- Arad Museum.
G. Enescu Square No. 1.
Arad.
Roumania
- Medieval Archaeology, Medieval Church Archaeology, Funerary Archaeology, Medieval Material Culture, Ceramics and medieval rural settlements (Archaeology), Medieval Pottery Kilns, and 26 moreOttoman Archaeology, Arpadian Age, Medieval Monasticism, Benedictine Monasticism, Medieval Landscapes, Medieval Fortifications, Stove Tiles, Archaeological GIS, Historical Geography, Archaeological Fieldwork, Medieval Games, Bone, antler, ivory and horn working, Medieval Hungary, Geo-spatial analysis with GIS and GPS, Medieval rural settlement, Early Medieval Archaeology, Medieval Church History, Archaeology Of The Migration Period And The Early Middle Ages, Medieval History, Archaeology of the Hungarian Conquerors, Medieval church architecture, Rural Settlement, Settlement archaeology, Urban archaeology, Archaeology of the Avars, and Archaeologyedit
The prestige item, as social symbol, and its concept has been present since the first social structures, since the leader or the leading elite was inclined to signal and symbolise their distinct status. The term ‘prestige goods’ refers to... more
The prestige item, as social symbol, and its concept has been present since the first social structures, since the leader or the leading elite was inclined to signal and symbolise their distinct status. The term ‘prestige goods’ refers to high-value luxury items, while the prestige items of the 10th century were related to the use of weapons. These prestige items have to be integrated in the symbolical communication devices through the “funerary horizon” of a group status and delivered the powerful visual statements of identity and visualising power. However, we have to make a quantitative distinction between finds in small and large quantities. The small quantity of “Group A” may indicate that these can be integrated into the visual communication system of a smaller group and in a period characterized by “competitive”, loose structures could indirectly symbolize the individual’s, mostly the warrior’s, chief’s, man’s etc. often temporary status (big-men). The chorological analyses draw attention to the fact that only a part of them is concentrated in a specific “Core Region” (Upper Tisa valley).
The distribution of the finds that can be called prestige goods indicate that the occupation of the Carpathian Basin, the conquest of the area, and the populations found here, and the structural integration of their elites, can be roughly interpreted as a political process in the direction of N → S, or N → SE, N → SW, from the upper elite to the lower layers of society.
The distribution of the finds that can be called prestige goods indicate that the occupation of the Carpathian Basin, the conquest of the area, and the populations found here, and the structural integration of their elites, can be roughly interpreted as a political process in the direction of N → S, or N → SE, N → SW, from the upper elite to the lower layers of society.
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Rescue excavation from Pecica-Duvenbeck from the year 2018 unearthed 582 complexes related to various periods, among them two groups of graves datable in the 7/8-9 th centuries. In a grave, complex no. 20A, there has been identified a... more
Rescue excavation from Pecica-Duvenbeck from the year 2018 unearthed 582 complexes related to various periods, among them two groups of graves datable in the 7/8-9 th centuries. In a grave, complex no. 20A, there has been identified a pot, which has under the throat an incised cross sign. The skeleton, partially disturbed at the time of its robbery, seems to have been a woman adultus/maturus, with an estimated age of over 30 years. Besides presenting this interesting discovery, we also proposed a debate on the problem of the radiocarbon dating of the grave, because the same samples of the skeleton were analysed in two laboratories getting antagonistic results. However, in the light of typo chronology and the results of the other 8 samples from other graves in this funerary site, we can conclude that the grave can be dated at the end of the 7 th and the first half of the 8 th century. Out of the ceramic pot of the grave from Pecica, in only two cases we have been able to document cross-shaped marks on the wall of vessels in the Avar funerary environment (7-8 th centuries); even cross-shaped marks were found in such non-Christian funerary contexts. Therefore, we think that the cross-shaped mark on the Pecica pot-in an environment dominated by a cultural habitus entirely different from the Christian world-was not a Christian symbol, but an interpretation as an apotropaic, i.e. as a symbol adopted and transformed according to the pagan mentalities of the 8 th century, is a more plausible explanation.
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The rescue archaeological excavations carried out in recent years due to infrastructure works or spatial arrangements for business and services in the administrative territory of Pecica (Arad County, Romania), have simultaneously... more
The rescue archaeological excavations carried out in recent years due to infrastructure works or spatial arrangements for business and services in the administrative territory of Pecica (Arad County, Romania), have simultaneously uncovered parts of settlements, as well as burials pertaining to funerary sites. In the context of the archaeological preventive excavations related to the building of the Nădlac-Pecica section of the A1 Highway, the archaeological team of the Satu Mare County Museum investigated, among others, an area of roughly 101 m 2 , ca. 2 km ENE of the city of Pecica, subsequently known as Site 15. The investigations resulted in the identification of 469 archaeological features, from eight different periods, among which two groups of graves from the Early Avar period. The grave Ft. 239 was uncovered almost at the margin of the excavation, about 5 m south from the graves Ft. 223 and 224. The deceased was placed face down (ventral decubitus) (prone burial), i.e., with hands stretched out next to the body (the right one), respectively placed under the pelvis (the left one). From the position of the hands, it can be concluded that they were not tied to each other. On the base of the elements of the material culture deposited in the grave and the 14C analysis, the grave can be dated between 600-641. The prone burial of the deceased (a woman in the current case), i.e., has no analogues in the Lower Mureș region, and according to the repertory made (195 burial sites) it is almost completely absent from the burial sites of the 6-7th centuries. Generally, graves with individuals buried face down were interpreted as a post-mortem punishment of the deceased (and possibly relatives) in the form of post-mortem exclusion and degradation, or as an apotropaic rite of banishing potential negative energies that could emanate from the dead, e.g., "evil eye". In our opinion, these two interpretations are parts of a single system of thought, because in both cases the core is the fear of the buried individual. In the case of grave 239 from Pecica-Site 15, in the absence of histological and paleopathological analyses, we cannot link the fear of the micro-community to any disease, which visually would have caused it. Thereby, at the current stage of research, we believe that we are dealing with a ritual in which the community "insured" itself against the deceased and her soul that could return.
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Taking into account the fact that these graves were dispersed over a large territory (cca 1.8 ha), at a distance of dozens of meters from one another, without any organised character of the funerary place (like other cemeteries), and with... more
Taking into account the fact that these graves were dispersed over a large territory (cca 1.8 ha), at a distance of dozens of meters from one another, without any organised character of the funerary place (like other cemeteries), and with a heterogeneity of orientations, we suppose that these individuals were not related biologically and did not form a community, but that they were buried by different mobile communities at different times. In conclusion, it seems that the so-called “individual dating” of these graves could be the best method for understanding the character of this funerary place...
As a consequence, 14C AMS data from Pecica-“Est/Smart Diesel” Grave 448 (between 439–600), Nădlac-1M Grave Ftr. 86 (the burial has been dated between 532–606 AD) (Gáll, Mărginean 2020, 388: Fig. 11), and other graves from Makó-Mikocsa halom (Gulyás et al. 2018), challenges us to ask the question: before the year 568 could other migrations from east towards the Carpathian Basin have happened?
As a consequence, 14C AMS data from Pecica-“Est/Smart Diesel” Grave 448 (between 439–600), Nădlac-1M Grave Ftr. 86 (the burial has been dated between 532–606 AD) (Gáll, Mărginean 2020, 388: Fig. 11), and other graves from Makó-Mikocsa halom (Gulyás et al. 2018), challenges us to ask the question: before the year 568 could other migrations from east towards the Carpathian Basin have happened?
