Yana Dimitrova | National Institute of Archaeology and Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (original) (raw)

Papers by Yana Dimitrova

Be-Ja, 2024

This article presents the preliminary results of several consecutive studies conducted in the per... more This article presents the preliminary results of several consecutive studies conducted in the period 2021–2024. The area
of the Ludogorsko Plateau is characterised by one of the highest concentrations of Late Bronze Age finds discovered in
present-day Bulgaria. Unfortunately, more than 100 years after the first discoveries, no large-scale studies focusing on the
period of the 2nd millenium BC have been carried out. The fieldwork strategy included combination of various research
methods – from remote and non-destructive methods (LiDAR, geophysics, field surveys) to conventional archaeological
excavations (trenches and long-term excavations over a larger area) for the sites selected for these studies.
The archaeological site in the locality of Yurtluka near the village of Kamenovo was registered during the first campaign
(2021). Its identification as promising for future more detailed fieldwork led to the successive implementation of large-scale
geomagnetic surveys and the first regular excavations in 2023.
The results presented are diverse and allow analyses and interpretations of various research questions relating to the settlement environment, the internal organisation of the site, the characteristics of the pottery assemblage and the main groups of
artefacts. Initial hypotheses about chronology, possible supra-regional contacts and interactions in this part of the Ludogorsko Plateau during the Late Bronze Age are also put forward.

Oriental and European Archaeology, vol. 31, 2024

This paper is based on the pottery accumulated by the excavations of three systematically studied... more This paper is based on the pottery accumulated by the excavations of three systematically studied Late Bronze Age sites in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains – Ada Tepe, Kush Kaya and Dragoyna. Their stratigraphy and
radiocarbon data allow us to determine three general periods within the Late Bronze Age: 15th century BC, 14th–13th century BC and 12th century BC. The paper aims to identify some of the basic features of the pottery complexes of the first two periods and briefly to point out some of the tendencies in the third one. The complex develops naturally, as the new elements are incorporated into the traditional environment. The 15th century assemblage appears in the region as a developed set of technological groups, categories and decorative schemes, which cover the needs of the everyday household activities. In the 14th–13th century BC, some new forms in the categories of kantharoi, cups and bowls, such
as some elements in the plastic decoration, appear. After the end of 13th century, some new features in the complex are established, which become typical for the pottery complex of the subsequent Early Iron Age.
Keywords: Eastern Rhodope Mountains, Late Bronze Age, pottery complex, chronological development

Oriental and European Archaeology, vol. 31, 2024

The paper is based on the accumulation of a substantial database of evidence and the possibility ... more The paper is based on the accumulation of a substantial database of evidence and the possibility it provides to determine the relative and absolute chronology of the Late Bronze Age gold mine on the Ada Tepe hill in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains, in the vicinity of the modern town of Krumovgrad. It comes as a consequence of the large-scale processing of the archaeological and 14C-radiometric data from the rescue archaeological excavations of the only fully investigated Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age site in Bulgaria. Over the course of nearly two decades (~ 2010–2020), the Ada Tepe site has been investigated extensively, almost in its entirety, by the members of a large international interdisciplinary team. The paper discusses the stratigraphy of the structures associated with the mining activities, as well as the special features that are related to the coeval and later human presence in various sectors on the peak.
Keywords: Ada Tepe, Late Bronze Age, gold mine, absolute and relative chronology, series of radiocarbon samples, wheelmade pottery imports, settlement, interregional contacts, interdisciplinary methods

Site No 16 along the Trakia Motorway route , 2024

Site No 16 is located in the villages of Zimnitsa and Charda area, Straldzha Municipality, Yambol... more Site No 16 is located in the villages of Zimnitsa and Charda area, Straldzha Municipality, Yambol region. It was excavated because of the construction activities along Trakia Motorway in 2008 and 2009. A cemetery dated to the 16th and 17th century and a pit site dated to the 4th century BC were excavated.

