
Research Interests:
The article analyses a comb discovered in the archaeological site Olteni-Cariera de nisip A, Bodoc commu- ne, Covasna County, Romania, which is a representative cultural good for the Sântana de Mureș - Chernyakhov Culture. The paper... more
The article analyses a comb discovered in the archaeological site Olteni-Cariera de nisip A, Bodoc commu-
ne, Covasna County, Romania, which is a representative cultural good for the Sântana de Mureș - Chernyakhov
Culture. The paper debates briefly the issue related to the raw material - antler or bone. At the same time, some
analogies, typological and chronological frameworks are disussed too. Thus, the comb from Olteni falls into the
type of pieces made of three rows of antler or bone, with the bell-shaped handle with turned heads that mimics
an animal's head. From a chronological point of view, such objects circulated in the late phase of the Sântana de
Mureș - Chernyakhov Culture, from the second half of the 4 th c. and 5 th c. The article ends with some conclusions,
including the need for closer collaboration between archaeologists and archaeozoologists, which would facilitate
better analysis and right assessment of osteological findings.
ne, Covasna County, Romania, which is a representative cultural good for the Sântana de Mureș - Chernyakhov
Culture. The paper debates briefly the issue related to the raw material - antler or bone. At the same time, some
analogies, typological and chronological frameworks are disussed too. Thus, the comb from Olteni falls into the
type of pieces made of three rows of antler or bone, with the bell-shaped handle with turned heads that mimics
an animal's head. From a chronological point of view, such objects circulated in the late phase of the Sântana de
Mureș - Chernyakhov Culture, from the second half of the 4 th c. and 5 th c. The article ends with some conclusions,
including the need for closer collaboration between archaeologists and archaeozoologists, which would facilitate
better analysis and right assessment of osteological findings.
Research Interests:
The Apulum Roman Villa Project (ARVP) examines the "provincialization" and "de-provincialization" of Roman Dacia through the archaeological micro-history of a villa site at Oarda-Bulza, just outside one of the provincial capitals at... more
The Apulum Roman Villa Project (ARVP) examines the "provincialization" and "de-provincialization" of Roman Dacia through the archaeological micro-history of a villa site at Oarda-Bulza, just outside one of the provincial capitals at Apulum. As one of the first villas in Dacia to be excavated scientifically and from multidisciplinary perspectives, the site promises to shed new light on the interplays among forms of production, cultural consumption, community formation, and incorporation into a host of new imperial networks (economic, military, and social). Aerial, geophysical, and pedestrian surveys undertaken in 2018 allowed identification of four major buildings within an enclosure: an elite residential structure; a productive zone that also seems to have housed its own community; and two storage buildings. Additionally, traces of Early and Late Iron Age occupation have been identified on site. The surveys also point to the ongoing potential of the site for future excavation
Research Interests:
The visible and invisible traces of the Roman Frontier in Dacia have been, for quite a long time, one of the most representative archaeological sites in Romania, and especially in Transylvania. On one hand, the Roman frontier in... more
The visible and invisible traces of the Roman Frontier in Dacia have been, for quite a long time, one of the most representative archaeological sites in Romania, and especially in Transylvania. On one hand, the Roman frontier in Transylvania, also known as Limes, symbolises a border between the Greek-Roman world and the local civilisations found in the regions north of the Danube. On the other hand, we rather deal with a large contact zone between the two parts of the antique ecumene. Romania decided to join the international initiative known as Frontiers of the Roman Empire (FRE) UNESCO site by inscribing on the UNESCO Heritage List the components found on its territory-the Dacian Limes and the segments of the Danubian Roman Border. The activity of preparing the nominations is conducted by several institutions. Along with the National Heritage Institute, that is responsible, by tradition, of all the UNESCO nominations in Romania, the activity also involves the National History Museum from Bucharest, the National Museum of Transylvanian History from Cluj-Napoca and the National Museum of the Eastern Carpathians from Sf. Gheorghe. The National Limes Commission has been established to coordinate all the undertaken activities and to assure proper communication between the above-mentioned institutions, both inside the national partnership and with the international partners.
Research Interests:
The demystification of history is an en vogue term used in historical research regarding the post- socialist region. One can ascertain that historical research conducted in many countries of the communist block have revealed and... more
The demystification of history is an en vogue term used in historical research regarding the post-
socialist region. One can ascertain that historical research conducted in many countries of the
communist block have revealed and superseded a whole series of historical myths and fabrications
of the preceding period. At the same time one can observe that new historical myths, with a clear
political influence, have emerged and been promoted in the communist period. In this presentation
I intend to discuss the myth of ‘The Romanisation of the ancestors of the Romanian people’, which is
a frequent topic found in Romanian and Moldavian textbooks . I also intend to track the differences
between the modern historical discourse with regard to Romanisation and the ways this phenomenon
is presented in both older and newer textbooks. As a base for my investigation I have used history
textbooks from Moldavia issued after World War II.
socialist region. One can ascertain that historical research conducted in many countries of the
communist block have revealed and superseded a whole series of historical myths and fabrications
of the preceding period. At the same time one can observe that new historical myths, with a clear
political influence, have emerged and been promoted in the communist period. In this presentation
I intend to discuss the myth of ‘The Romanisation of the ancestors of the Romanian people’, which is
a frequent topic found in Romanian and Moldavian textbooks . I also intend to track the differences
between the modern historical discourse with regard to Romanisation and the ways this phenomenon
is presented in both older and newer textbooks. As a base for my investigation I have used history
textbooks from Moldavia issued after World War II.