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In the scientific debates published to date, there is a huge number of contributions addressing the archaeological spectrum of burial sites in the Transylvanian Basin, Oltenia, and Muntenia from a general and comprehensive perspective,... more
In the scientific debates published to date, there is a huge number of contributions addressing the archaeological spectrum of burial sites in the Transylvanian Basin, Oltenia, and Muntenia from a general and comprehensive perspective, however, without taking into account regional or microregional conditions.
This omission is mainly caused by an antagonistic presumption of uniformity, perpetuated in the theoretical approaches in archaeology.
This article proposes to debate the lack of burial sites in certain regions of the Transylvanian Basin, Oltenia and Muntenia and it explains this hiatus to a lesser extent by the current state of research and much more probably by the differences in burial customs, respectively by the differently demographical indexes between these regions. Thus, the lack of funerary sites in the aforementioned regions, can be attributed primarily to the fact that in the 8‒10/11th centuries these areas were a kind of “stateless”, unintegrated into the “network” of powers in the early medieval times (“Avar”, “Bulgarian”, or “Hungarian”). Thus, without a doubt, in these regions, the identification of the funerary behaviour of the populations from the 7th‒10th centuries remains one of the future challenges for the archaeologists of the early medieval period.
Keywords: 7/8–10th Centuries, Transylvanian Basin, Muntenia, Oltenia, funerary sites, lack of burial sites, cultural habitus
This omission is mainly caused by an antagonistic presumption of uniformity, perpetuated in the theoretical approaches in archaeology.
This article proposes to debate the lack of burial sites in certain regions of the Transylvanian Basin, Oltenia and Muntenia and it explains this hiatus to a lesser extent by the current state of research and much more probably by the differences in burial customs, respectively by the differently demographical indexes between these regions. Thus, the lack of funerary sites in the aforementioned regions, can be attributed primarily to the fact that in the 8‒10/11th centuries these areas were a kind of “stateless”, unintegrated into the “network” of powers in the early medieval times (“Avar”, “Bulgarian”, or “Hungarian”). Thus, without a doubt, in these regions, the identification of the funerary behaviour of the populations from the 7th‒10th centuries remains one of the future challenges for the archaeologists of the early medieval period.
Keywords: 7/8–10th Centuries, Transylvanian Basin, Muntenia, Oltenia, funerary sites, lack of burial sites, cultural habitus
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The construction of a playground in the park near the Arad Museum led to the discovery of archaeological finds. Rescue archaeological excavations carried out during 2008 led to the identification of a Bronze Age cultural layer. The study... more
The construction of a playground in the park near the Arad Museum led to the discovery of
archaeological finds. Rescue archaeological excavations carried out during 2008 led to the identification of a
Bronze Age cultural layer. The study of the pottery found in this layer led to the conclusion that the fragments
in question were decorated in the manner of the Gáva style, – i.e. the Late Bronze Age. Over the years, in the
central area of Arad, numerous finds have been discovered, which indicate the existence of an important Gáva
settlement. In addition to the finds mentioned above, four burials were uncovered, without funerary inventory,
oriented west-east. These most probably belong to the modern period.
archaeological finds. Rescue archaeological excavations carried out during 2008 led to the identification of a
Bronze Age cultural layer. The study of the pottery found in this layer led to the conclusion that the fragments
in question were decorated in the manner of the Gáva style, – i.e. the Late Bronze Age. Over the years, in the
central area of Arad, numerous finds have been discovered, which indicate the existence of an important Gáva
settlement. In addition to the finds mentioned above, four burials were uncovered, without funerary inventory,
oriented west-east. These most probably belong to the modern period.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Funerary Archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Romanian Archaeology, and 10 morethe Carpathian Basin, Bronze Age of the Carpathian Basin, Late Bronze Age, Cemeteries, Historic Cemetery, Gava culture, Arad county, Early Modern Archaeology, Gava - Holihrady Culture, and Arad Museum
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F. Mărginean, M. H. K. Hőgyes, S. Peter, E. Gáll: “The Outskirts of the Khagans”. An Overview of the Avar Age Burial Sites near Pecica. In: Avars and Slavs. To sides of a belt strap end–Avars on the north and the south of the Khaganate. Eds.: A. Rapan Papeša–A. Dugonjić. MAZ 5. Zagreb 2022, 240–255.more
1. According to earlier military maps, the funerary sites from the Avar Period near Pecica were situated next to the delta-like estuary of the Mureș, crisscrossed by small streams (Cseh-ér and Forgács-ér). 2. The Avar Period burial... more
1. According to earlier military maps, the funerary sites from the Avar Period near Pecica were situated next to the delta-like estuary of the Mureș, crisscrossed by small streams (Cseh-ér and Forgács-ér).
2. The Avar Period burial sites near Pecica present multifarious characteristics that most probably can be related to the lifestyle of the populations in the 6/7th – 9th centuries. In this respect, the burial sites in the Early Avar Age with a low number of burials are signs of a mobile, pastoralist way of life of the communities in this period (funerary sites from Smart Diesel, Site 15), while the burial sites with a larger number of graves, which have been dated from the last decades of the 7th century onwards, would belong to the settled, “peasant” communities.
3. The early dated of the graves from Pecica-Rovine (the end of the 6th century – first half of the 7th century) based on 14C analyses could represent signs of the existence in this area of pre-Avar Period populations?
4. The NW – SE and the W – E orientations of the early graves from Pecica-Duvenbeck and Pecica-Rovine/Căprăvanul Mic draw attention to the fact that not all graves in the region of Transtisza were oriented an E – W direction. From this perspective, the “cultural unity” of the Transtisza region in the 6 – 7th, and 8 – 9th centuries, respectively, appears to be much less plausible.
2. The Avar Period burial sites near Pecica present multifarious characteristics that most probably can be related to the lifestyle of the populations in the 6/7th – 9th centuries. In this respect, the burial sites in the Early Avar Age with a low number of burials are signs of a mobile, pastoralist way of life of the communities in this period (funerary sites from Smart Diesel, Site 15), while the burial sites with a larger number of graves, which have been dated from the last decades of the 7th century onwards, would belong to the settled, “peasant” communities.
3. The early dated of the graves from Pecica-Rovine (the end of the 6th century – first half of the 7th century) based on 14C analyses could represent signs of the existence in this area of pre-Avar Period populations?
4. The NW – SE and the W – E orientations of the early graves from Pecica-Duvenbeck and Pecica-Rovine/Căprăvanul Mic draw attention to the fact that not all graves in the region of Transtisza were oriented an E – W direction. From this perspective, the “cultural unity” of the Transtisza region in the 6 – 7th, and 8 – 9th centuries, respectively, appears to be much less plausible.
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bstract: The extensive infrastructure works of the last decade have permitted the execution of largescale preventive archaeological excavations, which has allowed the investigation of sites across significant surface areas. The results... more
bstract: The extensive infrastructure works of the last decade have permitted the execution of largescale preventive archaeological excavations, which has allowed the investigation of sites across significant
surface areas. The results thus obtained have shed new light on different periods of prehistory, antiquity,
and the Middle Ages. In the present case, the results of the preventive archaeological excavations carried
out around the town of Pecica have led to the discovery of pottery kilns and other annexes and structures
attributable to potters’ workshops in several places. Their distribution, as well as their organisation and
the resulting plan of the seven points recorded around the town of Pecica provide a picture of what is likely
one of the largest pottery centre in the entire Carpathian Basin during the Árpád period. The present
study is a preamble, but in the same time a reference regarding the state of research on such installations
in the Lower Mureș area. Moreover, we also considered it useful to briefly examine the finds from the
eastern half of the Carpathian Basin (Banat, Crișana and Transylvania), by listing the sites with pottery
kilns datable to the Árpád period.