Gold and Bronze. Metals, Technologies and Interregional Contacts in the Eastern Balkans during the Bronze Age, 2018

Proceedings of the National Museum of History, 2021

Василева, Е. Накитът през XV-XVII в. от българските земи. Dissertation for awarding the education... more Василева, Е. Накитът през XV-XVII в. от българските земи. Dissertation for awarding the educational and scientific degree "Doctor". Unpublished. Abstract, Sofia 2019, 23.

Pontica, 2022

In this article are published the results and selected finds from the fully studied features on C... more In this article are published the results and selected finds from the fully
studied features on Cape Chirakman, as well as coins and amphora stamps acquired during the archaeological excavations in the last six years. The ancient settlement of Bizone is located in the port area of the present-day town of Kavarna. It is located on a plateau with immensely steep slopes known as Cape Chirakman. In ancient times, its length was greater. However, a strong earthquake in the 1st century BC led to the collapse of its southeastern part in the sea. The time and manner in which Bizone was created remain unclear. The name Bizone was first mentioned in a decree from Histria in honor of Agathocles, dating back to 200 BC. Despite the discovery of material from earlier periods, Bizone's best development was probably in the Hellenistic age. After the earthquake, in
Roman epoch, the settlement was restored under the same name. The turbulent times of the 6th century forced the population of the settlement to retreat to the plateau again. The fall of the fortress should be dated back to the 6th century and attributed to the great Avar-Slavic invasions. During the Middle Ages, the settlement was restored under the name Karvuna and it developed significantly. In the 13th – 14th century, it reached its highest level of prosperity under the rule of the local despots Balik and Dobrotitsa.
The research is focused on feattures that chronologically refer to the latest inhabitation of Cape Chirakman, the period from the end of the 14th to the end of the 15th century.

Archaeologia Austriaca, 2017

In den Jahren 2009-2015 wurden auf dem Berg Ada Tepe (495 m), südwestlich der heutigen Stadt Krum... more In den Jahren 2009-2015 wurden auf dem Berg Ada Tepe (495 m), südwestlich der heutigen Stadt Krumovgrad in den Rhodopen (Südbulgarien), im Rahmen von archäologischen Rettungsgrabungen die Reste eines spätbronzezeitlichen Goldbergwerks sowie mehrere damit verbundene Siedlungskomplexe freigelegt. Eine der wichtigsten Forschungsfragen ist jene nach dem Beginn des Bergbaubetriebs und der Organisation der ersten menschlichen Besiedlung auf dem Ada Tepe. Die ergrabenen Befunde lassen anhand ihrer Charakteristika sowie ihrer räumlichen Verteilungsmuster Rückschlüsse auf soziale Struktur, interne Organisation und Spezialisierung der Bevölkerung zu. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem nördlichen Areal des Ada Tepe, wo Überreste von Wohn-und Arbeitsgebäuden dokumentiert werden konnten, die mit dem ersten Bergbau und der Goldgewinnung in Zusammenhang stehen. Die Analyse dieser Befunde und ihrer Stratigrafie nimmt eine besondere Stellung in der chronologischen und funktionellen Interpretation des Ada Tepe ein.

Social Dimensions of Food in the Prehistoric Balkans, 2018

The site Ada Tepe situated in Eastern Rhodope Mountains (South Bulgaria) represents an unique gol... more The site Ada Tepe situated in Eastern Rhodope Mountains (South Bulgaria) represents an unique gold mining complex continuously occupied from Late Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age.