Research Interests:
The study evaluates the chronological variation of several categories of finds of Provincial-Roman origin discovered in the hinterland of the Roman provinces of Dacia and Moesia Inferior. The potential and limits of these categories to... more
The study evaluates the chronological variation of several categories of finds of Provincial-Roman origin
discovered in the hinterland of the Roman provinces of Dacia and Moesia Inferior. The potential and limits of
these categories to provide clues to the period of circulation of the respective pieces are discussed. At the
same time, an interpretative alternative to the paradigm of the so-called "developed economic relations"
between the Roman Empire and Barbaricum is offered to explain the causes and reasons for the spread of
objects of Provincial-Roman origin found outside the borders of the Roman Empire. The conclusions drawn
from the present research indicate that, in fact, the penetration of the so-called "provincial-Roman imports"
into Barbaricum might be linked with military conflicts between the two worlds and not to periods of peace.
discovered in the hinterland of the Roman provinces of Dacia and Moesia Inferior. The potential and limits of
these categories to provide clues to the period of circulation of the respective pieces are discussed. At the
same time, an interpretative alternative to the paradigm of the so-called "developed economic relations"
between the Roman Empire and Barbaricum is offered to explain the causes and reasons for the spread of
objects of Provincial-Roman origin found outside the borders of the Roman Empire. The conclusions drawn
from the present research indicate that, in fact, the penetration of the so-called "provincial-Roman imports"
into Barbaricum might be linked with military conflicts between the two worlds and not to periods of peace.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Abstract: The objective of the research presented in this study consisted in analysing and interpreting the relation between the setup of the defence system of Roman Province Dacia and the geographic environment characteristic for the... more
Abstract: The objective of the research presented in this study consisted in analysing and interpreting the
relation between the setup of the defence system of Roman Province Dacia and the geographic environment
characteristic for the Curvature Carpathians. In this part of our research we drew some conclusions about the role
of the Oituz Pass in the Roman defensive system in the Curvature Carpathians. Thus, the presence of Roman
fortifications on both slopes of the Carpathians shows us clearly that the „Talsperre” model is not generally
applicable for all the passes in Dacia. Analysing the information about the existence of a Roman road between SE
Transylvania and the area of the Lower Danube through Oituz Pass, we concluded that this road can be postulated
only for the period until the Romans left the territories in south Moldova and Muntenia. After that we do not
have any evidence about the use of this road. We also suppose that, during the Migration Period, the connections
between the population on both slopes of the Carpathians were done through other ways than Oituz Pass, most
probably through Buzău Pass.
relation between the setup of the defence system of Roman Province Dacia and the geographic environment
characteristic for the Curvature Carpathians. In this part of our research we drew some conclusions about the role
of the Oituz Pass in the Roman defensive system in the Curvature Carpathians. Thus, the presence of Roman
fortifications on both slopes of the Carpathians shows us clearly that the „Talsperre” model is not generally
applicable for all the passes in Dacia. Analysing the information about the existence of a Roman road between SE
Transylvania and the area of the Lower Danube through Oituz Pass, we concluded that this road can be postulated
only for the period until the Romans left the territories in south Moldova and Muntenia. After that we do not
have any evidence about the use of this road. We also suppose that, during the Migration Period, the connections
between the population on both slopes of the Carpathians were done through other ways than Oituz Pass, most
probably through Buzău Pass.
Research Interests:
Orheiul Vechi is one of the most attractive cultural sites in the Republic of Moldova and one of the most frequently discussed. The density of sites and the continuity of living in this space has made Orheiul Vechi attractive for the... more
Orheiul Vechi is one of the most attractive cultural sites in the Republic of Moldova and one of the most frequently discussed. The density of sites and the continuity of living in this space has made Orheiul Vechi attractive for the multidisciplinary research since 1946. In the context of preparing the dossier for the inscription of the historic-cultural and natural landscape reserve "Or-heiul Vechi" into the World Heritage List, a series of studies have been carried out in the last two decades. Some of these scientific approaches include non-invasive surveys in various areas of the reservation. Thus, in this article, all the results of magnetometric surveys carried out by a Moldovan-Romanian-Ger¬man team in 2009-2014, have been presented for the first time. The surveys confirmed a number of archaeological situations already known and facilitated new discoveries that should be developed in the coming years.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Prut– Q1 Q3 Dnestr region is characterized by a multifaceted cultural pattern during many archaeological periods. The diverse settlement landscape in the Copper Age reflects the specific situation in the region, with cultural... more
The Prut– Q1 Q3 Dnestr region is characterized by a multifaceted cultural pattern during many archaeological periods. The diverse settlement landscape in the Copper Age reflects the specific situation in the region, with cultural influences from the Carpathians, the Buh-Dnipro interfluve and the northern Pontic area, as visible in the medium-sized settlement of Petreni. Between 2009 and 2011 the Romano-Germanic Commission, in cooperation with Moldavian partners from the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova and the State Pedagogical University (Ion Creanga) in Chişinău, conducted three geomagnetic surveys and field surveys on Copper Age sites and settlements of the younger Sântana de Mureş Culture (Popa et al., 2010).
