Complexul Muzeal Arad

Sntana Cetatea Veche

o fortificaie de pmnt a epocii bronzului la Mureul de jos a Bronze Age earthwork on the lower Mure
memoriei arheologilor Mircea Rusu i Egon Drner

to the memory of the archaeologists Mircea Rusu and Egon Drner

COMPLEXUL MUZEAL ARAD

SNTANA CETATEA VECHE

3

O FORTIFICAIE DE PMNT A EPOCII BRONZULUI LA MUREUL DE JOS A BRONZE AGE EARTHWORK ON THE LOWER MURE

FLORIN GOGLTAN

VICTOR SAVA

ARAD 2010

Text: Florin Gogltan, Victor Sava Fotografii/Photographies: Victor Sava, Florin Mrginean, Zoltn Jzsef Botha Concept & layout: Victor Sava, Roberto Tnsache

ISBN 978-973-0-09664-4

Cuprins

Contents

Introducere. Introduction / 8 Mureul de jos. Cadrul fizico-geografic. Lower Mure. Physical and geographical background / 11 Localizarea fortificaiei. The location of the earthwork / 13 Istoricul cercetrilor. The state of research / 14 Noile cercetri. The new researches / 25, 27 Descrierea sistemului de fortificare. The description of the earthwork structure / 29 Dimensiunile estimative ale celor trei incinte. The estimate size of the three enclosures / 36 Descoperirile arheologice din jurul fortificaiei. Archaeological discoveries around the earthwork / 39 Elemente de cronologie relativ i absolut ale celei de-a treia incinte. Issues on relative and absolute chronology of the third enclosure / 41 Prieteni sau dumani. Friends or enemies / 51 Oroshza Nagytatrsnc, comitat Bks, Ungaria. Oroshza Nagytatrsnc, comitat Bks, Ungaria / 52 Localizarea fortificaiei. The location of the earthwork / 53 Istoricul cercetrilor. The state of research / 54 5

Munar Wolfsberg - Dealul Lupului, comuna Secusigiu, judeul Arad, Romnia. Munar Wolfsberg - Dealul Lupului, Secusigiu commune, Arad County, Romania / 57 Localizarea fortificaiei. The location of the earthwork / 57 Istoricul cercetrilor. The state of research / 57 Corneti Iarcuri, comuna Orioara, judeul Timi, Romnia. Corneti Iarcuri, comuna Orioara, judeul Timi, Romnia / 62 Localizarea fortificaiei. The location of the earthwork / 62 Istoricul cercetrilor. The state of research / 63, 62 6 Noile cercetri. The new researches / 67 Topolovu Mare Joamba, judeul Timi, Romnia. Topolovu Mare Joamba, Timi County, Romania / 69 Localizarea fortificaiei. The location of the earthwork / 69 Istoricul cercetrilor. The state of research / 70, 69 Noile cercetri. The new researches / 71 Cteva concluzii istorice. Several historic conclusions / 72 Mulumiri. Acknowledgements / 80 Bibliografie. Bibliography / 83 Fotografii din timpul spturii de la Sntana Cetatea Veche campania 2009. Photographies taken during the excavation from Sntana Cetatea Veche campaign 2009 / 89

Introducere Spturile arheologice sunt singurele n msur s ne dezvluie un trecut despre care nu avem informaii scrise. Arheologia nu nseamn cutarea i descoperirea unor comori i cu att mai puin o via aventuroas precum cea a personajului de film Indiana Jones. Sperm c nu-i vom dezamgi pe cei crora li se adreseaz n primul rnd aceast lucrare, pasionaii de arheologia i 8 istoria meleagurilor ardene, atenionndu-i c ceea ce urmeaz este o investigaie tiinific. O astfel de cercetare presupune n primul rnd o foarte bun cunoatere a zonei ce urmeaz a fi studiat. Deplasrile pe teren (periegheze), ce necesit aprobri speciale din

Introduction The archaeological excavations represent the only means of unveiling a past time not covered in written documents. Archaeology itself does not signify the search and discovery of treasures, much less the Indiana Jones type of adventurous life. We hope not to disappoint the main target audience of this work, the enthusiasts with a keen interest in the archaeology and history of Arad region, so we would like to forewarn them that this is a scientific undertaking. Such a research requires in the first place a very solid knowledge of the surveyed area. The archaeological field surveys, which require special authorizations from the National Archaeological Commission, are performed during different time periods of the year, in order to be able to select the best location for the archaeological site. While this first stage requires relatively little time and expenses, the costs of a topographic plan, of the utmost importance for beginning an archaeological research and later on for

partea Comisiei Naionale de Arheologie, se fac n diverse perioade ale anului, pentru alegerea celui mai potrivit loc unde urmeaz s fie amplasat sptura arheologic. Dac aceast prim etap nu necesit fonduri deosebite, costurile pentru ntocmirea unui Fig. 1. Harta Bazinului Carpatic cu localizarea fortificaiei de plan topografic, fr de care pmnt/Map of the Carpathian Basin with the localisation of the
earthwork

nu se poate ncepe o cercetare arheologic i mai apoi efectuarea unor investigaii magnetometrice (o tehnic modern care permite vizualizarea diverselor structuri aflate n sol), aa cum o cer normele actuale tiinifice, depete deja de cele mai multe ori bugetele instituiilor de cultur abilitate. Ce este de fcut? Apelarea la unele fundaii sau ntocmirea unor proiecte de cercetare ce urmeaz a fi finanate de ctre stat ar fi o rezolvare salvatoare. Din nefericire pentru noi arheologii ansele de a obine bani sunt mici, ntotdeauna existnd alte domenii prioritare. O alt soluie ar fi cooptarea unor parteneri strini, dar este posibil ca uneori deciziile s in cont doar de interesele celor care asigur finanarea. Cum s-au fcut totui cercetri arheologice la Sntana Cetatea Veche? Aici ncepe adevrata aventur... Sntana Cetatea Veche, aa cum vom vedea, suscit de peste 200 de ani interesul unor specialiti, oameni de cultur sau chiar a unor simpli pasionai de vestigiile trecutului. Mircea Barbu, regretatul arheolog ardean, scria ntr-un articol din presa anului 1999: aceast mare fortificaie de pmnt este o enigm ce cere a fi odat desluit. Au trecut aproape 50 de ani de cnd generaii de arheologi au cunoscut cetatea de la Sntana doar prin trecerile pasagere cu trenul de la Arad la Oradea. Interesul pentru asemenea obiective a renscut prin dezvoltarea programului Google Earth. Folosirea imaginilor surprinse de satelii face posibil identificarea unor fortificaii ale cror dimensiuni nu pot fi apreciate de la nivelul

conducting magnetometric investigations (a modern technique which enables the visualization of different structures within the soil), as requested by the applicable scientific guidelines, most of the time exceed the budgets of the appropriate cultural institutions. What can be done? Appealing to various foundations or preparing research projects, which are to be financed by the state, may be a solution to this problem. Unfortunately, the chances for us, the archaeologists, to obtain funding are very thin, as there are always other priorities. Another solution may be engaging in partnerships with foreign 9 entities, but there is the risk that the personal interests of the people providing the financing would prevail in the decision making process. So, how was it possible to conduct archaeological investigations at Sntana Cetatea Veche? This is where the real adventure begins ... For more than 200 years, Sntana Cetatea Veche has aroused the interest of specialists, either scholars or simple enthusiasts of past remnants. The late archaeologist from Arad, Mircea Barbu, wrote in an article published in 1999: this big earth fortification remains a mystery which demands to be unveiled. For almost 50 years generations of archaeologists have been observing the fortress from Sntana cursorily, on occasional train stops on the route from Arad to Oradea. The interest in such archaeological sites has been revived thanks to the development of the Google Earth software. The use of satellite images enables the identification of

solului. Impulsionai de perspectivele oferite de noile metode tiinifice de investigare, un colectiv de specialiti de la Universitatea de Vest din Timioara a decis studierea unei alte mari fortificaii de pmnt, cea de la Corneti Iarcuri, judeul Timi. Acest proiect de cercetare s-a dezvoltat cu timpul prin cooptarea altor specialiti din ar sau strintate. Au urmat, ncepnd cu toamna anului 2007, sondaje stratigrafice, msurtori magnetometrice i investigaii arheologice sistematice. Contextul istoric n care s-a ridicat o fortificaie de dimensiunile celei de la 10 Corneti nu putea fi pe deplin neles dac nu se apela la analogiile din epoc. n acest scop cea mai potrivit alegere a fost, bineneles, Cetatea Veche de la Sntana. n paralel cu efectuarea unor cercetri de suprafa, apelnd la sprijinul generos al colegilor de la Universitatea din Bochum (prof. dr. Tobias Kienlin) i Universitatea de Vest din Timioara (lect. dr. Dorel Micle), n primvara anului 2008 s-au efectuat primele msurtori magnetometrice. Soluia efecturii unor spturi arheologice s-a concretizat abia n primvara anului viitor. Amplasarea unei magistrale de gaz ar fi distrus o bun poriune din fortificaia de pmnt, ceea ce a determinat, conform legislaiei naionale i europene, efectuarea de spturi arheologice preventive. Fondurile primite au asigurat suportul material pentru spturile de salvare desfurate la Cetatea Veche ntre 17 septembrie i 30 noiembrie 2009. Pentru a face cunoscute cercetrilor noastre, am decis publicarea ct mai grabnic

fortifications, whose dimensions cannot be ascertained from ground level. Encouraged by the perspectives provided by the new scientific research methods, a group of specialists from the West University from Timioara decided to conduct a research of another great earth fortification, from Corneti Iarcuri, Timi County. Over time, that research project expanded due to the recruitment of other specialists from Romania or abroad. Since autumn 2007, stratigraphic samplings, magnetometric scannings and systematic archaeological investigations have been conducted. The historical background leading to the construction of a fortification of such dimensions as the Corneti fortification, could not have been fully comprehended unless it was compared against a similar construction. Of course, Cetatea Veche, near Sntana was the best choice to this end. The first magnetometric measurements were performed in spring 2008, concurrently with a surface survey research, thanks to the generous help of the peers from Bochum University (Prof. Dr. Tobias Kienlin) and the West University from Timioara (Dr. Dorel Micle). The chance to perform archaeological excavations in the area became effective in the spring of the following year. The extension of a main gas pipeline would have destroyed a significant part of the earth fortification, a fact which, according to the national and European legislation, led to the initiation of preventive archaeological excavations. The allocated funds ensured the necessary material

a rezultatelor pariale. Sperm c att specialitii ct i cei pasionai de arheologie vor aprecia efortul nostru, iar viitorul cunoaterii tiinifice a cetii de pmnt de la Sntana Cetatea Veche se va afla de acum nainte pe un fga mai bun.
Mureul de jos. Cadrul fizico-geografic

support for the rescue excavations conducted between September 17th and November 30th, 2009. We have decided to publish the partial results as soon as possible, in order to share our research output. We hope that our efforts will be appreciated by scholars as well as archaeology enthusiasts, and that the future scientific research of the earth fortification from Sntana Cetatea Veche shall fall on a better path. Lower Mure. Physical and geographical background From a genetic perspective, the Arad Plain, located between the rivers Mure and Criul Alb, is a quaternary delta of the Mure River, emerged on the exit from oimo-Lipova defile. The central part, limited by the settlements of Socodor, Sntana, Smbteni and Arad, is relatively high and smooth, and towards the Western part, a lower marshy area is followed by a high tabular plain area (Posea 1997, 375). Following the multiple field researches conducted between 2007 and 2009, as well as the aerial photographs, we determined that the location of the fortification had been chosen very carefully. Until the beginning of the 19th century, when the draining off and embankment of the Mure River began, the river was flooding into the Arad Plain, on a surface up to almost 20 km far from the present day watercourse, close to the Southern part of Sntana. From this perspective, the fortification was located in the

Cmpia Aradului, cuprins ntre rurile Mure i Criul Alb, reprezint din punct de vedere genetic o delt cuaternar a Mureului, constituit la ieirea din defileul oimo-Lipova. Partea central, n perimetrul marcat de localitile Socodor, Sntana, Smbteni i Arad este relativ nalt i orizontal, iar spre vest, dup o zon joas cu tendine de nmltinire, urmeaz o poriune de cmpie nalt cu caracter tabular (Posea 1997, 375). n urma numeroaselor cercetri de teren efectuate ntre 2007 i 2009, dar i cu ajutorul fotografiilor aeriene, am putut constata c amplasamentul fortificaiei a fost ales cu mare grij. Pn la nceputul secolului al XIX-lea, cnd au nceput marile lucrri de desecare i ndiguire ale Mureului, apele rului se revrsau n Cmpia Aradului pn la aproximativ 20 km de cursul actual, aproape de sudul oraului Sntana. Din acest punct de vedere fortificaia era amplasat ideal, la 1,8 km de cel mai nordic bra al Mureului, astfel nct s fie ferit de inundaii sau nmltiniri. Din cele scrise de Sndor Mrki aflm c pn n secolul al XVIII-lea ntreaga zon ar fi fost acoperit

11

ideal place, 1.8 km far from the Northernmost river branch cu pduri de ulm (Ulmus minor), att de caracteristice of Mure, keeping it safe from floods and marshes. zonelor mltinoase de cmpie, care au fost ulterior According to the writings of Sndor Mrki, until defriate pentru a face loc agriculturii dar i distruse the 18th century the entire area was covered by elm forests de o ciuperc devastatoare (Marki 1882, 119). De altfel (Ulmus minor), typical of the marshy plains regions, i pe vechiul blazon al but underwent a process of deforestation later on, comitatului Arad este to allow the development of agricultural works, reprezentat un ulm scos and were also destroyed by a devastating fungus din rdcini i susinut (Marki 1882, 119). As a matter of fact, the coat of de doi lei. O posibil arms of Arad County includes an uprooted elm tree, reconstituire a mediului supported by two lions. One possible reconstruction ambiant din vechime este of the past environment is supplied by the historian 12 oferit de istoricul Istvn Fig. 2. Blazonul vechiului comitat Arad/The Istvn Ferenczi: All the way from Mukacevo city (from Ferenczi: De la actualul coat-of-arms of the old Arad County sub-Carpathian Ukraine) to the present day capital of ora Mukacevo (din Ucraina Yugoslavia, for months in a row a mere was spanning alongside subcarpatic) i pn la actuala capital a Iugoslaviei timp de Tisa River and also alongside the inferior river flow of all the luni ntregi se ntindea o balt, nu numai n lungul Tisei, ci Carpathian tributaries. Only during the dry mid-summer time i pe cursul inferior al tuturor afluenilor carpatici. Numai pe did the waters retreat within the river bed, leaving behind large la jumtatea verilor uscate, apele intrau n matc, lsnd n marshy areas for the rest of the year (Ferenczi 1993, 44). urm tot anul mlatini ntinse (Ferenczi 1993, 44). Located 15 km West of Zrand Mountains, 25 km Situat la 15 km vest de Munii Zrandului, 25 km South-East of the Mure exit from the mountain region sud-est de ieirea Mureului din zona muntoas i 1,8 and 1.8 km far from the former marsh, the fortification km de fosta mlatin, fortificaia de la Sntana controla from Sntana was a strategic control point of the Mure defileul Mureului, dealurile iriei i mai departe zona Defile, iria Hills and farther away, of the metalliferous metalifer a Munilor Apuseni. Distana relativ mic de region of the Apuseni Mountains. The relatively short la fortificaie pn la ieirea Mureului n cmpie se putea distance between the Mure exit into the plain and the parcurge pe jos n aproximativ 5-6 ore, traseul dus-ntors earthwork could be covered by foot in around 5-6 hours, putnd fi acoperit pe durata unei zile de mers. the round-trip route could be covered in a days walk.

Localizarea fortificaiei

The location of the earthwork Sntana is located at around 20 km North-East of Arad city and 5 km East of the European route AradOradea. The earth fortification is located 5.8 km South-West of the centre of Sntana in the direction of Zimandu Nou, on the left side of the road between the two settlements.

Sntana este situat la aproximativ 20 km nord-est de municipiul Arad i la 5 km est de drumul european Arad-Oradea. Fortificaia de pmnt se gsete la 5,8 km sud-vest de centrul oraului Sntana, spre Zimandu Nou, pe partea stng a oselei care leag cele dou localiti.