ANTIQuE AND MEDIEVAL FORTRESS AT CHIRAkMAN CAPE, 2021

During the 2020 season, sectors 88/ХХІІІ and 88/ХХІV were excavated (figs 1 and 2). Three premise... more During the 2020 season, sectors 88/ХХІІІ and 88/ХХІV were excavated (figs 1 and 2). Three premises from the
14th – 15th c. were uncovered (Nos 5, 6, 7), as well as five pits (Nos 6 – 10). All the features are semi-dug into the earlier
layers. The walls of the premises are single-faced, their height varies from 0.20 to 0.40 m; the construction is of quarry
stones bound with clay. In some of the walls stone blocks from earlier periods were re-used. All the constructions were
founded directly into the terrain, without a substructure. Sections of late antique wall were included into the later
planning. The late medieval layer was burnt. Room No. 5 (fig. 3) is east – west oriented, measuring 2.48 × 1.63 m. Its
construction destroyed an earlier level of stone slabs. The interior is cut by a diagonal wall, forming a small separate
space, probably used as a storage facility. Underneath a pithos from an earlier period was found. Related to the room is
the pit No. 5, found in the NW corner. Room No. 6 measures 3 × 1.58 m. Three of the walls of Room No. 7 (fig. 4) were
uncovered. It nearly rectangular in plan. Between rooms Nos 5 and 7 a small rectangular space (1.50 × 1 m) is formed,
partially covered with stone slabs.
Twelve inhumation graves from a church necropolis (connected to a basilica complex to the south) were found.
The graves were cladded with vertical stone slabs (fig. 5). They date to the 14th – 15th c.
The pottery is in great quantity, as the sherds belong to the Hellenistic period, Late Antiquity and the Late Middle
Ages. We discovered 88 small finds, mostly household objects – weights for fish nets, spindle whorls, a fish-hook; as well
as fragments from terracotta figurines, 11 amphora seals, and 14 coins from the 3rd – 1st c. BC, the 3rd to the 6th c. AD,
and only one from the time of Tsar Ivan Alexander (1331 – 1337).

Das Goldbergwerk auf dem Ada Tepe. Zu Topografie, Stratigrafie, Chronologie und Interpretation des Nordareals, 2017

In den Jahren 2009-2015 wurden auf dem Berg Ada Tepe (495 m), südwestlich der heutigen Stadt Krum... more In den Jahren 2009-2015 wurden auf dem Berg Ada Tepe (495 m), südwestlich der heutigen Stadt Krumovgrad in den Rhodopen (Südbulgarien), im Rahmen von archäologischen Rettungsgrabungen die Reste eines spätbronzezeitlichen Goldbergwerks sowie mehrere damit verbundene Siedlungskomplexe freigelegt. Eine der wichtigsten Forschungsfragen ist jene nach dem Beginn des Bergbaubetriebs und der Organisation der ersten menschlichen Besiedlung auf dem Ada Tepe. Die ergrabenen Befunde lassen anhand ihrer Charakteristika sowie ihrer räumlichen Verteilungsmuster Rückschlüsse auf soziale Struktur, interne Organisation und Spezialisierung der Bevölkerung zu. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem nördlichen Areal des Ada Tepe, wo Überreste von Wohn-und Arbeitsgebäuden dokumentiert werden konnten, die mit dem ersten Bergbau und der Goldgewinnung in Zusammenhang stehen. Die Analyse dieser Befunde und ihrer Stratigrafie nimmt eine besondere Stellung in der chronologischen und funktionellen Interpretation des Ada Tepe ein.

Arheologia, 2014

The present article discusses the pottery assemblage of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Ag... more The present article discusses the pottery assemblage of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age from the sanctuary at Babyak in the Western Rhodope. The chronology of the site spans more than two millennia and the latest investigations relate the beginnings of its occupation to the Late Bronze Age. The materials under consideration were unearthed in a compact layer in the northeastern part of the site, in individual features and contexts with uniform pottery, as well as in one of the early stone enclosures in the eastern part of the sanctuary. The aim of this publication is to present, as far as possible, the pottery assemblage in chronological terms.

The pottery, presented in the paper is from the excavations of mediaeval fortress Liutitsa near I... more The pottery, presented in the paper is from the excavations of mediaeval fortress Liutitsa near Ivaylovgrad, conducted by associate proff. PhD Boni Petrunova during 2002 – 2006. All the fragments are worked according to the system of work with pottery from Late Bronze and Iron Age, created by G. Nekhrizov and used in the researches of many sites in Eastern Rhodopi Mountain and Thrace. In the pottery complex from Liutitsa are presented almost all known categories of vessels from LBA and EIA: amphora-like vessels, cups, cups/kantharos-like, kantharos-like, storage vessels, dishes, big storage vessels, and pots. Their analogies are from a wide area: Eastern and Western Rhodopi, Southern Thrace, South-Western Bulgaria, Eastern and Central Macedonia, Troy. Some of the pottery forms show existence from LBA and EIA and some of the earlier categories are prototypes of later ones.

