Florin Mărginean, Zsolt Csók, Keve László, Victor Sava: Unveiling History. Archaeological Excavations in the Fortress of Ineu (Arad County) (original) (raw)

Florin Mărginean, Zsolt Csók, Keve László, Victor Sava: Unveiling History. Archaeological Excavations in the Fortress of Ineu (Arad County)

The reasons behind elaborating this article are related to the results of the preliminary archaeological excavations performed in Ineu in 2016. We believe and especially hope that this stage represents a significant first step in the rediscovery of the early phases of use of the fortress in Ineu, an initiative that is also extremely important for the restoration process initiated by the local authorities. The history of the settlement of Ineu is tied to that of the castle and the medieval fortress now located in the central part of the town. Considering these aspects, we deemed necessary to complement the presentation of the results of the first archaeological excavations with a brief presentation of the most significant moments that have marked the history of the fortress and settlement of Ineu from the Middle Ages until today. Despite the fact that our investigations were limited, the results thus obtained are promising in relation to the development in time from the so-called castellum to the 17th century bastionary fortification and the modifications of the 19th century. The opened trenches have touched parts of the northern, western, southern, and central parts that only represent one percent (1%) of the total surface that measures 4500 m2, of what is today a castle, with a plan acquired in the second half of the nineteenth century. As for the entire complex, it is increasingly difficult to identify parts of the planimetry of the old noble residence, but also of the bastionary fortification due, on the one hand, to the town planning development that has largely overlapped the intra and extra muros areas, and on the other hand due to the chaotic edilitary “momentum” of the last few decades. The various maps, ground plans, conscriptions and inventories, vedute, sketches, or photographic images are thus of real help. They can at least aid in the reconstruction of the general planimetries, but sometimes also in reaching certain detail issues.