13

Fig. 3. Imagine din satelit a fortificaiei (sursa Google Earth)/Satellite image of the earthwork (source Google Earth)

Istoricul cercetrilor

The state of research

The earthwork is first mentioned on the Josephine Prima reprezentare a fortificaiei apare pe hrile topographic maps (named this way after the emperor topografice iosefine (denumite dup mpratul Iosif al Joseph II of Habsburg) in the 18th century (1782-1785). II-lea de Habsburg) de la sfritul secolului al XVIII-lea Thus, the map XXIV/XXX accurately displays the largest (1782-1785). Astfel pe harta XXIV/XXX este schiat destul enclosure of the earthwork, named alte Schanz and a de fidel incinta mare a fortificaei, denumit alte Schanz great-sized tumulus located on the Southern end of the i un tumul de dimensiuni impresionante amplasat la complex. extremitatea sudic a acesteia. The cyclopean Proporiile ciclopice ale dimensions of this earthwork 14 acestei fortificaii de pmnt came under the attention au atras atenia diverilor of different chroniclers of cronicari ai inutului ardean Arad region ever since the nc de la nceputul secolului 19th century. In 1835, in his al XIX-lea. n descrierea geographical account of the geografic a comitatului Arad County, Gbor Fbin Arad, Gbor Fbin amintete acknowledged: a great, old la 1835: un mare, vechi val, earthen vallum, enclosing around care ngrdete la vreo 50 de 50 iugre (1 iugr=0.57 ha), iugre (1 iugr=0.57 ha), numit named Fldvr or Varba (Fbin Fldvr sau Varba (Fbin 1835, Fig. 4. Hart de la sfritul secolului al XVIII-lea cu localizarea 1835, 91). The physician Istvn 91). Medicul Istvn Parecz fortificaiei/XVIIIth century map locating the earthwork Parecz wrote in 1871 about scria n 1871 despre o ntins a big mound of earth on Sntana border, shaped like a ridictur de pmnt n hotarul Sntanei de forma unui Roman castrum, which had a significant height, despite castru roman, care n ciuda deselor arturi este nc the frequent ploughing (Parecz 1871, 8, 19). During the nalt (Parecz 1871, 8, 19). Jnos Miletz, prezentnd n presentation of historical and archaeological monuments 1876 monumentele istorice i arheologice din comitatele from Timi and Arad Counties in 1876, Jnos Miletz Timi i Arad, remarca descoperirea n preajma valului

de pmnt de la Sntana a unor: bile de pratie din pmnt ars de culoare roiatic (Miletz 1876, 166-167). Prima descriere mai ampl a acestui monument arheologic, nsoit de consideraii istorice, este oferit n 1882 de ctre istoriograful Sndor Mrki (Mrki 1882, 112121; Mrki 1884, 185-194). Mrki este primul care identific aceast fortificaie cu un ring avar. Dup fixarea poziiei topografice a obiectivului, Mrki pomenete faptul c incinta de form oval a ringului este tiat de linia cii ferate, o treime rmnnd la nord-est iar dou treimi la sud-est de terasament. De asemenea mai menioneaz c pe poriunea valului circular, la nord-vest de calea ferat, n apropierea oselei Sntana-Zimandu Nou, este aezat un obelisc, folosit ca punct trigonometric militar. Anterior, pe harta iosefin, aici ar fi existat o Wirthshaus an der Schanz. Lui Mrki nu i-a scpat nici faptul c pe latura opus, cea de sud-est, n afara valului circular se afl o movil numit Fldvr sau Varba (Mrki 1882, 112). Dup prerea lui Mrki diametrul ringului mare ar msura aproximativ 2 km, iar cel mic puin peste 1 km. Suprafaa o calculeaz la aproximativ 353 iugre cadastrale, adic 203 hectare (Mrki 1882, 113). n apropierea obeliscului, coama valului msura pe atunci (1882) 4 m, iar pe fiecare latur panta corespunztoare avea 19 m. Mrki ne mai informeaz c anul exterior al valului nu se mai vede aproape deloc, n schimb anul interior avea dimensiuni considerabile (Mrki 1882, 113). Vorbind despre pmntul ars care se poate observa pe suprafaa ringului, Mrki amintete c la tierea

mentioned the discovery of sling projectiles made of reddish burned earth, next to the earthen vallum from Sntana (Miletz 1876, 166-167). The first extensive description of that archaeological monument, accompanied by historical accounts, was made in 1882 by historian Sndor Mrki (Mrki 1882, 112-121; Mrki 1884, 185-194). Mrki was the first one to identify this earthwork as an Avar ring. After establishing the topographic layout of the site, Mrki mentioned that the oval shaped enclosure of the ring was divided in two by the railway route; one third of the enclosure was on the North-East and two thirds were located on the South-East 15 of the railway bank. He also mentioned that an obelisk, used as a military trigonometric checkpoint, was placed on the circular area of the earthen vallum, North-West of the railway, close to the road linking Sntana to Zimandu Nou. Previously, the Josephine map recorded a Wirthshaus an der Schanz on that location. Mrki also noticed that on the opposite side, on the South-East, outside the circular earthen vallum, there was a mound of earth named Fldvr or Varba (Mrki 1882, 112). According to Mrki, the big ring had around 2 km in diameter, while the small ring had a little over 1 km in diameter. The total surface area estimated by Mrki summed around 353 iugre, which is 203 ha (Mrki 1882, 113). At that time (1882), the earthen vallum crest near the obelisk was 4 m high, and the slope on each side was 19 m long. Mrki also informed us that the exterior ditch was not visible anymore, but the interior ditch size was considerable (Mrki 1882, 113).

n dou locuri a valului circular, cu ocazia construirii cii ferate, s-a constatat c pmntul ars din interiorul valului msura aproximativ 0,50-0,60 m grosime. Bulgri de chirpici, dar i fragmente ceramice, au fost culese mai ales de-a lungul valului. n acelai an Mrki a donat chirpiciul i fragmentele ceramice colectate de la faa locului coleciei de antichiti a liceului de biei din Arad (Barbu et alii 2002, 487, nr. crt. 133-140). Cu toate rezervele pe care le invoc uneori, Mrki atribuie fortificaia de la Sntana avarilor. n sprijinul afirmaiei sale se folosete i de valurile de pmnt ce 16 trec pe la vest i est de fortificaie, considernd valul dinspre vest, numit de localnici Traianul sau rdgrka, de provenien avar, iar valurile dinspre est drept anuri romane folosite de ctre avari. n expunerea sa, Mrki se ocup i de tell-ul Dmbul Popilor/Papokhalma/Holumb situat la 4,65 km nord-vest de fortificaie. Descoperind pe suprafaa acestui tell fragmente ceramice i chirpici, Mrki l consider drept un bastion naintat al acestui ring avar (Mrki 1882, 115-118). Din pcate Mrki nu public n lucrarea sa fotografii, desene ale pieselor gsite ori schie ale fortificaiei. Pentru a fundamenta prerea sa despre originea avar a fortificaiei, o aseamn cu cea de la Corneti Iarcuri, pe care Jzsef Pch o declarase deja avar, aa cum vom vedea mai jos (Pch 1877). Urmnd metodele, cu precdere lingvistice, ale investigaiei lui Pch, Mrki opereaz n sprijinul teoriei sale cu presupuse toponime de origine avar ale unor localiti

Referring to the visible burned earth on the surface of the ring, Mrki reminded that cutting the circular ring in two different areas, when the railroad had been built, revealed the thickness of the burned earth inside the ring, which was 0.50-0.60 m thick. Adobe bricks, as well as pottery remnants were found along the earthen vallum. On the same year, Mrki donated the adobe and the pottery collected on site to the Antiquity Collection of the Boys Highschool from Arad (Barbu et alii 2002, 487, no. 133-140). Despite the doubts expressed from time to time, Mrki assigned the earthwork from Sntana to the Avars. He supported his theory by referring to the earthen vallums stretching to the West and to the East of the earthwork. In his opinion, the Western earthen vallum, named Traianul or rdgrka by the locals, had an Avar origin, while the Eastern earthen vallums were Roman ditches used by the Avars. Mrkis paper also talked about Dmbul Popilor/Papokhalma/Holumb tell, located 4.65 km North-West of the fortification. The discovery of pottery fragments and adobe on the tell surface, determined Mrki to record the tell as an outwork stronghold of that Avar ring (Mrki 1882, 115-118). Unfortunately, Mrki didnt include photographs in his paper, nor drawings of the artefacts or sketches of the earthwork. He supported his opinion regarding the Avar origin of the earthwork, by comparing it with the earthwork from Corneti Iarcuri, which had already been classified as an Avar structure by Jzsef Pch, as

din comitatul Arad: Zimnd, Simnd, Varsnd, Zarnd. Pstrnd totui conduita tiinific afirm c: e mai bine totui s m ndeprtez de terenul alunecos al etimologiei (Mrki 1882, 121). n primul volum al monografiei sale istorice privind comitatul Arad, Mrki i menine prerea cu privire la originea avar a fortificaiei de la Sntana. n aceast lucrare repet n fond datele principale pe care le publicase anterior. Ca o noutate atribuie ipotetic tot avarilor i podoabele de aur descoperite cu ocazia modificrilor de terasament ale cii ferate din anul 1888 (Mrki 1892, 39-40). Podoabele de aur fuseser descoperite n primvara anului 1888 de ctre lucrtorii ce amenajau terasamentul cii ferate Arad-Oradea. n anul din faa valului acetia au descoperit un vas din past grosier, cu oase umane i un tezaur compus din 23 de piese din aur. Alturi a mai aprut un mormnt de nhumaie, cu scheletul dispus n poziie chircit, fr inventar. Spturile de salvare ntreprinse de ctre Aurel Trk au mai dezvelit un mormnt de copil i unul de adult, fr inventar arheologic. Majoritatea pieselor din tezaur au ajuns n prim instan la conducerea cilor ferate, ca n cele din urm s fie achiziionate de Muzeul Naional Maghiar din Budapesta (Drner 1960, 471-479; Mozsolics 1973, 208, Taf. 104-105). De la Mrki i pn la mijlocul secolului al XX-lea nici un alt specialist nu s-a mai ocupat, n mod serios, de fortificaia de la Sntana. Cu tot ndemnul Societii

explained herein below (Pch 1877). Following Pchs methods of investigation (mainly linguistic methods), Mrki sustained his theory by using toponyms of Avar origin of several settlements from Arad County: Zimnd, Simnd, Varsnd, Zarnd. Nevertheless, he preserved the scientific approach and declared: its better to stay away from the slippery grounds of etymology (Mrki 1882, 121). Mrki maintained his opinion regarding the Avar origin of the earthwork from Sntana in the first volume of his historical monograph of Arad County. Actually, he reasserted the main scientific data published previously. Additionally, he assigned the golden jewellery discovered 17 during the 1888 railway works to the Avars, too (Mrki 1892, 39-40). The golden jewelleries were discovered in spring 1888 by the workers employed to develop the railway between Arad and Oradea. The workers found a vessel made of coarse-grained material containing human bones and a treasure consisting of 23 golden pieces. An inhumation grave was discovered nearby, containing a crouched skeleton, with no inventory. The rescue excavations undertook by Aurel Trk revealed a child tomb and an adult tomb, with no archaeological inventory. The railway managing board took possession of most of the treasure pieces, but eventually they were purchased by the National Hungarian Museum from Budapest (Drner 1960, 471-479; Mozsolics 1973, 208, Taf. 104-105). Since Markis research, until the middle of the

middle of the 20th arheologice de la century, no other Budapesta, adresat specialist took interest la 1895 conducerii in the earthwork from Societii Culturale Sntana. Despite the Klcesy din Arad, recommendation sent nu s-a efectuat nici o by the Archaeological sptur arheologic Society from Budapest n acest sit. n 1942 in 1895 to the Klcesy Constantin Daicoviciu, Cultural Society from directorul de atunci Arad, no further al Institutului de archaeological 18 Arheologie din Clujinvestigations were Napoca, mpreun conducted on this site. cu Nicolae Covaciu, In 1942, Constantin directorul Muzeului Fig. 5. Piese de aur din tezaurul descoperit n 1888/Gold artifacts from the hoard Daicoviciu, director din Arad, au intenionat discovered in 1888 of the Institute of s efectueze spturi Archaeology from Cluj-Napoca, together with Nicolae arheologice la movilele de la Glogov i la fortificaia Covaciu, director of the Museum from Arad, expressed de la Sntana, dar din motive financiare planul nu a mai their intention to conduct archaeological excavations on putut fi pus n practic. the Glogov mounds and the earthwork from Sntana, n anul 1949 Dorin Popescu, alturi de colectivul but the plan was no longer put into practice for lack of antierului arheologic nsrcinat cu studiul graniei de financial resources. vest a Daciei i traiului populaiei barbare, i-a propus s In 1949, Dorin Popescu, together with the team of fac i el spturi la ringul avar de la Sntana (Popescu et archaeologists in charge of studying the Western border of alii 1950). n urma prelungirii investigaiilor de la Vrand Dacia and the life of Barbarian population, also intended nu a mai rmas ns timp suficient i pentru alte cercetri to perform archaeological diggings on the Avar ring (Raportul Nr. 271/1952 privind Cercetrile arheologice from Sntana (Popescu et alii 1950). Unfortunately, due efectuate n raionul Cri, ntocmit de Egon Drner; arhiva the delay of the excavations from Vrand, there was not Seciei de Arheologie a Complexului Muzeal Arad).

19

Fig. 6. Solicitare a Muzeului Naional Maghiar ctre conducerea cilor ferate n vederea achiziionrii tezaurului descoperit n 1888/Hungarian National Museum s request to the Railways Department regarding the acquisition of the hoard discovered in 1888 Fig. 7. ndemnul Societii arheologice de la Budapesta ctre Societatea cultural Klcesy pentru efectuarea de spturi la Sntana/The advice of the Budapest Archaeological Society for the Klcesy Cultural Society to carry out excavations at Sntana

Curentul istoriografic ce atribuia avarilor fortificaia de la Sntana avea s se schimbe n urma unei cercetri de teren efectuate de ctre Egon Drner i Mircea Rusu n primvara anului 1952. Din arhivele Muzeului din Arad aflm c: n ziua de 3 mai, n colaborare cu tov. Rusu Mircea, asistent la Muzeul Academiei Cluj, am cercetat ncepnd de la orele 7 dimineaa aa-zisul Ring Avar, situat la 6 km S-V de comuna Sntana. Dup fragmentele ceramice, chirpiciu i percutoare gsite cu ocazia diferitelor sondajii intreprinse, am ajuns la concluzia c aceast aezare ntrit de proporii considerabile diametrul cercului exterior 20 al fortificaiei msurnd peste 1 km! poate fi datat din epoca bronzului, avnd astfel o vechime de peste 3.500 ani ... Aceast cetate de pmnt constituit din dou cercuri concentrice, cel interior necomplet nspre S-E, ambele nconjurnd o ridictur n form de movil, care pare a fi centrul fortificaiei. n afara zidului exterior, format n majoritate din pmnt ars, tot n direcia S-E se afl o movil depind ca mrime toate celelalte probabil un turn exterior de aprare i observaie. n afara fortificaiei mai sunt dou movile mai teite, dup toate probabilitile tumuli (Fragment din Raportul Nr. 271/1952 privind Cercetrile arheologice efectuate n raionul Cri, ntocmit de Egon Drner). Un an mai trziu, n 1953, acelai Egon Drner este delegatul muzeului ardean n vederea efecturii unor noi cercetri la fortificaia de pmnt de la Sntana. Drner era nsrcinat s ia legtura cu responsabilii antierului de construcii C.F.R., care efectuau lucrri n raza sitului, pentru a se asigura salvarea oricror obiecte istorice gsite cu

enough time left for other researches (Report no. 271/1952 regarding the Archaeological researches conducted in the Cri district, submitted by Egon Drner; the archives of the Archaeology Department of the Museum Arad). The historiographic trend ascribing the earthwork from Sntana to the Avar people was about to change, as a result of the field research conducted by Egon Drner and Mircea Rusu in the spring of 1952. According to the archives of the Museum Arad: on May 3rd, at 7 oclock in the morning, together with comrade Rusu Mircea, assistant at the Academy Museum Cluj, I initiated the research of the so called Avar Ring, a site located 6 km South-West of Sntana. The pottery, adobe or bolts discovered during various archaeological investigations, have led us to the conclusion that this fortified settlement of such great amplitude the diameter of the outer compound of the earthwork measures over 1 km! may be dated back to the Bronze Age, which means over 3500 years old... This earth fortress is made out of two concentric compounds, the interior compound still unfinished on the South-East end, but both enclosing a mound, which seems to be the centre of the earthwork. Outside the outer wall made out of burned earth, to the South-East, there is an earth mound, towering over the other mounds most probably an exterior defence and surveillance tower. Outside the earthwork two other mounds can be observed, of lower altitude, most probably tumuli (fragment from the Report no. 271/1952 regarding the Archaeological researches conducted in the Cri District, submitted by Egon Drner). One year later, the same Egon Drner was the

Fig. 8. Imagine dinspre nord a incintei III/Northen view of the third enclosure

Fig. 9. Fragmente ceramice descoperite de ctre E. Drner/Pottery fragments discovered by E. Drner

