Cătălin Cristescu | Muzeul Civilizatiei Dacice si Romane, Deva (original) (raw)
Books by Cătălin Cristescu
![Research paper thumbnail of Matrița de bronz de la Sarmizegetusa Regia [The Bronze Matrix from Sarmizegetusa Regia], Cluj-Napoca.](https://a.academia-assets.com/images/blank-paper.jpg)
](Papers by Cătălin Cristescu
AMN, 58/I, 2021
Măgura Călanului is a toponym often encountered in the literature, being the limestone provenanc... more Măgura Călanului is a toponym often encountered in the literature, being the
limestone provenance place for different constructions found in the area of the Dacian fortresses from the Orăştie Mountains. A recent endeavour focused mainly on documenting the ancient exploitation marks has also led to the identification of certain partially known or completely new aspects of archaeological interest. The paper presents a series of arguments for re‑dimensioning the area associated with the limestone extraction throughout different periods and for interpreting Măgura Călanului as a more complex archaeological feature than it has been thought, composed of quarries, fortifications, settlements, and, last but not least, of access routes.
![Research paper thumbnail of Orizontul scitic pe cuprinsul județului Hunedoara [The Scythian Horizon in Hunedoara County]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/71091314/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Sargetia S.N., XI, XLVII, 2020
The finds regarding the end of the Early Iron Age are not numerous on the territory of Hunedoara ... more The finds regarding the end of the Early Iron Age are not numerous on the
territory of Hunedoara County. Their majority fits in the distribution area of the
funerary contexts specific to the Ciumbrud cultural group from the intra-Carpathian
space, dated in the 7th-5th centuries BC. The current paper represents an overview of the archaeological features and artefacts known in the literature, attempting to draw an updated perspective on the late Hallstatt vestiges from the aforementioned zone.
Habitat features are virtually undisclosed, yet a large settlement was excavated
in 2011 at Șoimuș – Lângă Sat. Very few ritual contexts were discovered so far, namely the feature 1060 at Turdaș – Luncă, maybe connected to previous ritual practices, and the complex structure at Bacea – Sărături. With the exception of the urn cremation from Bacea, the rest of the funerary contexts are attributed to the Scythians/the Ciumbrud cultural group. Both inhumation and cremation Ha D graves were discovered in Hunedoara County, just like in the rest of Transylvania. In this respect, it is worth mentioning the biritual burial from Șoimuș/Bălata, where a male warrior was inhumated alongside the burnt remains of a five-year-old child. The adult’s inventory comprised a curved knife and a hammer-axe, the latter being a key weapon in the Scythian panoply. Similar items were also found in the vicinity, just across the Mureș River, at Almașul Sec – Valea Ursului and Deva. One such object could have completed the funerary inventory of the inhumation grave at Viile Carolina, together with nine bronze arrow heads (one of them displays iron oxide marks on its surface), a miniature ceramic vessel and a decorated ceramic disk (probably the lid of a censer). Two bronze arrow heads were found at Hunedoara – Grădina Castelului and another one at Vețel – Luncă/În Vie, adding up to the Ha D weapon repertoire in Hunedoara County. It should be noted that some iron (?) arrow heads are recorded amongst the grave goods found at Hărău. Women of different ages were buried at Hărău, Orăștie – Dealul Pemilor X8 and Simeria – Biscaria, the funerary inventories consisting mainly in different kinds of adornments (bronze, iron, glass, amber, ceramic, or kaolin items). Only one skull was identified as supposably belonging to grave M2 from Simeria. Anthropological analysis revealed that the deceased was a female teenager suffering from anaemia, while the investigations performed so far on the radiocarbon sample taken from the skull indicate that probably the Simeria necropolis is dated towards the end of the 7th century BC. Last but not least, an important stray find is the boat brooch (Kahnfibel) discovered at the beginning of the 20th century at Deva – Dealul Cetății.
It is worth stressing out at this point the presence in the funerary inventories of
symbolic objects and substances related to apotropaic functions or to the contemplation of the inevitable passage of time, such as the bronze armour scale and the realgar lump from Simeria, as well as the spindle-whorl from Orăștie and the miniature clay vessel discovered at Deva. The archaeological landscape of the region has undoubtedly changed once the eastern nomads have arrived. That cultural ‘shock’ prepared the local communities for the impact with the western La Tène civilisation. The ways in which these phenomena shaped or favoured the modelling of new identities remain one of the future’s most challenging subjects regarding southwestern Transylvania.
REI CRETARIÆ ROMANÆ FAVTORVM ACTA 46. Congressus tricesimus primus Rei Cretariae Romanae Fautorum Napocae habitus MMXVIII (Catarina Viegas ed.), 2020
The ceramic evidence from Sarmizegetusa Regia comprises a relatively important number of Roman ki... more The ceramic evidence from Sarmizegetusa Regia comprises a relatively important number of Roman kitchen wares, discovered
especially in the area of the stone fortress. They seem to belong to the so-called ‘legionary pottery’ and are represented by wheelthrown
cooking pots, lids and pans. Other recipients may be also ascertained to the Imperial ceramic production, as tableware,
amphorae, turibula, mortaria, and even construction materials were unearthed during the excavations at Grădiștea de Munte.
The cooking pots belong to archaeological contexts dated after the conquest of Sarmizegetusa Regia, at the beginning of the 2nd
century. The vessel distribution reveals a concentration in the area of the fortification. Analogies are found in the province of Dacia
and in the forts spreading on the Danube limes. We may presume that these cooking pots are linked to the presence of Roman
legionary troops in the former capital of the Dacian Kingdom (epigraphic sources indicate the presence of soldiers from Legio
IV Flavia Felix, Legio VI Ferrata and Legio II Adiutrix Pia Fidelis). The analysis of their fabric points to a local production for
a part of the cooking pots and lids.
Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology 7.2, 2020
Rescue archaeological excavations took place in the summer of 2014 at the multi-period site of Bă... more Rescue archaeological excavations took place in the summer of 2014 at the multi-period site of Bălata-Schit, Șoimuș commune, Hunedoara County, adding to the existing information on one of the most important sites on the Mureș Valley. Amongst the numerous discoveries, fragments from at least two bronze cauldrons were uncovered. The morphological characteristics, especially the cross-shaped handles decorated with geometric patterns, indicate their dating in the final stage of Ha B2, as also suggested by other analogies in Transylvania. The vessels belong to the categories Merhardt B1 and B2a. The bronze recipients from Bălata reveal an unknown chapter in the archaeology of the Early Iron Age in southwestern Transylvania, offering new data on the spirituality of the respective times.
Remote Sensing 12 (12) 2003, 2020
The capabilities of satellite remote sensing technologies and their derived data for the analysis... more The capabilities of satellite remote sensing technologies and their derived data for the analysis of archaeological sites have been demonstrated in a large variety of studies over the last decades. Likewise, the Earth Observation (EO) data contribute to the disaster management process through the provision of updated information for areas under investigation. In addition, long term studies may be performed for the in-depth analysis of the disaster-prone areas using archive satellite imagery and other cartographic materials. Hence, satellite remote sensing represents an essential tool for the study of hazards in cultural heritage sites and landscapes. Depending on the size of the archaeological sites and considering the fact that some parts of the site might be covered, the main concern regards the suitability of satellite data in terms of spatial and spectral resolution. Using a multi-temporal Sentinel-2 dataset between 2016 and 2019, the present study focuses on the hazard risk identification for the Micia and Germisara archaeological sites in Romania as they are endangered by industrialisation and major infrastructure works and soil erosion, respectively. Furthermore, the study includes a performance assessment of remote sensing vegetation indices for the detection of buried structures. The results clearly indicate that Sentinel-2 imagery proved to be fundamental in meeting the objectives of the study, particularly due to the extensive archaeological knowledge that was available for the cultural heritage sites. The main conclusion to be drawn is that satellite-derived products may be enhanced by integrating valuable archaeological context, especially when the resolution of satellite data is not ideally fitting the peculiarities (e.g., in terms of size, underground structures, type of coverage) of the investigated cultural heritage sites.
![Research paper thumbnail of Materiale ceramice de la Piatra Coziei aparținând La Tène-ului mijlociu [Middle La Tène Ceramic Materials from Piatra Coziei]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/62126329/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Sargetia S.N., X, XLVI, 2019
Archaeological excavations performed on Piatra Coziei hill in the 20th century revealed numerous ... more Archaeological excavations performed on Piatra Coziei hill in the 20th century revealed numerous artefacts belonging to the Late Iron Age, generally dated in the 2nd century BC-1st century AD. However, there are some ceramic materials which can be attributed to the Transylvanian Middle La Tène: the bowls with slightly everted rim, decorated with oblique facets. These vessels are well represented in the ceramic repertoire of the Early Iron Age, mainly in the Ha D phase. Although the discoveries attest their presence in the Late Iron Age as well, the number of finds is visibly smaller, with a reduced territorial distribution, especially on the Mureș Valley (Fig. 1). The items from Piatra Coziei belong to the second variant of this ceramic type, with bevelled, rounded or straight slightly everted rim (Pl. I/1-6). The oblique facets are well marked, having sharp edges. There were no complete recipients found at Piatra Coziei, thus we cannot comment on the base type of those vessels. The rim diameter is relatively large, over 30 cm and in one case over 40 cm. The bowls were fired in an oxidising atmosphere, the colours ranging from light brick-red to brown. Concerning the fabric of the containers, we note the presence of pebbles and grog, and the smoothened surface. In one case, the recipient was burnished using graphite. Analogies for this type of bowl are mainly found on the Middle Mureș Valley, but also in Banat (Pl. II/1, 4-6) or on the Lower Danube (Pl. II/2-3). The respective containers were found in domestic or funerary features, their majority having large rim diameters as well. Regarding chronology, the Late Iron Age bowls with oblique facets are dated starting with LT B2, but especially in LT C1. In conclusion, we can presume a Middle La Tène occupation of the site Piatra Coziei. The character and importance of this habitation should be revealed by future archaeological excavations. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the LT C1 phase is represented in the area of Deva by a fair number of stray finds (Pl. III/1-4), which help reconstructing the picture of the Late Iron Age archaeological landscape at the southwestern edge of Transylvania.
E. Teleagă (ed.), Funeralkultur der Thraker und Skythen des 7. bis 5. Jahrhunderts v. Chr. an der unteren Donau, Studien zur Eisenzeitlichen Archäologie Thrakiens (E. Teleagă, D. Gergova A. Müller-Karpe, N. Torbov eds), vol. 5 Verlag Marie Leidorf, Rhaden, 2020
I. V. Ferencz, O. Tutilă, N. C. Rișcuța (eds), Representations, Signs and Symbols. Proceedings of the Symposium on Life and Daily Life, Cluj-Napoca , 2018
Recent archaeological preventive excavations lead to the discovery of a footwear shaped ceramic v... more Recent archaeological preventive excavations lead to the discovery of a footwear shaped ceramic vessel at Gothatea, Hunedoara County, Romania. The small size container is made from a fine fabric and was fired in reducing atmosphere. It bears incised decoration and displays an orifice in the tip area. There are traces of an unknown substance inside the recipient. It was probably a ritual pouring vessel used for libations. The closest and best analogies are found to the West, in the Late Bronze Age necropolis from Budapest-Békásmegyer. From the cultural point of view, the pottery found together with the footwear shaped vessel displays elements which could point to the Cugir-Band cultural group,
but also to the Late Bronze Age manifestations in Banat.
