Duško Cvetanov | Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM) (Univerzitet "Sv. Kiril i Metodij" - Skopje) (original) (raw)
Papers by Duško Cvetanov
Етнолигия на времето: общниост и култура, годишник на асоциация „Онгъл“, том 23, год. XVII, 2024, 2024
Archaeological site Mal Kayasi - village of Bansko / Strumiа (archaeological excavations and con... more Archaeological site Mal Kayasi - village of Bansko / Strumiа (archaeological excavations and conservation of a medieval church)
Abstract: The archeological site ,,Mal Kayasi“ is located in the area of the village Bansko. It is a Late Antique fortification that was also operational durning tha Middle Ages. The fortress is located on one of the protruding hills on Mount Belasica, about 0,7 km southwest of the Roman Thermal spa. Some authors, here locates the Termica fortress (Θερμιτζα), which is mentioned in the chronicles of John Skylitzes, as one of the most important fortresses used by Tsar Samuel in the Strumica area.
The first archaeological excavation were conducted durning 2017, and then durning 2019. A small part of the northwestern side of the acropolis was uncovered, where tha late Antique fortress is located, as well as a single-nave church, which is located about 70 meters south of the fortress. According to the primary knowledge, this sacral building was built in the 12th – 13th century and existed, probably until the Ottoman conquests of this area.
It is built of slabs of stone, and lime mortar is used as a binder. The church was convered with frescoes. Two layers of frescoes have been found. A small single-nave church was built for the spiritual needs of the crew in the medieval fortress, or it was part of a small monastery complex.
Key words: medieval church, fortress, excavation, conservation, Bansko, Strumica
Годишник на асоциация ,,Онгъл“, том 23, год.XVI, Samokov (2023): Етнос и култура: между локуса и универсума, 2023
PRESENTATION OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE HIDDEN CLOISONNÉ SYSTEM (SEMI OPUS CLOISONNÉ CUM LIGNUM)... more PRESENTATION OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE HIDDEN
CLOISONNÉ SYSTEM (SEMI OPUS CLOISONNÉ
CUM LIGNUM) IN MEDIEVAL SACRAL AND PROFANE
OBJECTS IN THE STRUMICA REGION
Abstract:
In the Middle Ages, the city of Strumica grew into one of the most important urban centers in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, with all the features and elements needed for a regional civil and spiritual center in that period.
The rise and development of the city was due to its location between the important road communications as well as the proximity to one of the most important centers of the Balkan, the city of Thessaloniki. The construction samples have left traces in sacred and profane buildings in Strumica and the Strumica region.
The paper will present examples of the construction technique hidden cloisonné system (Semi opus cloisonné cum lignum), through the example of several sacral and profane buildings in Strumica, namely: the medieval churches in Strumica and the village of Bansko, and the medieval fortification Tsarevi Kuli in Strumica.
Keywords: Medieval churches, Semi opus cloisonné cum lignum, research, conservation, restoration, Strumica region
Balcanoslavica 50, 2021
Abstract: In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, Serbia gradually imposed itself as the most ... more Abstract: In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, Serbia gradually imposed itself as the most powerful factor in the Balkans, suppressing the hegemonic preponderance of Byzantium and Bulgaria. The breakthrough of medieval Serbia in Macedonia which lasted for several decades, gradually conquering the cities and important fortresses. The main military campaign was directed along the currents of the Vardar and Struma rivers, towards the city of Thessaloniki, for which Byzantium organized a systematic defense, forming a limes that ran along the line of the Byzantino-Serbian border from Ohrid - Prilep - Proseк - Strumica - Melnik. Strumica played a significant role in the events that marked the first half of the 14th century in the Balkans, due to the good fortification, as well as the control of the important corridors that passed along it. Strumica connected the southern and middle-Balkan regions, and was the key of the communication between the middle currents of the Vardar and Struma rivers
Arheoloski Informator 5, 2021
Collection of works 70 years „Institute and Museum“ – Strumica
Summary: Radovish – a medieval mining center This paper presents a brief historical overview ... more Summary: Radovish – a medieval mining center
This paper presents a brief historical overview and development of the Radovish settlement, covering the time frame from the middle ages until the Ottoman period. As a regional center in the middle Ages, Radovish was a small settlement, which did not have the primacy of a city. Radovish (Radovishte) is mentioned for the first time in the first charter of Emperor Basil II, for the rights of the Archbishopric of Ohrid from 1019. This confirms that the parish of Radovish was under the jurisdiction of the Strumicaepiscope seat. It gained more importance in the 14th century, when most of Macedonia was part of the Serbian medieval state, and then as part of the independent feudal domains of the Mrnjavchevich and Dragashfamilies.
Medieval Radovish was located on the northwestern periphery of today’s city, on the right bank of the Radovishka River. The old settlement was destroyed by the flooding of the Radovishka River in 1784, and the settlement was moved about 2 km further to the south. A small fortification (acropolis) was built above the medieval settlement of Radovish, which served to protect and control this micro-region.