21

ocazia spturilor...(Delegaia delegate of the Museum Arad N r. 7 3 9 / 1 9 5 3 / C o m p l e x u l for carrying out new research Muzeal Arad). Civa ani activities on the earthwork site from Sntana. Drner was mai trziu acelai Egon instructed to get in contact Drner mpreun cu Nicolae with the people responsible Kiss recupereaz din spatele for the construction site of fostei halte C.F.R. Cetatea C.F.R. (Romanian Railway Veche, ase proiectile (bile) de Company), who were pratie din lut care vor intra performing construction n coleciile Muzeului din works in the vicinity of the Arad (nr. inv. 13.456-13461). archaeological site, in order Alte trei asemenea piese vor Fig. 10. Fragmente ceramice descoperite de ctre E. Drner/ to ensure the rescue of any ajunge n colecia colii nr. 1 Pottery fragments discovered by E. Drner historical objects discovered during the excavations works... din Sntana (Murean 2007, 120, n. 5). (Delegation No. 739/1953/Museum Arad). Several years n acest context trebuie menionat i articolul lui later, Egon Drner together with Nicolae Kiss managed E. Drner privind tezaurul de aur din 1888. Este vorba de

primul studiu care ofer informaii detaliate cu privire la piesele gsite atunci i care propune o ncadrare cronologic pertinent a descoperirilor perioada trzie a epocii bronzului (Drner 1960). Ca urmare a noilor interpretri cronologice ale fortificaiei de pmnt, n vara anului 1963 un colectiv de arheologi, format din Mircea Rusu (Institutul de Arheologie din Cluj), Egon Drner (Muzeul Judeean Arad), Ivan Ordentlich i Sever Dumitracu (Muzeul rii Criurilor Oradea), i-a propus o ampl sondare a sitului. Mai bine de 30 de ani rezultatele cercetrilor 22 lor nu au fost publicate, frnturi de informaii, privind dimesiunile fortificaiei, descoperirile i datarea sa, strecurndu-se ntr-o serie de publicaii care tratau problematica perioadei trzii a epocii bronzului din zon (Rusu 1963, 188-189; Horedt 1967, 141, 149-150; Rusu 1969, 1298; Rusu 1973, 109, fig. 1/8; Horedt 1974, 224, nr. 19; Drner 1976, 42-44; Rusu 1979, 119, 121, Mrghitan 1993, 35-40). Din raportul aprut n 1996 n Ziridava, anuarul Muzeului din Arad (Rusu et alii 1996), dar i n limba german ntr-un volum omagial dedicat amintirii profesorului Kurt Horedt (Rusu et alii 1999), aflm c n 1963 au fost trasate dou seciuni i dou casete, fr a se putea preciza suprafaa exact a acestora. Prima seciune a avut ca scop investigarea sistemului de fortificare nordic al incintei B (cea mai mare, incinta III dup noi), cea de-a doua a fost trasat pe valul incintei A (incinta I dup noi), iar cele dou casete au fost deschise tot n

to recover from behind the former C.F.R. train stop Cetatea Veche six sling-projectiles made of clay, which became part of the Museum Arad Collections (inv. no. 13.456-13461). Other three similar objects were included in the collection of Sntana School no. 1 (Murean 2007, 120, n. 5). In this context, we must take into consideration the article written by Egon Drner on the golden treasure from 1888. This is the first paper giving detailed information regarding the artefacts discovered at that time and also the first paper suggesting a relevant chronologic classification of the archaeological discoveries late Bronze Age (Drner 1960). As a consequence of the new chronologic interpretation of the earthwork, in the summer of 1963, a team of archaeologists, including Mircea Rusu (the Institute of Archaeology from Cluj), Egon Drner (The Museum of Arad County), Ivan Ordentlich and Sever Dumitracu (The Museum ara Criurilor of Oradea), embarked on a large scale investigation of the site. For more than 30 years the results of their research were not published; bits of information regarding the earthwork amplitude, the discoveries and the historical dating of the site worked their way inside various publications dealing with the late Bronze Age issues of that geographical region (Rusu 1963, 188-189; Horedt 1967, 141, 149-150; Rusu 1969, 1298; Rusu 1973, 109, fig. 1/8; Horedt 1974, 224, nr. 19; Drner 1976, 42-44; Rusu 1979, 119, 121, Mrghitan 1993, 35-40).

interiorul incintei A. n urma spturilor s-a constatat existena unui nivel cu materiale ce aparine epocii timpurii a cuprului (cultura Tizspolgar, cca. 4500 - 43004200 a.Chr.). De asemenea a fost descoperit i un mormnt de nhumaie, n poziie chircit, aparinnd acestor comuniti. Pe lng materialele Tizspolgar au aprut fragmente ceramice specifice epocii trzii a bronzului i primei epoci a fierului (sec. XIII-X a.Chr.). n opinia lor prima fortificaie (incinta A) a fost ridicat n prima faz a epocii fierului (Ha A1), celelalte dou fiind ulterioare. n seciunea I a fost dezvelit un alt mormnt de nhumaie, care pe baza inventarului funerar ar fi aparinut fazei Ha B a primei epoci a fierului. Cu toate c spturile din 1963 depeau 400 m2, tabloul cronologic i cultural al acestui sit era departe de a fi lmurit. Autorii acestor cercetri nu au putut s exploateze informaiile oferite de o fotografie aerian fcut de Alexandru tefan n anul 1965 i care surprindea mult mai exact toate elementele de fortificare. Ea a fost publicat abia n 1999 i este extrem de util pentru reconstituirea unor realiti din teren dup 45 de ani de arturi intense i implicit de distrugere treptat a valurilor de pmnt (Stefan 1999, 264, fig. 1-2). ncepnd cu anii 60 ai secolului trecut, pe suprafaa fortificaiei de pmnt de la Sntana au mai fost descoperite i alte artefacte interesante, care completeaz imaginea noastr asupra acestui obiectiv arheologic. Astfel, n 1954 Ioan Mrinoiu a gsit, n urma unor lucrri agricole, un celt i un fragment de secer, care au intrat n coleciile muzeului ardean. Tot n aceast perioad

According to the report published in 1996, in Ziridava, the annual publication of the Museum Arad (Rusu et alii 1996), as well as in a German language publication, issued in memory of prof. Kurt Horedt (Rusu et alii 1999), we learned that in 1963 two trenches and two grid squares had been marked out, without any record of their exact size. The first section was aimed at studying the Northern earthwork system of enclosure B (the biggest, enclosure III), the second was traced on the earthen vallum of enclosure A (enclosure I), and the two grid squares were laid out inside the enclosure A. The excavations executed in the area unveiled the existence of 23 a layer containing materials belonging to the Early Copper Age period (Tizspolgar culture, around 4500 43004200 BC). It was also discovered an inhumation grave, in crouched position, belonging to those communities. Besides the Tizspolgar materials, there were findings of ceramic artifacts specific for the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age (13th-10th century BC). In their opinion, the first earthwork (enclosure A) was raised in the first stage of the Iron Age (Ha A1), followed by the other two. Trench I uncovered another inhumation grave, and according to the grave inventory it belonged to the Ha B phase of the Early Iron Age. Regardless of the great extent of the 1963 excavation works, spread on over 400 sqm of land area, the chronological and cultural context of that site was far from being fully comprehended. The researchers were not able to explore the information supplied by the aerial photograph taken by Alexandru tefan in 1965,

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Fig. 11. Fragmente ceramice descoperite n spturile din 1963/ Pottery fragments discovered in 1963s excavation

Fig. 12. Fragmente ceramice descoperite n spturile din 1963/ Pottery fragments discovered in 1963s excavation

a mai fost descoperit ntmpltor un bru realizat din bronz aurit, care a fost achiziionat de Muzeul Naional Brukhental din Sibiu (Rusu et alii 1996, 22, nota 2). n anul 1976 tractoristul Aurel Bulzea din Sntana ar fi deranjat, tot n spatele fostei halte C.F.R. Cetatea Veche, un cuptor plin (circa 200 de piese!) cu proiectile (bile)

which offered an improved image of all the earthwork elements. The photograph was published in 1999 and it was extremely useful for recomposing the land features after 45 years of intense ploughing and inherent gradual destruction of the earthen vallums (tefan 1999, 264, fig. 1-2).

de pratie din lut (Murean 2007, 120, n. 7, 121). Elevii cercului de istorie-arheologie de la coala general nr. 1 din Sntana, ndrumai de Augustin Murean, urmrind lucrrile la un canal care a traversat fortificaia, au salvat n 1980 mai multe obiecte: un topor din piatr gurit i lefuit, proiectile (bile) de pratie din lut, dou rnie din piatr, dou greuti de la rzboiul de esut, ceramic i un fragment dintr-un tipar din gresie probabil pentru turnarea unor piese de harnaament (Murean 2007, 120, n. 8). O alt descoperire a survenit n 1982 cnd Augustin Murean a recuperat de la un alt tractorist dou brri decorate din bronz (Murean 1987). n 1997 G. Ciaci doneaz Complexului Muzeal Arad apte piese de bronz, ase fragmente de seceri i o turt de bronz. n timpul cercetrilor magnetometrice desfurate n primvara anului 2008 a fost descoperit un pandantiv, un fragment de bru i un fragment de cuit, toate confecionate din bronz. Tot n cursul anului 2008, Lucian Mercea a gsit, n urma unor cercetri de suprafa, dou fragmente de brie de bronz, un fragment de tabl i unul de band, tot din bronz. La nceputul anului 2009, ntr-o cercetare efectuat de acelai Lucian Mercea, au mai fost identificate o verig i un fragment de pumnal din bronz.
Noile cercetri

After the 1960s, other interesting artifacts were discovered at the earthwork from Sntana, adding the finishing touches to our present day picture of that archaeological site. Thus, in 1954, following some agricultural works carried on in that area, Ioan Mrinoiu found a socketed axe and a sickle fragment, which were included in the collections of the Museum Arad. An accidental discovery of a golden bronze belt was made in the same period, and the piece was purchased by the Bruckhental National Museum from Sibiu (Rusu et alii 1996, 22, note 2). In 1976, Aurel Bulzea, a tractor driver from Sntana, disturbed an oven filled (around 25 200 pieces!) with clay sling-projectiles, located behind the same former C.F.R. train stop Cetatea Veche (Murean 2007, 120, n. 7, 121). In 1980, the students from the History and Archaeology Club of the Secondary School no. 1 from Sntana, under the guidance of Augustin Murean, surveyed the construction works of a canal crossing the fortification area and rescued several objects: a polished and drilled stone axe, clay sling-projectiles, two stone grinders, two loom weights, ceramic objects and a fragment of a sandstone mould, probably used for casting harness parts tutuli (Murean 2007, 120, n. 8). Another discovery was made in 1982, when Augustin Murean retrieved two decorated bronze bracelets from another tractor driver (Murean 1987). In 1997 G. Ciaci made a donation to the Museum Arad, comprising seven bronze pieces, six sickle fragments and a bronze rounded ingot. The magnetometric researches conducted in spring 2008

Intenia de a relua cercetrile la fortificaia de pmnt de la Sntana, aa cum spuneam, a nceput s se concretizeze n primvara anului 2008. Specialitilor

26

Fig. 13. Artefacte de bronz descopertire pe suprafaa fortificaiei/ Bronze Artifacts discovered on the surface of the earthwork

Fig. 14. Artefacte de bronz descopertire pe suprafaa fortificaiei/ Bronze Artifacts discovered on the surface of the earthwork

Fig. 15. Artefacte de bronz descopertite pe suprafaa fortificaiei/Bronze Artifacts discovered on the surface of the earthwork

revealed a pendant, a belt fragment and a knife fragment, all made of bronze. Also, surface investigations carried out by Lucian Mercea in the same year unveiled two bronze belt fragments, a tablet fragment and a band fragment made of bronze. At the beginning of 2009 the same Lucian Mercea discovered a chain link and a bronze dagger fragment. The new researches As mentioned earlier, the intention to resume the
Fig. 16. Fotografie din timpul cercetrii magnetometrice/ Photography taken during the magnetometric research

romni de la Complexul Muzeal Arad, Academia Romn (Institutul de Arheologie i Istoria Artei din Cluj), i Universitii de Vest din Timioara, li s-a alturat o echip german de la Universitatea din Bochum, cooptat n vederea efecturii unor cercetri magnetometrice. Acest tip de cercetare a dus la identificarea ntr-un timp relativ scurt a unor structuri, cum ar fi primele dou valuri, anurile i palisadele (structura defensiv a fortificaiei), un drum situat n interiorul fortificaiei i numeroase construcii de suprafa sau gropi. Cercetarea arheologic din toamna anului 2009 a avut ca scop stabilirea coloanei stratigrafice a sitului, studierea sistemului de fortificare, recuperarea tuturor informaiilor i contextelor arheologice identificate pe sectorul ce urma a fi afectat de introducerea unei

research of the earthwork from Sntana, began to gain 27 shape in spring 2008. The team of Romanian specialists from Arad Museum, the Romanian Academy (the Institute of Archaeology and History of Art from Cluj) and the West University of Timioara, was joined by a German team from the University of Bochum, invited for the purpose of conducting magnetometric scanning. In a very short period of time, that type of research led to the identification of new structures, such as the first two earthen vallums, the defence ditches and palisades (the defensive structure of the fortification), a road inside the fortification and multiple surface buildings or pits. The goal of the archaeological research carried on in the autumn of 2009, was to establish the stratigraphic profile of the site, to study the earthwork structure, to recover all the data and archaeological context identified in the section area where the future gas pipeline was to be assembled (Hgel et alii 2010).

To this end, three trenches were laid out: S 01, magistrale de gaz (Hgel et alii 2010). S 02, S 03. The original dimensions of S 01 were 80x4 n acest scop au fost trasate trei seciuni: S 01, S m, but it was extended later on up to 6.50 m, in front 02, S 03. Seciunea S 01 a avut dimensiunile iniiale de and behind the earthen vallum. S 02 and S 03 had the 80x4 m, fiind lrgit ulterior pn la 6,50 m, n faa i same dimensions: 10x1.5 m. In order to fully reveal the n spatele valului de pmnt. S 02 a avut iniial aceleai archaeological complexes Cx 02 and Cx 03 from S 02, two dimensiuni cu S 03: 10x1,5 m. Pentru a dezveli n ntregime grid squares were opened. A grid square of 2.3x1 m was complexele Cx 02 i Cx 03 din S 02 au fost deschise dou delimited on top of Cx 02 and another one measuring casete. n dreptul Cx 02 a fost trasat o caset de 2,3x1 m, 2x1 m on top of Cx 03. The full uncovering of the Cx 04 iar n dreptul Cx 03 o alta de 2x1 m. Dezvelirea integral complex, located in S 03, a complexului denumit required the extension de noi Cx 04, situat n of S 04 by 1.5 m in length 28 seciunea S 03, a necesitat and 2 m in width. The prelungirea seciunii entire surface under cu 1,5 m i lrgirea ei investigation in 2009 pe acest tronson cu 2 reached 453.5 sqm. m. ntreaga suprafa The archaeological cercetat n 2009 a fost researches exposed the de 453,5 m 2. earthwork structure of Investigaiile the third enclosure. The arheologice au scos earth fortress could be la lumin sistemul de assigned to the end of fortificare a celei de-a the Bronze Age, thanks treia incinte. Datarea to the discovery of a acestei ceti de pmnt la complete vessel inside sfritul epocii bronzului the defence ditch. a fost asigurat de Additionally, the layers descoperirea n interiorul making up the earthen anului de aprare vallum unveiled a unui vas ntregibil. Fig. 17. Planul spturii, campania 2009/Excavation plan, 2009 campaign

Pe lng aceasta, n lentilele de pmnt din care a fost realizat valul, au aprut fragmente ceramice, vase ntregi i obiecte de metal, toate aparinnd aceleiai perioade trzii a epocii bronzului. Cea de-a treia fortificaie, cea mai impresionant ca mrime de la Sntana, a suprapus o aezare de la finalul epocii cuprului, ce poate fi atribuit aa-numitei culturi Baden (circa 3000 a.Chr.). Pe tronsonul celor trei seciuni au fost identificate 40 de complexe arheologice.
Descrierea sistemului de fortificare

ceramic fragments, complete vessels and metal objects, all of them belonging to the same late Bronze Age. The third enclosure, the most ample sized structure from Sntana, overlapped a settlement from the end of the Copper Age period, which may be allocated to the so called Baden culture (around 3000 BC). Forty archaeological complexes could be identified in the archaeological corridor of the three trenches. The description of the earthwork structure As we mentioned in the paragraphs above, the main 29 goal of the 2009 archaeological research activities was to investigate the defence system of the third enclosure. For this purpose, we traced trench S 01, cutting the wave and the ditch. The trench had a NEE-SWW orientation. Behind the earthwork, from grid square 0 to grid square 33, we were able to identify a ditch for earth displacement meant for raising the earthen vallum, a ditch that had a maximum depth of 2.06 m. In addition to the earth displaced from the defensive ditch, the earthen vallum elevation also required the dislocation of a large quantity of earth from inside the fortification. The earthen vallum is very well preserved and has impressive dimensions: a width of 26.82 m and a height of 2.44 m. The method used for raising the earthen vallum was very complex, and consisted of two architectural units. The first one is the earthen vallum core, a construction with a 14 m wide baseline and a 10.40 m width on the