![Research paper thumbnail of Analiza antropologică, arheozoologică și datarea radiocarbon a unor materiale osteologice din sudvestul Transilvaniei [Anthropological and Archaeozoological Analysis and Radiocarbon Dating of Several Osteological Materials from South-Western Transylvania]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/59532238/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Sargetia S.N., IX (XLV), 2018
The present study presents the investigations of some osteological assemblages from the deposits ... more The present study presents the investigations of some osteological assemblages from the deposits of the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilisation, Deva, and the National Museum of Transylvanian History. Chronologically, the materials belong to contexts from the final stage of the Early Iron Age (EIA) and, possibly, to the period of the early La Tène communities. Therefore, the approach focused on the osteological materials found at Bacea – Sărături (Fig. 10-11), Hărău (Fig. 1, 12-13), Simeria (Fig. 2-4, 14) and Șoimuș (Fig. 5-9). Taking into consideration the diversity of the osteological materials, both human and animal, anthropological and archaeozoological investigations have been undertaken, while in some cases even radiocarbon dating has been performed. The analysed lot comprised samples found in late EIA sites (Hărău, Simeria, Șoimuș) at the beginning of the 20th century or in the interwar period and, compared to the moment of discovery or registration in the museums’ collections, it was observed that they are only partially preserved. Thus, only a part of the materials belonging to the inventory of burials/necropolises from the end of the 7th beginning/middle of the 5th centuries BC were identified in the Deva and Cluj-Napoca museums. Anthropological analyses have shown that the “food remains” from the vessel found more than 8 decades ago at Șoimuș represent in fact the cremated bones of a 5 years old child (Fig. 8-9). Another incinerated individual was buried at Hărău, the
anthropological analysis revealing that the cremated remains belonged to an adult of indeterminable sex (Fig. 1). According to the museum registers, some rather diversified faunistic materials, without burning traces, seem to come from the same archaeological context (Fig. 12-13). They are represented by a ovicaprid shin (Ovis aries/Capra hircus), a ovicaprid hip, a pig maxillary (Sus domesticus) and a beaver jugal, but also by two large mammal (cow/horse/deer) fragments, highly fragmentary, respectively a diaphysis and a part of the vertebral body.
A single human osteological material, discovered in 1901 in the Scythian age necropolis from Simeria, was identified in the deposit of the National Museum of Transylvanian History from Cluj-Napoca. The skullcap was associated with some of the grave goods and it belonged to 10-12 years old person, probably a woman (Fig. 2-4). In addition, the anthropological investigation revealed traces of hyperostosa porotica on the right parietal, close to the lambdoid suture. The radiocarbon dating of the Simeria skull was performed in the C14 laboratory of the “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Măgurele (Fig. 14). Two close calibrated ages resulted, 901-802 calBC with a probability of 95.4%, the following dates being comprised in two subintervals: 894-874 calBC (4.4%) and 846-796 calBC (91.0%). The ages suggested by the radiocarbon dating are not even close to the relative chronology of the artefacts found in the tombs, the middle/end of the 7th century and until the end of the 6th century BC. This could mean that the skull belonged to a different archaeological feature or that we are facing a “reservoir” effect. Obtaining a more accurate date would imply the removal of the latter through a new radiocarbon analysis. Moreover, the absence of a clear inventory in association with the skull, besides the written mention of Piski (the Hungarian name for the town of Simeria), is another reason to reconsider the provenance of the skullcap. In regards to the recent archaeological researches undertaken in the spring of
2014 at Bacea – Sărături, the cremated remains (Fig. 10-11) from the feature Cx 18 were initially presumed to be human due to the almost circular structure that surrounded the pit, similar to a stone ring grave. However, the archaeozoological analyses have shown that the respective osteological materials actually represented the neurocranium fragments of a ovicaprid (Ovis aries/Capra hircus). The interdisciplinary analyses are still an ongoing endeavour and some osteological materials are yet to be processed in the IFIN-HH’s radiocarbon laboratory. Furthermore, other materials await their rediscovery in the deposits of the museums. All this considered, we may observe the emergence of a totally new and fresh picture of the late Hallstatt period in south-western Transylvania.
C. Neamțu et alii (eds), When Ancient Everyday Life Becomes UNESCO Heritage. The Scanning, Digital Restoration and Contextualization of Dacian Artefacts from Orăștie Mountains, 2016
C. Neamțu et alii (eds), When Ancient Everyday Life Becomes UNESCO Heritage. The Scanning, Digital Restoration and Contextualization of Dacian Artefacts from Orăștie Mountains, 2016
![Research paper thumbnail of Noi descoperiri privind sfârsitul primei epoci a fierului în Transilvania. Contextele funerare de la Bacea (jud. Hunedoara) [New Discoveries Regarding the End of the Early Iron Age in Transylvania. The Funerary Contexts from Bacea (Hunedoara County)]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/59531998/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Sargetia S.N., VII (XLIII), 2016
The archaeological excavations undertaken before the building of the A1 motorway led to the disco... more The archaeological excavations undertaken before the building of the A1
motorway led to the discovery and research of some funerary contexts in the point Sărături near Bacea village, Ilia commune, Hunedoara County (Pl. I-II). They consist of a cremation urn grave (Pl. III) and a cremation grave in a large pit, surrounded by a stone ring (Pl. V-VI). The architecture of the features, the funerary inventory (Pl. IV, VII), as well as the composition of the assemblage allow the dating of the respective findings at the final of the Transylvanian Early Iron Age, towards the end of the 6th-first half of the 5th centuries BC. The present paper brings also in discussion old (Pl. VIII), as well as recent Ha D discoveries in south-western Transylvania (Fig. 1).