The mining deposits where key to development of Radovish, the mines Buchim and Damjan are located only 8-10 km west or southwest of medieval Radovish, from which gold, copper, silver and iron are exploited. We do not know precisely when mining started in this region, but conceivably this activity started when the Serbs conquered this region and the settlement of the famous German mines – the Saxons (Sassen).We know for sure that the Damjan mine was exploited by the Turks in the 16th century. Taking into account the potential of this area, we can say that mining production became one of the strong factors for the village of Radovish to grow into a city settlement in the 17th century
Balcanoslavica 49, 2020
Abstract: In the Middle Ages, Strumica grew into the most important city settlement between the m... more Abstract: In the Middle Ages, Strumica grew into the most important city settlement between the middle flows of the rivers Vardar and Struma. The fertile soil, a hydro-potential, the favorable climatic conditions are a great prerequisite for the dense population of the region in the Middle Ages. Confirmation of this is the large number of rural settlements that existed in this area. This indicates the importance of this region as the main communication link in the central part of the Balkans, enabled by the proximity to the main centers of power, but, of course, by the existence of sufficient resources as drivers of the whole progress. The favorable social and natural conditions will contribute to the transformation of the regional centers into urban areas in the late Middle Ages. The bigger settlements, such as Radovish, Valandovo, Dojran (Polin) and Konche, some of them will get their urban character much later, even after the Ottoman conquests in these areas. The existence of a fortificated acropolis in some of these regional headquarters will be one of the main reasons for the transition from rural to urban area.
Key words: Strumica, Valandovo, Radovish, Konche, Dojran, fortification, urbanization
Acta Musei Tiberiopolitani, 2022
The article covers the overall crossbow finds from the Balkans, as well as the 14c. types of cros... more The article covers the overall crossbow finds from the Balkans, as well as the 14c. types of crossbows used in this region.
годишник на асоциация ,,Онгъл“, том 21, год.XV, Sofia (2022), 2022
Abstract: The medieval church is located about 200 m northeast of the fortification at the foot o... more Abstract: The medieval church is located about 200 m northeast of the fortification at the foot of the archeological site "Tsarevi Kuli". The church is part of the urban core of medieval Strumica, built next to the one of the communications that led to the fortress "Tsarevi Kuli". In this paper will be present the results of the archaeological excavations conducted in 2015 and 2016 and conservation and restoration work that began in 2021.
Key words: medieval church, excavation, conservation, restoration, Strumica
Христофор Жефарович и неговото време (втор научен собир во чест на покровителите и заштитниците на градот Струмица – св. Петнаесет тивериополски свештеномаченици, НУ Завод и Музеј Струмица, 2020
DOJRAN - POLIN IN THE MEDIEVAL AND OTTOMAN PERIOD: This paper gives the explication about the... more DOJRAN - POLIN IN THE MEDIEVAL AND OTTOMAN PERIOD:
This paper gives the explication about the development of the city of Dojran in the medieval and Ottoman period, as well as a contribution to the possible ubication of medieval Dojran, that is, Pоlin. The results of this research are largely derived from the analysis of historical sources available to us in this region and the minimal archaeological excavations of this area.
In ancient times, conditions for the formation of the first urban settlement began to form along the shores of Lake Dojran. Situated alongside significant communication as well as rich natural resources, fishing will primarily elevate Dojran as an important regional center. Medieval Dojran - Polin has not yet been accurately ubicated, although as possible locations are the positions of today's Nov Dojran and Star Dojran settlements. For the medieval history of Dojran we have almost no concrete written sources, but it does not mean that there was no urban settlement by the lake. The medieval name of the settlement was Polin, Polenin, Poljanin, which along with the name Dojran continued to be used until the beginning of the 20th century.
Acta Musei Tiberiopolitani vol.3, 2020
,,The Knighte order of the the dragon - Possible representatives of medieval Strumica“, Acta Muse... more ,,The Knighte order of the the dragon - Possible representatives of medieval Strumica“, Acta Musei Tiberiopolitani vol.3, The 5th International Symposium on Archaeology “Cult, Myth, Religion” ET HOMO DEUM CREAVIT, NI Institute for protection of cultural monuments and Museum Strumica, Strumica 2020.
Abstract:
The Order of the Dragon (lat: Societas Draconistrarum) is a knightly order founded in 1408 by the Hungarian king Sigismund for the protection of Christianity and the struggle against the Ottomans. Membership in the Order is extremely prestigious and is of a great honor given by merit. The sign of recognition of the members of the line is a medallion in the shape of a dragon penetrating into a crescent (Islam), on the back of the dragon is a cross (Christianity).
Sigismund decided to expand the order in 1431. The introduction of new members in the order of the Dragon led to the creation of different classes in the order. Each class had a slight variation in the symbol of the order, although the figure of the dragon was still dominant. As the membership grew, the Order of the Dragon came to two degrees. There was a superior class, which between 1408 and 1418 carried the dragon and the cross as an emblem. The second degree had a large number of members, and his symbol was only a dragon.