Keywords: pottery kilns, workshops, pottery, Árpád era, Lower Mures Basin.
surface areas. The results thus obtained have shed new light on different periods of prehistory, antiquity,
and the Middle Ages. In the present case, the results of the preventive archaeological excavations carried
out around the town of Pecica have led to the discovery of pottery kilns and other annexes and structures
attributable to potters’ workshops in several places. Their distribution, as well as their organisation and
the resulting plan of the seven points recorded around the town of Pecica provide a picture of what is likely
one of the largest pottery centre in the entire Carpathian Basin during the Árpád period. The present
study is a preamble, but in the same time a reference regarding the state of research on such installations
in the Lower Mureș area. Moreover, we also considered it useful to briefly examine the finds from the
eastern half of the Carpathian Basin (Banat, Crișana and Transylvania), by listing the sites with pottery
kilns datable to the Árpád period.
Keywords: pottery kilns, workshops, pottery, Árpád era, Lower Mures Basin.
Research Interests:
În urma săpăturilor de salvare de la Pecica-Duvenbeck din anul 2018 au fost descoperite 582 de complexe din diferite perioade, printre care două grupuri de morminte databile în secolele VIII–IX. Într-un mormânt, notat complexul nr. 20a, a... more
În urma săpăturilor de salvare de la Pecica-Duvenbeck din anul 2018 au fost descoperite 582 de complexe din diferite perioade, printre care două grupuri de morminte databile în secolele VIII–IX. Într-un mormânt, notat complexul nr. 20a, a fost identificat un vas ceramic. Sub gâtul vasului a fost înregistrată o cruce incizată înainte de ardere. Scheletul, deranjat parțial în momentul jefuirii acestuia se pare că a fost al unei femei adultus/maturus , cu o vârstă estimată de peste 30 ani. Pe lângă prezentarea acestei interesante descoperiri, am dorit să abordăm și problema proceselor psihologice privind transferurile și preluării simbolurilor, respectiv cum am putea interpreta aceste fenomene complexe.
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Two graves, with altogether four skeletons, discovered near Pecica and buried in W–E orientation, offer us the possibility of a more nuanced analysis of the cultural realities of the groups of people living in the Trans-Tisza region in... more
Two graves, with altogether four skeletons, discovered near Pecica and buried in W–E orientation, offer us the possibility of a more nuanced analysis of the cultural realities of the groups of people living in the Trans-Tisza region in the 6 th and 7th centuries. However, the amber and earring finds allow us to contemplate communication networks in the early Avar Age and their significant transformation by the late Avar period. Placing these transformations in the first half of the 7th century, they explain the appearance of some rare goods, like ambers, in the region of Pecica.
Research Interests: Funerary Archaeology, AMS 14C dating, 14C dating (Archaeology), Archaeology of the Avars, Amber, and 9 moreAmber Road, 14C Age Calibration, radiocarbon dating, Amber Trade, Baltic amber, Early Avar Age, Late Antique subject-type, Early Avar Period, 6th century Pannonia, Amber Route at the Middle Danube Area, and Earrings
Archaeological rescue excavations of the past decade, carried out due to infrastructure investments, have led to discovering new traces of the early medieval period in the Lower Mureş Basin. The building arrangements in 2014 of a parking... more
Archaeological rescue excavations of the past decade, carried out due to infrastructure investments, have led to discovering new traces of the early medieval period in the Lower Mureş Basin. The building
arrangements in 2014 of a parking area for trucks near Pecica revealed a multi-layered archaeological site (fortynine archaeological features belonging to four archaeological periods), datable in four chronological horizons as follows: the Sarmatian period, the Early Avar period, the post-Avar period, and the late medieval period
(overlapped by the Ottoman period).
In the present article, only a few features will be analysed, which seem
to belong to the Early Avar horizon of habitation like the two graves situated in the immediate vicinity, treated separately in another study.
The dwelling from Pecica- Rovine/Căprăvanul Mic can be dated quite
clearly within the Avar habitation of the Lower Mureș Basin in the first half of the 7th century, this chronological classification being assured by the 14C data.
arrangements in 2014 of a parking area for trucks near Pecica revealed a multi-layered archaeological site (fortynine archaeological features belonging to four archaeological periods), datable in four chronological horizons as follows: the Sarmatian period, the Early Avar period, the post-Avar period, and the late medieval period
(overlapped by the Ottoman period).
In the present article, only a few features will be analysed, which seem
to belong to the Early Avar horizon of habitation like the two graves situated in the immediate vicinity, treated separately in another study.
The dwelling from Pecica- Rovine/Căprăvanul Mic can be dated quite
clearly within the Avar habitation of the Lower Mureș Basin in the first half of the 7th century, this chronological classification being assured by the 14C data.
Research Interests:
În dezbaterile științifice publicate până în prezent, există un număr imens de contribuții care abordează spectrul arheologic al siturilor de înmormântare din Bazinul Transilvaniei, Oltenia și Muntenia dintr‑o perspectivă generală și... more
În dezbaterile științifice publicate până în prezent, există un număr imens de contribuții care abordează spectrul arheologic al siturilor de înmormântare din Bazinul Transilvaniei, Oltenia și Muntenia dintr‑o perspectivă generală și cuprinzătoare, însă, fără a lua în considerare condițiile regionale sau microregionale.
Această omisiune este cauzată în principal de o prezumție antagonică de uniformitate, perpetuată în abordările teoretice din arheologie.
Acest articol propune dezbaterea lipsei locurilor de înmormântare în anumite regiuni din Bazinul Transilvaniei, Oltenia și Muntenia și explică acest hiatus într‑o măsură mai mică prin stadiul actual al cercetării și mai mult, probabil, prin diferențele dintre obiceiurile de înmormântare, respectiv prin indici demografici diferiți între aceste regiuni.
Această omisiune este cauzată în principal de o prezumție antagonică de uniformitate, perpetuată în abordările teoretice din arheologie.
Acest articol propune dezbaterea lipsei locurilor de înmormântare în anumite regiuni din Bazinul Transilvaniei, Oltenia și Muntenia și explică acest hiatus într‑o măsură mai mică prin stadiul actual al cercetării și mai mult, probabil, prin diferențele dintre obiceiurile de înmormântare, respectiv prin indici demografici diferiți între aceste regiuni.
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The restoration works performed over several years at the Reformed church in Iermata Neagră have allowed specialists to embark upon wall-face and preventive archaeological researches. The two archaeological campaigns performed in 2008... more
The restoration works performed over several years at the Reformed church in Iermata Neagră have allowed specialists to embark upon wall-face and preventive archaeological researches. The two archaeological
campaigns performed in 2008 and 2016, as well as the analysis of the masonry structure, have led to the reconstruction of the monument’s relative chronology. We have focused on the identification of the planimetry and of the medieval phases of the church, as well as on the impact of the modern reconstructions.