Caiete ARA, 5, 2014
This paper aims to identify the Mediterranean and Celtic influences in the Dacian pottery from Sa... more This paper aims to identify the Mediterranean and Celtic influences in the Dacian pottery from Sarmizegetusa Regia. The imitated or influenced vessels correspond mainly to tableware and storage jars, while cooking ware tends to belong to a local cultural layer, in regards to morphology and technology. Late Hellenistic and Roman technical influences used by the Dacian craftsmen are: slip, painting and stamped decoration. Laboratory analyses showed that both in the cases of tableware and kitchen pottery, the “recipes” used by the potters working in the ceramic workshops on the Grădişte Hill were practically identical.
Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Historia, 59, 1, 2014
The tableware recipients found at Grădiştea de Munte – Sarmizegetusa Regia represent the majority... more The tableware recipients found at Grădiştea de Munte –
Sarmizegetusa Regia represent the majority of the unearthed and published ceramic material so far. Although they received some attention, especially the painted ones, their study remained on a general level. They are local products, mostly inspired by late Hellenistic and early imperial Roman products, only few imports being identified at this point. A close analysis of the main forms and variants points out the late chronology of this functional category, towards the end of the 1st century AD, the predominance of bowls and carinated dishes, and
the scarcity of drinking vessels. Also, at least in the area close to the sanctuary, it should be noted that a similar pattern of ceramic assemblage starts to take shape at Sarmizegetusa Regia: tableware – storage vessels – cooking wares.
Journal of Ancient History and Archeology, 1, 1, 2014
The large number of isolated towers scattered in different spots of the hill on which the Dacian ... more The large number of isolated towers scattered in different spots of
the hill on which the Dacian fortress at Blidaru was built intrigued the archaeologists right from the beginning of the excavations. In recent campaigns 4 of the 17 towers known until today were tested and some interesting construction details were observed. This paper presents an overview of the main results, a second one is meant to be soon published, dealing with the archaeology and history of the Blidaru fortress in the light of recent excavations. This first part comprises only a short presentation of the fortress itself, of the cisterns and of the temples found there during the excavations.
![Research paper thumbnail of Contribuții la cronologia davae-lor dacice de pe Valea Siretului (II) [Contributions to the Chronology of the Dacian Davae on the Siret Valley]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/59530617/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Sargetia S.N., IV (XL), 2013
This paper represents the second part of a larger study focusing on the three major Dacian settle... more This paper represents the second part of a larger study focusing on the three major Dacian settlements on the Siret Valley, Romania: Brad, Poiana and Răcătău. Alongside stratigraphy, the study of the closed complexes reveals valuable data regarding the chronological and chorological development of the sites mentioned above. Therefore only
the complexes in which artifacts with high chronological potential were discovered (coins, bronze ware, glass vessels and jewelry) took place in this selection. The four categories of artifacts mentioned above were discussed as well. Thus, it seems that the three davae had a similar chronology: they were fortified at the end of the 1st century BC; the defensive structures stopped to be used around the middle of the 1st century AD; the settlements seemed to be abandoned at the beginning of the 2nd century AD.
![Research paper thumbnail of Premise teoretice pentru o nouă clasificare a ceramicii dacice [Theoretical Premises for a New Classification of Dacian Pottery]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/59530390/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Sargetia S.N., III (XXXIX), 2012
The present paper wishes to pass in review the main classification criteria for ancient pottery u... more The present paper wishes to pass in review the main classification criteria for ancient pottery used in the international bibliography, in order to identify the ones that could prove essential in the shaping of a new classification of Dacian pottery. Ceramology entered a new stage in its evolution, the contextual stage, in which pottery is more regarded as a cultural product, needed to be studied and understood in its economic and social context, rather than an index fossil. In this stage, archaeometry, experimental archaeology, ethnography, and ethnoarchaeology offer additional data to the field, alongside laboratory analysis. All of these sciences help to a better comprehension of ancient ceramics, but in order to have relevant results, pottery studies should be also linked to the theoretical and methodological progress in the field. The ceramic theories will be reflected in the classifications they have shaped and proposed. Thus, from the many criteria used to classify ancient pots, some researchers used typology as the main one, others technology, style, or functionality. For a long time, typology was the first option, helping in establishing typo-chronologies; however, form was not the only recorded attribute, as features like paste, color, texture,
ornamentation, or provenance enriched the scientific approach.
Recent ceramic methodologies favor the functional criterion and promote classifications based on functional categories. In this regard, functionality groups together data provided by morphological features (as well as metrological info and mathematical relationships), technological attributes (modeling, paste, surface treatment, firing, color), and functional ones (formal use and current use). Establishing
the functionality of ancient pots is not easy and, in the absence of written or ideographic sources, it is related to aspects such as shape, porosity, surface treatments, residues, secondary firing, use marks, or archaeological context. Compiling all this data, researchers discuss the following main functional categories: table ware, cooking and kitchen ware, storage and transportation vessels, and cult vessels. Taking into consideration the notions above, I believe that Dacian pottery could
be successfully classified based on functional categories, but only after an intense publishing effort on developing individual pottery classifications for each major Dacian settlement discovered so far.
Research and Science Today, 3.1, 2012
This paper represents the first part of a larger study focusing on the three major Dacian settlem... more This paper represents the first part of a larger study focusing on the three major Dacian settlements on the Siret Valley, Romania: Brad, Poiana and Răcătău. A new closer glance at the published archaeological data needed to be done since the chronology of these sites is still a problematic issue in the literature. By analyzing the stratigraphic evidence, I noticed that these Dacian sites had the same relative chronology and that the upper Dacian levels may have pointed to a similar evolution, both in time and landscape.
Transylvanian Review, XX, Supplement 2:1, 2011
The goal of this paper is to present the main contributions of the Romanian archaeological litera... more The goal of this paper is to present the main contributions of the Romanian archaeological literature regarding Dacian pottery and the most cited Western papers concerning pottery studies. Furthermore, I have tried to outline the possible directions to follow in promoting Dacian pottery studies and to connect those to the principal theories on ancient ceramics. Authors researching Dacian pottery seldom discussed theoretical concepts regarding ceramic methodology, generally taking for granted the ideas presented earlier in the literature. This practice led to the perpetuation of some incorrect denominations, to dissensions in choosing the proper terminology, to many and different classifications, and to virtually little progress in the field. However, I chose to present
the positive contributions of the Romanian archaeologists, as these are still fundamental to any approach on Dacian ceramics. Studying the international literature confirmed my initial belief that the study of pottery does not require a single rigid methodology, but a simple and pertinent one, ready to adapt to the new theoretical tendencies.