With archaeological investigations of several medieval necropolises in Strumica and strumica region, several samples of knightly type rings were discovered. These rings are with flat heads that engage the imagination of the fantastic animal - the dragon. Considering the knightly shape of a part of the rings, the question of the possible existence of the order in the medieval Strumica is also posed.
Култот за Св.Петнаесет Тивериополски свештеномаченици во средновековната и во поновата епоха – историја, култура и традиција, Струмица 2019. НУ ЗАВОД И МУЗЕЈ - СТРУМИЦА , 2019
ST. 15 TIBERIOPOLIS MARTYRS FROM CHURCH COMPLEX TOCIVILIAN SUBURB OF MEDIEVAL STRUMICA This pape... more ST. 15 TIBERIOPOLIS MARTYRS FROM CHURCH COMPLEX TOCIVILIAN SUBURB OF MEDIEVAL STRUMICA
This paper followed the development of Strumica city and its spread from the Middle Ages to the early 20 th century. With the location of the fortifications and medieval archeological sites that are located in the old urban core, the necropolises, profane and sacred buildings from the Ottoman period,we tried to determine the scope and size of Strumica city through the centuries.
There is no doubt that the church had a special place and role in the functioning of the cities. The most important spiritual center in Strumica is the church complex St.15 Tiberiopolis martyrs, located in the southern part ofthe city. In late antiquity this area was outside the urban core and existed as a necropolis where Christians were buried. The centuries existence of the church complex of the St.15 Tiberiopolis martyrs as a place for worship of Christiansand belief in the healing power of the relics of the martyrs will contribute to the creation of a civilian settlement around the complex.
According to the Turkish inventions from the 16th century, in Strumica Nahiyah mentions the village of „Sveti / Svenica / Svetica“ (eng. Saint), forwhich the expert public had not given any possible ubication. A crucial fact which undoubtedly indicates that the settlement „Sveti“ is located at the Church complex St.15 Tiberiopolis martyrs is the analysis of the structure of the population living in the village. In the part of the Christian populationliving in the settlement „Sveti“ there are noticed professions that were usually performed by people in urban areas, from here we can conclude that the settlement „Sveti“ is located near the urban center, that is, the city of Strumica.Until when this settlement existed separately from the city of Strumica, we cannot say with certainty
FOLIA ARCHAEOLOGICA BALKANICA IV - Skopje / In Honorem Prof. Viktor Lilčić Adams , 2018
Abstract: This paper analyzes the significance of the thermal springs in the village of Bansko (S... more Abstract: This paper analyzes the significance of the thermal springs in the village of Bansko (Strumica) in the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period. With the long-term archeological excavation at the Great Roman bath, located in the eastern periphery of the village of Bansko, the accent was placed on the significance of the thermal springs only for one period. Absolutely, the springs were used also in the following periods and the naming of the village of Bansko (spa village), in the middle age, indicates the presenceof a bath in the village itself.
The significance of the thermal spring in the village of Bansko in the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period in this paper is seen through: the fortress Termica ( Θερμιτζα ) – archeological site,, Kitka“, episcopal seat - locality 40 martyrs of Sebaste and one of the most famous bazaars that existed in the Ottoman Empire, Doljan bazaar.
Key: Strumica, village Bansko, thermal springs, the fortress Termica,Doljan bazaar and Episcopal seat
ARCHAEOLOGIA BULGARICA, XXI 3 - Sofia, 2017
Abstract: In the past two years (2015 – 2016) an entire church was discovered at the base of the... more Abstract: In the past two years (2015 – 2016) an entire church was discovered at the base of the archaeological locality “Carevi Kuli”. This church formed a part of the urban core of Medieval Strumica. It is an aisleless, well-built church with partially preserved frescoes and an indoor ossuary. Three processed stone slabs were discovered in the church. One of them features a Cyrillic inscription whose epigraphic and paleographic analysis, together with the historiographic context suggests that the church had been built during the first half of the 13th century.
Key words: Medieval Church, Carevi Kuli, ossuary, epitaph, epigraphic and paleographic analysis.
САМУИЛОВАТА ДРЖАВА ВО ИСТОРИСКАТА, ВОЕНО-ПОЛИТИЧКАТА, ДУХОВНАТА И КУЛТУРНАТА ТРАДИЦИЈА НА МАКЕДОНИЈА, НУ Завод и Музеј Струмица, 2015
Military-strategic significance of the Strumica area in the time of Tsar Samuel (X-XI centuries) ... more Military-strategic significance of the Strumica area in the time of Tsar Samuel (X-XI centuries)
Summary: In this study we analyze the defence system of Samuel within the Strumica area, a defence system upon which he relied in his campaign against Basil II. From the accessible historic sources we can learn that Strumica withits surroundings was encompassed into a separate military-administrative unit, which played an important role in the decisive clash between the Balkan hegemons of that time. In this study are given the possible fortifications that Samuel used in this area: their locations, temporal frames and functions. In this defence system were certainly incorporated the palisades, which were builton the very roads. For the realization of this goal we have used: analysis ofthe accessible historic sources, reconnaissance in the south-east region of the Republic of Macedonia, etymologic connection, as well as the archaeological explorations that have been conducted in the past years in the Strumica region.