Since 2000 specialists have known that fragments of wall painting from the beginning of the 15th century or the beginning of the subsequent century have been preserved in the nave of the church. Before 2000 they thought that the wall paintings had been destroyed at the latest around 1889. The preserved fragments provided clear indications of the existence of remains from the medieval structure of the church, less known due to the transformations over time. We have also identified segments of the medieval foundations in the opened trial archaeological trenches. The rehabilitation works have revealed the planimetry and the volumetry of a village parish church that can now be added to an otherwise short list of medieval stone edifices researched on the territory of the present-day county of Arad.
campaigns performed in 2008 and 2016, as well as the analysis of the masonry structure, have led to the reconstruction of the monument’s relative chronology. We have focused on the identification of the planimetry and of the medieval phases of the church, as well as on the impact of the modern reconstructions.
Since 2000 specialists have known that fragments of wall painting from the beginning of the 15th century or the beginning of the subsequent century have been preserved in the nave of the church. Before 2000 they thought that the wall paintings had been destroyed at the latest around 1889. The preserved fragments provided clear indications of the existence of remains from the medieval structure of the church, less known due to the transformations over time. We have also identified segments of the medieval foundations in the opened trial archaeological trenches. The rehabilitation works have revealed the planimetry and the volumetry of a village parish church that can now be added to an otherwise short list of medieval stone edifices researched on the territory of the present-day county of Arad.
Research Interests:
The construction of Dionisius’ Monastery (Dienesmonostora) north of River Crișul Alb /Fehér Körös/ is connected to the early history of the area around the settlement of Ineu /Borosjenő/ (Arad County). The monastery of Dienesmonostora is... more
The construction of Dionisius’ Monastery (Dienesmonostora) north of River Crișul Alb /Fehér Körös/ is connected
to the early history of the area around the settlement of Ineu /Borosjenő/ (Arad County). The monastery of
Dienesmonostora is mentioned in the written sources since the 12th century and it was an important family-founded
monastic institution. In time, the traces of the old abbey disappeared both from the landscape and from the local
memory. It seems that building materials were taken from the abbey starting at the end of the Middle Ages, for
the erection of the fortification of Ineu, so that the on-site location of the monastery was somewhat ambiguous
nowadays. Through several field researches performed in the area between the former mill of Bălucana, Crișul
Alb, and Canalul Morilor (Malom csatorna) we were able to locate an area with both material culture remains and
especially brick fragments and architectural components. Corroborating these data with the analysis of maps and
especially satellite images we were able to note that a precinct measuring ca. 100 x 100 m. can be identified in that
area. Based on the data thus obtained we have decided to scan the ground through georadar measurements (GPR)
in order to locate and map the perimeter.
to the early history of the area around the settlement of Ineu /Borosjenő/ (Arad County). The monastery of
Dienesmonostora is mentioned in the written sources since the 12th century and it was an important family-founded
monastic institution. In time, the traces of the old abbey disappeared both from the landscape and from the local
memory. It seems that building materials were taken from the abbey starting at the end of the Middle Ages, for
the erection of the fortification of Ineu, so that the on-site location of the monastery was somewhat ambiguous
nowadays. Through several field researches performed in the area between the former mill of Bălucana, Crișul
Alb, and Canalul Morilor (Malom csatorna) we were able to locate an area with both material culture remains and
especially brick fragments and architectural components. Corroborating these data with the analysis of maps and
especially satellite images we were able to note that a precinct measuring ca. 100 x 100 m. can be identified in that
area. Based on the data thus obtained we have decided to scan the ground through georadar measurements (GPR)
in order to locate and map the perimeter.
Research Interests:
Four graves were excavated on site 1M at Nădlac. They could be dated to the the second part of the 6th century and the first part of the 7th century AD. Based on the 14C analysis, grave 86 can most probably be dated between 532 and 609... more
Four graves were excavated on site 1M at Nădlac. They could be dated to the the second part of the 6th century and the first part of the 7th century AD. Based on the 14C analysis, grave 86 can most probably be dated between 532 and 609 AD. This result indicates that the woman inhumed in the grave, aged 40-55 years, was very probably an immigrant who came from the East. The funerary rituals documented on site 1M in Nădlac can fit within the repertory of the regional environment characteristic of the area east of the Tisa in the the 6th and 7th centuries.
Certain aspects of the ritual, however, like the burial of an entire calf in grave 86, draw attention to the danger of generalizations.
In addition, we have attempted to perform a brief analysis of various aspects of the development of the different concepts related to the nomadic lifestyle of the analyzed populations.
Certain aspects of the ritual, however, like the burial of an entire calf in grave 86, draw attention to the danger of generalizations.
In addition, we have attempted to perform a brief analysis of various aspects of the development of the different concepts related to the nomadic lifestyle of the analyzed populations.
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Archaeological investigations at the archaeological site Conop-”Cotărci/Pătul” were carried out in 2018 summer, connected to the modernisation of the railway infrastructure between Curtici and Simeria. The archaeological features... more
Archaeological investigations at the archaeological site Conop-”Cotărci/Pătul” were carried out in 2018 summer, connected to the modernisation of the railway infrastructure between Curtici and Simeria. The archaeological features
unearthed at the site dated from the late Bronze Age, the late La Tène period, the beginning of the Hunnic period, and from the Middle Ages. The aim of the paper is to present the archaeological finds and features from the
Hunnic period (last third of the 4th–first third of the 5th century), and to examine the role of the site in the context of its
geographical position: it is in the contact zone between two neighbouring areas characterized by two distinct cultures,
the late Sarmatian Barbaricum and the so called ”post-Chernyakhov” territory.
The modest archaeological material comprises twelve features from the beginning of the Hunnic period, which
contained potsherds and a bronze brooch. The ceramic finds suggest that the vessels at the site were specific and characteristic from the technological and typological point of view. The share of the wheel-thrown fine ware within
the material shows similarities with that at the late Sarmatian sites in the Great Hungarian Plain, and it exceeds the
proportion of wheel-thrown fine ware at the Chernyakhovian and ”post-Chernyakhovian” sites in the Transylvanian
Basin. As far as the typological characteristics of the wheel-thrown fine ware are concerned, one can observe an amalgamation of shapes characteristic in the Sarmatian Barbaricum on the Great Hungarian Plain and those from
the Chernyakhovian territories in the Transylvanian Basin. For example, two types of bowls can be distinguished, with semispherical and biconical shapes. The fast wheel-thrown gritty ware is not a typical technological category
among the Sarmatian pottery in the lowland part of the Lower Maros Valley. In contrast, it appears in Conop, as well
as at the Chernyakhovian sites in the Transylvanian Basin. Wheel turned pots tempered with quartzite and crushed
pebble compose the most interesting group at the site from the technological point of view. The characteristic shape
and decoration suggests links to the late Sarmatian sites of the Great Hungarian Plain. Here, this technological type
of pottery appeared at the end of the 4th century without any precedent, while in the material of the Chernyakhovian
sites in the Transylvanian Basin it was a widely applied technology from the 4th century on. Quartzite for the wheel
turned pots – used for tempering the clay – was ”imported” from the territory of the Transylvanian Basin to the Great
Hungarian Plain, since, according to the geological structures of the Great Hungarian Plain, this component was not
available in the lowland area.