Dup cum am precizat mai sus, scopul principal al cercetrilor arheologice din anul 2009 a fost acela de a sonda sistemul de aprare a celei de-a treia incinte. Pentru aceasta a fost trasat seciunea S 01, care a tiat valul i anul. Seciunea a fost orientat NEE-SVV. n spatele fortificaiei, din dreptul caroului 0 i pn n dreptul caroului 33, s-a identificat un an de scoatere a pmntului pentru ridicarea valului, an al crei adncime maxim a fost de 2,06 m. Ridicarea valului fortificaiei a necesitat, pe lng pmntul scos din anul de aprare i dislocarea din interiorul fortificaiei a unei mari cantiti de pmnt. Valul de pmnt este foarte bine pstrat i are dimensiuni impresionante: o lime de 26,82 m i o nlime 2,44 m. Modalitatea de a ridica valul a fost foarte complex, constnd din dou uniti arhitectonice. Prima este reprezentat de miezul valului, o construcie

lat la baz de 14 m, iar la suprafa de 10,40 m. Aceast unitate a fost ridicat pe un pat de brne, avnd rolul de fundaie a construciei. Patul de brne a fost dublat de un nivel de pietre de carier, ambele fiind acoperite cu lentile de pmnt btut. Miezul valului, a fost mbrcat ntr-un strat de lut galben, gros de aproximativ 5 cm, care a avut rolul de a etaneiza construcia. Acestui miez i-au fost adugate, nspre interiorul fortificaiei, lentile groase de pmnt btut, cu scopul de a solidifica valul. Ele reprezint cea de-a doua unitate constructiv. Acolo unde ne ateptam s gsim palisada de lemn, 30

surface. This unit was raised on a wood beam bed, acting as the foundation of the structure. The beam bed was strengthened by a quarry stone layer, both being covered by battered earth. The earthen vallum core was encased in a yellow clay mantle, around 5 cm thick, intended to isolate the structure. Thick layers of battered earth were added to the earthen vallum core, towards the interior of the earthwork, in order to strengthen the earthen vallum. Those layers represent the second constructive unit. To our surprise, the place where we were expecting to find the wooden palisade, indispensable for the

Fig. 18. Valul i rmiele zidului de lut, la conturare/The earthen vallum and the remains of the wall, at the outlining

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Fig. 19. Lentilele de pmnt btut/Subsequent loops of battered earth Fig. 21. Vedere dinspre interior a miezului valului/Rear view of the earthen vallum core

Fig. 20. Detaliu cu miezul valului de pmnt vzut dinspre interior/Rear part of the earthen vallum core-detail

Fig. 22. Profilul nordic al valului/The Northern profile of the earthen vallum

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Fig. 23. Butenii de la baza miezului valului/The logs form the base of the earthen vallum core Fig. 24. Profilul sudic al valului/The Southern profile of the earthen vallum

Fig. 25.Fotografie a miezului valului/ Photography of the earthen vallum core

functional role of the earthen vallum, was occupied by fr de care valul nu ar fi avut rolul funcional pentru care a clay wall. The wall emerged as a solid group made of a fost ridicat, am avut surpriza s descoperim un zid din burned clay clods. Its structure consisted of three relatively lut. El s-a conturat ca o grupare masiv format din bulgri parallel rows of poles, linked together with twigs. The de lut ars. Structura sa a constat din trei rnduri de pari, space within that frame was filled with clay clods (similar relativ paraleli, legai cu nuiele, spaiul delimitat astfel to the present day construction method used for adobe fiind umplut cu bulgri de lut (aa cum se construiesc i houses). Many wattles preserved the trace of the fingers astzi casele din chirpic). Muli dintre aceti vltuci mai which squeezed them. That was the method used to pstrau nc amprenta degetelor celor care i-au frmntat. raise the wall, which is now reduced to about 40 cm high Astfel a fost ridicat un zid care s-a mai pstrat pe o nlime and 80 cm thick. The interior side of the wall was not de circa 40 de cm i o grosime de aproximativ 80 cm. Dac smoothed, the wooden structure being left unplastered, partea interioar nu a fost finisat, lsndu-se netencuit but the exterior side of the wall was loamed at least five 33 structura de lemn, la exterior am constatat c zidul a fost times. Several sling-projectiles, made of burnt clay, were lutuit de cel puin cinci ori. Mai multe proiectile (bile) found in situ, on the outside of the wall. That was a clear de pratie, confecionate dintr-un lut foarte bine ars, and undisputable proof that a considerable portion of au fost gsite in situ pe partea exterioar a zidului. Ele the wall was destroyed by a sugereaz indubitabil c o real artillery fire. The violent bun parte din acesta a fost fire that engulfed the entire distrus de un adevrat foc de structure rendered the walls artilerie. Un incendiu violent density which preserved a cuprins ntreaga structur, until the present day. cptnd astfel consistena The defensive ditch care a fcut-o s se pstreze has an opening of 10.20 m pn astzi. and a depth of 2.86 m from anul de aprare the embankment level. are o deschidere maxim de The ditch is a V shaped 10,20 m i o adncime de 2,86 excavation, the exterior slope m de la nivelul de amenajare. being steeper than the slope El a fost spat n form de V, cu latura exterioar mai Fig. 26. Rmiele arse ale zidului de lut/Burned remains of the wall located at the base of the

34
Fig. 27. Zidul de lut la conturare, vedere dinspre interior/ The outlining of the wall, view fron inside Fig. 29. Proiectile (bile) de pratie/Sling projectiles

Fig. 30. Detaliu cu latura exterioar a zidului de lut/Detail of outer side wall

Fig. 28. Zidul de lut la conturare, vedere dinspre exterior/The wall at the outlining, view from outside

Fig. 31. Valul i anul de aprare ale incintei III/The earthen vallum and the defense ditch of the enclosure III

35

Fig. 32. Fotografie a zidului de lut/Photography of the wall

puin abrupt dect cea situat spre baza valului. Fundul anului este de form aproximativ oval, fiind mai ridicat nspre interiorul fortificaiei. anul a fost spat direct n lutul galben, pn s-a atins un nivel de lut galben-rocat nisipos. n umplutura sa au aprut fragmente ceramice, un vas ntregibil, numeroase fragmente de oase umane i un corn ntreg de cervideu. Diversele lentile de pmnt demonstreaz c anul a fost puternic colmatat nc nainte de incendierea valului. Cercetrile de teren, dar i studierea diferitelor hri, ne-au determinat s lum n considerare i posibilitatea devierii n anul de aprare 36 a unui curs de ap. Astzi se mai poate observa cum incinta a III-a bareaz, n apropierea spturii noastre, o veche albie de ru, pe care am i identificat-o de altfel arheologic n spatele valului.
Dimensiunile estimative ale celor trei incinte

earthen vallum. The ditch bottom area has an oval shape, slowly elevated towards the interior of the earthwork. The ditch is dug directly into the yellow clay, down to the sandy yellow-reddish layer. The filling contains ceramic fragments, a complete pot, multiple human bone fragments and a whole deer antler. The different layers of earth prove that the ditch was seriously clogged up even before burning the whole structure of the wall. The research conducted on the field, as well as the study of different maps, led us to take under consideration the possibility of a water flow being diverted into the defensive ditch. Today, we are able to see the third enclosure obstructing an old river bed, in the vicinity of our excavation, a river bed which has been identified behind the earthen vallum. The estimate size of the three enclosures We were able to estimate the size of the three enclosures based on the measurements performed on the field, on the information supplied by the aerial photographs and the data provided by the Google Earth software. So, the zone we labelled as Enclosure I, had a surface area of 14 ha and a perimeter of 1524 m. Enclosure II covered a surface of around 50 ha and a perimeter of 2860 m. Enclosure III, the biggest, had a surface area of 80 ha and a perimeter of 3630 m. The archaeological investigations conducted in 2009 revealed that the last enclosure mentioned above included a wave of 2.44 m

Pe baza msurtorilor efectuate pe teren, a informaiilor oferite de fotografiile aeriene i a datelor furnizate de programul Google Earth, am putut calcula estimativ dimesiunile celor trei fortificaii de la Sntana Cetatea Veche. Astfel, ceea ce noi am denumit ca i Incinta I, are o suprafa de 14 ha i un perimetru de 1524 m. Incinta II acoper o suprafa de aproximativ 50 ha i un perimetru de 2860 m. Incinta III, cea mai mare, are o suprafa de 80 ha i un perimetru de 3630 m. Spturile arheologice din 2009 au artat c aceasta din urm prezint un val nalt de 2,44 m i lat de 26,82 m. Lund aceste numere

Fig. 33. anul de aprare/ The defense ditch

37

Fig. 34. anul de aprare/The defense ditch

ca dimensiuni medii pentru ntreaga lungime de 3630 m a valului incintei III, ar rezulta un volum de pmnt excavat de 237.550,1 m3. Pentru anul de aprare, dac folosim aceleai dimesiuni medii surprinse n sptur (2,86 m adncime i o lime de 10,20 m), obinem un volum de pmnt spat de 105.894,36 m3. Pentru a suplini diferena de pmnt necesar ridicrii valului

high and 26.28 m wide. If we take into consideration these numbers as average measurements for the entire length of the earthen vallum of enclosure III, the displaced quantity of earth rises up to around 237,220.1 m3. In the case of the defensive ditch, if we take into consideration the average dimensions estimated during the excavation (2.86 m deep and 10.20 m wide), we obtain a volume of

38

Fig. 35. Fotografie aerian a fortificaiei (dup Stefan 1999)/Aerial photography of the earthwork (after Stefan 1999)

s-a excavat n spatele acestuia. Astfel, plecnd de la un calcul mediu de 2 m adncime i 29 m lime, att ct are anul n sptura noastr, rezult un volum de 210.540 m3. Evident c aceste calcule sunt pur orientative, dar ele demonstreaz o dat n plus efortul uria depus pentru construirea fortificaiei incintei a III-a de la Sntana Cetatea Veche.
Descoperirile arheologice din jurul fortificaiei

105,894.36 m3 of excavated earth. In order to make up for the lack of earth necessary to raise the earthen vallum, diggings were also carried out behind it. So, starting with an average calculation of 2 m deep and 29 m wide ditch, the measurements of the ditch during our excavations, it results a volume of 210,540 m3. Obviously, these figures are purely theoretical, but they prove once more the tremendous effort involved in constructing the third enclosure from Sntana Cetatea Veche. Archaeological discoveries around the earthwork Over the time, other 17 archaeological sites have been discovered in the neighbourhood of Sntana, in addition to the earthwork from Cetatea Veche. We have noted that the Holumb tell is mentioned in the specialized literature and is regarded as contemporary with the Avar ring (Mrki 1882, 117-118). Multiple field research in this area conducted by Egon Drner, as well as Sever Dumitracus test excavation in 1963 proved the existence of a Tiszapolgr tell (around 4500 - 4300-4200 BC), as well as a layer that might be assigned to the middle Bronze Age, to the Corneti-Crvenka group (Rusu 1971, 79-80; Dumitracu 1975). Other archaeological discoveries from the Bronze Age were found inside the former Trifu farm, located on the West side of the town (Barbu et alii 1999, 113, pct. 3). Following several surface research made by Lucian Mercea and members of the Museum Arad (Victor Sava, Florin Mrginean), in 2007 a large scale tell

Pe lng fortificaia de la Cetatea Veche, n jurul localitii Sntana au mai fost identificate de-a lungul timpului nc 17 situri arheologice. Am vzut c tell-ul de la Holumb este menionat n literatura de specialitate nc de la sfritul secolului al XIX-lea i tratat ca fiind contemporan cu ringul avar (Mrki 1882, 117-118). Numeroasele cercetri de teren efectuate aici de ctre Egon Drner i sondajul lui Sever Dumitracu din anul 1963 au certificat existena unui tell Tiszapolgr (cca. 4500 - 4300-4200 a.Chr.), precum i a unui nivel ce poate fi atribuit perioadei mijlocii a epocii bronzului, grupului Corneti-Crvenka (Rusu 1971, 79-80; Dumitracu 1975). Alte descoperiri ce aparin epocii bronzului au fost identificate n incinta fostei ferme Trifu, situat la vest de ora (Barbu et alii 1999, 113, pct. 3). n urma unor cercetri de suprafa efectuate de ctre Lucian Mercea i membrii colectivului Complexului Muzeal Arad (Victor Sava, Florin Mrginean), n anul 2007 a fost descoperit la nordvest de ora un tell de mari dimensiuni. Ceramica gsit la

39

suprafa aparine grupului Corneti-Crvenka al culturii Vatina i este caracteristic perioadei mijlocii a epocii bronzului (cca. 2100 1600-1500 a.Chr.). Confirmarea faptului c zona nconjurtoare actualei localiti Sntana a reprezentat de-a lungul epocilor istorice un mediu propice locuirilor umane a venit n anul 2009, tot ca urmare

was discovered in the North-West part of the town. The ceramic discovered at the surface belonged to the CornetiCrvenka group, Vatina culture and was characteristic of the middle Bronze Age period (around 2100 16001500 BC). The field research investigations carried out in 2009 also confirmed the fact that the area surrounding

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Fig. 36. Descoperiri arheologice n zona Sntana (sursa Google Earth)/Archaeological discoveries from Sntana area (source Google Earth)

a unor cercetri de teren. Perieghezele s-au concentrat nspre latura sud-estic a oraului, urmnd tronsonul viitoarei magistrale de gaz Sntana-Pncota. Pornind din nord-estul fortificaiei, pe un tronson de circa 7 km au fost identificate 11 situri arheologice. n primii 2,5 km au fost descoperite 5 situri preistorice, restul aparin secolelor IIIV d.Chr. i secolelor XI-XIII d.Chr. Din punct de vedere cronologic cele cinci situri preistorice pot fi atribuite epocii trzii a bronzului, fiind contemporane cu diversele faze ale fortificaiei de la Cetatea Veche. Descoperirile din secolele II-IV d.Chr. se afl la mic distan de necropola i aezarea spat de ctre Egon Drner n 1951 i 1954 (Drner 1960a), respectiv Mircea Barbu, Egon Drner n 1979 (Barbu, Drner 1980).
Elemente de cronologie relativ i absolut ale celei de-a treia incinte

Sntana represented a suitable environment for human dwellings throughout various historical ages. The field surveys focused on the South-East side of the town, following the lining of the future gas pipeline SntanaPncota. Starting on the North-East end of the earthwork, 11 archaeological sites were discovered over a 7 km road sector. Five prehistoric sites were discovered along the first 2.5 km sector; the rest of the sites dated from 2nd-4th century AD and 10th-13th century AC. Chronologically, the five prehistoric sites might be assigned to the late Bronze Age, contemporary with the different stages of the fortification from Cetatea Veche. The archaeological 41 findings from 2nd-4th century AD were close to the necropolis and the settlement uncovered by Egon Drner in 1951 and 1954 (Drner 1960a), respectively Mircea Barbu, Egon Drner in 1979 (Barbu, Drner 1980). Issues on relative and absolute chronology of the third enclosure The stratigraphic observations and the archaeological artefacts discovered during the archaeological research conducted in 2009 allowed us to pinpoint in time the building, the use and then the destruction of the third fortification (enclosure) from Sntana Cetatea Veche. Ceramic fragments that belong to the late Bronze Age were found in different layers of earth within the earthen vallum core, in a secondary position. The fragments ended up in that position with the earth

Observaiile stratigrafice i materialele arheologice descoperite n campania arheologic a anului 2009 permit fixarea n timp a momentului construirii, funcionrii i mai apoi a distrugerii fortificaiei (incintei) a III-a de la Sntana Cetatea Veche. n diversele lentile de pmnt care constituie miezul valului, ntr-o evident poziie secundar, au fost gsite fragmente ceramice care pot fi atribuite unei etape trzii a epocii bronzului. Ele au ajuns n aceast situaie odat cu pmntul adus pentru nlarea viitorului val al fortificaiei a III-a. n faa fortificaiei (incintei) a II-a au fost identificate urme slabe

de locuire, iar n zona investigat de noi a funcionat probabil i o necropol. Astfel n solul virgin din punct de vedere arheologic, n spatele valului III, imediat sub ultimele lentile de pmnt adus, au fost identificate dou

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Fig. 38. Vas descoperit n anul de aprare/Vessel discovered in the defence ditch