МУЗЕЈСКИ ЛЕТОПИС (зборник на трудови по повод 65 години ,,НУ Завод и Музеј“- Струмица), 2017
MEDIEVAL NECROPOLISES IN STRUMICA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS (XI-XIV CENTURIES): REVIEW, UBICATION AND ... more MEDIEVAL NECROPOLISES IN STRUMICA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS (XI-XIV CENTURIES): REVIEW, UBICATION AND THEIR CONNECTION TO THE CHURCHES
The choice of eternal resting place has always been an important moment for people, a connection between two worlds, those of the living and thedead. A necropolis, a city of the dead, the portal to eternal life and the last traceof this earth’s living. The exploration of the medieval necropolises is of greatimportance. Burial has always been a powerful cultural and anthropological phenomenon into which are reflected many segments of the life and culture of a certain community. In the burial we can find the elements of the religious understandings of certain community, of its aesthetic criteria, its folklore features, as well as the economic, social, trading relations, craftsmen and other values.
In Strumica and its surroundings there existed a large number of churches and necropolises, whose number was various in different periods, depending on the needs and the conditions, which dictated the progress of theentire region. The relatively densely populated Strumica region, as well as the large number of settlements that existed in the Middle Ages, are a confirmation to the fact that sacral objects were built and that there was also need for necropolises. The professional public of Strumica and its region is acquainted with a small number of medieval necropolises, whose exploration, whether systematic or just at a reconnoiter level, is relatively small.
In this contribution with the ubication of the medieval churches in Strumica and its surroundings we offer a basis for exploring the spiritual tradition of the medieval population, as well as their dedication to building sacral objects. This paper calls for new potential archaeological sites, church complexes around which with certainty there developed medieval necropolises.
ЗБОРНИК НА ТРУДОВИ (НУ Завод и Музеј - Струмица), 2014
ЗБОРНИК НА ТРУДОВИ (НУ Завод и Музеј - Битолa), 2015
FOLIA ARCHAEOLOGICA BALKANICA III - Skopje / In Honorem Prof. Elica Maneva, 2015
Abstract: This paper is an attempt for the possible ubication of the fortress of Matsukion (Ματζο... more Abstract: This paper is an attempt for the possible ubication of the fortress of Matsukion (Ματζούκιον), mentioned by John Skylitzes as one of the fortresses that were conquered by Basil II in his campaign against Samuel. He emphasizes that near Strumitsa there were two fortresses, Matsukion and Termitsa (Θερμιτζα), fortrifications that were probably alongside the main road going from Serres to Strumitsa. The fortress of Matsukion was conquered in 1014 and then, probably, was completely destroyed.
The exact location of this fortress is not yet scientifically determined. According to my view, I standon that, that the fortress of Matsukion should be logically at the archaeological site of Pirgo, at the present day village of Mokrievo, near Strumitsa. Although in this paper there will still be listed the opinions of a number of scholars, who in the past, more or less paid attention to this issue. In 2011 – 2012 at the archaeological site Pirgo there were made couple of trenches which will helpus to reveal the exact location of the fortress.
Key words: Strumitsa, Matsukion, Kleidion, Basil II, Samuel
ARHEOLOSKI INFORMATOR I - Prilep, 2017
BALCANOSLAVICA 45 - Prilep, 2016
DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENTS IN STRUMICA REGION (XI -XIV CENTURY) analysis of social circu... more DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENTS IN STRUMICA REGION (XI -XIV CENTURY) analysis of social circumstances, continuity and natural growth
SUMMARY: The center of these researches is the medieval Strumica, which in XI -XIV century wastypical medieval town with all the marks and objects necessary for the regional civil and spiritual center in that period of time. Surrounding the city of Strumica the large number of settlements changed in medieval period from time to time-increasing or decreasing. Studying the medievalsettlements in the Strumica region we gather information for their way of functioning, the veryinfrastructure and the natural increase. These elements will enable us to understand better, analyzing the historical resources that are in our reach about this region and to get closer to the Medieval man, learn about his needs, possibilities and creative ideas. For all-embracing researchesabout the life in the medieval settlements, many components are important: which are studied separately in this research social and natural conditions in Strumica region, the location of settlements, migrations, professions and demography etc. Strumica, as the most important medieval centre between the middle flow of the rivers Vardar and Struma, its development is undoubtedly owed to the developed medieval farming, stockbreeding and trade, as the most important economic branches.