All necessary conditions were present at the Chernyakhovian sites in the Transylvanian Basin to produce this type
of pottery already from the 4th century: the technology of wheel turning, as well as certain shapes of pots, decorations,
and the primary commodity for tempering, quartzite. Consequently, one can presume that the appearence of the type
in the Great Hungarian Plain at the end of the 4th century might have been linked to a technological transfer from the
Transylvanian Basin. The proof of this hypothesis requires further research. Neverthless, one should take into account
that the above-mentioned territories were integrated into the structure of the Hun Empire from the end of the 4th
century, which might have facilitated the transfer of technologies and objects.
unearthed at the site dated from the late Bronze Age, the late La Tène period, the beginning of the Hunnic period, and from the Middle Ages. The aim of the paper is to present the archaeological finds and features from the
Hunnic period (last third of the 4th–first third of the 5th century), and to examine the role of the site in the context of its
geographical position: it is in the contact zone between two neighbouring areas characterized by two distinct cultures,
the late Sarmatian Barbaricum and the so called ”post-Chernyakhov” territory.
The modest archaeological material comprises twelve features from the beginning of the Hunnic period, which
contained potsherds and a bronze brooch. The ceramic finds suggest that the vessels at the site were specific and characteristic from the technological and typological point of view. The share of the wheel-thrown fine ware within
the material shows similarities with that at the late Sarmatian sites in the Great Hungarian Plain, and it exceeds the
proportion of wheel-thrown fine ware at the Chernyakhovian and ”post-Chernyakhovian” sites in the Transylvanian
Basin. As far as the typological characteristics of the wheel-thrown fine ware are concerned, one can observe an amalgamation of shapes characteristic in the Sarmatian Barbaricum on the Great Hungarian Plain and those from
the Chernyakhovian territories in the Transylvanian Basin. For example, two types of bowls can be distinguished, with semispherical and biconical shapes. The fast wheel-thrown gritty ware is not a typical technological category
among the Sarmatian pottery in the lowland part of the Lower Maros Valley. In contrast, it appears in Conop, as well
as at the Chernyakhovian sites in the Transylvanian Basin. Wheel turned pots tempered with quartzite and crushed
pebble compose the most interesting group at the site from the technological point of view. The characteristic shape
and decoration suggests links to the late Sarmatian sites of the Great Hungarian Plain. Here, this technological type
of pottery appeared at the end of the 4th century without any precedent, while in the material of the Chernyakhovian
sites in the Transylvanian Basin it was a widely applied technology from the 4th century on. Quartzite for the wheel
turned pots – used for tempering the clay – was ”imported” from the territory of the Transylvanian Basin to the Great
Hungarian Plain, since, according to the geological structures of the Great Hungarian Plain, this component was not
available in the lowland area.
All necessary conditions were present at the Chernyakhovian sites in the Transylvanian Basin to produce this type
of pottery already from the 4th century: the technology of wheel turning, as well as certain shapes of pots, decorations,
and the primary commodity for tempering, quartzite. Consequently, one can presume that the appearence of the type
in the Great Hungarian Plain at the end of the 4th century might have been linked to a technological transfer from the
Transylvanian Basin. The proof of this hypothesis requires further research. Neverthless, one should take into account
that the above-mentioned territories were integrated into the structure of the Hun Empire from the end of the 4th
century, which might have facilitated the transfer of technologies and objects.
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Interpreting grave goods always poses a challenge to the archaeologist; objects in the grave and their position serve as the main basis to draw conclusions about associated rituals and belief systems, and to explain how and why a weapon,... more
Interpreting grave goods always poses a challenge to the archaeologist; objects in the grave and their position serve as the main basis to draw conclusions about associated rituals and belief systems, and to explain how and why a weapon, a horse harness or a ceramic vessel was buried beside the dead. Interpreting symbols used in various religions and found on objects recovered from Avar period graves is even more difficult as no written accounts exist that could reveal the beliefs of these populations. A pot recently found in a late Avar grave and decorated with a cross poses all these questions, and to find the answer one has to look into the contemporaneous use and meaning of symbols in addition to the possible religion-related interpretations.
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A sírban elhelyezett tárgyak értelmezése mindig komoly feladat elé állítja a régészt, hiszen a tárgyakból és azok helyzetéből próbálunk arra következtetni, hogy milyen szertartás elemeként, milyen hitvilághoz kapcsolható elképzelések... more
A sírban elhelyezett tárgyak értelmezése mindig komoly feladat elé állítja a régészt, hiszen a tárgyakból és azok helyzetéből próbálunk arra következtetni, hogy milyen szertartás elemeként, milyen hitvilághoz kapcsolható elképzelések részeként helyezték el a halott mellé a fegyvert, a lószerszámot vagy éppen egy kerámia edényt. Az avarkori sírokban felbukkanó, különböző vallásokhoz kapcsolható jelképek értelmezése még ennél is összetettebb feladat, hiszen általában nincsenek írott forrásaink arról, hogy milyen vallásos elképzelések kapcsolhatóak az egyes népcsoportokhoz, vagy ezek egyes tagjaihoz. Egy, a közelmúltban feltárt késő avar sír edény melléklete és az azon található keresztforma mindezeket a kérdéseket felveti és megválaszolásukhoz a vallásos elképzelések mellett át kell tekinteni a jelképek korabeli szerepét és annak változásait is. 2018. május-júniusában, mentőásatás során a pécskai (Pecica, Románia), a beruházó után elnevezett Duvenbeck lelőhelyen (1. kép) feltárt 582 objektum közül (2. kép) előkerült két késő avar kori sírcsoport, ame-lyek a 8-9. századra keltezhetőek ("A" és "B" temetkezési zóna) (3. kép). Az cx.20a sírban nyugvó, ÉNy-DK tájolásban elhelyezett, 30 év fölötti nő (adultus/maturus) mellékletei csak részben kerülhettek feltárásra, mivel sírját még az adott korszakban kirabolták. A női csontváz elhelyezkedése a síron belül nem mutatott speciális vonásokat. A csontváz alapján az eltemetett nő becsült antropológiai magassága kb. 159,20-161,98 cm volt, a két ágyékcsigolyán Schmorl-csomók (Schmorl-hernia) nyomait lehet megfigyelni (4. kép).
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The article aims at being a contribution to the stage of research regarding the medieval ecclesiastic geography of the county of Arad. My approach shall be limited to a series of relatively recent discoveries, the result of classical... more
The article aims at being a contribution to the stage of research regarding the medieval ecclesiastic geography of the county of Arad. My approach shall be limited to a series of relatively recent discoveries, the result of classical field researches, the research of the written sources, geo-referencing the data, scanning the sites through non-intrusive methods, but also checking local oral sources. These discoveries continue and complete a rich repertory of medieval ecclesiastic monuments that are already known in specialized literature. Even though specialists have not shown a constant interest in such monuments, antecedents of their researches date to the 19th century and the historiography regarding the repertory of churches and monasteries has gradually increased. Archaeology played an important role in this, as through specific methods it managed, especially over the last decades, to bring to light new data regarding medieval ecclesiastic edifices. The level reached by archaeological researches or by the non-intrusive field evaluation researches remains nevertheless modest, as compared to the total number of such repertoried sites; I shall attempt to show this through a simple statistical analysis.