Be-Ja, 2024

This article presents the preliminary results of several consecutive studies conducted in the per... more This article presents the preliminary results of several consecutive studies conducted in the period 2021–2024. The area
of the Ludogorsko Plateau is characterised by one of the highest concentrations of Late Bronze Age finds discovered in
present-day Bulgaria. Unfortunately, more than 100 years after the first discoveries, no large-scale studies focusing on the
period of the 2nd millenium BC have been carried out. The fieldwork strategy included combination of various research
methods – from remote and non-destructive methods (LiDAR, geophysics, field surveys) to conventional archaeological
excavations (trenches and long-term excavations over a larger area) for the sites selected for these studies.
The archaeological site in the locality of Yurtluka near the village of Kamenovo was registered during the first campaign
(2021). Its identification as promising for future more detailed fieldwork led to the successive implementation of large-scale
geomagnetic surveys and the first regular excavations in 2023.
The results presented are diverse and allow analyses and interpretations of various research questions relating to the settlement environment, the internal organisation of the site, the characteristics of the pottery assemblage and the main groups of
artefacts. Initial hypotheses about chronology, possible supra-regional contacts and interactions in this part of the Ludogorsko Plateau during the Late Bronze Age are also put forward.

Oriental and European Archaeology, vol. 31, 2024

This paper is based on the pottery accumulated by the excavations of three systematically studied... more This paper is based on the pottery accumulated by the excavations of three systematically studied Late Bronze Age sites in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains – Ada Tepe, Kush Kaya and Dragoyna. Their stratigraphy and
radiocarbon data allow us to determine three general periods within the Late Bronze Age: 15th century BC, 14th–13th century BC and 12th century BC. The paper aims to identify some of the basic features of the pottery complexes of the first two periods and briefly to point out some of the tendencies in the third one. The complex develops naturally, as the new elements are incorporated into the traditional environment. The 15th century assemblage appears in the region as a developed set of technological groups, categories and decorative schemes, which cover the needs of the everyday household activities. In the 14th–13th century BC, some new forms in the categories of kantharoi, cups and bowls, such
as some elements in the plastic decoration, appear. After the end of 13th century, some new features in the complex are established, which become typical for the pottery complex of the subsequent Early Iron Age.
Keywords: Eastern Rhodope Mountains, Late Bronze Age, pottery complex, chronological development

Oriental and European Archaeology, vol. 31, 2024

The paper is based on the accumulation of a substantial database of evidence and the possibility ... more The paper is based on the accumulation of a substantial database of evidence and the possibility it provides to determine the relative and absolute chronology of the Late Bronze Age gold mine on the Ada Tepe hill in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains, in the vicinity of the modern town of Krumovgrad. It comes as a consequence of the large-scale processing of the archaeological and 14C-radiometric data from the rescue archaeological excavations of the only fully investigated Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age site in Bulgaria. Over the course of nearly two decades (~ 2010–2020), the Ada Tepe site has been investigated extensively, almost in its entirety, by the members of a large international interdisciplinary team. The paper discusses the stratigraphy of the structures associated with the mining activities, as well as the special features that are related to the coeval and later human presence in various sectors on the peak.
Keywords: Ada Tepe, Late Bronze Age, gold mine, absolute and relative chronology, series of radiocarbon samples, wheelmade pottery imports, settlement, interregional contacts, interdisciplinary methods

Site No 16 along the Trakia Motorway route , 2024

Site No 16 is located in the villages of Zimnitsa and Charda area, Straldzha Municipality, Yambol... more Site No 16 is located in the villages of Zimnitsa and Charda area, Straldzha Municipality, Yambol region. It was excavated because of the construction activities along Trakia Motorway in 2008 and 2009. A cemetery dated to the 16th and 17th century and a pit site dated to the 4th century BC were excavated.

Gold and Bronze. Metals, Technologies and Interregional Contacts in the Eastern Balkans during the Bronze Age, 2018

Proceedings of the National Museum of History, 2021

Василева, Е. Накитът през XV-XVII в. от българските земи. Dissertation for awarding the education... more Василева, Е. Накитът през XV-XVII в. от българските земи. Dissertation for awarding the educational and scientific degree "Doctor". Unpublished. Abstract, Sofia 2019, 23.