AMN, 58/I, 2021
Măgura Călanului is a toponym often encountered in the literature, being the limestone provenanc... more Măgura Călanului is a toponym often encountered in the literature, being the
limestone provenance place for different constructions found in the area of the Dacian fortresses from the Orăştie Mountains. A recent endeavour focused mainly on documenting the ancient exploitation marks has also led to the identification of certain partially known or completely new aspects of archaeological interest. The paper presents a series of arguments for re‑dimensioning the area associated with the limestone extraction throughout different periods and for interpreting Măgura Călanului as a more complex archaeological feature than it has been thought, composed of quarries, fortifications, settlements, and, last but not least, of access routes.
Sargetia S.N., XI, XLVII, 2020
The finds regarding the end of the Early Iron Age are not numerous on the territory of Hunedoara ... more The finds regarding the end of the Early Iron Age are not numerous on the
territory of Hunedoara County. Their majority fits in the distribution area of the
funerary contexts specific to the Ciumbrud cultural group from the intra-Carpathian
space, dated in the 7th-5th centuries BC. The current paper represents an overview of the archaeological features and artefacts known in the literature, attempting to draw an updated perspective on the late Hallstatt vestiges from the aforementioned zone.
Habitat features are virtually undisclosed, yet a large settlement was excavated
in 2011 at Șoimuș – Lângă Sat. Very few ritual contexts were discovered so far, namely the feature 1060 at Turdaș – Luncă, maybe connected to previous ritual practices, and the complex structure at Bacea – Sărături. With the exception of the urn cremation from Bacea, the rest of the funerary contexts are attributed to the Scythians/the Ciumbrud cultural group. Both inhumation and cremation Ha D graves were discovered in Hunedoara County, just like in the rest of Transylvania. In this respect, it is worth mentioning the biritual burial from Șoimuș/Bălata, where a male warrior was inhumated alongside the burnt remains of a five-year-old child. The adult’s inventory comprised a curved knife and a hammer-axe, the latter being a key weapon in the Scythian panoply. Similar items were also found in the vicinity, just across the Mureș River, at Almașul Sec – Valea Ursului and Deva. One such object could have completed the funerary inventory of the inhumation grave at Viile Carolina, together with nine bronze arrow heads (one of them displays iron oxide marks on its surface), a miniature ceramic vessel and a decorated ceramic disk (probably the lid of a censer). Two bronze arrow heads were found at Hunedoara – Grădina Castelului and another one at Vețel – Luncă/În Vie, adding up to the Ha D weapon repertoire in Hunedoara County. It should be noted that some iron (?) arrow heads are recorded amongst the grave goods found at Hărău. Women of different ages were buried at Hărău, Orăștie – Dealul Pemilor X8 and Simeria – Biscaria, the funerary inventories consisting mainly in different kinds of adornments (bronze, iron, glass, amber, ceramic, or kaolin items). Only one skull was identified as supposably belonging to grave M2 from Simeria. Anthropological analysis revealed that the deceased was a female teenager suffering from anaemia, while the investigations performed so far on the radiocarbon sample taken from the skull indicate that probably the Simeria necropolis is dated towards the end of the 7th century BC. Last but not least, an important stray find is the boat brooch (Kahnfibel) discovered at the beginning of the 20th century at Deva – Dealul Cetății.
It is worth stressing out at this point the presence in the funerary inventories of
symbolic objects and substances related to apotropaic functions or to the contemplation of the inevitable passage of time, such as the bronze armour scale and the realgar lump from Simeria, as well as the spindle-whorl from Orăștie and the miniature clay vessel discovered at Deva. The archaeological landscape of the region has undoubtedly changed once the eastern nomads have arrived. That cultural ‘shock’ prepared the local communities for the impact with the western La Tène civilisation. The ways in which these phenomena shaped or favoured the modelling of new identities remain one of the future’s most challenging subjects regarding southwestern Transylvania.
REI CRETARIÆ ROMANÆ FAVTORVM ACTA 46. Congressus tricesimus primus Rei Cretariae Romanae Fautorum Napocae habitus MMXVIII (Catarina Viegas ed.), 2020
The ceramic evidence from Sarmizegetusa Regia comprises a relatively important number of Roman ki... more The ceramic evidence from Sarmizegetusa Regia comprises a relatively important number of Roman kitchen wares, discovered
especially in the area of the stone fortress. They seem to belong to the so-called ‘legionary pottery’ and are represented by wheelthrown
cooking pots, lids and pans. Other recipients may be also ascertained to the Imperial ceramic production, as tableware,
amphorae, turibula, mortaria, and even construction materials were unearthed during the excavations at Grădiștea de Munte.
The cooking pots belong to archaeological contexts dated after the conquest of Sarmizegetusa Regia, at the beginning of the 2nd
century. The vessel distribution reveals a concentration in the area of the fortification. Analogies are found in the province of Dacia
and in the forts spreading on the Danube limes. We may presume that these cooking pots are linked to the presence of Roman
legionary troops in the former capital of the Dacian Kingdom (epigraphic sources indicate the presence of soldiers from Legio
IV Flavia Felix, Legio VI Ferrata and Legio II Adiutrix Pia Fidelis). The analysis of their fabric points to a local production for
a part of the cooking pots and lids.
Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology 7.2, 2020
Rescue archaeological excavations took place in the summer of 2014 at the multi-period site of Bă... more Rescue archaeological excavations took place in the summer of 2014 at the multi-period site of Bălata-Schit, Șoimuș commune, Hunedoara County, adding to the existing information on one of the most important sites on the Mureș Valley. Amongst the numerous discoveries, fragments from at least two bronze cauldrons were uncovered. The morphological characteristics, especially the cross-shaped handles decorated with geometric patterns, indicate their dating in the final stage of Ha B2, as also suggested by other analogies in Transylvania. The vessels belong to the categories Merhardt B1 and B2a. The bronze recipients from Bălata reveal an unknown chapter in the archaeology of the Early Iron Age in southwestern Transylvania, offering new data on the spirituality of the respective times.
Remote Sensing 12 (12) 2003, 2020
The capabilities of satellite remote sensing technologies and their derived data for the analysis... more The capabilities of satellite remote sensing technologies and their derived data for the analysis of archaeological sites have been demonstrated in a large variety of studies over the last decades. Likewise, the Earth Observation (EO) data contribute to the disaster management process through the provision of updated information for areas under investigation. In addition, long term studies may be performed for the in-depth analysis of the disaster-prone areas using archive satellite imagery and other cartographic materials. Hence, satellite remote sensing represents an essential tool for the study of hazards in cultural heritage sites and landscapes. Depending on the size of the archaeological sites and considering the fact that some parts of the site might be covered, the main concern regards the suitability of satellite data in terms of spatial and spectral resolution. Using a multi-temporal Sentinel-2 dataset between 2016 and 2019, the present study focuses on the hazard risk identification for the Micia and Germisara archaeological sites in Romania as they are endangered by industrialisation and major infrastructure works and soil erosion, respectively. Furthermore, the study includes a performance assessment of remote sensing vegetation indices for the detection of buried structures. The results clearly indicate that Sentinel-2 imagery proved to be fundamental in meeting the objectives of the study, particularly due to the extensive archaeological knowledge that was available for the cultural heritage sites. The main conclusion to be drawn is that satellite-derived products may be enhanced by integrating valuable archaeological context, especially when the resolution of satellite data is not ideally fitting the peculiarities (e.g., in terms of size, underground structures, type of coverage) of the investigated cultural heritage sites.
Sargetia S.N., X, XLVI, 2019
Archaeological excavations performed on Piatra Coziei hill in the 20th century revealed numerous ... more Archaeological excavations performed on Piatra Coziei hill in the 20th century revealed numerous artefacts belonging to the Late Iron Age, generally dated in the 2nd century BC-1st century AD. However, there are some ceramic materials which can be attributed to the Transylvanian Middle La Tène: the bowls with slightly everted rim, decorated with oblique facets. These vessels are well represented in the ceramic repertoire of the Early Iron Age, mainly in the Ha D phase. Although the discoveries attest their presence in the Late Iron Age as well, the number of finds is visibly smaller, with a reduced territorial distribution, especially on the Mureș Valley (Fig. 1). The items from Piatra Coziei belong to the second variant of this ceramic type, with bevelled, rounded or straight slightly everted rim (Pl. I/1-6). The oblique facets are well marked, having sharp edges. There were no complete recipients found at Piatra Coziei, thus we cannot comment on the base type of those vessels. The rim diameter is relatively large, over 30 cm and in one case over 40 cm. The bowls were fired in an oxidising atmosphere, the colours ranging from light brick-red to brown. Concerning the fabric of the containers, we note the presence of pebbles and grog, and the smoothened surface. In one case, the recipient was burnished using graphite. Analogies for this type of bowl are mainly found on the Middle Mureș Valley, but also in Banat (Pl. II/1, 4-6) or on the Lower Danube (Pl. II/2-3). The respective containers were found in domestic or funerary features, their majority having large rim diameters as well. Regarding chronology, the Late Iron Age bowls with oblique facets are dated starting with LT B2, but especially in LT C1. In conclusion, we can presume a Middle La Tène occupation of the site Piatra Coziei. The character and importance of this habitation should be revealed by future archaeological excavations. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the LT C1 phase is represented in the area of Deva by a fair number of stray finds (Pl. III/1-4), which help reconstructing the picture of the Late Iron Age archaeological landscape at the southwestern edge of Transylvania.
E. Teleagă (ed.), Funeralkultur der Thraker und Skythen des 7. bis 5. Jahrhunderts v. Chr. an der unteren Donau, Studien zur Eisenzeitlichen Archäologie Thrakiens (E. Teleagă, D. Gergova A. Müller-Karpe, N. Torbov eds), vol. 5 Verlag Marie Leidorf, Rhaden, 2020
I. V. Ferencz, O. Tutilă, N. C. Rișcuța (eds), Representations, Signs and Symbols. Proceedings of the Symposium on Life and Daily Life, Cluj-Napoca , 2018
Recent archaeological preventive excavations lead to the discovery of a footwear shaped ceramic v... more Recent archaeological preventive excavations lead to the discovery of a footwear shaped ceramic vessel at Gothatea, Hunedoara County, Romania. The small size container is made from a fine fabric and was fired in reducing atmosphere. It bears incised decoration and displays an orifice in the tip area. There are traces of an unknown substance inside the recipient. It was probably a ritual pouring vessel used for libations. The closest and best analogies are found to the West, in the Late Bronze Age necropolis from Budapest-Békásmegyer. From the cultural point of view, the pottery found together with the footwear shaped vessel displays elements which could point to the Cugir-Band cultural group,
but also to the Late Bronze Age manifestations in Banat.