Fig. 37. Reconstituire a vaselor descoperite ntre lentilele valului/ Reconstruction of the vessels found betwenn the vallum loops

brought in for the elevation of the future earthen vallum of the third enclosure. Several weak dwelling traces were found in front of the second enclosure, and a necropolis might have been operational in the area investigated by our team. Thus, within the sterile stratum, from an archaeological perspective, behind the third earthen vallum, immediately under the last layers of earth brought in, two graves could be identified: an incineration grave and an inhumation grave. The inventory of the incineration grave included vessels characteristic of the late Bronze Age. The second grave, which had

morminte. Unul de incineraie i al doilea de inhumaie. Mormntul de incineraie a avut ca inventar recipiente caracteristice bronzului trziu. Mormntul al doilea, care era deranjat, nu a fost cercetat integral aa nct nu ne putem pronuna nc cu privire la datarea sa. Cert este c defunctul incinerat a ajuns n pmnt nainte de ridicarea

valului al III-lea, moment ce poate fi plasat cndva n bronzul trziu. Importante pentru stabilirea cronologiei relative a fortificaiei a III-a de la Sntana Cetatea Veche sunt i piesele de bronz (un vrf de sgeat, un ac de cusut i un saltaleon) i fragmentele ceramice gsite pe fundul unui curs de ap care nu mai funciona n momentul n care a fost ridicat fortificaia. Este posibil ca cei doi saltaleoni i brara de bronz (cu seciunea rectangular i capetele ascuite), descoperite n diversele lentile de pmnt care constituie structura valului, s fi fost pierdute de cei care au participat la construirea fortificaiei i s nu fi provenit din aezarea de bronz trziu de unde a fost adus pmntul. Poate cele mai certe elemente de datare relativ a fortificaiei a III-a sunt descoperirile din anul de aprare. n acest sens este de menionat un vas ceramic aproape ntreg care a ajuns n an nc pe cnd

been disturbed, was not fully investigated, so, for the moment, we could not determine its dating. What we do know is that the incinerated person was buried before the construction of the third earthen vallum, a moment which could be placed sometime in the late bronze period. Other important elements for establishing the relative chronology of the third enclosure from Sntana Cetatea Veche are the bronze artefacts (an arrow head, a sewing needle and a saltaleon decorative tubules) and the ceramic fragments found on the bottom of a river bed,

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Fig. 40. Vrf de sgeat confecionat din bronz/Bronze arrowhead

Fig. 39. Ac de cusut confecionat din bronz/Bronze needle

no longer in use after the construction of the earthwork. The two saltaleons and the bronze bracelets (rectangular shaped, with pointed ends) discovered in different earth layers are likely to have been lost by the workers building the earthwork and may not originate from the

acesta funciona. Deocamdat nu deinem date 14C care s permit datarea absolut a fortificaiei a III-a de la Sntana Cetatea Veche. Trebuie s apelm, n acest moment, la analogii din obiective contemporane. Ne referim n primul rnd la marea cetate de pmnt de la Corneti Iarcuri, judeul Timi, care a fost plasat ntre 1400 i 1250 a.Chr.

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Fig. 42. Topor de bronz descoperit n timpul cercetrilor de teren (2009)/Bronze ax found during field surveys (2009)

late bronze settlement providing the earth. But the most reliable elements for the relative chronology of the third enclosure are discovered in the defensive ditch. One of them is a ceramic vessel that ended up in the ditch while the ditch was still operational. For the time being we have no 14C data to allow us the absolute dating of the third enclosure from Sntana Cetatea Veche. We must use analogies with other contemporary sites. Our main reference site is the great earthwork from Corneti Iarcuri, Timi County, which is dated between 1400 and 1250 BC.

Fig. 41. Brar de bronz descoperit n timpul cercetrilor de teren (2009)/Bronze bracelet found during field surveys (2009)

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Fig. 43. Fotografie a seciunii S1/Photography of trench S1

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Fig. 45. Apus de soare vzut de pe fortificaie/ Sunset seen from the earthwork

Fig. 46. Sparea valului i a zidului de lut/Excavating the earthen vallum and the wall

Fig. 44. Sparea valului i nregistrarea datelor/Excavating the earthen vallum and recording the datas

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Fig. 47. Sparea i curarea zidului de lut/Excavating and cleaning the wall

Fig. 49. Poziionarea scrii pentru fotografierea valului/Arranging the ladder in order to take pictures of the earthen vallum Fig. 48. Pregtirea pentru fotografierea zidului de lut/Getting the wall ready for photography

Fig. 50. Conturarea i numerotarea lentilelor de pmnt de pe profilul nordic al valului/Outlining and labelling the earthen loops on the northern profile of the vallum

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Fig. 52. Conturarea lentilelor de pmnt de pe profilul sudic al anului de aprare/Outlining the earthen loops on the southern profile of the defence ditch

Fig. 51. Conturarea i numerotarea lentilelor de pmnt de pe profilul sudic al valului/ Outlining and labelling the earthen loops on the southern profile of the vallum

Fig. 53. Pregtirea pentru fotografierea anului de aprare/Getting ready in order to take pictures of the defence ditch

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Fig. 54. O parte a echipei de cercetare, campania anului 2009/Part of the research team, campaign 2009

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Prieteni sau dumani

51

Friends or enemies

Cercetrile arheologice moderne de pe movila de la Hisarlk (Turcia) au demonstrat c cele povestite de Homer despre Troia au un mare smbure de adevr (Troia...; Troia. Archologie eines Siedlungshgels...). O cetate nfloritoare, puternic i mndr nu putea s nu strneasc dumnii, dar se putea baza, de voie sau de nevoie, i pe aliai fideli. Foarte probabil i Cetatea 52 Veche de la Sntana a fcut parte dintr-un sistem politic asemntor. Aa cum vom vedea, ea nu este o descoperire izolat n cmpia de la Mureul de jos; la distane mai mari sau mai mici, la nord sau la sud, au fost ridicate i alte ceti. Cine s fi fost cei care au atacat-o i distrus-o?

The modern archaeological investigations at Hisarlk mound (Turkey) proved that Homers stories about Troy were close to the truth (Troy ...; Troy. Archologie eines Siedlungshgels...). It was understandable that a flourishing, strong and proud fortress had enemies, but in times of distress it could count on its faithful allies. Most likely, Cetatea Veche from Sntana was part of a similar political system. As we are about to see, the earthwork was not isolated in the Lower Mure Plain. Other fortresses were built in the neighbouring area, at different distances towards North or South. So who attacked and destroyed it?

Oroshza Nagytatrsnc, comitat Bks, Ungaria

Oroshza Nagytatrsnc, Bks County, Hungary

Dintre descoperirile apropiate de Sntana Cetatea Veche, de pe teritoriul actual al Ungariei, am ales s consemnm cteva informaii cu privire la fortificaia de pmnt de la Oroshza Nagytatrsnc.

As analogies to Sntana Cetatea Veche were discovered on the present day territory of Hungary, we have decided to insert here some information regarding the earthwork from Oroshza Nagytatrsnc.

Localizarea fortificaiei Micul ora Oroshza se gsete la extremitatea estic a comitatului Bks, ntre alte dou orae tipice pentru cmpia de sud a Alfldu-lui: Hdmezvsrhely i Bkscsaba. Distana pna la grania de stat cu Romnia este de aproape 40 de km, iar fa de Sntana de circa 50 de km. Fortificaia, al crui toponim este Nagytatrsnc, este amplasat la circa 10 km sud-est de Oroshza, pe partea stng a drumului secundar ce duce spre Kaszaper.

The location of the earthwork The small town of Oroshza is placed in the South part of Bks County, between other two typical towns of the Alfld Southern plains: Hdmezvsrhely and Bkscsaba. Oroshza is situated at around 40 km from the Romanian border and nearly 50 km from Sntana. The earthwork, named Nagytatrsnc, is located almost 10 km South-East of Oroshza, on the left side of the secondary road towards Kaszaper.

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Fig. 55. Imagine din satelit a fortificaiei (sursa Google Earth)/Satellite image of the earthwork (source Google Earth)

Istoricul cercetrilor

The state of research

According to the information provided by Jnos Din informaiile oferite de Jnos Banner, fost Banner, former archaeology professor in Szeged, and profesor de arheologie la Szeged i mai apoi la Budapesta, then in Budapest, the earthwork from Oroshza was first prima meniune a fortificaiei de la Oroshza apare pe o mentioned on a map in 1751 (Baner 1939, 96). That map hart de la 1751 (Banner 1939, 96). Dac pe aceast hart illustrated the earthwork as a rectangular shaped structure, cetatea de pmnt avea o forma patrulater, pe harta but the Vertics map from 1774 and the Josephine map from Vertics de la 1774, pe cea iosefina de la 1783, ori pe hrile 1783 gave a more accurate account of the earthwork, as an din secolul al XIX-lea ea este reprezentat mult mai ellipsoidal shaped structure. In 1896, the monography of aproape de realitate, sub o form elipsoidal. La 1896, n Bks County (Karcsonyi 1896, 267) and in the following 54 monografia comitatului Bks (Karcsonyi 1896, 267) i year, the history of Cenad County (Borovszky 1897, 195), n anul urmtor, n istoria comitatului Cenad (Borovszky placed the earthwork from Nagytatrsnc, a frequently 1897, 195), fortificaia de la Nagytatrsnc, un toponim used toponym for the des utilizat pentru earth fortresses from cetile de pmnt din Hungaria, on the teritorry Ungaria, este amplasat of Pusztafoldvr. Later n teritoriul localitii on, Samu Szeremlei, in Pusztafoldvr. Ulterior, his history of the locality Samu Szeremlei, scriind Hdmezvsrhely, gave o istorie a localitii the most comprehensive Hdmezvsrhely, face description of the cea mai ampl descriere archaeological discoveries a descoperirilor de la from Nagytatrsnc Nagytatrsnc (Szeremlei (Szeremlei 1900, 354-357, 1900, 354-357, 481-486). 481-486). In compliance n spiritul epocii sale, with the trends of that Szeremlei consider c Fig. 56. Hart din secolul al XIX-lea (1860-1865) cu localizarea fortificaiei/ age, Szeremlei belived aici a fost capitala lui XIXth century map (1860-1865) with the localisation of the earthwork

Attila, ca mai apoi cetatea s fie locuit de principii gepizi i de cei avari. Valul de pmnt ar fi avut o lime de 7-10 m i o nlime de 2-3 m. Ing. Jzsef Herczg va realiza pentru lucrarea lui Szeremlei un prim plan de situaie. Conform acestuia fortificaia era mrginit la sud-est de un vechi curs de ap, care ar fi avut legtur cu sistemul de ape Mure-Cri prin Szrazr. Limea sa maxim ar fi fost de 1800 m, iar valul, de form semicircular, prezenta o lungime de 3060 m. Iniial sunt semnalate 4 pori. Tot pentru Szeremlei, nvtorul Antal Varga face spturi gsind un craniu trepanat, mpreun cu un corn de cerb, probabil din epoca bronzului. Singurele cercetri arheologice de la Hdmezvsrhely (de fapt Oroshza) Nagytatrsnc sunt cele fcute n vara anului 1939 de ctre Jnos Banner. Trebuie remarcat efortul lui Banner de a avea o fotografie aerian a obiectivului la scara 1:4000. Pe aceast fotografie se poate vedea anul i valul, dou pori sigure, i una probabil, cea mai mare avnd o deschidere de 25 m. Fortificaia a fost investigat prin mai multe seciuni. Fa de nivelul antic valul are o nlime de 1,52-1,55 m. Structura lor interioar nu ar fi fost din lemn i piatr, aa cum s-ar fi ateptat, ci doar din lentile de pmnt negru i galben. antul exterior a avut o adncime de 2,06 m de la nivelul actual de clcare, fiind spat n form de U. Cel de la interior era ceva mai adnc: 2,60 m. nainte de construirea fortificaiei, aici a existat o locuire din perioada timpurie a epocii cuprului. La 1,05 m a fost identificat sterilul din punct de vedere

that Attilas capital had been there, and later the fortress had been settled by Gepid and Avar kings. Allegedely, the earthen vallum was 7-10 m wide and 2-3 m high. Eng. Jzsef Herczg prepared a map scale table for Szeremleis paper. According to Herczg, the earthwork was bordered on the South-East side by an old watercourse, which might have been connected to the Mure-Cri river system via Szrazr. Its maximum width would have been 1,800 m, and the semicircular shaped earthen vallum would have been 3,060 m long. Originally, 4 gates were identified. Szeremlei was also helped by teacher Antal Varga, whose excavations revealed a skull showing 55 evidence of trepanation and an antler, probably dating to the Bronze Age. The only archaeological research in Hdmezvsrhely (actually Oroshza) Nagytatrsnc was conducted by Jnos Banner in the summer of 1939. We must acknowledge Banners effort to get an aerial photograph of the site at a scale of 1:4000. The photograph clearly showed the defensive ditch and the earthen vallum, two confirmed gates and one potential gate, the biggest gate having a 25 m opening. Several trenches were marked in order to investigate the earthwork. From the antique level, the earthen vallum was 1.521.55 m high. Presumably, their inner structure was not made of wood and stone, as expected, but of black and yellow earth layers. The exterior defence ditch was 2.06 m deep from the present day ground level, stretched in a U shape. The interior ditch was deeper: 2.60 m. Prior

arheologic. Pe lng materialele preistorice, n an a mai ieit la iveal i ceramic roman i modern. Dou descoperiri ar data cetatea de aici n perioada hallstatt: un ac de bronz cu capul n forma de pecete (provenit din antul interior de la o adncime de 50 cm) i un vas gsit n valul interior (Banner 1939, 105). Restul ceramicii este atipic. Tot n interiorul fortificaiei, mai exact la ferma lui Trk Balint, au fost identificate materiale aparinnd perioadei trzii a epocii bronzului i epocii hallstattiene. Descoperirile ulterioare din zon l determin pe Nndor Kalicz s atribuie fortificaia aceleiai perioade (Kalicz 56 1965, 98-99). Cercetrile mai noi se rezum la o fotografie aerian realizat de dr. Zoltn Czajlik de la Universitatea ELTE din Budapesta (Czajlik 2006, 73-74, 3. bra). Pe imaginea surprins, de altfel de foarte bun calitate, se poate observa un val exterior, un an (n imagine avnd culoarea neagr), un val interior ca i zona din spatele su de unde a fost scos pmntul n vederea ridicrii fortificaiei. Dimensiunile cetii de pmnt de la Oroshza

to the earthwork, the area was occupied by a settlement belonging to the early Copper Age. The sterile stratum, from an archaeological perspective, was discovered at a depth of 1.05 m. In addition to the prehistoric materials, the ditch contained Roman and modern ceramics. The discoveries made in this area may place the earthwork in the Hallstatt period: a bronze needle with signet like head (found in the interior ditch, buried 50 cm deep) and a vessel found in the interior earthen vallum (Banner 1939, 105). The other ceramic fragments are atypical. Other artefacts belonging to the late Bronze Age and Hallstatt

photography of the earthwork (after Czajlik 2006)

period were discovered inside the earthwork, too, more precisely at Trk Balints farm. Subsequent researches determined Nndor Kalicz to assign the earthwork to the same period (Kalicz 1965, 98-99). Newer researches consist of an aerial photograph taken by Dr Zoltn Czajlik from the ELTE University of Budapest (Czajlik 2006, 73-74, 3. bra). This high-quality image shows an exterior wave, a ditch (colour black in the photograph), an interior wave and the Fig. 57. Fotografie aerian a fortificaiei (dup Czajlik 2006)/Aerial area behind it, where

Nagytatrsnc ar fi de 124 de ha.

the earth was dug out for the earthwork construction. The estimated area of the Oroshza Nagytatrsnc earth fortress is approximately 124 ha.