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The reasons behind elaborating this article are related to the results of the preliminary archaeological excavations performed in Ineu in 2016. We believe and especially hope that this stage represents a significant first step in the... more
The reasons behind elaborating this article are related to the results of the preliminary archaeological excavations performed in Ineu in 2016. We believe and especially hope that this stage represents a significant first step in the rediscovery of the early phases of use of the fortress in Ineu, an initiative that is also extremely important for the restoration process initiated by the local authorities. The history of the settlement of Ineu is tied to that of the castle and the medieval fortress now located in the central part of the town. Considering these aspects, we deemed necessary to complement the presentation of the results of the first archaeological excavations with a brief presentation of the most significant moments that have marked the history of the fortress and settlement of Ineu from the Middle Ages until today. Despite the fact that our investigations were limited, the results thus obtained are promising in relation to the development in time from the so-called castellum to the 17th century bastionary fortification and the modifications of the 19th century. The opened trenches have touched parts of the northern, western, southern, and central parts that only represent one percent (1%) of the total surface that measures 4500 m2, of what is today a castle, with a plan acquired in the second half of the nineteenth century. As for the entire complex, it is increasingly difficult to identify parts of the planimetry of the old noble residence, but also of the bastionary fortification due, on the one hand, to the town planning development that has largely overlapped the intra and extra muros areas, and on the other hand due to the chaotic edilitary “momentum” of the last few decades. The various maps, ground plans, conscriptions and inventories, vedute, sketches, or photographic images are thus of real help. They can at least aid in the reconstruction of the general planimetries, but sometimes also in reaching certain detail issues.
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The present article consists of a brief presentation of the preventive archaeological excavations performed in 2015 and 2016 on the site of Pecica “Est”. The excavations have led to the uncovering of a multistratum site with a large... more
The present article consists of a brief presentation of the preventive archaeological excavations
performed in 2015 and 2016 on the site of Pecica “Est”. The excavations have led to the uncovering of a multistratum
site with a large number of chronological horizons. The most spectacular discoveries by far belong to
the Early Eneolithic cemetery. 143 graves dated to this era were discovered over an excavated area of ca. 9100
m2; these features are the topic of the present article. Through its inventory items and the manner in which the
deceased were treated the cemetery matches the other contemporary funerary discoveries from the distribution
area of the Tiszapolgár and Bodrogkeresztúr pottery types.
performed in 2015 and 2016 on the site of Pecica “Est”. The excavations have led to the uncovering of a multistratum
site with a large number of chronological horizons. The most spectacular discoveries by far belong to
the Early Eneolithic cemetery. 143 graves dated to this era were discovered over an excavated area of ca. 9100
m2; these features are the topic of the present article. Through its inventory items and the manner in which the
deceased were treated the cemetery matches the other contemporary funerary discoveries from the distribution
area of the Tiszapolgár and Bodrogkeresztúr pottery types.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Funerary Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Romanian Archaeology, and 11 moreEuropean Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistory, European Archaeology, Funerary Practices, Eneolithic, Copper age, Eneolithic in Central Europe, European Neolithic, Copper Age, Bronze Age, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Tiszapolgar Culture, and Bodrogkeresztur Culture
A Settlement from Late Avar Period and Traces of Habitation from Árpádian Time in the Lower Mures. Archaeological Discoveries from Pecica „Est/Smart Diesel”, Arad County Preventive archaeological researches performed over the last... more
A Settlement from Late Avar Period and Traces of Habitation from Árpádian Time in the Lower Mures. Archaeological Discoveries from Pecica „Est/Smart Diesel”, Arad County
Preventive archaeological researches performed over the last decade in the region of the Lower Mureș Basin, occasioned by investments in road infrastructure or edilitary works, have led to a series of new discoveries that can be dated to the Early Medieval Period. The new excavations have revealed both parts of settlements, with pit-houses, household annexes, pottery workshops etc. and parts of cemeteries and isolated grave that complete the data void regarding the period around year 1000.
The present article deals with aspects regarding the archaeological discoveries attributed to the Late Avar Period and the Árpádian Period made in 2015 east of Pecica. The area under discussion is known in specialized literature ever since the 1980s as a rather interesting area, with sites that were identified and investigated
archaeologically (Pecica “Forgaci”). Specialists have mainly focused on the prehistoric discoveries, but there were also those from the Early Medieval Period, especially the Árpádian Age. Nothing suggested the size of the vestiges of early medieval habitation brought to light through the preventive archaeological excavations triggered by the construction of the IV pan-European highway sector. To this end, the discoveries made on Site 16, but especially on Site 15 on the Pecica – Arad highway are very important and worthy of being mentioned in the context of the present study, since by correlating the information thus obtained one can bring clarifications especially in connection to the Avar-period discoveries, but also to those dated to the Árpádian Era.
The archaeological site labeled Pecica – “Smart Diesel” Petrol Station (Pecica East) was identified and delimited following the on-site diagnostic performed by a team of the Arad Museum Complex during the summer of 2015 triggered by the construction of a future petrol station and highway exit in the area near the eastern on/off belt of the Pecica – Arad highway. The name of the Pecica “Est/Smart Diesel” site was provided subsequently, taking into consideration its location in relation to the city of Pecica and the name of the investor. In this context one should mention the fact that the new discoveries are located in the proximity of the site in Pecica “Forgaci”,
situated more to the east, and on the eastern border of Site 15 researched in 2011 on the Pecica – Arad Highway.
Following the test trenches performed in the area that was to be affected by the construction of the petrol station, archaeologists were able to mark out an Eneolithic cemetery, one part of an Avar-Era settlement, an isolated tomb that can also be dated to the Late Avar Period, and several pits from the Árpádian Age.
The preventive archaeological investigations performed on the basis of the data provided by the intrusive archaeological diagnosis were aimed at fully researching the archaeological objectives discovered on this site.
Preventive archaeological researches started in the autumn of the same year. The diagnosis and the preventive archaeological researches have led to the identification of 191 archaeological features. Thus, specialists have identified a settlement dated to the Early Neolithic Period, traces of habitation from the Middle Neolithic, a cemetery
from the Early Eneolithic Period, traces of habitation from the Late Bronze Age, one part of a settlement dated to the Late Avar Period, an isolated tomb from the same period, and part of an Árpádian-Age settlement.
Out of the large number of discovered archaeological complexes, only a few can be attributed to the Early Medieval Period. Thus, 16 features can be attributed to the Late Avar Period and 10 to the Árpádian Age. In both cases the complexes are connected to various forms of habitation and household designs, with poor traces of material culture, out of which the pottery fragments are the most representative. One can also add stone utensils and a very small quantity of animal bones. An isolated tomb was dated, based on its inventory, to the Late Avar Period.
Out of the 16 Late Avar features, four are pit-houses, three have been included in the group of household structures or annexes, and the rest are ditches that probably marked these households. There is also the only investigated grave, with the body oriented East-West, in dorsal decubitus, with an inventory consisting of a pot, several
beads, and an animal offering.
In the case of the 10 features attributed to the Árpádian Age, one can only state their likely connection to an apparently isolated household, but a pottery workshop migh have functioned there as well, considering the discoveries made on Sites 15 and 16 along the Pecica – Arad highway. Pottery predominated in the researched features.
The pots were not very diverse in shape and it was small cauldrons that allowed for a relatively better dating. The situation is interesting especially due to the location of these features, an aspect discussed in more details in the corresponding part of the study, and this might provide several indications on the climate situation during that
period in the Lower Mureșului Basin, naturally in strong connection to the neighboring region.