Sargetia S.N., IX (XLV), 2018
The present study presents the investigations of some osteological assemblages from the deposits ... more The present study presents the investigations of some osteological assemblages from the deposits of the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilisation, Deva, and the National Museum of Transylvanian History. Chronologically, the materials belong to contexts from the final stage of the Early Iron Age (EIA) and, possibly, to the period of the early La Tène communities. Therefore, the approach focused on the osteological materials found at Bacea – Sărături (Fig. 10-11), Hărău (Fig. 1, 12-13), Simeria (Fig. 2-4, 14) and Șoimuș (Fig. 5-9). Taking into consideration the diversity of the osteological materials, both human and animal, anthropological and archaeozoological investigations have been undertaken, while in some cases even radiocarbon dating has been performed. The analysed lot comprised samples found in late EIA sites (Hărău, Simeria, Șoimuș) at the beginning of the 20th century or in the interwar period and, compared to the moment of discovery or registration in the museums’ collections, it was observed that they are only partially preserved. Thus, only a part of the materials belonging to the inventory of burials/necropolises from the end of the 7th beginning/middle of the 5th centuries BC were identified in the Deva and Cluj-Napoca museums. Anthropological analyses have shown that the “food remains” from the vessel found more than 8 decades ago at Șoimuș represent in fact the cremated bones of a 5 years old child (Fig. 8-9). Another incinerated individual was buried at Hărău, the
anthropological analysis revealing that the cremated remains belonged to an adult of indeterminable sex (Fig. 1). According to the museum registers, some rather diversified faunistic materials, without burning traces, seem to come from the same archaeological context (Fig. 12-13). They are represented by a ovicaprid shin (Ovis aries/Capra hircus), a ovicaprid hip, a pig maxillary (Sus domesticus) and a beaver jugal, but also by two large mammal (cow/horse/deer) fragments, highly fragmentary, respectively a diaphysis and a part of the vertebral body.
A single human osteological material, discovered in 1901 in the Scythian age necropolis from Simeria, was identified in the deposit of the National Museum of Transylvanian History from Cluj-Napoca. The skullcap was associated with some of the grave goods and it belonged to 10-12 years old person, probably a woman (Fig. 2-4). In addition, the anthropological investigation revealed traces of hyperostosa porotica on the right parietal, close to the lambdoid suture. The radiocarbon dating of the Simeria skull was performed in the C14 laboratory of the “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Măgurele (Fig. 14). Two close calibrated ages resulted, 901-802 calBC with a probability of 95.4%, the following dates being comprised in two subintervals: 894-874 calBC (4.4%) and 846-796 calBC (91.0%). The ages suggested by the radiocarbon dating are not even close to the relative chronology of the artefacts found in the tombs, the middle/end of the 7th century and until the end of the 6th century BC. This could mean that the skull belonged to a different archaeological feature or that we are facing a “reservoir” effect. Obtaining a more accurate date would imply the removal of the latter through a new radiocarbon analysis. Moreover, the absence of a clear inventory in association with the skull, besides the written mention of Piski (the Hungarian name for the town of Simeria), is another reason to reconsider the provenance of the skullcap. In regards to the recent archaeological researches undertaken in the spring of
2014 at Bacea – Sărături, the cremated remains (Fig. 10-11) from the feature Cx 18 were initially presumed to be human due to the almost circular structure that surrounded the pit, similar to a stone ring grave. However, the archaeozoological analyses have shown that the respective osteological materials actually represented the neurocranium fragments of a ovicaprid (Ovis aries/Capra hircus). The interdisciplinary analyses are still an ongoing endeavour and some osteological materials are yet to be processed in the IFIN-HH’s radiocarbon laboratory. Furthermore, other materials await their rediscovery in the deposits of the museums. All this considered, we may observe the emergence of a totally new and fresh picture of the late Hallstatt period in south-western Transylvania.
C. Neamțu et alii (eds), When Ancient Everyday Life Becomes UNESCO Heritage. The Scanning, Digital Restoration and Contextualization of Dacian Artefacts from Orăștie Mountains, 2016
C. Neamțu et alii (eds), When Ancient Everyday Life Becomes UNESCO Heritage. The Scanning, Digital Restoration and Contextualization of Dacian Artefacts from Orăștie Mountains, 2016
Sargetia S.N., VII (XLIII), 2016
The archaeological excavations undertaken before the building of the A1 motorway led to the disco... more The archaeological excavations undertaken before the building of the A1
motorway led to the discovery and research of some funerary contexts in the point Sărături near Bacea village, Ilia commune, Hunedoara County (Pl. I-II). They consist of a cremation urn grave (Pl. III) and a cremation grave in a large pit, surrounded by a stone ring (Pl. V-VI). The architecture of the features, the funerary inventory (Pl. IV, VII), as well as the composition of the assemblage allow the dating of the respective findings at the final of the Transylvanian Early Iron Age, towards the end of the 6th-first half of the 5th centuries BC. The present paper brings also in discussion old (Pl. VIII), as well as recent Ha D discoveries in south-western Transylvania (Fig. 1).
Caiete ARA, 5, 2014
This paper aims to identify the Mediterranean and Celtic influences in the Dacian pottery from Sa... more This paper aims to identify the Mediterranean and Celtic influences in the Dacian pottery from Sarmizegetusa Regia. The imitated or influenced vessels correspond mainly to tableware and storage jars, while cooking ware tends to belong to a local cultural layer, in regards to morphology and technology. Late Hellenistic and Roman technical influences used by the Dacian craftsmen are: slip, painting and stamped decoration. Laboratory analyses showed that both in the cases of tableware and kitchen pottery, the “recipes” used by the potters working in the ceramic workshops on the Grădişte Hill were practically identical.
Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Historia, 59, 1, 2014
The tableware recipients found at Grădiştea de Munte – Sarmizegetusa Regia represent the majority... more The tableware recipients found at Grădiştea de Munte –
Sarmizegetusa Regia represent the majority of the unearthed and published ceramic material so far. Although they received some attention, especially the painted ones, their study remained on a general level. They are local products, mostly inspired by late Hellenistic and early imperial Roman products, only few imports being identified at this point. A close analysis of the main forms and variants points out the late chronology of this functional category, towards the end of the 1st century AD, the predominance of bowls and carinated dishes, and
the scarcity of drinking vessels. Also, at least in the area close to the sanctuary, it should be noted that a similar pattern of ceramic assemblage starts to take shape at Sarmizegetusa Regia: tableware – storage vessels – cooking wares.