Pontica, 2022

In this article are published the results and selected finds from the fully studied features on C... more In this article are published the results and selected finds from the fully
studied features on Cape Chirakman, as well as coins and amphora stamps acquired during the archaeological excavations in the last six years. The ancient settlement of Bizone is located in the port area of the present-day town of Kavarna. It is located on a plateau with immensely steep slopes known as Cape Chirakman. In ancient times, its length was greater. However, a strong earthquake in the 1st century BC led to the collapse of its southeastern part in the sea. The time and manner in which Bizone was created remain unclear. The name Bizone was first mentioned in a decree from Histria in honor of Agathocles, dating back to 200 BC. Despite the discovery of material from earlier periods, Bizone's best development was probably in the Hellenistic age. After the earthquake, in
Roman epoch, the settlement was restored under the same name. The turbulent times of the 6th century forced the population of the settlement to retreat to the plateau again. The fall of the fortress should be dated back to the 6th century and attributed to the great Avar-Slavic invasions. During the Middle Ages, the settlement was restored under the name Karvuna and it developed significantly. In the 13th – 14th century, it reached its highest level of prosperity under the rule of the local despots Balik and Dobrotitsa.
The research is focused on feattures that chronologically refer to the latest inhabitation of Cape Chirakman, the period from the end of the 14th to the end of the 15th century.

Archaeologia Austriaca, 2017

In den Jahren 2009-2015 wurden auf dem Berg Ada Tepe (495 m), südwestlich der heutigen Stadt Krum... more In den Jahren 2009-2015 wurden auf dem Berg Ada Tepe (495 m), südwestlich der heutigen Stadt Krumovgrad in den Rhodopen (Südbulgarien), im Rahmen von archäologischen Rettungsgrabungen die Reste eines spätbronzezeitlichen Goldbergwerks sowie mehrere damit verbundene Siedlungskomplexe freigelegt. Eine der wichtigsten Forschungsfragen ist jene nach dem Beginn des Bergbaubetriebs und der Organisation der ersten menschlichen Besiedlung auf dem Ada Tepe. Die ergrabenen Befunde lassen anhand ihrer Charakteristika sowie ihrer räumlichen Verteilungsmuster Rückschlüsse auf soziale Struktur, interne Organisation und Spezialisierung der Bevölkerung zu. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem nördlichen Areal des Ada Tepe, wo Überreste von Wohn-und Arbeitsgebäuden dokumentiert werden konnten, die mit dem ersten Bergbau und der Goldgewinnung in Zusammenhang stehen. Die Analyse dieser Befunde und ihrer Stratigrafie nimmt eine besondere Stellung in der chronologischen und funktionellen Interpretation des Ada Tepe ein.

Social Dimensions of Food in the Prehistoric Balkans, 2018

The site Ada Tepe situated in Eastern Rhodope Mountains (South Bulgaria) represents an unique gol... more The site Ada Tepe situated in Eastern Rhodope Mountains (South Bulgaria) represents an unique gold mining complex continuously occupied from Late Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age.