Preventive archaeological researches performed over the last decade in the region of the Lower Mureș Basin, occasioned by investments in road infrastructure or edilitary works, have led to a series of new discoveries that can be dated to the Early Medieval Period. The new excavations have revealed both parts of settlements, with pit-houses, household annexes, pottery workshops etc. and parts of cemeteries and isolated grave that complete the data void regarding the period around year 1000.
The present article deals with aspects regarding the archaeological discoveries attributed to the Late Avar Period and the Árpádian Period made in 2015 east of Pecica. The area under discussion is known in specialized literature ever since the 1980s as a rather interesting area, with sites that were identified and investigated
archaeologically (Pecica “Forgaci”). Specialists have mainly focused on the prehistoric discoveries, but there were also those from the Early Medieval Period, especially the Árpádian Age. Nothing suggested the size of the vestiges of early medieval habitation brought to light through the preventive archaeological excavations triggered by the construction of the IV pan-European highway sector. To this end, the discoveries made on Site 16, but especially on Site 15 on the Pecica – Arad highway are very important and worthy of being mentioned in the context of the present study, since by correlating the information thus obtained one can bring clarifications especially in connection to the Avar-period discoveries, but also to those dated to the Árpádian Era.
The archaeological site labeled Pecica – “Smart Diesel” Petrol Station (Pecica East) was identified and delimited following the on-site diagnostic performed by a team of the Arad Museum Complex during the summer of 2015 triggered by the construction of a future petrol station and highway exit in the area near the eastern on/off belt of the Pecica – Arad highway. The name of the Pecica “Est/Smart Diesel” site was provided subsequently, taking into consideration its location in relation to the city of Pecica and the name of the investor. In this context one should mention the fact that the new discoveries are located in the proximity of the site in Pecica “Forgaci”,
situated more to the east, and on the eastern border of Site 15 researched in 2011 on the Pecica – Arad Highway.
Following the test trenches performed in the area that was to be affected by the construction of the petrol station, archaeologists were able to mark out an Eneolithic cemetery, one part of an Avar-Era settlement, an isolated tomb that can also be dated to the Late Avar Period, and several pits from the Árpádian Age.
The preventive archaeological investigations performed on the basis of the data provided by the intrusive archaeological diagnosis were aimed at fully researching the archaeological objectives discovered on this site.
Preventive archaeological researches started in the autumn of the same year. The diagnosis and the preventive archaeological researches have led to the identification of 191 archaeological features. Thus, specialists have identified a settlement dated to the Early Neolithic Period, traces of habitation from the Middle Neolithic, a cemetery
from the Early Eneolithic Period, traces of habitation from the Late Bronze Age, one part of a settlement dated to the Late Avar Period, an isolated tomb from the same period, and part of an Árpádian-Age settlement.
Out of the large number of discovered archaeological complexes, only a few can be attributed to the Early Medieval Period. Thus, 16 features can be attributed to the Late Avar Period and 10 to the Árpádian Age. In both cases the complexes are connected to various forms of habitation and household designs, with poor traces of material culture, out of which the pottery fragments are the most representative. One can also add stone utensils and a very small quantity of animal bones. An isolated tomb was dated, based on its inventory, to the Late Avar Period.
Out of the 16 Late Avar features, four are pit-houses, three have been included in the group of household structures or annexes, and the rest are ditches that probably marked these households. There is also the only investigated grave, with the body oriented East-West, in dorsal decubitus, with an inventory consisting of a pot, several
beads, and an animal offering.
In the case of the 10 features attributed to the Árpádian Age, one can only state their likely connection to an apparently isolated household, but a pottery workshop migh have functioned there as well, considering the discoveries made on Sites 15 and 16 along the Pecica – Arad highway. Pottery predominated in the researched features.
The pots were not very diverse in shape and it was small cauldrons that allowed for a relatively better dating. The situation is interesting especially due to the location of these features, an aspect discussed in more details in the corresponding part of the study, and this might provide several indications on the climate situation during that
period in the Lower Mureșului Basin, naturally in strong connection to the neighboring region.
The article aims at bringing into the attention of those interested several aspects connected to the history of research of certain sites from the Ottoman Period on the territory of the present-day county of Arad, discoveries possibly too... more
The article aims at bringing into the attention of those interested several aspects connected to the history of research of certain sites from the Ottoman Period on the territory of the present-day county of Arad, discoveries possibly too unfairly and disinterestedly approached by Romanian archaeology. The main goal is to present the situation of certain fortified points, strongholds where small garrisons are attested by the written sources. Their location was most often in former medieval objectives (generally fortifications, castles or churches), spots that ensured protection in the frontier region between the Empire and Principality in a small segment between rivers Mureș and Criș during the second half of the 16th century. The limited character of the study is rendered by the approach of the topic through three case studies, of sites where small garrisons can be located. To this end I have attempted to correlate the documentary sources with the archaeological evidence. The article thus focuses on the discoveries made in Chelmac, Vărădia de Mureș and Tauț that describe part of that mobile frontier, not very well set, that has led to the conclusion of a condominium between the Ottoman rule and
the Principality.
the Principality.
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The study aims to present new data and interpretations considering the plan of a medieval church revealed through the archaeological research conducted decades ago in Vărădia de Mureș (Arad county), at a place referred to as “La Cetate”... more
The study aims to present new data and interpretations considering the plan of a medieval church revealed through the archaeological research conducted decades ago in Vărădia de Mureș (Arad county), at a place referred to as “La Cetate” by the locals. Evidence found on site and the analysis of the original documents preserved in the archives of the Museum of Arad show that some corrections are to be made on the previously published data regarding the church. Our intention is to find a correlation between the original general plan and a new topographic survey and to attempt a 3D reconstruction of the building using this data. The four excavation campaigns (1971–1974) revealed elements of stratigraphy, planimetry, and material culture dating from at least three distinct historical periods: the Dacian era, the Middle Ages (13th–16th centuries), and the beginning of the Ottoman conquest (16th–17th centuries). The medieval church from Vărădia (in Hungarian Tótvárad, in German Waradia, in Turkish Varadiye) appears in a small number of written sources belongin to the time frame approached in our study. Thus, the only certain information is that the church was part of the county and the archdeaconate of Hunedoara. This prompted us to begin this project which provides yet unpublished information regarding the new archaeological discoveries, supplemented with analysis and modern methods in order to promote the medieval church of Vărădia de Mureș, which is undeservedly little mentioned in the field literature of today.