Journal of Ancient History and Archeology, 1, 1, 2014
The large number of isolated towers scattered in different spots of the hill on which the Dacian ... more The large number of isolated towers scattered in different spots of
the hill on which the Dacian fortress at Blidaru was built intrigued the archaeologists right from the beginning of the excavations. In recent campaigns 4 of the 17 towers known until today were tested and some interesting construction details were observed. This paper presents an overview of the main results, a second one is meant to be soon published, dealing with the archaeology and history of the Blidaru fortress in the light of recent excavations. This first part comprises only a short presentation of the fortress itself, of the cisterns and of the temples found there during the excavations.
Sargetia S.N., IV (XL), 2013
This paper represents the second part of a larger study focusing on the three major Dacian settle... more This paper represents the second part of a larger study focusing on the three major Dacian settlements on the Siret Valley, Romania: Brad, Poiana and Răcătău. Alongside stratigraphy, the study of the closed complexes reveals valuable data regarding the chronological and chorological development of the sites mentioned above. Therefore only
the complexes in which artifacts with high chronological potential were discovered (coins, bronze ware, glass vessels and jewelry) took place in this selection. The four categories of artifacts mentioned above were discussed as well. Thus, it seems that the three davae had a similar chronology: they were fortified at the end of the 1st century BC; the defensive structures stopped to be used around the middle of the 1st century AD; the settlements seemed to be abandoned at the beginning of the 2nd century AD.
Sargetia S.N., III (XXXIX), 2012
The present paper wishes to pass in review the main classification criteria for ancient pottery u... more The present paper wishes to pass in review the main classification criteria for ancient pottery used in the international bibliography, in order to identify the ones that could prove essential in the shaping of a new classification of Dacian pottery. Ceramology entered a new stage in its evolution, the contextual stage, in which pottery is more regarded as a cultural product, needed to be studied and understood in its economic and social context, rather than an index fossil. In this stage, archaeometry, experimental archaeology, ethnography, and ethnoarchaeology offer additional data to the field, alongside laboratory analysis. All of these sciences help to a better comprehension of ancient ceramics, but in order to have relevant results, pottery studies should be also linked to the theoretical and methodological progress in the field. The ceramic theories will be reflected in the classifications they have shaped and proposed. Thus, from the many criteria used to classify ancient pots, some researchers used typology as the main one, others technology, style, or functionality. For a long time, typology was the first option, helping in establishing typo-chronologies; however, form was not the only recorded attribute, as features like paste, color, texture,
ornamentation, or provenance enriched the scientific approach.
Recent ceramic methodologies favor the functional criterion and promote classifications based on functional categories. In this regard, functionality groups together data provided by morphological features (as well as metrological info and mathematical relationships), technological attributes (modeling, paste, surface treatment, firing, color), and functional ones (formal use and current use). Establishing
the functionality of ancient pots is not easy and, in the absence of written or ideographic sources, it is related to aspects such as shape, porosity, surface treatments, residues, secondary firing, use marks, or archaeological context. Compiling all this data, researchers discuss the following main functional categories: table ware, cooking and kitchen ware, storage and transportation vessels, and cult vessels. Taking into consideration the notions above, I believe that Dacian pottery could
be successfully classified based on functional categories, but only after an intense publishing effort on developing individual pottery classifications for each major Dacian settlement discovered so far.
Research and Science Today, 3.1, 2012
This paper represents the first part of a larger study focusing on the three major Dacian settlem... more This paper represents the first part of a larger study focusing on the three major Dacian settlements on the Siret Valley, Romania: Brad, Poiana and Răcătău. A new closer glance at the published archaeological data needed to be done since the chronology of these sites is still a problematic issue in the literature. By analyzing the stratigraphic evidence, I noticed that these Dacian sites had the same relative chronology and that the upper Dacian levels may have pointed to a similar evolution, both in time and landscape.
Transylvanian Review, XX, Supplement 2:1, 2011
The goal of this paper is to present the main contributions of the Romanian archaeological litera... more The goal of this paper is to present the main contributions of the Romanian archaeological literature regarding Dacian pottery and the most cited Western papers concerning pottery studies. Furthermore, I have tried to outline the possible directions to follow in promoting Dacian pottery studies and to connect those to the principal theories on ancient ceramics. Authors researching Dacian pottery seldom discussed theoretical concepts regarding ceramic methodology, generally taking for granted the ideas presented earlier in the literature. This practice led to the perpetuation of some incorrect denominations, to dissensions in choosing the proper terminology, to many and different classifications, and to virtually little progress in the field. However, I chose to present
the positive contributions of the Romanian archaeologists, as these are still fundamental to any approach on Dacian ceramics. Studying the international literature confirmed my initial belief that the study of pottery does not require a single rigid methodology, but a simple and pertinent one, ready to adapt to the new theoretical tendencies.
Research and Science Today, 2.2, 2011
The following contribution was conceived as a short overview of the international and Romanian li... more The following contribution was conceived as a short overview of the
international and Romanian literature on gender archaeology, with the
purpose of underlining the importance of both theoretical studies and change of mentalities in Romanian archaeology. Using mainly the anglo-saxon bibliography, I have outlined the importance of perceiving gender archaeology as another alternative in discussing social relations in ancient societies and not as a biased tool in finding women in the past. Sadly, the Romanian contributions to the subject are almost absent, but there is a growing concern related to gender relations in the ancient world, dr. Nona Palincaș being the front (wo)man in this direction of study.
Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai Historia, 54, 1–2, 2009
Sargetia S.N., VII (XLIII), 2016
Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Historia, 59, 1, 2014
Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Historia, 59, 1-2, 2009