ANTIQuE AND MEDIEVAL FORTRESS AT CHIRAkMAN CAPE, 2021

During the 2020 season, sectors 88/ХХІІІ and 88/ХХІV were excavated (figs 1 and 2). Three premise... more During the 2020 season, sectors 88/ХХІІІ and 88/ХХІV were excavated (figs 1 and 2). Three premises from the
14th – 15th c. were uncovered (Nos 5, 6, 7), as well as five pits (Nos 6 – 10). All the features are semi-dug into the earlier
layers. The walls of the premises are single-faced, their height varies from 0.20 to 0.40 m; the construction is of quarry
stones bound with clay. In some of the walls stone blocks from earlier periods were re-used. All the constructions were
founded directly into the terrain, without a substructure. Sections of late antique wall were included into the later
planning. The late medieval layer was burnt. Room No. 5 (fig. 3) is east – west oriented, measuring 2.48 × 1.63 m. Its
construction destroyed an earlier level of stone slabs. The interior is cut by a diagonal wall, forming a small separate
space, probably used as a storage facility. Underneath a pithos from an earlier period was found. Related to the room is
the pit No. 5, found in the NW corner. Room No. 6 measures 3 × 1.58 m. Three of the walls of Room No. 7 (fig. 4) were
uncovered. It nearly rectangular in plan. Between rooms Nos 5 and 7 a small rectangular space (1.50 × 1 m) is formed,
partially covered with stone slabs.
Twelve inhumation graves from a church necropolis (connected to a basilica complex to the south) were found.
The graves were cladded with vertical stone slabs (fig. 5). They date to the 14th – 15th c.
The pottery is in great quantity, as the sherds belong to the Hellenistic period, Late Antiquity and the Late Middle
Ages. We discovered 88 small finds, mostly household objects – weights for fish nets, spindle whorls, a fish-hook; as well
as fragments from terracotta figurines, 11 amphora seals, and 14 coins from the 3rd – 1st c. BC, the 3rd to the 6th c. AD,
and only one from the time of Tsar Ivan Alexander (1331 – 1337).

Das Goldbergwerk auf dem Ada Tepe. Zu Topografie, Stratigrafie, Chronologie und Interpretation des Nordareals, 2017

In den Jahren 2009-2015 wurden auf dem Berg Ada Tepe (495 m), südwestlich der heutigen Stadt Krum... more In den Jahren 2009-2015 wurden auf dem Berg Ada Tepe (495 m), südwestlich der heutigen Stadt Krumovgrad in den Rhodopen (Südbulgarien), im Rahmen von archäologischen Rettungsgrabungen die Reste eines spätbronzezeitlichen Goldbergwerks sowie mehrere damit verbundene Siedlungskomplexe freigelegt. Eine der wichtigsten Forschungsfragen ist jene nach dem Beginn des Bergbaubetriebs und der Organisation der ersten menschlichen Besiedlung auf dem Ada Tepe. Die ergrabenen Befunde lassen anhand ihrer Charakteristika sowie ihrer räumlichen Verteilungsmuster Rückschlüsse auf soziale Struktur, interne Organisation und Spezialisierung der Bevölkerung zu. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem nördlichen Areal des Ada Tepe, wo Überreste von Wohn-und Arbeitsgebäuden dokumentiert werden konnten, die mit dem ersten Bergbau und der Goldgewinnung in Zusammenhang stehen. Die Analyse dieser Befunde und ihrer Stratigrafie nimmt eine besondere Stellung in der chronologischen und funktionellen Interpretation des Ada Tepe ein.

Arheologia, 2014

The present article discusses the pottery assemblage of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Ag... more The present article discusses the pottery assemblage of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age from the sanctuary at Babyak in the Western Rhodope. The chronology of the site spans more than two millennia and the latest investigations relate the beginnings of its occupation to the Late Bronze Age. The materials under consideration were unearthed in a compact layer in the northeastern part of the site, in individual features and contexts with uniform pottery, as well as in one of the early stone enclosures in the eastern part of the sanctuary. The aim of this publication is to present, as far as possible, the pottery assemblage in chronological terms.

The pottery, presented in the paper is from the excavations of mediaeval fortress Liutitsa near I... more The pottery, presented in the paper is from the excavations of mediaeval fortress Liutitsa near Ivaylovgrad, conducted by associate proff. PhD Boni Petrunova during 2002 – 2006. All the fragments are worked according to the system of work with pottery from Late Bronze and Iron Age, created by G. Nekhrizov and used in the researches of many sites in Eastern Rhodopi Mountain and Thrace. In the pottery complex from Liutitsa are presented almost all known categories of vessels from LBA and EIA: amphora-like vessels, cups, cups/kantharos-like, kantharos-like, storage vessels, dishes, big storage vessels, and pots. Their analogies are from a wide area: Eastern and Western Rhodopi, Southern Thrace, South-Western Bulgaria, Eastern and Central Macedonia, Troy. Some of the pottery forms show existence from LBA and EIA and some of the earlier categories are prototypes of later ones.