Munar Wolfsberg - Dealul Lupului, comuna Secusigiu, judeul Arad, Romnia

Localizarea fortificaiei

Munar Wolfsberg - Dealul Lupului, Secusigiu commune, Arad County, Romania

The location of the earthwork Driving on the county road no. 682, connecting Arad and Snicolau Mare, we pass by Snpetru German village. About 1 km away from the crossroads leading to the village center, in the direction of Munar, we can notice a ellipsoidal shaped earthen vallum on the right side of the road. The state of research The earthwork from Munar was taken under surveillance for the first time by the Austrian authorities between 1860 and 1865, when a new set of maps of the empire was about to be issued. One of those maps recorded the third and biggest enclosure of the earthwork. The first detailed record of that archaeological site was provided by the archaeologist and founder of the museum from Vrac, Bodrog (Felix) Milleker, who pulished a very important, three volume, archaeological

Pe drumul judeean 682, ce leag oraele Arad de Snicolau Mare, se trece de localitatea Snpetru German. La circa 1 km de intersecia care ne duce spre centrul satului, spre Munar, se poate observa, foarte aproape de osea, pe partea drept, un val de pmnt de form elipsoidal.
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57

Fortificaia de la Munar intr pentru prima dat n atenia autoritilor austriece ntre anii 1860 i 1865, cu ocazia ntocmirii unor noi hri ale imperiului. Pe una dintre acestea apare reprezentat incinta a treia (cea mai mare) a cetii. Primele informaii detaliate despre acest obiectiv ne sunt oferite de arheologul i ntemeietorul muzeului din Vrac, Bodrog (Felix) Milleker, cel care la cumpna dintre veacurile al XIX-lea i al XX-lea a publicat n trei volume un foarte important repertoriu arheologic al Ungariei de sud (Milleker 1897; Milleker 1899; Milleker 1906). El ne informeaz foarte exact asupra faptului c:

repertoire of Southern ntre Munar i Snpetru Hungaria, at the end of 19th German nspre captul de century begining of 20th nord al oselei care leag century (Milleker 1897; aceste comune putem gsi o Milleker 1899; Milleker ridictur de pmnt de form 1906). He clearly stated trapezoidal, care nspre that: Between Munar and nord atinge vadul Arncii. Snpetru German, towards Suprafaa estimat e de 25 the Northern end of the road holde (iugre). Partea de vest a that links these villages, we satului Munar poart numele can find a trapezoidiform de Bezdin Weingrden, iar earth mound, streching North 58 ridictura situat nspre sud, up to Aranca riffle. It has an ctre Smpetru German, se estimate surface area of 25 numete Wolfsberg (Milleker Fig. 58. Hart din secolul al XIX-lea (1860-1865) cu localizarea holde (iugre). The West side 1906, 97). n partea nordic a fortificaiei/XIXth century map (1860-1865) locating the earthwork of the village is named Bezdin ridicturii, unde curge Aranca, Weingrden, and the sounthern mound, located in the direction anul e aproape nivelat. Pe latura sudic, a crei nlime e mai of Smpetru German, is named Wolfsberg (Milleker 1906, 97). mic i unde aezarea avea nevoie de o aprare artificial, valul On the North side of the mound, where Aranca River flows, the e pe alocuri nalt de 2-3 metri. Captul de nord-est al cetii de ditch is almost flat. On the South side, where the mound height pmnt, urmnd cursul Aranci, merge n sus spre nord-est. was smaller and an artificial defensive system was needed, the La captul de nord al prii vestice se afl intrarea sau poarta. earthen vallum reaches 2-3 meters from place to place. The Acolo e acum casa ciosului (paznicului) mnstirii Bezdin i North-East end of the earth fortress streches upwards towards pe acolo intr i azi drumul cruelor n interiorul cetii de North-East, following the Aranca watercourse. On the North pmnt (Milleker 1906a, 53-54). n privina descoperirilor end of the West side we may find the entry point or the gate. arheologice Milleker consemneaz c: Dinspre Munar se Nowadays, the place is occupied by the house of the Bezdin pot observa numeroase urme arheologice. Astfel pe pmntul lui monastery cios (guardian) and it is also the carriage road entry Jost Ivan, situat spre Snpetru German, n 1904 un inspector point inside the earth fortress (Milleker 1906a, 53-54). As far financiar a descoperit multe vase de lut. Au fost gsite urne as the archaeological discoveris are concerned, Milleker negre, cu proeminene, iar ntr-una au fost descoperite obiecte

wrote that: Multiple archaeological remnants from Munar de bronz (Milleker 1906, 98). can be observed. As a matter of fact, in 1904 a finacial inspector n perioada interbelic Ioan Lotreanu descria i el discovered several clay pots on the land of Jost Ivan, located fortificaia de la Munar pe care o considera a fi un ring in the direction of Snpetru German. The findings included avar: n apropiere se vede un an bine pstrat, cu o lungime a black urn with protuberances, and one of them contained destul de apreciabil care-i spune c odinioar a aprat o cetate. several bronze objects (Milleker 1906, 98). Acest an merge paralel cu drumul pe o distan mic, apoi Between the two world wars Ioan Lotreanu se deprteaz pe neobservate, formnd un arc i se ndreapt described the Munar earthwork as an Avar ring: Close spre nord-est. Locul fostului fort e plantat astzi cu vi de vie by, you can see a very well preserved ditch, of considerable n mare parte, iar restul cu legume i cereale (Lotreanu 1935, length, which leads to the assumption that once upon a time it 286). defended a fortress. This ditch stretches along the road on a short Interesul tiinific pentru fortificaia de la Munar se distance, and then moves away unnoticed, following an arch 59 limiteaz doar la aceste dou surse primare, alte lucrri pattern towards North-East. prelund informaiile Nowadays, the land area existente (Childe 1929, 287; formerly occupied by the Roska 1942, 185, nr. 270). fortress is mostly covered with n anul 1948 Marius Moga, grape vine and the remaining fostul director al Muzeului land with vegetable and cereal Banatului din Timioara, crops (Lotreanu 1935, 286). face mai multe spturi n The scientific zona localitilor Snpetru interest in the Munar German Satu Mare. n earthwork was limited to coleciile muzeului din these two primary sources, Timioara exist un lot and the other papers important de materiale care simply cite the existing ar proveni de la Snpetru information (Childe 1929, German Mnstirea Bezdin, 287; Roska 1942, 185, caracteristice perioadei nr. 270). In 1948 Marius mijlocii (grupul CornetiFig. 59. Fragmente ceramice descoperite n spturile lui M. Moga/ Moga, former director of Crvenka) i trzii a epocii Pottery fragments discovered in M. Mogas excavation

the Banat Museum from bronzului (Moga 1964, Timioara, conducted 296). Este foarte probabil several excavations in ca Marius Moga s fi fcut the neighbouring area un sondaj n cetatea de of Snpetru German pmnt de la Munar, pe Satu Mare. The museum care a preferat s o plaseze collections from Timioara n perimetrul localitii included an important set Snpetru German (Luca of objects discovered in 2006, 230). Kurt Horedt i Snpetru German, Bezdin Florin Medele sunt cei care Monastery, specific to the lmuresc amplasamentul middle (Corneti-Crvenka 60 fortificaiei n raza localitii group) and late Bronze Munar (Horedt 1974, 223, Age. We assumed that nr. 14; Medele, Bugilan Fig. 60. Fotografie aerian a fortificaiei/Aerial photography of the Marius Moga made a trial 1987, 149-150; Barbu et alii earthwork excavation from the Munar 1999, 85-86; Luca 2005, 254; earthwork, and he chose to place it in the area of Snpetru Luca 2010, 175). German (Luca 2006, 230). Kurt Horedt and Florin Medele Cetatea de pmnt de la Munar este un caz fericit, are the ones that clarified the position of the earthwork n care se poate observa momentul apariiei i sensul in Munar area (Horedt 1974, 223, nr. 14; Medele, Bugilan evoluiei elitelor rzboinice ale epocii bronzului. Cu ocazia 1987, 149-150; Barbu et alii 1999, 85-86; Luca 2005, 254; numeroaselor cercetri de teren efectuate n ultimii ani, Luca 2010, 175). am constatat c cele mai vechi descoperiri din interiorul The earthwork from Munar represents a fortunate fortificaiei aparin perioadei mijlocii a epocii bronzului case, as we are able to determine the emergence time and (circa 2100-1600-1500 a.Chr.), fiind caracteristice aathe evolutionary trend of the elite warriors of the Bronze numitului grup Corneti-Crvenka al culturii Vatina. Age. As a result of the multiple field researches carried Acestea se concentreaz doar n colul nord-vestic al out in the past years, we have concluded that the oldest fortificaiei i are 0,7 ha. Dup cum se poate observa i artefacts discovered inside the earthwork belong to the de pe o fotografie aerian din 1965, zona reprezint de middle Bronze Age (around 2100-1600-1500 BC), specific fapt un tell fortificat cu un val i an, ce bareaz actuala

teras nalt a Aranci pe trei laturi. Odat cu perioada trzie a epocii bronzului, fortificaia crete considerabil n dimensiuni, acum fiind ridicate dou sisteme de aprare. Cel mai impresionant val (incinta III) ajunge s nchid pn la 14 hectare (Horedt 1974, 223 14,7 ha), iar incinta II nchide o suprafa de 4,76 ha. O poart mare, probabil mrginit de un turn, asigura accesul principal dinspre vest. Ceramica descoperit este asemntoare cu cea de la Sntana Cetatea Veche, ceea ce ne ndeamn s stabilim o relativ contemporaneitate ntre cele dou comuniti. Lipsa unor cercetri arheologice recente nu ne permite s avansm deocamdat mai multe ipoteze, dar este aproape cert c cele dou fortificaii au controlat, de-o parte i de alta, culoarul Mureului de jos.

to the so-called Corneti-Crvenka group, Vatina culture. These objects have been located only in the North-West corner of the earthwork, on a 0.7 ha area. But, according to an aerial photograph taken in 1965, the area is actually a tell, fortified by a earthen vallum and a defence ditch, cutting the present day high terrace of Aranca on three sides. During the late Bronze Age period the earthwork was extended considerably, and two defensive systems were constructed. The most impressive earthen vallum (enclosure III) closed in on 14 ha of land (Horedt 1974, 223 14,7 ha) and enclosure II closed in 4.76 ha of land. The main entry point from the West was made 61 through a big gate, probaly adjiacent to a tower. The ceramic objects discovered here are very similar to those from Sntana Cetatea Veche, fact that led us to establish a relative contemporaneity between the two communities. Unfortunately, the lack of more recent archaeological research doesnt allow us to issue more hypotheses, but it is almost certain that the two earthworks were surveying the lower Mure corridor on each side.

Fig. 61. Fotografie aerian a fortificaiei (anii 1990)/ Aerial photography of the earthwork (1990s)

Corneti Iarcuri, comuna Orioara, judeul Timi, Romnia

Corneti Iarcuri, Orioara commune, Timi County, Romania

Localizarea fortificaiei

The location of the earthwork About 20 km South-East of the Munar earthwork, we meet the biggest earthwork in the European prehistory. The small village of Corneti is located on the right side of the European road E 671 Timioara-Arad, almost 20 km North of Timioara. The huge earthwork is placed between the settlements of Corneti (to the South-West), Orioara (to the North-West), Murani (to the South-East) and Seceani (to the NorthEast). The state of research The Treaty of Passarowitz,

n linie dreapt, la circa 20 de km sud-est de cetatea de la Munar, ne ntlnim cu cea mai mare fortificaie 62

Fig. 62. Imagine din satelit a fortificaiei (sursa Google Earth)/Satellite image of the earthwork (source Google Earth)

from 1718, reflected the Habsburg conquest of Banat region. The newly formed province required a thorough topographic documentation. Consequently, between 1723 and 1725, several maps were compiled, known

de pmnt din preistoria Europei. Micul sat Corneti se gsete pe partea dreapt a drumului european E 671 Timioara-Arad, la aproape 20 de km nord de Timioara. Imensa fortificaie este amplasat ntre localitile Corneti (la sud-vest), Orioara (la nord-vest), Murani (la sud-est) i Seceani (la nord-est).
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n 1718 tratatul de pace de la Passarowitz consemna cucerirea Banatului de ctre habsburgi. Pentru noua organizare a provinciei era necesar o riguroas documentare topografic. Astfel n perioada 1723-1725 sunt ntocmite o serie de hri,

63

Fig. 64. Hart din secolul al XVIII-lea (1733) cu localizarea fortificaiei/ XVIIIth century map (1733) marking the localisation of the earthwork

under the generic name of the Mercy Maps, after the name of Banat governor during those times (Medele 1993, 122). The maps illustrate a double (or even triple) ellipsoidal shaped earthwork to the North of Schadan (Kriegsarchiev Wien BIXa 558), recorded under the name of Schantz Kierovatz (Kriegsarchiev Wien BIXa 555) or Schantz Klenovatz (Kriegsarchiev Wien BIXa 554) later on, in 1765 (Kriegsarchiev Wien BIXa 565). In the following years, the earthwork was recorded by almost all the maps of the Banat region. The Avar settlement from Jadani, Timi County

Fig. 63. Hart din secolul al XVIII-lea (1725) cu localizarea fortificaiei/XVIIIth century map (1725) marking the localisation of the earthwork

was first described by Jzsef Pch, in a presentation held on 28th February 1877 at the Association of History and Archaeology from Southern Hungary. Afterwards, the presentation was included in the second notebook of the publication Trtnelmi es Rgszeti rtesit from Timioara, published in the same year (Pch 1877). After studying Griselinis map, and especially Winklers map, Pch noticed the existence of rectangular perimeters at Jadani, probably earthen vallums of an earthwork. Another military map from 1860 showed the same findings, but the three concentric compounds were

64
Fig. 65. Hart din secolul al XVIII-lea (1725) cu localizarea fortificaiei/ XVIIIth century map (1725) marking the localisation of the earthwork

recorded under the name of Avaren Ring. The earthwork was located 2845 m North of the village. The first earthen vallum followed a circular pattern and stretched

cunoscute generic ca i hrile Mercy, dup numele guvernatorului de atunci al Banatului (Medele 1993, 122). Pe acestea se poate observa la nord de Schadan o dubl (sau chiar tripl) fortificaie de form elipsoidal (Kriegsarchiev Wien BIXa 558), menionat uneori sub denumirea de Schantz Kierovatz (Kriegsarchiev Wien BIXa 555) sau Schantz Klenovatz (Kriegsarchiev Wien BIXa 554) ca mai trziu n 1765 (Kriegsarchiev Wien BIXa 565). Ulterior fortificaia apare pe mai toate hrile Banatului. Primele informaii cu privire la aezarea avar de la Jadani din comitatul Timi sunt oferite de Jzsef Pch, cu ocazia unei relatri susinute la 28 februarie 1877 n faa Asociaiei de istorie i arheologie a Ungariei de sud. Ulterior ea a fost publicat n caietul al II-lea, pe acelai an, al

Fig. 66. Hart din secolul al XVIII-lea (1765) cu localizarea fortificaiei/ XVIIIth century map (1725) marking the localisation of the earthwork

publicaiei Trtnelmi es Rgszeti rtesit din Timioara (Pch 1877). Studiind harta publicat de Griselini, dar mai ales pe cea a lui Winkler, Pch a observat existena la Jadani a unor perimetre patrulatere, probabil valuri de pmnt ale unei fortificaii. Acest fapt i-a fost confirmat i de harta militar din 1860, unde cele trei valuri concentrice sunt menionate sub denumirea de Avaren Ring. Fortificaia se gsete la 2845 m nord de localitate, primul val fiind circular i amplasat ntre dou cursuri de ap. Cel de-al doilea, de form oval, depete cursul celor dou vi, alungindu-se spre sud. Al treilea val aduce cu o form patrulater, ceea ce i-a i determinat pe Griselini i pe Winkler s l reprezinte astfel. n privina dimesiunilor: teritoriul mprejmuit de primul val este de 115 holde, al doilea de 345 de holde i al treilea de 997 de holde (Pch 1877, 51). Plasarea n epoc avar i este sugerat de o serie de toponime din limba maghiar i srb, puse n legtur cu ngrdituri. n final pstreaz anumite rezerve cu privire la opiniile sale: s-ar putea s fi greit n prezentarea fcut i s fi tras concluzii greite (Pch 1877, 58). Informaiile oferite de Pch sunt reluate i de Bodrog Milleker n cel de-al doilea volum al repertoriului su (Milleker 1899, 189-191). Prima incint ar avea 115 iugre (socotite la 67,5 ha dup K. Horedt sau 62 ha dup Fl. Medele), cea de-a II-a de 345 iugre (203 ha respectiv 198 ha), iar suprafaa incintei a III-a era estimat la 997 iugre (586 ha la Horedt sau 578 ha la Medele). Aa cum am vzut mai sus i n cele scrise de Sndor Mrki, de la Pch i pn la Ioachim Miloia,

between two watercourses. The second earthen vallum, having an ellipsoidal lining, spreads beyond the two watercourses, stretching to the South. The third earthen vallum resembles a rectangular shape, which determined Griselini and Winkler to illustrate it accordingly. As far as their size is concerned: the area enclosed by the first earthen vallum was totalling 115 holde, the second earthen vallum 345 holde and the third earthen vallum 997 holde (Pch 1877, 51). He assigned the earthwork to the Avar period based on a number of toponyms of Hungarian and Serbian origin, related to the word enclosures. In the end, he did express his reticence about his opinions: I might have been mistaken 65 in my presentation and drew the wrong conclusions (Pch 1877, 58). The data provided by Pch are cited by Bodrog Milleker in the second volume of his repertoire (Milleker 1899, 189-191). The first enclosure was estimated at 115 iugre (equivalent with 67.5 ha according to K. Horedt or 62 ha according to Fl. Medele), the second enclosure at 345 iugre (203 ha, respectively 198 ha), and the surface of the third enclosure was estimated at 997 iugre (586 ha according to Horedt or 578 ha according to Medele). Considering the above, as well as the writings of Sndor Mrki, since Pch until Ioachim Miloia, the former director of the museum from Timioara, the earthwork from Corneti Iarcuri was regarded as an Avar ring. Florin Medele (Medele 1993, 128) suggested that the dating had been influenced by the hypothesis submitted by the scholar Francesco Griselini on the Avar origin of the earthen vallums from Banat (Griselini 1984, 223-227). The