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Archaeological discoveries made in the lower Mureş valley, a microregion of the Carpathian Basin, revealed an intense habitation during the 10th/11th – 13th centuries. Thus fulfilling the role of connecting corridor between the... more
Archaeological discoveries made in the lower Mureş valley, a microregion
of the Carpathian Basin, revealed an intense habitation during the 10th/11th –
13th centuries. Thus fulfilling the role of connecting corridor between the
Transylvanian and Pannonian areas. These are the reasons that persuaded us to
present some medieval realities, mainly based on archaeological evidence. From a
chronological perspective, the present project only envisaged the period of the 11th-
13th centuries, when the micro-region in question and this corridor too came under
the authority of the Hungarian Kingdom. In order to indicate the importance of the
Mureş corridor as transit area between Transylvania and the central European
region, we will attempt to corroborate the few written sources with the results of
archaeological researches. We shall also try to identify the impact of its transit role
on the micro-region. One can certainly add to the transit of goods, mentioned in
documents and attested by archaeological evidence, another element the ideological
transit. This is connected to the promotion of Christianity according to both: the
Byzantine and especially to the Western Rite, through the medieval monastic orders
(Benedictines, Cistercians, and Paulinians) and later on, through an entire network
of village or parish churches. The monastic orders attested in our area brought,
besides the dogma of the Western Church, a series of technological innovations, with
applications in agriculture, animal husbandry, hydro-ameliorations, and
constructions. All these elements eventually created an ideological wave from the
West and a material one from Transylvania.
of the Carpathian Basin, revealed an intense habitation during the 10th/11th –
13th centuries. Thus fulfilling the role of connecting corridor between the
Transylvanian and Pannonian areas. These are the reasons that persuaded us to
present some medieval realities, mainly based on archaeological evidence. From a
chronological perspective, the present project only envisaged the period of the 11th-
13th centuries, when the micro-region in question and this corridor too came under
the authority of the Hungarian Kingdom. In order to indicate the importance of the
Mureş corridor as transit area between Transylvania and the central European
region, we will attempt to corroborate the few written sources with the results of
archaeological researches. We shall also try to identify the impact of its transit role
on the micro-region. One can certainly add to the transit of goods, mentioned in
documents and attested by archaeological evidence, another element the ideological
transit. This is connected to the promotion of Christianity according to both: the
Byzantine and especially to the Western Rite, through the medieval monastic orders
(Benedictines, Cistercians, and Paulinians) and later on, through an entire network
of village or parish churches. The monastic orders attested in our area brought,
besides the dogma of the Western Church, a series of technological innovations, with
applications in agriculture, animal husbandry, hydro-ameliorations, and
constructions. All these elements eventually created an ideological wave from the
West and a material one from Transylvania.
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Desfășurarea unor mari proiecte investiționale a dus localității Pecica, jud. Arad, pe lângă numeroase beneficii economice, și o mai bună cunoaștere a realităților de ordin arheologic. Pe parcursul ultimilor 10 ani, nu mai puțin de 13... more
Desfășurarea unor mari proiecte investiționale a dus localității Pecica, jud. Arad, pe lângă numeroase beneficii economice, și o mai bună cunoaștere a realităților de ordin arheologic. Pe parcursul ultimilor 10 ani, nu mai puțin de 13 situri au fost investigate prin cercetari arheologice preventive. Suprafețele săpate de-a lungul vremii în diferite situri cumuleaza 234.532 m2 (aprox. 23,5 ha).
Ținând cont de numeroasele cercetări de care a beneficiat arealul localităţii Pecica de-a lungul timpului putem spune cu certitudine că ea reprezintă o zonă bine cunoscută, cu un important patri-moniu arheologic. Tocmai din acest considerent, dorim ca prin prezenta contribuţie să oferim atât publicului larg, cât şi celui ştiinţific un rezumat al investigaţiilor noastre arheologice desfăşurate pe teritoriul localităţii Pecica. Considerăm acest demers ca punct de plecare al viitoarelor proiecte, fie că acestea vor valorifica publicistic siturile deja săpate, fie că vor consta în descoperirea şi investi-garea de noi obiective. Totodată această contribuţie este menită să ducă la recunoaşterea din partea comunităţii locale a importantei moşteniri arheologice prezente în zona Pecicăi.
Lucrarea de față, monografia arheologică și istorică a localității Pecica, a fost organizată astfel încât sa constituie în primul rând un instrument de lucru, util pentru toți cei interesați de arheologia zonei. Prima parte este dedicată prezentarii cronologice a descoperirilor efectuate în aceasta micro-regiune. Discursul este organizat astfel încât fiecare subcapitol aferent unei etape cronologice sa fie centrat pe contextualizarea siturilor, detaliat prezentate în partea a doua a capitolului. Am decis ca partea cea mai consistentă să înfăţişeze siturile descope¬rite până la finalul anului 2021. Pentru fiecare dintre acestea a fost întocmită o fişă, astfel încât să fie prezentate cele mai importante informaţii. Accentul a fost pus pe istoricul cercetărilor, însoţit de o descriere a descoperirilor. Fişa este însoţită de o consistentă ilustraţie, care constă în hărţi, modele digitale de elevație, fotografii sau desene ale unor contexte relevante, ale unor artefacte, dar şi foto¬grafii din timpul săpăturilor. Bogata ilustraţie de care dispune textul este menită să vină în ajutorul cititorului, care astfel poate vizualiza mult mai uşor descrierile situaţiilor arheologice.
Ținând cont de numeroasele cercetări de care a beneficiat arealul localităţii Pecica de-a lungul timpului putem spune cu certitudine că ea reprezintă o zonă bine cunoscută, cu un important patri-moniu arheologic. Tocmai din acest considerent, dorim ca prin prezenta contribuţie să oferim atât publicului larg, cât şi celui ştiinţific un rezumat al investigaţiilor noastre arheologice desfăşurate pe teritoriul localităţii Pecica. Considerăm acest demers ca punct de plecare al viitoarelor proiecte, fie că acestea vor valorifica publicistic siturile deja săpate, fie că vor consta în descoperirea şi investi-garea de noi obiective. Totodată această contribuţie este menită să ducă la recunoaşterea din partea comunităţii locale a importantei moşteniri arheologice prezente în zona Pecicăi.
Lucrarea de față, monografia arheologică și istorică a localității Pecica, a fost organizată astfel încât sa constituie în primul rând un instrument de lucru, util pentru toți cei interesați de arheologia zonei. Prima parte este dedicată prezentarii cronologice a descoperirilor efectuate în aceasta micro-regiune. Discursul este organizat astfel încât fiecare subcapitol aferent unei etape cronologice sa fie centrat pe contextualizarea siturilor, detaliat prezentate în partea a doua a capitolului. Am decis ca partea cea mai consistentă să înfăţişeze siturile descope¬rite până la finalul anului 2021. Pentru fiecare dintre acestea a fost întocmită o fişă, astfel încât să fie prezentate cele mai importante informaţii. Accentul a fost pus pe istoricul cercetărilor, însoţit de o descriere a descoperirilor. Fişa este însoţită de o consistentă ilustraţie, care constă în hărţi, modele digitale de elevație, fotografii sau desene ale unor contexte relevante, ale unor artefacte, dar şi foto¬grafii din timpul săpăturilor. Bogata ilustraţie de care dispune textul este menită să vină în ajutorul cititorului, care astfel poate vizualiza mult mai uşor descrierile situaţiilor arheologice.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Historical Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Settlement Patterns, and 9 moreMedieval Archaeology, Funerary Archaeology, Romanian Studies, Romanian Archaeology, Settlement archaeology, Neolithic of the Carpathian Basin, Bronze Age of the Carpathian Basin, Carpathian-Pannonian region, and Arad county
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Florin Mărginean, Cercetările arheologice preventive de la biserica reformată din Iermata Neagră (jud. Arad). Simpozionul – Középkori egyházi építészet Erdélyben / Arhitectura religioasă medievală din Transilvania / Medieval Ecclesiastical Architecture in Transylvania. Nyíregyháza (Hungary) 2008.more
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Florin Mărginean, Zsuzsa Köpeczny, Biserica de la Tauț (jud. Arad). Capela gotică și înhumații din interiorul bisericii. Simpozionul – Arhitectura religioasă medievală din Transilvania / Középkori egyházi építészet Erdélyben / Medieval Ecclesiastical Architecture in Transylvania. Satu Mare 2007.more