Research Interests:
Papers presented at the Current Trends in Archaeological Heritage Preservation conference, Romania, 2013. This publication is meant to disseminate to an audience as wide as possible the latest work of those working in the field and to... more
Papers presented at the Current Trends in Archaeological Heritage Preservation conference, Romania, 2013. This publication is meant to disseminate to an audience as wide as possible the latest work of those working in the field and to promote the latest trends in the protection and management of the archaeological heritage.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Today, limes is an en vogue term in Romania. Scientific research, heritage protection and, more recently, politic discourse-they all deal, directly or indirectly, with issues regarding the Frontiers of the Roman Empire in today's Romania.... more
Today, limes is an en vogue term in Romania. Scientific research, heritage protection and, more recently, politic discourse-they all deal, directly or indirectly, with issues regarding the Frontiers of the Roman Empire in today's Romania. In the context of nominating the Frontiers of the Roman Empire as a serial site of UNESCO World Heritage, each of the previously mentioned domains has its responsibilities towards the monument itself. In this study I focus on explaining the different understandings of the term limes. Next, I found it rather important and well-timed to discuss the main tasks and obligations of archaeological research, of the industry of tourism and of archaeological heritage protection in Romania throughout the entire process of nominating and inscribing the Limes on the UNESCO List, as well as after this process is long over.
Research Interests:
Titel: Several contributions concerning the cultural contacts between the Roman Empire and the territories located north of the Lower Danube during the late Roman period. The study discusses the challenges of interpreting the... more
Titel: Several contributions concerning the cultural contacts between the Roman Empire and the territories located north of the Lower Danube during the late Roman period.
The study discusses the challenges of interpreting the functionality of those edifices built in Roman style, found however outside the provincial borders, in particular the contribution of such buildings to the identification and interpretation of contacts between the Roman Empire and its northern neighbours, in the area of the Lower Danube, their identities, interests and experiences. The analysis is grounded on the archaeological features and contexts encountered in the middle 4 th c. AD site of Sobari (Republic of Moldova) on the Middle Dniester, resuming a previously explored situation, to which new data, emerging from recent excavations and geophysical investigations can be added. Of remarkable size for its age and cultural environment, the settlement at Sobari spreads on 30 ha. A part of it was, at one point, enclosed with a stone wall, built with paraments. Inside this enclosed space there was found a rectangular construction (18 x 10 m), with 1 m deep foundations, built of stone, bricks and mortar, covered with tegulae, part of which bared production stamps known in the Roman Empire. Fragments of glass suggest the existence of at least one window, while 16 column bases can be surely connected with a peristyle. These architectural details are completely out of place north of the Lower Danube, while the found inventory is surprisingly local, typical Sântana de Mureş-Černjachov. No heating installation was yet found. While a military role for the site is excluded, as it is located 300 km north of the closest Roman power centre, thus isolated, unable to support a defensive system, several other functionalities are in turn explored: a temple or the residence of a Roman citizen. The most reasonable interpretation is considered the one which treats the complex in Sobari as built by an experienced architect commissioned by a local aristocrat who had direct contacts with the Roman world, for example as a trader, a hostage, a soldier or an envoy.
The study discusses the challenges of interpreting the functionality of those edifices built in Roman style, found however outside the provincial borders, in particular the contribution of such buildings to the identification and interpretation of contacts between the Roman Empire and its northern neighbours, in the area of the Lower Danube, their identities, interests and experiences. The analysis is grounded on the archaeological features and contexts encountered in the middle 4 th c. AD site of Sobari (Republic of Moldova) on the Middle Dniester, resuming a previously explored situation, to which new data, emerging from recent excavations and geophysical investigations can be added. Of remarkable size for its age and cultural environment, the settlement at Sobari spreads on 30 ha. A part of it was, at one point, enclosed with a stone wall, built with paraments. Inside this enclosed space there was found a rectangular construction (18 x 10 m), with 1 m deep foundations, built of stone, bricks and mortar, covered with tegulae, part of which bared production stamps known in the Roman Empire. Fragments of glass suggest the existence of at least one window, while 16 column bases can be surely connected with a peristyle. These architectural details are completely out of place north of the Lower Danube, while the found inventory is surprisingly local, typical Sântana de Mureş-Černjachov. No heating installation was yet found. While a military role for the site is excluded, as it is located 300 km north of the closest Roman power centre, thus isolated, unable to support a defensive system, several other functionalities are in turn explored: a temple or the residence of a Roman citizen. The most reasonable interpretation is considered the one which treats the complex in Sobari as built by an experienced architect commissioned by a local aristocrat who had direct contacts with the Roman world, for example as a trader, a hostage, a soldier or an envoy.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Orheiul Vechi is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Republic of Moldova that includes traces of human habitation from the Palaeolithic age to the present. In the context of the development of the Historical... more
Orheiul Vechi is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Republic of Moldova that includes traces of human habitation from the Palaeolithic age to the present. In the context of the development of the Historical Cultural-Nature Reserve File for the inscribing in the World Monuments List, a number of researches have been carried out in recent years, including several surveys with non-invasive methods. Thus, in this article, we intend to briefly present the results of the geophysical researches carried out by us in this context, corroborating them as much as possible with the rest of the geospatial information recently made in the area of the archaeological reserve on the valley of Răut.