Key words: Strumitza, medieval settlements, ocupation, development, migration,demography
Етнолигия на времето: общниост и култура, годишник на асоциация „Онгъл“, том 23, год. XVII, 2024, 2024
Archaeological site Mal Kayasi - village of Bansko / Strumiа (archaeological excavations and con... more Archaeological site Mal Kayasi - village of Bansko / Strumiа (archaeological excavations and conservation of a medieval church)
Abstract: The archeological site ,,Mal Kayasi“ is located in the area of the village Bansko. It is a Late Antique fortification that was also operational durning tha Middle Ages. The fortress is located on one of the protruding hills on Mount Belasica, about 0,7 km southwest of the Roman Thermal spa. Some authors, here locates the Termica fortress (Θερμιτζα), which is mentioned in the chronicles of John Skylitzes, as one of the most important fortresses used by Tsar Samuel in the Strumica area.
The first archaeological excavation were conducted durning 2017, and then durning 2019. A small part of the northwestern side of the acropolis was uncovered, where tha late Antique fortress is located, as well as a single-nave church, which is located about 70 meters south of the fortress. According to the primary knowledge, this sacral building was built in the 12th – 13th century and existed, probably until the Ottoman conquests of this area.
It is built of slabs of stone, and lime mortar is used as a binder. The church was convered with frescoes. Two layers of frescoes have been found. A small single-nave church was built for the spiritual needs of the crew in the medieval fortress, or it was part of a small monastery complex.
Key words: medieval church, fortress, excavation, conservation, Bansko, Strumica
Годишник на асоциация ,,Онгъл“, том 23, год.XVI, Samokov (2023): Етнос и култура: между локуса и универсума, 2023
PRESENTATION OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE HIDDEN CLOISONNÉ SYSTEM (SEMI OPUS CLOISONNÉ CUM LIGNUM)... more PRESENTATION OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE HIDDEN
CLOISONNÉ SYSTEM (SEMI OPUS CLOISONNÉ
CUM LIGNUM) IN MEDIEVAL SACRAL AND PROFANE
OBJECTS IN THE STRUMICA REGION
Abstract:
In the Middle Ages, the city of Strumica grew into one of the most important urban centers in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, with all the features and elements needed for a regional civil and spiritual center in that period.
The rise and development of the city was due to its location between the important road communications as well as the proximity to one of the most important centers of the Balkan, the city of Thessaloniki. The construction samples have left traces in sacred and profane buildings in Strumica and the Strumica region.
The paper will present examples of the construction technique hidden cloisonné system (Semi opus cloisonné cum lignum), through the example of several sacral and profane buildings in Strumica, namely: the medieval churches in Strumica and the village of Bansko, and the medieval fortification Tsarevi Kuli in Strumica.
Keywords: Medieval churches, Semi opus cloisonné cum lignum, research, conservation, restoration, Strumica region
Balcanoslavica 50, 2021
Abstract: In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, Serbia gradually imposed itself as the most ... more Abstract: In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, Serbia gradually imposed itself as the most powerful factor in the Balkans, suppressing the hegemonic preponderance of Byzantium and Bulgaria. The breakthrough of medieval Serbia in Macedonia which lasted for several decades, gradually conquering the cities and important fortresses. The main military campaign was directed along the currents of the Vardar and Struma rivers, towards the city of Thessaloniki, for which Byzantium organized a systematic defense, forming a limes that ran along the line of the Byzantino-Serbian border from Ohrid - Prilep - Proseк - Strumica - Melnik. Strumica played a significant role in the events that marked the first half of the 14th century in the Balkans, due to the good fortification, as well as the control of the important corridors that passed along it. Strumica connected the southern and middle-Balkan regions, and was the key of the communication between the middle currents of the Vardar and Struma rivers
Arheoloski Informator 5, 2021
Collection of works 70 years „Institute and Museum“ – Strumica
Summary: Radovish – a medieval mining center This paper presents a brief historical overview ... more Summary: Radovish – a medieval mining center
This paper presents a brief historical overview and development of the Radovish settlement, covering the time frame from the middle ages until the Ottoman period. As a regional center in the middle Ages, Radovish was a small settlement, which did not have the primacy of a city. Radovish (Radovishte) is mentioned for the first time in the first charter of Emperor Basil II, for the rights of the Archbishopric of Ohrid from 1019. This confirms that the parish of Radovish was under the jurisdiction of the Strumicaepiscope seat. It gained more importance in the 14th century, when most of Macedonia was part of the Serbian medieval state, and then as part of the independent feudal domains of the Mrnjavchevich and Dragashfamilies.
Medieval Radovish was located on the northwestern periphery of today’s city, on the right bank of the Radovishka River. The old settlement was destroyed by the flooding of the Radovishka River in 1784, and the settlement was moved about 2 km further to the south. A small fortification (acropolis) was built above the medieval settlement of Radovish, which served to protect and control this micro-region.