fostul director al muzeului din Timioara, cetatea de la Corneti Iarcuri a fost considerat ca fiind un ring avar. Florin Medele (Medele 1993, 128) a sugerat c aceast atribuire a fost influenat de ipotezele crturarului Francesco Griselini privind originea avar a valurilor de pmnt din Banat (Griselini 1984, 223-227). Tot regretatul arheolog timiorean ne informeaz cu lux de amnunte despre activitatea arheologic interbelic la cetatea de la Corneti (Medele 1993, 128-137). Observaiile de teren ale lui Ioachim Miloia, dar mai ales rezultatele spturilor lui Marius Moga din 1939 vor plasa fortificaia de la Iarcuri 66 n preistorie, mai exact n epoca bronzului. Plecnd de la informaiile oferite de Bodrog Milleker, fostul profesor clujean Kurt Horedt vorbete despre o fortificaie aflat la circa 3 km nord de Corneti compus din trei valuri, dintre care primul are o form circular (67,5 ha), cel de-al doilea este n form de ou (circa 203 ha), iar valul exterior este rectangular (circa 586 ha). Fortificaia a fost datat la sfritul epocii bronzului, BD-Ha A (Horedt 1974, 212, 222, nr. 8). Efectuarea n anii 70 ai secolului trecut a unor fotografii aeriene ale zonei a permis realizarea unui plan al fortificaiei de la Corneti mult mai aproape de realitate (Rada et alii 1989). Mai mult dect att s-a presupus existena unui al patrulea val, care nchidea astfel o suprafa de aproape 1800 ha. Att studiul hrilor mai vechi ct i propriile cercetri de teren din iarna anului 1989-1990 l-au determinat pe Florin Medele s se ndoiasc de o asemenea ipotez: bnuiesc c aa-

late archaeologist from Timioara, provided a detailed description of the interwar archaeological activity on the earthwork from Corneti (Medele 1993, 128-137). The results of the field surveys of Ioachim Miloia, but most of all, the excavations results of Marius Moga, from 1939, led the dating of Iarcuri earthwork in prehistoric times, more precisely in the Bronze Age. Based on the information provided by Bodrog Milleker, the former professor from Cluj, Kurt Horedt, wrote about an earthwork located about 3 km North of Corneti, made of three earthen vallums: the first vallum had a circular shape (67.5 ha), the second one has an egg like shape (about 203 ha), and the exterior vallum was rectangular (about 586 ha). The earthwork was dated BD-Ha A (Horedt 1974, 212, 222, nr. 8). During the 1970s several aerial photographs of the area were taken, which helped creating a more realistic plan of the Corneti earthwork (Rade et alii 1989). More than that, the existence of a fourth earthen vallum was suggested, which would close a surface area of 1800 ha. But, based on the study of older maps, as well as on his own field research conducted in the winter of 1989-1990, Florin Medele doubted that hypothesis: I assume that the so-called earth vallum IV is nothing more than a part of the country road from the last century ... But, just as he so colourfully used to say: clearing up the bundle of issues related to the biggest antique earthwork from Europe remains the sole burden of the future archaeological research (Medele 1993, 139). In compliance with the excavation results of Marius

zisul val IV nu reprezint altceva dect pri din traseele unor drumuri vicinale din secolul trecut.... Dar aa cum plastic se exprima: elucidarea ghemului de probleme al uneia din cele mai mari fortificaii antice din Europa rmne n exclusivitate o sarcin a cercetrii arheologice viitoare (Medele 1993, 139). Pe baza rezultatelor spturilor lui Marius Moga ca i a altor indicii, fortificaia de aici a fost ncadrat n a doua jumtate a mileniului al II-lea a.Chr.
Noile cercetri

Moga and many other traces, the earthwork was dated as belonging to the second half of the 2nd millennium BC. The new researches By chance, the earthwork from Corneti Iarcuri became the object of study for a team of specialists from the West University from Timioara (Dorel Micle, Liviu Mruia, Marcel Trk-Oance, Leo Dorogostaisky, Mircea Ardelean and Adrian Cntar). Starting in 2005, archaeologists, geographers or just scholars with an

interest in the past decided to initiate an interdisciplinary 67 ansa a fcut ca problematica fortificaiei de la research of that great earthwork. The field researches were Corneti Iarcuri s devin obiect de studiu pentru un backed up by magnetometric measurements and morphocolectiv de specialiti de topographic mapping, la Universitatea de Vest using the latest analysis din Timioara (Dorel techniques. The results of Micle, Liviu Mruia, several years of scientific Marcel Trk-Oance, Leo investigations have Dorogostaisky, Mircea been recently published, Ardelean i Adrian Cntar). providing novel data on ncepnd cu anul 2005, the Corneti Iarcuri site arheologi, geografi sau (Micle et alii 2006; Micle et pur i simplu intelectuali alii 2008). The dimensions interesai de trecut iof the four enclosures were au propus o cercetare determined as follows: the interdisciplinar a acestei first earthen vallum was imense ceti de pmnt. 3,140 m long, enclosed Cercetrilor de teren li Fig. 67. Fotografie a valurilor I i II/Photography of the first and the a surface area of 72 ha, s-au adugat msurtori second earth vallum

and had a volume magnetometrice of 72,000 m3; the i cartri morfosecond earthen topografice, vallum was 5,980 m folosindu-se cele long, surrounded mai moderne an area of 213 ha, tehnici de analiz. and had a volume Rezultatele of 144,000 m3; celor civa ani the third earthen de investigaii vallum was 8,120 tiinifice au fost m long, confined publicate recent, a surface area of 68 oferindu-ne date 504 ha, but the inedite despre volume could obiectivul de la not be estimated, Corneti Iarcuri (Micle et alii Fig. 68. Model digital de elevaie 3D a fortificaiei/3D Digital Elevation Model of the earthwork given the fact that a section of 2006; Micle et alii the vallum was missing; the fourth earthen vallum was 2008). Dimensiunile celor patru incinte au fost stabilite 15,735 m long and enclosed a surface area of 1722 ha, but dup cum urmeaz: valul I msoar 3140 m lungime the volume could not be calculated, as a considerable i mprejmuiete o suprafa de 72 ha, volumul valului part was also missing. fiind de 72.000 m3; valul II are o lungime de 5980 m i In the autumn of 2007, a team of Romanian and mrginete o suprafa de 213 ha, volumul valului fiind German specialists, beneficiary of generous funds de 144.000 m3; valul III are un perimetru de 8120 m i from Fritz-Thyssen-Stiftung and Banat Museum from mprejmuiete o suprafa de 504 ha, volumul acestui Timioara, initiated the actual archaeological excavations val nu a putut fi calculat lipsind o bun parte din acesta; (Gogltan et alii 2008; Heeb et alii 2008, 185-186, Abb. 8). valul IV msoar 15735 m lungime i mprejmuiete o The excavations were executed between 2008 and 2010, suprafa de 1722 ha, nici n acest caz volumul valului at the same time with the magnetometric measurements nu a putut fi stabilit, ntruct i acestuia i lipsete o mare carried out by Dr Helmuth Becker. But the results of these poriune.

n toamna anului 2007 specialiti romni i germani, cu fonduri generoase oferite de Fritz-Thyssen-Stiftung i Muzeul Banatului Timioara, au nceput spturile arheologice propriu-zise (Gogltan et alii 2008; Heeb et alii 2008, 185-186, Abb. 8). Ele s-au desfurat n perioada 2008-2010 n paralel cu msurtorile magnetometrice efectuate de dr. Helmuth Becker. Rezultatele acestor investigaii vor face ns obiectul unor rapoarte din partea colectivului de cercetare de la Corneti Iarcuri. Ca o prim concluzie a acestor cercetri este confirmarea atribuirii primei incinte fortificate de aici perioadei trzii a epocii bronzului.

investigations will be included in the reports prepared by the research team from Corneti Iarcuri. The first conclusion of this research is the acknowledgement of the fortification dating to the late Bronze Age period.

Topolovu Mare Joamba, Timi County, Romania

The location of the earthwork About 35 km South-East of Corneti Iarcuri there is another earthwork, probably belonging to the same period. It is located on the road linking Lugoj and Timioara, between Iosifalu and Topolovu Mare. The archaeological site is under the local administration of Topolovu Mare and can be found 300 m East from the exit towards Lugoj. The state of research The first information on the existence of a prehistoric settlement - where several atypical Neolithic ceramic fragments had been found - was provided to Gheorghe Lazarovici by Florin Medele (Lazarovici 1979, 212). Maria Moroz-Pop, the late archaeologist from the Lugoj Museum, wrote the following in her contribution

69

Topolovu Mare Joamba, judeul Timi, Romnia

Localizarea fortificaiei

La circa 35 de km sud-est de Corneti Iarcuri se gsete o alt fortificaie aparinnd probabil aceleiai perioade. Ea este situat pe oseaua dintre Lugoj i Timioara, ntre localitile Iosifalu i Topolovu Mare. Din punct de vedere administrativ obiectivul arheologic aparine localitii Topolovu Mare i l putem gsi la 300 m est de ieirea spre Lugoj.

70

Fig. 69. Imagine din satelit a fortificaiei (sursa Google Earth)/ Satellite image of the earthwork (source Google Earth)

Istoricul cercetrilor

Primele informaii despre existena unei mari aezri preistorice n care s-au gsit, printre altele, fragmente ceramice atipice neolitice i sunt oferite lui Gheorghe Lazarovici de ctre Florin Medele (Lazarovici 1979, 212). Maria Moroz-Pop, regretatul arheolog al Muzeului din Lugoj, n contribuia sa la repertoriul arheologic al judeului Timi consemna urmtoarele: n primvara anului 1982 lucrrile de mbuntiri funciare

to the archaeological repertoire of Timi County: In spring 1982, during the land improvement works conducted in the area, almost the entire perimeter of the Hallstatt settlement was uncovered. The preliminary sampling carried out by the Lugoj Museum unveiled the existence of adobe knots on a large scale, containing polished pottery with ribbed decorations (Moroz-Pop 1983, 481, paragraph XXVIII). Later on, other specialists are going to refer to this information (Gum 1993, 297, Luca 2006, 256; Luca 2010, 255).

au decopertat aproape complet perimetrul unei aezri hallstattiene. Sondajul de proporii reduse realizat de Muzeul din Lugoj a relevat existena unor aglomerri de chirpici de mari proporii la nivelul crora apare ceramic lustruit, cu decor canelat (Moroz-Pop 1983, 481, punctul XXVIII). Aceste date vor fi reluate ulterior i de ctre alii (Gum 1993, 297, Luca 2006, 256; Luca 2010, 255).
Noile cercetri

The new researches Several years ago, while studying the original objects from the Lugoj Museum collections, courtesy of Maria Moroz-Pop, we were able to identify several pottery fragments, specific to the late Bronze Age. So, this fortification may also be contemporaneous with the ones described above. This hypothesis is supported by the recent field research conducted by Leo Dorogostaisky. A satellite image provided by the Google Earth software clearly shows the semi-circular shape of this fortification, 71 just like the structures from Oroshza or Munar. This earthwork encloses a surface area of around 14 ha.

Studiind cu civa ani n urm, prin bunvoina Mariei Moroz-Pop, materiale inedite din coleciile Muzeului din Lugoj, am putut identifica mai multe fragmente ceramice caracteristice perioadei trzii a epocii bronzului. Este posibil ca i aceast fortificaie s fie contemporan cu cele prezentate mai sus. n sprijinul acestei supoziii vin i cercetrile de teren recente efectuate de ctre Leo Dorogostaisky. De pe o fotografie din satelit oferit de programul Google Earth se poate lesne observa c aceast fortificaie are o form semicircular, la fel ca i n cazul celor de la Oroshza sau Munar. Ca i suprafa cetatea de pmnt nchide o arie de aproximativ 14 ha.

72

Cteva concluzii istorice Several historic conclusions

73

Cteva concluzii istorice

Several historic conclusions

Din ceea ce cunoatem pn la ora actual, primele fortificaii i fac apariia la Mureul de jos la finalul neoliticului timpuriu, aa cum o certific msurtorile geofizice din aezarea multistratificat (tell-ul) de la Dudetii Vechi Movila lui Deciov, judeul Timi (cca. 60005500 a.Chr.) (Maillol et alii 2004). Odat cu neoliticul 74 trziu (cca. 5000-4500 a.Chr.) tipul de habitat reprezentat de tell-uri se rspndete n aproape ntregul Bazin Carpatic (Gogltan 2003). Una dintre caracteristicile acestor aezri este tocmai prezena fortificaiilor (anuri i palisade de lemn) aa cum este cazul tell-ului de la Hdmezvsrhely Gorzsa, Ungaria (Horvth 2005, 5183). Mult mai bine cunoscute sunt tell-urile perioadei timpurii i mijlocii a epocii bronzului (cca. 2500-1500 a.Chr.). Fortificaiile devin mai complexe existnd anuri impresionante, valuri cu palisade sau, acolo unde exista materia prim, chiar i ziduri de piatr (Gogltan 2008). De-a lungul Mureului de jos pot fi consemnate tell-urile fortificate de la Alio, Munar, Pecica, Periam, Semlac etc. ncepnd cu sfritul epocii bronzului (cca. 15001000 a.Chr.) unele aezri, aa cum am vzut, ating dimensiuni nemaintlnite pn atunci n preistoria acestor locuri. Numeroasele descoperiri arheologice dovedesc c perioada se caracterizeaz i printr-un mare

According to our findings so far, the first earthworks appeared in the Lower Mure area at the end of early Neolithic period, a fact validated by the geophysical measurements of the multi-layered settlement (tell) from Dudetii Vechi Movila lui Deciov, Timi county (circa 6000-5500 BC) (Maillol et alii 2004). During the late Neolithic period (circa 5000-4500 BC) the dwelling style advanced and the tells spread throughout the entire Carpathian basin (Gogltan 2003). One of the characteristic features of those settlements was the very presence of the fortifications (ditches, and wooden palisades), for example: the tell from Hdmezvsrhely Gorzsa, Hungary (Horvth 2005, 51-83). The tells belonging to the early and middle Bronze Age are much better known (circa 2500-1500 BC). The fortification grew more complex, with large scale ditches, earthen vallums with palisades or, in the areas where stone was available, even stone walls (Gogltan 2008). Several fortified tells could be recorded alongside Lower Mure: Alio, Munar, Pecica, Periam, Semlac etc. Starting with the end of the Bronze Age (circa 1500-1000 BC) some settlements reached such impressive size, as never met before in the prehistory of the region.

avnt al metalurgiei bronzului i a aurului. Diversificarea activitilor economice (minerit, metalurgie, comer la lung distan etc.) are efecte benefice asupra ocupaiilor tradiionale (agricultura i creterea animalelor). Toate contribuie la creterea nivelului de trai, ce duce implicit la o explozie demografic i la o concentrare a populaiei n noile centre de putere. Noua ierarhizare social este generat de ceea ce istorici marxiti denumeau plus produs. Stpnirea bogatelor zone cuprifere i aurifere din imediata apropiere, a cilor de comunicaii, a cmpiei mnoase a Mureului, s-a reflectat cum nu se poate mai bine n dezvoltarea aezrii de la Sntana Cetatea Veche. Pentru a-i apra bunurile a fost necesar ridicarea unor fortificaii care s in la respect posibilii dumani. Cetatea a devenit cu timpul simbolul forei i bogiei acestei comuniti. O astfel de lucrare nu putea fi dus la bun sfrit fr un lider carismatic, respectat i ascultat de toi. Pstrarea memoriei sale era o datorie de onoare a celor supui. De aceea, ca i n alte cazuri, este posibil ca mormntul acestei personaliti s se gseasc sub impresionatul tumul de la marginea de sud-est a incintei a III-a. Ne este greu s reconstituim modul n care a fost ridicat fortificaia de la Cetatea Veche, dar pentru a nelege mai bine dimensiunea efortului depus, o ncercare se poate face. Cei mai potrivii copaci au czut sub loviturile topoarelor de piatr sau bronz pentru ca mai apoi s fie transportai, cu ajutorul animalelor de