Research Interests:
Mălăiești Roman Fort is one of those forts abandoned by the Roman Army at the beginning of Hadrian’s reign. This reference site has only a very short term occupation between 102 and 118 AD. The research results presented here are based on... more
Mălăiești Roman Fort is one of those forts abandoned by the Roman Army at the beginning of Hadrian’s reign. This reference site has only a very short term occupation between 102 and 118 AD.
The research results presented here are based on the processing of the latest geophysical surveys of the site. The measurements were carried out with a 5-probe fluxgate gradiometer.
The interpretation of the results was carried out in a comparative way with the research results of the last century (C. Zagoriț’ plan) and also with the results of the recent excavations. The results of the surveys contribute to a better understanding of the internal planning of the Mălăieşti fort. Mainly it is about the structure and configuration of the earthen wall along with he double defense trench system. Our results confirm a part of the visual observations made by C. Zagoriț before World War Two. Based on the dimensions of the fort (160 × 180 m) and on the number (24) and size of the barracks, it can be concluded that either a cohors milliaria peditata or an ala quingenaria, at full strength, was quartered at Mălăieşti.
The research results presented here are based on the processing of the latest geophysical surveys of the site. The measurements were carried out with a 5-probe fluxgate gradiometer.
The interpretation of the results was carried out in a comparative way with the research results of the last century (C. Zagoriț’ plan) and also with the results of the recent excavations. The results of the surveys contribute to a better understanding of the internal planning of the Mălăieşti fort. Mainly it is about the structure and configuration of the earthen wall along with he double defense trench system. Our results confirm a part of the visual observations made by C. Zagoriț before World War Two. Based on the dimensions of the fort (160 × 180 m) and on the number (24) and size of the barracks, it can be concluded that either a cohors milliaria peditata or an ala quingenaria, at full strength, was quartered at Mălăieşti.
Research Interests:
The aim of this study is to discuss the current state of research of the Roman-provincial amphorae discovered in the Barbarian environment in front the Dacian-Moesian frontier of the Roman Empire. There, we identified 316 finds coming... more
The aim of this study is to discuss the current state of research of the Roman-provincial amphorae discovered in the Barbarian environment in front the Dacian-Moesian frontier of the Roman Empire. There, we identified 316 finds coming from 203 sites. To these we may also add other 73 refrences that only mention the “Roman amphorae finds”. Although the archaeological material is numerous, our knowledge on the typology, dissemination, content of the amphorae or their area of origin is modest. Moreover, these finds have been discussed in the scholarly literature within the context of the cultural- (ethnic) identity of the archaeological sites. This study further proposes an analysis of the Roman-Barbarian relations, especially of how Roman products (mainly the amphorae carrying wine and oil) reached the Barbaricum: via trade, as diplomatic gifts or stipends or as payments made to the Barbarians by the imperial administration.
Research Interests:
Some records on the Roman camp from Breţcu in light of new researches: Modern archaeological researches have come to a situation where the excavations are no longer the single appropriate method of research that lead archaeologist... more
Some records on the Roman camp from Breţcu in light of new researches:
Modern archaeological researches have come to a situation where the excavations are no longer the single appropriate
method of research that lead archaeologist actions or interpretations he proposed. The example above shows one
of the many non-invasive research opportunities that deliver significant results. Combining geomagnetic method with
others (be it the traditional method of mapping surface discoveries, or more sophisticated methods, like phosphorus
mapping and tracing microelements in soil) enables advanced interpretations of space functionality and human activities,
both from within and from outside a Roman fort.
Meanwhile, the site of Breţcu enables us to contemplate the enormous gains of live noninvasive research, the
geo-physical and geochemical investigations, combined with precision topographic measurements and 3D modeling
performance. In my opinion, it is necessary that the management plans of archaeological sites, like the one in Breţcu,
to provide a change of attitude towards archaeological excavation. I believe that it must be only ultima ratio in archaeological
research, so as to keep the chances of more performance researches, for a large number of archaeological sites,
to be made by future generations of archaeologists. I will not pretend to stop the procurement process of scientific information
through excavations in general, but I'm relying on examples from other parts of Europe, I advocate for limiting
to the maximum the excavations made for the sake of digging (with methods, technologies and equipment from the
middle twentieth century) and not according to technical and technological requirements of today science. Because,
unfortunately, once dug, the archaeological site is destroyed forever.
Modern archaeological researches have come to a situation where the excavations are no longer the single appropriate
method of research that lead archaeologist actions or interpretations he proposed. The example above shows one
of the many non-invasive research opportunities that deliver significant results. Combining geomagnetic method with
others (be it the traditional method of mapping surface discoveries, or more sophisticated methods, like phosphorus
mapping and tracing microelements in soil) enables advanced interpretations of space functionality and human activities,
both from within and from outside a Roman fort.