The mining deposits where key to development of Radovish, the mines Buchim and Damjan are located only 8-10 km west or southwest of medieval Radovish, from which gold, copper, silver and iron are exploited. We do not know precisely when mining started in this region, but conceivably this activity started when the Serbs conquered this region and the settlement of the famous German mines – the Saxons (Sassen).We know for sure that the Damjan mine was exploited by the Turks in the 16th century. Taking into account the potential of this area, we can say that mining production became one of the strong factors for the village of Radovish to grow into a city settlement in the 17th century
Balcanoslavica 49, 2020
Abstract: In the Middle Ages, Strumica grew into the most important city settlement between the m... more Abstract: In the Middle Ages, Strumica grew into the most important city settlement between the middle flows of the rivers Vardar and Struma. The fertile soil, a hydro-potential, the favorable climatic conditions are a great prerequisite for the dense population of the region in the Middle Ages. Confirmation of this is the large number of rural settlements that existed in this area. This indicates the importance of this region as the main communication link in the central part of the Balkans, enabled by the proximity to the main centers of power, but, of course, by the existence of sufficient resources as drivers of the whole progress. The favorable social and natural conditions will contribute to the transformation of the regional centers into urban areas in the late Middle Ages. The bigger settlements, such as Radovish, Valandovo, Dojran (Polin) and Konche, some of them will get their urban character much later, even after the Ottoman conquests in these areas. The existence of a fortificated acropolis in some of these regional headquarters will be one of the main reasons for the transition from rural to urban area.
Key words: Strumica, Valandovo, Radovish, Konche, Dojran, fortification, urbanization
Acta Musei Tiberiopolitani, 2022
The article covers the overall crossbow finds from the Balkans, as well as the 14c. types of cros... more The article covers the overall crossbow finds from the Balkans, as well as the 14c. types of crossbows used in this region.
годишник на асоциация ,,Онгъл“, том 21, год.XV, Sofia (2022), 2022
Abstract: The medieval church is located about 200 m northeast of the fortification at the foot o... more Abstract: The medieval church is located about 200 m northeast of the fortification at the foot of the archeological site "Tsarevi Kuli". The church is part of the urban core of medieval Strumica, built next to the one of the communications that led to the fortress "Tsarevi Kuli". In this paper will be present the results of the archaeological excavations conducted in 2015 and 2016 and conservation and restoration work that began in 2021.
Key words: medieval church, excavation, conservation, restoration, Strumica
Христофор Жефарович и неговото време (втор научен собир во чест на покровителите и заштитниците на градот Струмица – св. Петнаесет тивериополски свештеномаченици, НУ Завод и Музеј Струмица, 2020
DOJRAN - POLIN IN THE MEDIEVAL AND OTTOMAN PERIOD: This paper gives the explication about the... more DOJRAN - POLIN IN THE MEDIEVAL AND OTTOMAN PERIOD:
This paper gives the explication about the development of the city of Dojran in the medieval and Ottoman period, as well as a contribution to the possible ubication of medieval Dojran, that is, Pоlin. The results of this research are largely derived from the analysis of historical sources available to us in this region and the minimal archaeological excavations of this area.
In ancient times, conditions for the formation of the first urban settlement began to form along the shores of Lake Dojran. Situated alongside significant communication as well as rich natural resources, fishing will primarily elevate Dojran as an important regional center. Medieval Dojran - Polin has not yet been accurately ubicated, although as possible locations are the positions of today's Nov Dojran and Star Dojran settlements. For the medieval history of Dojran we have almost no concrete written sources, but it does not mean that there was no urban settlement by the lake. The medieval name of the settlement was Polin, Polenin, Poljanin, which along with the name Dojran continued to be used until the beginning of the 20th century.
Acta Musei Tiberiopolitani vol.3, 2020
,,The Knighte order of the the dragon - Possible representatives of medieval Strumica“, Acta Muse... more ,,The Knighte order of the the dragon - Possible representatives of medieval Strumica“, Acta Musei Tiberiopolitani vol.3, The 5th International Symposium on Archaeology “Cult, Myth, Religion” ET HOMO DEUM CREAVIT, NI Institute for protection of cultural monuments and Museum Strumica, Strumica 2020.
Abstract:
The Order of the Dragon (lat: Societas Draconistrarum) is a knightly order founded in 1408 by the Hungarian king Sigismund for the protection of Christianity and the struggle against the Ottomans. Membership in the Order is extremely prestigious and is of a great honor given by merit. The sign of recognition of the members of the line is a medallion in the shape of a dragon penetrating into a crescent (Islam), on the back of the dragon is a cross (Christianity).
Sigismund decided to expand the order in 1431. The introduction of new members in the order of the Dragon led to the creation of different classes in the order. Each class had a slight variation in the symbol of the order, although the figure of the dragon was still dominant. As the membership grew, the Order of the Dragon came to two degrees. There was a superior class, which between 1408 and 1418 carried the dragon and the cross as an emblem. The second degree had a large number of members, and his symbol was only a dragon.