Multiple archaeological discoveries proved that the period was characterized by a significant development of the bronze and gold metallurgy. The diversification of the economic activities (mining, metallurgy, long distance trade, etc.) had a positive effect over the traditional activities (agriculture and animal breeding). Those were the premises for improving the living standards, which ultimately led to a demographic explosion and the redistribution of the population towards the new power centres. The new social hierarchy was dictated by surplus product, as the Marxist historians used to call it. The 75 development of the settlement from Sntana Cetatea Veche reflected perfectly the control of the rich copper and golden resources, of the communication roads and the rich Mure Plain. The people were bound to raise a fortification strong enough to protect their possessions and keep the potential enemies away. Over time, the fortress became the community symbol of power and welfare. Such an endeavour could be completed solely by a charismatic leader, respected by his followers. Cherishing his memory was the duty of his people. Consequently, the grave of such a personality might lay under the great tumulus located on the South-East border of the third enclosure. It is very difficult for us to retrace how the earthwork from Cetatea Veche was built, but we could make an attempt, to have a better understanding of the endeavour. The most suitable trees were cut down by

traciune (boi, vaci sau cai) ori chiar pe umeri. Aa cum am vzut, buteni au fost folosii ca fundaie la valul de pmnt sau pui n structura zidului de aprare. De la circa 15 km spre Pncota, unde i astzi funcioneaz o carier, a fost extras i trasportat, probabil cu eforturi considerabile, o mare cantitate de piatr. i ea a fost cldit la baza fundaiei pentru a o asigura rezistena

stone or bronze axes and then hauled by draft animals (oxen, cows or horses) or even by hand. Just like we mentioned earlier, the logs were used as the foundation of the earthen vallum or inserted in the structure of the defence wall. A large quantity of stone was extracted and hauled, probably with considerable efforts, from a quarry located about 15 km away, in the direction of

76

Fig. 70. Propunere de reconstituire a fortificaiei de la Corneti. Desen Alan Coram/Carter (dup Heeb et alii 2008)/Proposal for a reconstruction of the earthwork from Corneti. Draving by Alan Coram/Carter (after Heeb et alii 2008)

acesteia. Nu putem uita c uneltele trebuiau ascuite sau reparate periodic de cei pricepui la astfel de meteuguri. Modul de construcie al fortificaiei de la Sntana presupune temeinice cunotiine arhitectonice. Ucenicia n acest domeniu se putea dobndi, ca i meteugul armelor de altfel, la curile unor dinati puternici din Italia, de pe coastele Mrii Adriatice, Grecia continental, Creta sau chiar din Egipt i Orientul Apropiat. Sunt numerose dovezile arheologice care atest circulaia n epoca bronzului, de la Marea Mediteran pn la Marea Nordului, a unor persoane i implicit a celor mai avansate idei i tehnologii ale epocii (Kristiansen, Larsson 2005). Cu unelte din lemn i os (spligi, lopei, couri, trgi etc.), pe care le cunoatem de altfel din aezrile cercetate pe malurile unor lacuri din Elveia i Austria (aa-anumitele aezri palafite) sau din minele cuprifere ori de sare de pe cuprinsul Europei, a fost spat anul de aprare i crat pmntul necesar ridicrii valului. Pentru o mai bun compactare, lentilele succesive de pmnt au fost puternic btute cu maiuri din lemn. n loc de o simpl palisad, s-a ridicat un zid cu o structur din lemn i lut. Presupunem c acest zid, pentru a fi eficient, trebuia s aib cel puin nlimea aprtorilor si (1,50-2 m). Grosimea sa, circa 80 cm n zona cercetat, era menit s asigure att protejarea n cazul atacurilor cu proiectile (bile) din lut ars i a unor berbeci din lemn, ct i structura organic a zidului ridicat pe o asemenea nlime. Pentru a nu fi incendiat zidul, a fost tencuit la exterior cu straturi succesive de lut. Cele cinci astfel de

Pncota, a quarry which is still operational today. The stone was also built up on the foundation, to ensure a greater strength. We should not forget that the tools of the time needed constant sharpening and maintenance, provided by the corresponding craftsmen. The construction of the fortress from Sntana required solid architectonic knowledge. Such knowledge and skill could be attained, just like the warfare skills, at the court of the powerful royalties from Italy, the coasts of Adriatic Sea, continental Greece, Crete or even Egypt and the Middle East. There are very many archaeological evidences to sustain the movement of persons, including the most 77 advanced ideas and technologies of the time, from the Mediterranean Sea to the North Sea during the Bronze Age (Kristiansen, Larsson 2005). The defence ditch was dug and the earth needed to raise the earthen vallum was moved using wooden and bone tools (hoes, shovels, baskets, barrows, etc.), just like the one already found on the shores of several lakes in Switzerland and Austria (the so called lacustrine settlements) , or in the copper or salt mines all over Europe. In order to ensure a better artificial consolidation, the consecutive earth layers underwent thorough punning. A wooden and clay wall was built instead of a simple palisade. Our assumption is that such a wall should have been at least as tall as its defenders (1.50-2 m) in order to be efficient. The wall thickness, about 80 cm in the area under investigation, was meant to ensure protection against the attacks with burnt clay projectiles (balls), and wooden battering rams,

straturi observate sugereaz grija periodic artat n repararea sa. Am mai amintit c apa necesar umplerii anului de aprare putea s provin dintr-un curs activ, deviat n acest scop. Pentru ca scenariul s fie ct mai complet, nu-i putem uita nici pe cei care au hrnit o asemenea armat de muncitori. O singur comunitate nu putea ridica o asemenea fortificaie. De altfel cercetrile arheologice de teren

as well as to ensure the inner structure of the wall raised on such heights. In order to protect the wall against fires, the external side was plastered with several coats of clay. The five layers of coatings suggest that regular repair works were carried out. We mentioned that the water necessary for filling the defence ditch might have been supplied by an active diverted watercourse. The picture cannot be complete without the people in charge

78

Fig. 71. Fortificaiile menionate n text/Earthworks mentioned in the text

of feeding such an army of workers. au artat c n preajma Cetii Vechi de la Sntana au One single community was not capable of raising existat numeroase aezri. Este greu de apreciat ct an earthwork of such amplitude. As a matter of fact, the de mare a fost teritoriul controlat de aceast cetate. l archaeological field researches suggested that several bnuim de dimensiuni considerabile de vreme ce alte settlements existed around Cetatea Veche from Sntana. It asemenea fortificaii se aflau la distane apreciabile. Nu was difficult to assess the size of the territory administered putem spune acum dac numeroasele obiecte de bronz by the fortress. We believe it covered a considerable surface descoperite (seceri, topoare, brri, pandantive, bruri area, given the fact that other similar earthworks were etc.) au fost produse n aceast aezare sau o bun parte located at a significant distance. We could not confirm dintre ele constituie jafuri de rzboi, taxe de protecie if the multiple bronze artefacts discovered here (sickles, ori plata unei vmi de trecere. Este ct se poate de sigur axes, bracelets, pendants, belts, etc.) were manufactured c rzboinicii de la Sntana au controlat drumurile in that settlement or if some of them represented the 79 comerciale ce fceau legtura, prin culoarul Mureului outcome of war pillage, racketeering or custom fees. sau peste Munii Apuseni, ntre centrul Transilvaniei i But it was a known fact that the warriors from Sntana Cmpia Panonic. Comerul pare s fi asigurat acestora had control over the un venit considerabil. trade roads connecting Cele cteva ceti de Central Transylvania and pmnt prezentate mai sus Pannonic Basin, via the arat c n zon a existat o Mure Defile or across the concuren acerb pentru Apuseni Mountains. The pstrarea i stpnirea trade activities seemed to teritoriului. De altfel be an important source of Sntana Cetatea Veche a fost income for those people. n cele din urm victima The few earthworks unui astfel de conflict. described above prove La aceste mari aezri that a fierce competition fortificate cunoscute deja developed between them se pot aduga altele. for territorial control. In Cercetrile sunt doar la Fig. 72. Artefacte de bronz descoperite Sntana Cetatea Veche/Bronze fact, in the end Sntana nceput iar viitorul poate artifacts discovered at Sntana Cetatea Veche

aduce surprize nebnuite. Cei din vrful piramidei sociale, adevrai seniori ai rzboiului, i puteau permite podoabe din aur de o calitate artistic deosebit (Harding 2007). Din aceast cauz n zona Mureului de jos se constat cea mai impresionant concentrare de obiecte din aur caracteristice perioadei trzii a epocii bronzului din ntregul Bazin Carpatic (Mozsolics 1973). Explicaia nu poate fi dect una: ele se aflau n posesia celor mai importani oameni ai vremii. Unele tezaure de aur sau obiecte izolate au fost descoperite chiar n perimetrul marilor aezri fortificate (Sntana, Corneti), 80 n apropierea lor (Firiteaz) sau nu foarte departe de acestea (Alio, Carani, Cerneteaz, Reca, Sacou Mare). Descoperirile de la Sntana Cetatea Veche vin s completeze ceea ce noi denumim epoca bronzului cu o imagine care nu ne-a mai fost dezvluit pn acum. Peisajul arheologic s-a mbogit cu un nou obiectiv care contribuie decisiv la conturarea complexei societi a acestei perioade. Alturi de alte descoperiri de pe cursul Mureului de jos, aceast fortificaie se integreaz ntrun sistem la fel de complex ca cel prezentat de Homer n preajma rzboiului troian.

Cetatea Veche became the victim of such a conflict. Several other earthworks can be added to the list, besides these big fortified settlements described above. The research activities have only just begun and the future may hold unexpected surprises. The ones on top of the social pyramid, the real war lords, were able to afford exquisite golden jewelleries. That is why, the Lower Mure region concentrates the biggest number of golden artefacts belonging to the late Bronze Age from the entire Carpathian Basin (Mozsolics 1973). There can only be one explanation: they were the property of some of the most important people of those times. Some golden treasures, or some isolated objects were discovered inside the perimeter of the great fortified settlements (Sntana, Corneti), in their vicinity (Firiteaz), or not too far away (Alio, Carani, Cerneteaz, Reca, Sacou Mare). The discoveries from Sntana Cetatea Veche help us complete the Bronze Age as we know it, with an undisclosed image, up until now. The archaeological landscape expands by including a new site, which has critical contribution to the outlining of the complex society during those times. Together with other discoveries along the Lower Mure watercourse, this earthwork is part of a complex system, similar to the one described by Homer during the Trojan War.

Fig. 75. Piese de aur din tezaurul de la Sacou Mare (dup Leahu 2009)/ Gold artifacts form Sacou Mare hoard (after Leahu 2009)

81

Fig. 73. Piese de aur din tezaurul de la Sntana (dup Kemenczei 1999)/Gold artifacts form Sntana hoard (after Kemenczei 1999)

Fig. 74. Tezaurul de la Firiteaz (dup Kemenczei 1999)/The hoard from Firiteaz (after Kemenczei 1999)

Fig. 76. Tezaurul de la Oradea (dup Kemenczei 1999)/ The hoard from Oradea (after Kemenczei 1999)

Mulumiri

Acknowledgements

Mulumirile noastre se ndreapt n primul rnd spre dr. Peter Hgel, directorul Complexului Muzeal Arad, cel care a coordonat i a sprijinit desfurarea spturilor arheologice de salvare de la Sntana Cetatea Veche. La ndemnul su s-a decis publicarea n aceast form a rezultatelor cercetrilor noastre. Msurtorile 82 magnetometrice nu s-ar fi putut face fr sprijinul generos al prof. dr. Tobias Kienlin i dr. Dorel Micle. Colegilor George Hurezan i drd. Florin Mrginean, arheologi n cadrul muzeului ardean, ntreaga noastr gratitudine pentru discuiile i observaiile utile fcute cu ocazia numeroaselor vizite pe antier. Analizele antropologice i aparin Luminiei Andreica din cadrul aceluiai muzeu. De un real sprijin am beneficiat din partea dr. Zoltn Czajlik i dr. Gbor Szab de la Universitatea ELTE din Budapesta, care ne-au oferit informaii cu privire la fortificaia de la Oroshza Nagytatrsnc. Roberto Tnsache a avut rbdarea de a prelucra grafic imaginile i pe aceast cale i suntem recunosctori. Drd. Jzsef Gbor Nagy ne-a ajutat cu unele traduceri din limba maghiar. Drd. Alexandra Gvan a avut nc o dat rbdarea de a corecta i acest text. Un gnd bun adresm pastorului Lucian Mercea pentru interesul su

First of all, our thanks go to Dr. Peter Hgel, the director of the Museum Arad, the one who supervised and supported the archaeological rescue excavations from Sntana Cetatea Veche. He was the one who encouraged us to publish the results of our research in this format. The magnetometric measurements couldnt have been made without the generous support of Prof. Dr. Tobias Kienlin and Dr. Dorel Micle. Our entire gratitude goes to our colleagues George Hurezan and MA Florin Mrginean, archaeologists at the Museum Arad, for the discussions and useful observations made on each of their visits on site. The anthropological analyses were made by Luminia Andreica, from the same museum. We have received true support from Dr. Zoltn Czajlik and Dr. Gbor Szab from ELTE University from Budapest, who provided information regarding the earthwork from Oroshza Nagytatrsnc. We are grateful to Roberto Tnsache for his patience to make the digitalization and the layout of illustrations. MA Jzsef Gbor Nagy helped us with several translations from Hungarian. MA Alexandra Gvan had the patience to proofread this text. Our thoughts go to priest Lucian Mercea, for his permanent interest to record and rescue the archaeological discoveries from Sntana. From the beginning of our approach the

constant de a consemna i salva descoperirile arheologice de la Sntana. nc de la bun nceput primria oraului Sntana a neles i ne-a ajutat s facem din Cetatea Veche un adevrat brand al oraului. Nu n ultimul rnd mulumirile noastre se adreseaz celor care au fost alturi de noi, i n zilele ploioase i friguroase ale lunii noiembrie 2009, doctoranzi, masteranzi sau studeni de la Univeristatea Babe-Bolyai din Cluj i Alexandru Ioan Cuza din Iai: Jzsef Gbor Nagy (UAIC Iai), Alexandra Ioana Coci, Narcis Ciobanu, Vlad Bogdan Vtavu, Luciana Adela Irimu, Ana Lucreia Ignat, Alexandra Floarea, Daniela Maria Culic, Cristiana Elena Cordo, Marian Adrian Lie, Alexandru Brehuescu, Zoltn Jzsef Botha, Adrian Socaci (UBB Cluj).

City Hall of Sntana understood and helped us to make Cetatea Veche a true landmark of this city. Last, but not least, we would like to thank all the people who joined us, during the rainy and cold days of November 2009, colleagues and students from Babe-Bolyai University from Cluj and Alexandru Ioan Cuza University from Iai: Jzsef Gbor Nagy (UAIC Iai), Alexandra Ioana Coci, Narcis Ciobanu, Vlad Bogdan Vtavu, Luciana Adela Irimu, Ana Lucreia Ignat, Alexandra Floarea, Daniela Maria Culic, Cristiana Elena Cordo, Marian Adrian Lie, Alexandru Brehuescu, Zoltn Jzsef Botha, Adrian Socaci (UBB Cluj).

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Fotografii
din timpul spturii de la Sntana Cetatea Veche campania 2009
91

Photographies
taken during the excavation from Sntana Cetatea Veche campaign 2009

Fig. 77. Fotografie a zidului de lut/Photography of the wall

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Fig. 78. Detaliu cu zidul de lut/Detail with the wall

Fig. 79. Curarea zidului de lut/Cleaning the wall

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Fig. 80. Fotografie a zidului de lut/Photography of the wall

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Fig. 81. Cercetarea zidului de lut/Excavating the wall Fig. 82. Fotografie a zidului de lut/Photography of the wall

Fig. 83. Fotografie a zidului de lut/Photography of the wall

95
Fig. 84. Sparea valului/Excavating the earthen vallum Fig. 86. Fotografie a zidului de lut/Photography of the wall

Fig. 85. Fotografierea zidului de lut i a valului/Taking pictures of the wall and the earthen vallum Fig. 87. Desenarea zidului de lut i a valului/Drawing the wall and the earthen vallum

Fig. 88. Pregtirea pentru fotografierea zidului de lut/Getting ready for taking pictures of the wall

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Fig. 89. Sparea zidului de lut/Excavating the wall

Fig. 90. Fotografie a zidului de lut/Photography of the wall

97
Fig. 91. Un moment de relaxare/A moment of relaxation Fig. 93. Apus de soare/Sunset

Fig. 92. Sparea anului de aprare/Excavating the defence ditch

Fig. 94. Pregtirea pentru fotografiere a anului de aprare/ Getting the defence ditch ready for pictures

Fig. 95. Scoaterea apei din anul de aprare/Removing the water from the defence ditch

Fig. 96. Conturarea lentilelor de pmnt de pe profilul sudic al anului de aprare/Outlining the earthen loops on the southern profile of the defence ditch

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Fig. 97. Apus de soare vzut de pe fortificaie/ Sunset seen from the earthwork

Fig. 98. anul de aprare/The defence ditch