Meanwhile, the site of Breţcu enables us to contemplate the enormous gains of live noninvasive research, the
geo-physical and geochemical investigations, combined with precision topographic measurements and 3D modeling
performance. In my opinion, it is necessary that the management plans of archaeological sites, like the one in Breţcu,
to provide a change of attitude towards archaeological excavation. I believe that it must be only ultima ratio in archaeological
research, so as to keep the chances of more performance researches, for a large number of archaeological sites,
to be made by future generations of archaeologists. I will not pretend to stop the procurement process of scientific information
through excavations in general, but I'm relying on examples from other parts of Europe, I advocate for limiting
to the maximum the excavations made for the sake of digging (with methods, technologies and equipment from the
middle twentieth century) and not according to technical and technological requirements of today science. Because,
unfortunately, once dug, the archaeological site is destroyed forever.
Research Interests:
In this study I set out to discuss only the historical and archaeological information related to the population that inhabited the area between the border of roman Dacia and the Upper Dniester. The archaeological evidence collected in... more
In this study I set out to discuss only the historical and archaeological information related to the population that inhabited the area between the border of roman Dacia and the Upper Dniester. The archaeological evidence collected in this area resembles the one found in pre-roman Dacia, thus the region has become a focus of interest for Romanian researchers even if part of it is outside the borders of the country. In the following study I would like to shortly evaluate the main characteristics of Lipița Culture, some aspects regarding the history of its research, its connections with the roman-provincial world and the neighbouring cultural identities. I will also try to verify the hypothesis that correlates this archaeological culture with the name of a population, known from written sources of the Antiquity.
Research Interests:
The Covasna County Archaeological Repertoire mentions a roman site in the place known as “Véczer” or “Véczer farka”. Some authors mention this site as being a “roman camp”. They say its role was to control the passage through the Olt... more
The Covasna County Archaeological Repertoire mentions a roman site in the place known as “Véczer” or “Véczer farka”. Some authors mention this site as being a “roman camp”. They say its role was to control the passage through the Olt corridor between Augustin and Racoș. The arguments of this appreciation are based mostly on “logical assumptions” rather than on verifiable arguments. Our researches of the surface give us reasons to doubt the correctness in identifying a roman camp in the “Baraolt-Véczer farka” point. On the surface of the site we found a large amount of fragments belonging to masonry, tegulae, common use pottery, amphorae, terra sigillata, etc. In 2014 – 2015 we have begun a non-invasive evaluation of the site’s structure, taking a series of geomagnetic surveys on the accessible surfaces. The results of these researches, presented also during the conference, come to confirm the presence of an archaeological site at “Baraolt-Véczer farka”, with quite a consistent cultural layer. But the configuration of the discovered magnetic anomalies does not seem to confirm the existence of a roman military architecture underground. This hypothesis will be confirmed or infirmed in the following period, through punctual archaeological investigations.
Research Interests:
The purpose of the current study is to analyze the glass vessel discoveries from the hinterland of Dacia and Moesia Inferior Roman provinces. Unlike other studies in the field, the typology revealed in this paper was based on the... more
The purpose of the current study is to analyze the glass vessel discoveries from the hinterland of Dacia and Moesia Inferior Roman provinces. Unlike other studies in the field, the typology revealed in this paper was based on the functionnality of the vessels. The research findings indicate that all discoveries are of provincial-roman origin, although one cannot identify the production workshops or certain areas of provenance. The chronology of the finds shows its pulsatile character. We can most certainly delimit two chronological stages: the first began at the end of the 1st century CE and ended at the beginning of the 2nd century CE, while the second stage began in the first half of the 3rd century CE. The drinking vessels and unguentaria are predominant among the discoveries. The first stage revealed the predominance of unguentaria. Since these vessels are containers for certain cosmetic and/or medicinal products, their presence could be triggered by a request on the local markets as well as by the way goods were delivered in Barbaricum. In the second chronological stage the delivery of cosmetics and medicine in glass vessels seem to have stopped. It is obvious that the way in which the supply with glass vessels was done, differed in each micro-region.