With archaeological investigations of several medieval necropolises in Strumica and strumica region, several samples of knightly type rings were discovered. These rings are with flat heads that engage the imagination of the fantastic animal - the dragon. Considering the knightly shape of a part of the rings, the question of the possible existence of the order in the medieval Strumica is also posed.
Култот за Св.Петнаесет Тивериополски свештеномаченици во средновековната и во поновата епоха – историја, култура и традиција, Струмица 2019. НУ ЗАВОД И МУЗЕЈ - СТРУМИЦА , 2019
ST. 15 TIBERIOPOLIS MARTYRS FROM CHURCH COMPLEX TOCIVILIAN SUBURB OF MEDIEVAL STRUMICA This pape... more ST. 15 TIBERIOPOLIS MARTYRS FROM CHURCH COMPLEX TOCIVILIAN SUBURB OF MEDIEVAL STRUMICA
This paper followed the development of Strumica city and its spread from the Middle Ages to the early 20 th century. With the location of the fortifications and medieval archeological sites that are located in the old urban core, the necropolises, profane and sacred buildings from the Ottoman period,we tried to determine the scope and size of Strumica city through the centuries.
There is no doubt that the church had a special place and role in the functioning of the cities. The most important spiritual center in Strumica is the church complex St.15 Tiberiopolis martyrs, located in the southern part ofthe city. In late antiquity this area was outside the urban core and existed as a necropolis where Christians were buried. The centuries existence of the church complex of the St.15 Tiberiopolis martyrs as a place for worship of Christiansand belief in the healing power of the relics of the martyrs will contribute to the creation of a civilian settlement around the complex.
According to the Turkish inventions from the 16th century, in Strumica Nahiyah mentions the village of „Sveti / Svenica / Svetica“ (eng. Saint), forwhich the expert public had not given any possible ubication. A crucial fact which undoubtedly indicates that the settlement „Sveti“ is located at the Church complex St.15 Tiberiopolis martyrs is the analysis of the structure of the population living in the village. In the part of the Christian populationliving in the settlement „Sveti“ there are noticed professions that were usually performed by people in urban areas, from here we can conclude that the settlement „Sveti“ is located near the urban center, that is, the city of Strumica.Until when this settlement existed separately from the city of Strumica, we cannot say with certainty
FOLIA ARCHAEOLOGICA BALKANICA IV - Skopje / In Honorem Prof. Viktor Lilčić Adams , 2018
Abstract: This paper analyzes the significance of the thermal springs in the village of Bansko (S... more Abstract: This paper analyzes the significance of the thermal springs in the village of Bansko (Strumica) in the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period. With the long-term archeological excavation at the Great Roman bath, located in the eastern periphery of the village of Bansko, the accent was placed on the significance of the thermal springs only for one period. Absolutely, the springs were used also in the following periods and the naming of the village of Bansko (spa village), in the middle age, indicates the presenceof a bath in the village itself.
The significance of the thermal spring in the village of Bansko in the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period in this paper is seen through: the fortress Termica ( Θερμιτζα ) – archeological site,, Kitka“, episcopal seat - locality 40 martyrs of Sebaste and one of the most famous bazaars that existed in the Ottoman Empire, Doljan bazaar.
Key: Strumica, village Bansko, thermal springs, the fortress Termica,Doljan bazaar and Episcopal seat
ARCHAEOLOGIA BULGARICA, XXI 3 - Sofia, 2017
Abstract: In the past two years (2015 – 2016) an entire church was discovered at the base of the... more Abstract: In the past two years (2015 – 2016) an entire church was discovered at the base of the archaeological locality “Carevi Kuli”. This church formed a part of the urban core of Medieval Strumica. It is an aisleless, well-built church with partially preserved frescoes and an indoor ossuary. Three processed stone slabs were discovered in the church. One of them features a Cyrillic inscription whose epigraphic and paleographic analysis, together with the historiographic context suggests that the church had been built during the first half of the 13th century.
Key words: Medieval Church, Carevi Kuli, ossuary, epitaph, epigraphic and paleographic analysis.
САМУИЛОВАТА ДРЖАВА ВО ИСТОРИСКАТА, ВОЕНО-ПОЛИТИЧКАТА, ДУХОВНАТА И КУЛТУРНАТА ТРАДИЦИЈА НА МАКЕДОНИЈА, НУ Завод и Музеј Струмица, 2015
Military-strategic significance of the Strumica area in the time of Tsar Samuel (X-XI centuries) ... more Military-strategic significance of the Strumica area in the time of Tsar Samuel (X-XI centuries)
Summary: In this study we analyze the defence system of Samuel within the Strumica area, a defence system upon which he relied in his campaign against Basil II. From the accessible historic sources we can learn that Strumica withits surroundings was encompassed into a separate military-administrative unit, which played an important role in the decisive clash between the Balkan hegemons of that time. In this study are given the possible fortifications that Samuel used in this area: their locations, temporal frames and functions. In this defence system were certainly incorporated the palisades, which were builton the very roads. For the realization of this goal we have used: analysis ofthe accessible historic sources, reconnaissance in the south-east region of the Republic of Macedonia, etymologic connection, as well as the archaeological explorations that have been conducted in the past years in the Strumica region.