Research Interests:
The History and Geography Faculty of the " Ion Creangă " State Pedagogical University of Chişinău (Moldova), the Römisch-Germanische Kommission des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts, Frankfurt am Main (Germany), and the Bonn University... more
The History and Geography Faculty of the " Ion Creangă " State Pedagogical University of Chişinău (Moldova), the Römisch-Germanische Kommission des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts, Frankfurt am Main (Germany), and the Bonn University has continued during Summer 2015 the investigation of a late Roman/early Migration period settlement of the Sântana-de-Mureş-Culture (c. AD 230-430/450) on the southern slope of the Cubolta Valley at Putinești, raionul Florești. The site is part of an area of settlement some 9,0 km long on the eastern edge of the Cubolta-valley, an area intensively colonized already in prehistoric times (Neolithic, Bronze Age). The Late Antiquity settlement is already known from previous fieldwork. During the last year, geomagnetic prospections and aerial photogrammetry procedures were performed. A two-chamber pottery-kiln for specialized production of the characteristic wheel-made pottery was detected during the geomagnetic prospection and documented in drill profiles. Seit Herbst 2010 führen die Römisch-Germanische Kommission des Deut-schen Archäologischen Instituts gemeinsam mit der Fakultät für Geschichts-forschung der Staatlichen Pädagogischen Universität " Ion Creangă " in Chișinău und der Rheinische Friedrich-Wilchelms-Univeristät, Bonn, Untersuchungen zu den Kulturbeziehungen der spätkaiser-/frühvölkerwanderungszeitlichen Sântana-de-Mureş-Kultur (ca. 230–430/450 n. Chr.) im Flussgebiet zwischen Prut und Dnjestr im Norden der Republik Moldau durch 2. Aufgrund der Be-ziehungen zur Wielbark-Kultur an der Weichsel im südlichen Ostseegebiet und der damit verbundenen Fragen zur Genese und Entwicklung steht diese Kultur
Research Interests:
Das Kastell Breţcu liegt vor dem Oituz-Pass im südöstlichen Siebenbürgen und sicherte eine der wichtigsten Verbindungen vom Karpatenbecken in das Barbaricum und zu den antiken Städten des nordwestlichen Schwarzmeergebietes. Seit einigen... more
Das Kastell Breţcu liegt vor dem Oituz-Pass im südöstlichen Siebenbürgen und sicherte eine der wichtigsten Verbindungen vom Karpatenbecken in das Barbaricum und zu den antiken Städten des nordwestlichen Schwarzmeergebietes. Seit einigen Jahren werden dort interdisziplinär angelegte Forschungen betrieben. Die geophysikalische Untersuchungen (Geomagnetik und Georadar) brachten aussagenkräftige Messbilder zur Struktur und zum Erhaltungszustand der Kastellbefunde.
Darüber hinaus wurde eine Pilotstudie zur mobilen Kartierung des Phosphatgehaltes innerhalb des Kastells durchgeführt. Die geophysikalischen und geochemischen Messungen haben ein großes wissenschaftliches Potential dieser Fundstelle aufgezeichnet, um die immer noch zahlreiche Fragen zur Archäologie und Geschichte der römischen Provinz Dacia beantworten zu können.
Darüber hinaus wurde eine Pilotstudie zur mobilen Kartierung des Phosphatgehaltes innerhalb des Kastells durchgeführt. Die geophysikalischen und geochemischen Messungen haben ein großes wissenschaftliches Potential dieser Fundstelle aufgezeichnet, um die immer noch zahlreiche Fragen zur Archäologie und Geschichte der römischen Provinz Dacia beantworten zu können.
Research Interests:
Current Trends in Archaeological Heritage Preservation: National and International Perspectives. Proceedings of the international conference, Iași, Romania, November 6–10, 2013
in Musteaţă, S., Caliniuc, Ş., Current Trends in Archaeological Heritage Preservation: National and International Perspectives. Proceedings of the international conference, Iași, Romania, November 6–10, 2013 (BAR International, 2741)
In this paper authors are presenting some results of the project “Cultural Relations of the Sântana de Mureș Culture between the Rivers Prut and Dniester” focuses on the settlements from area between the rivers Prut and Dniester: the... more
In this paper authors are presenting some results of the project “Cultural Relations of the Sântana de Mureș Culture between the Rivers Prut and Dniester” focuses on the settlements from area between the rivers Prut and Dniester: the Cubolta valley in the north of Moldova. The first results were achieved as part of the endeavour: (1) information about the location, size and structure (settlements, cultivated areas) of the settlement areas in relation to the landscape (location factors); (2) the relation between prehistoric (Neolithic) and protohistoric (late Antiquity) settlement clusters; (3) the structure of the settlement (farmsteads); and (4) the elaboration of studies on the settlements’ pottery: ratio of the types of wares, proportion of fine ceramics, imported pottery.
Research Interests:
The article presents shortly the state of art of the Sântana de Mureş-Černjachov necropolis at Poieneşti, Vaslui County. The archaeological diggings were conducted during years 1982 – 1985 under the supervision of Nicolae Mirițoiu. A... more
The article presents shortly the state of art of the Sântana de Mureş-Černjachov necropolis at Poieneşti, Vaslui County. The archaeological diggings were conducted during years 1982 – 1985 under the supervision of Nicolae Mirițoiu. A total of 20 complexes have been revealed. These were considered to be graves. There were also three pits that could not be identified as being graves. Out of the 20 graves 11 are burial graves, the rest being cremation graves. We intend to continue the researches at the site. On the first hand, we pursue to identify the necropolis’ territorial limits through field observations and geomagnetic surveys. On the second hand, we pursue to excavate the graves still hidden beneath the ground. Only after taking these two steps, we will be able to make credible assumptions regarding the chronology of the necropolis, its horizontal and vertical stratigraphy, and its relations with previous habitations. We hope to retrace, based on these new researches, the history of the human habitation at “Dealul Teilor” and to identify the main elements, connections and correspondences between the necropolis, presented in this article, and the settlement that is contemporary with it.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Although few in number the roman silver vessels are spread in time and space. Chronologically one can observe at least three different periods during which the silver vessels were buried under ground: the beginning stage of the 1st... more
Although few in number the roman silver vessels are spread in time and space. Chronologically one can observe at least three different periods during which the silver vessels were buried under ground: the beginning stage of the 1st Century A.D., the ending stage of the 1st Century – the beginning of the 2nd Century A.D. as well as the first half of the 3rd Century A.D. All the discovery places belong to different archaeological cultures. Most of the discovered vessels represent roman provincial imports. One exception is the goblet from Porogi that might be of Asian provenance. The contemporary archaeological research methods cannot help us determine the specific place where these vessels were made nor, at least, the region where the workshops might have been found. There is one common characteristic for all these vessels: based on their shape, where we could establish it, we were able to conclude that they were all used for drinking. In the researched areas we haven’t yet found silver vessels used for eating. When looking at this issue from a more general view we can assert that this peculiarity is not specific only for silver vessels, but for all types of roman vessels of the barbaricum. Regardless of the material they were made of vessels used for drinking prevail among others. They are found in large amounts in the graves as well. An interesting question arises in this stage: do we deal with a taken over Greek-roman wine drinking custom? The large number of south-Pontic amphorae that was found stands as proof for the consumption of wine imported from the Empire. Whether these wines were consumed according to roman customs is another question still to be answered.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Roman Fort of Nagyborosnyó (Boroşneu Mare, Covasna county) after a century of archaeological research / A nagyborosnyói római castrum egy évszázad régészeti kutatás után The first data about the Roman castrum of Boroşneu Mare... more
The Roman Fort of Nagyborosnyó (Boroşneu Mare, Covasna county) after a century of archaeological research / A nagyborosnyói római castrum egy évszázad régészeti kutatás után
The first data about the Roman castrum of Boroşneu Mare appeared in the scientific literature the mid
19th century, but only the early years of the 20th century certified her existence.
The first archaeological research in 1911 brought to the surface only evidence of Roman presence here,
and decades had to pass until revealing of the remains of a fortress by Zoltán Székely’s excavations.
After one hundred years since the first systematic archaeological research, all that we know from the
abundant literature is can be summed up that in Roman times there was a military camp here which served
as a garrison, together with several auxiliaries as well.
Since the results of the research do not offer specific information about the camp chronology, such as the
year of construction, the operation period and its abandonment; those data can be derived only from the
historical chronology of Roman Dacia, the research requires new interdisciplinary approach which is actually
in progress. / A nagyborosnyói római táborra vonatkozó első adatok már a 19. század közepén feltűntek a szakirodalomban,
de a hiteles adatok csak a 20. század elejéről származnak.
Az 1911-ben lezajlott első régészeti kutatás még csak a rómaiak itteni jelenlétére utaló leleteket hozott
a felszínre, de újabb évtizedeknek kellett eltelni, míg végül Székely Zoltán kutatásai révén sikerült felszínre
hozni az erődítmény maradványait.
Száz évvel az első rendszeres régészeti kutatások megkezdése után, összefoglalva a bőséges irodalom által
felvonultatott ismereteket, még ma is mindössze annyi állapítható meg, hogy a római korban itt egy katonai
tábor állt, amelynek helyőrségeként több segédcsapat is szolgált.
Mivel a kutatások eredményei nem hoztak konkrét adatokat a tábor kronológiájával kapcsolatban, építési
idejét, működését és elhagyását csak a római-kori Dácia történelmi kronológiájából lehet levezetni, és ezek
megállapítására további, folyamatban levő interdiszciplináris kutatások szükségesek.
The first data about the Roman castrum of Boroşneu Mare appeared in the scientific literature the mid
19th century, but only the early years of the 20th century certified her existence.
The first archaeological research in 1911 brought to the surface only evidence of Roman presence here,
and decades had to pass until revealing of the remains of a fortress by Zoltán Székely’s excavations.
After one hundred years since the first systematic archaeological research, all that we know from the
abundant literature is can be summed up that in Roman times there was a military camp here which served
as a garrison, together with several auxiliaries as well.
Since the results of the research do not offer specific information about the camp chronology, such as the
year of construction, the operation period and its abandonment; those data can be derived only from the
historical chronology of Roman Dacia, the research requires new interdisciplinary approach which is actually
in progress. / A nagyborosnyói római táborra vonatkozó első adatok már a 19. század közepén feltűntek a szakirodalomban,
de a hiteles adatok csak a 20. század elejéről származnak.
Az 1911-ben lezajlott első régészeti kutatás még csak a rómaiak itteni jelenlétére utaló leleteket hozott
a felszínre, de újabb évtizedeknek kellett eltelni, míg végül Székely Zoltán kutatásai révén sikerült felszínre
hozni az erődítmény maradványait.
Száz évvel az első rendszeres régészeti kutatások megkezdése után, összefoglalva a bőséges irodalom által
felvonultatott ismereteket, még ma is mindössze annyi állapítható meg, hogy a római korban itt egy katonai
tábor állt, amelynek helyőrségeként több segédcsapat is szolgált.