МУЗЕЈСКИ ЛЕТОПИС (зборник на трудови по повод 65 години ,,НУ Завод и Музеј“- Струмица), 2017
MEDIEVAL NECROPOLISES IN STRUMICA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS (XI-XIV CENTURIES): REVIEW, UBICATION AND ... more MEDIEVAL NECROPOLISES IN STRUMICA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS (XI-XIV CENTURIES): REVIEW, UBICATION AND THEIR CONNECTION TO THE CHURCHES
The choice of eternal resting place has always been an important moment for people, a connection between two worlds, those of the living and thedead. A necropolis, a city of the dead, the portal to eternal life and the last traceof this earth’s living. The exploration of the medieval necropolises is of greatimportance. Burial has always been a powerful cultural and anthropological phenomenon into which are reflected many segments of the life and culture of a certain community. In the burial we can find the elements of the religious understandings of certain community, of its aesthetic criteria, its folklore features, as well as the economic, social, trading relations, craftsmen and other values.
In Strumica and its surroundings there existed a large number of churches and necropolises, whose number was various in different periods, depending on the needs and the conditions, which dictated the progress of theentire region. The relatively densely populated Strumica region, as well as the large number of settlements that existed in the Middle Ages, are a confirmation to the fact that sacral objects were built and that there was also need for necropolises. The professional public of Strumica and its region is acquainted with a small number of medieval necropolises, whose exploration, whether systematic or just at a reconnoiter level, is relatively small.
In this contribution with the ubication of the medieval churches in Strumica and its surroundings we offer a basis for exploring the spiritual tradition of the medieval population, as well as their dedication to building sacral objects. This paper calls for new potential archaeological sites, church complexes around which with certainty there developed medieval necropolises.
ЗБОРНИК НА ТРУДОВИ (НУ Завод и Музеј - Струмица), 2014
ЗБОРНИК НА ТРУДОВИ (НУ Завод и Музеј - Битолa), 2015
FOLIA ARCHAEOLOGICA BALKANICA III - Skopje / In Honorem Prof. Elica Maneva, 2015
Abstract: This paper is an attempt for the possible ubication of the fortress of Matsukion (Ματζο... more Abstract: This paper is an attempt for the possible ubication of the fortress of Matsukion (Ματζούκιον), mentioned by John Skylitzes as one of the fortresses that were conquered by Basil II in his campaign against Samuel. He emphasizes that near Strumitsa there were two fortresses, Matsukion and Termitsa (Θερμιτζα), fortrifications that were probably alongside the main road going from Serres to Strumitsa. The fortress of Matsukion was conquered in 1014 and then, probably, was completely destroyed.
The exact location of this fortress is not yet scientifically determined. According to my view, I standon that, that the fortress of Matsukion should be logically at the archaeological site of Pirgo, at the present day village of Mokrievo, near Strumitsa. Although in this paper there will still be listed the opinions of a number of scholars, who in the past, more or less paid attention to this issue. In 2011 – 2012 at the archaeological site Pirgo there were made couple of trenches which will helpus to reveal the exact location of the fortress.
Key words: Strumitsa, Matsukion, Kleidion, Basil II, Samuel
ARHEOLOSKI INFORMATOR I - Prilep, 2017
BALCANOSLAVICA 45 - Prilep, 2016
DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENTS IN STRUMICA REGION (XI -XIV CENTURY) analysis of social circu... more DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENTS IN STRUMICA REGION (XI -XIV CENTURY) analysis of social circumstances, continuity and natural growth
SUMMARY: The center of these researches is the medieval Strumica, which in XI -XIV century wastypical medieval town with all the marks and objects necessary for the regional civil and spiritual center in that period of time. Surrounding the city of Strumica the large number of settlements changed in medieval period from time to time-increasing or decreasing. Studying the medievalsettlements in the Strumica region we gather information for their way of functioning, the veryinfrastructure and the natural increase. These elements will enable us to understand better, analyzing the historical resources that are in our reach about this region and to get closer to the Medieval man, learn about his needs, possibilities and creative ideas. For all-embracing researchesabout the life in the medieval settlements, many components are important: which are studied separately in this research social and natural conditions in Strumica region, the location of settlements, migrations, professions and demography etc. Strumica, as the most important medieval centre between the middle flow of the rivers Vardar and Struma, its development is undoubtedly owed to the developed medieval farming, stockbreeding and trade, as the most important economic branches.
Key words: Strumitza, medieval settlements, ocupation, development, migration,demography