Mivel a kutatások eredményei nem hoztak konkrét adatokat a tábor kronológiájával kapcsolatban, építési
idejét, működését és elhagyását csak a római-kori Dácia történelmi kronológiájából lehet levezetni, és ezek
megállapítására további, folyamatban levő interdiszciplináris kutatások szükségesek.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
together with Andrea Chiricescu and Mihai Chiricescu
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ISBN: 9781841718057 The present study concentrates on the question whether the time around the birth of Christ was a period of change for ancient Germania. In order to approach this question the extensive find material (including fibulae... more
ISBN: 9781841718057
The present study concentrates on the question whether the time around the birth of Christ was a period of change for ancient Germania. In order to approach this question the extensive find material (including fibulae forms) was structured chronologically by means of selected cemeteries and individual graves. It becomes clear that, at least in continental Europe, the change of the material culture occurred in comparable periods and thus the formation of horizons of more than just regional validity is possible. The material remains of the period around the birth of Christ were divided into five horizons, starting with the horizon of bent fibulae before the mid 1st cent. B.C. and ending after the mid 1st cent. A.D. In German with an English summary.
The present study concentrates on the question whether the time around the birth of Christ was a period of change for ancient Germania. In order to approach this question the extensive find material (including fibulae forms) was structured chronologically by means of selected cemeteries and individual graves. It becomes clear that, at least in continental Europe, the change of the material culture occurred in comparable periods and thus the formation of horizons of more than just regional validity is possible. The material remains of the period around the birth of Christ were divided into five horizons, starting with the horizon of bent fibulae before the mid 1st cent. B.C. and ending after the mid 1st cent. A.D. In German with an English summary.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Common salt (sodium chloride) is an invisible object for archaeological research, but the ancient texts, the history, the ethnography and our everyday life confirm that both Man and Animal cannot live without it. Salt is a primordial... more
Common salt (sodium chloride) is an invisible object for archaeological research, but the ancient texts, the history, the ethnography and our everyday life confirm that both Man and Animal cannot live without it. Salt is a primordial reference for humanity. This “fifth element” is universal in a double sense, diachronically and diatopically. How can archaeology and related disciplines or sciences approximate this soluble good, this “white gold”, this invisible past?
From the diatopic and diachronic perspective, common salt—with all its natural or artificial metamorphoses—has influenced humanity in the most diverse aspects. This is why, within a brief enumeration, the salt-related research themes are intriguingly various: explorations (hunting for salt), exploitation techniques, techniques to obtain different products, exploitation and use tools, transport and storage containers, human and animal feeding, conservation (meat, bacon, cheese, vegetables, green goods, fruits). The themes also include manufacture-related uses (including the construction of salt houses), mythology, religion, cult, rituals, beliefs, superstitions, mentalities, secret societies, magic, vows, curses, prohibitions, popular medicine, sexuality, economy, hide working, population, alchemical procedures, scientific and cultural representations, treatment of the deceased, barter, commerce, contraband, robbery.
On the other hand, the themes also include human and animal mobility, the attraction exerted on savage beasts, symbolic uses, folk literature (stories, tales, and proverbs) and cult literature, the control of salt resources, conflicts, strategic value, geographic perceptions, professions related to salt exploitation and uses, economic, legal and administrative regulations, vocabulary, toponymy, anthroponomy and the list can go on.
All these themes already constitute a study object for an impressive number of sciences, disciplines, or sub-disciplines, such as archaeology, heritage studies, history, ethnography, ethnoarchaeology, economic anthropology, food sciences, statistics, sociology, geology, mineralogy, geography, hydrology, botany, chemistry, medicine, pharmacology, ethology, theology, agronomy, symbology, linguistics, folklore studies, cultural studies, literary studies, hermeneutics, legal sciences, etc. Obviously, some themes must be approached only in an interdisciplinary vision.
From the diatopic and diachronic perspective, common salt—with all its natural or artificial metamorphoses—has influenced humanity in the most diverse aspects. This is why, within a brief enumeration, the salt-related research themes are intriguingly various: explorations (hunting for salt), exploitation techniques, techniques to obtain different products, exploitation and use tools, transport and storage containers, human and animal feeding, conservation (meat, bacon, cheese, vegetables, green goods, fruits). The themes also include manufacture-related uses (including the construction of salt houses), mythology, religion, cult, rituals, beliefs, superstitions, mentalities, secret societies, magic, vows, curses, prohibitions, popular medicine, sexuality, economy, hide working, population, alchemical procedures, scientific and cultural representations, treatment of the deceased, barter, commerce, contraband, robbery.
On the other hand, the themes also include human and animal mobility, the attraction exerted on savage beasts, symbolic uses, folk literature (stories, tales, and proverbs) and cult literature, the control of salt resources, conflicts, strategic value, geographic perceptions, professions related to salt exploitation and uses, economic, legal and administrative regulations, vocabulary, toponymy, anthroponomy and the list can go on.
All these themes already constitute a study object for an impressive number of sciences, disciplines, or sub-disciplines, such as archaeology, heritage studies, history, ethnography, ethnoarchaeology, economic anthropology, food sciences, statistics, sociology, geology, mineralogy, geography, hydrology, botany, chemistry, medicine, pharmacology, ethology, theology, agronomy, symbology, linguistics, folklore studies, cultural studies, literary studies, hermeneutics, legal sciences, etc. Obviously, some themes must be approached only in an interdisciplinary vision.