Original scientific paper

A Late Antique Settlement in Madona Bay, Brijuni Islands

Vlasta Begović ; Institute of Archaeology Ul. grada Vukovara 68 HR - 10 000 Zagreb
Ivančica Schrunk ; University of St. Thomas St. Paul USA - 55105 Minnesota

Abstract

According to all archaeological investigations so far, and the insights obtained by these investigations, we can classify the settlement in Madona Bay into an agglomeration settlemnt with geographical, cultural and ethnic continuity since antiquity. A naturally protected site on the Brioni Islands, from both sea and land, Madona Bay became in Late Antiquity one of the key points on the Adriatic maritime route. The settlement with high fortification walls was created by successive building alonside a large Roman villa. This villa rustica expanded and developed in time of peace and prosperity, then stagnated and expanded again with the construction of a fullonica and the surrounding settlement. In turbulent times of Late Antiquity the settlement found itself in the anchorage zone of a naval base which was defended, together with the settlement, by massive fortifications. The site became a Byzantine stronghold and refuge in the 6th century and developed the features of a late Roman settlement – castellum. A multi-layered and complex settlement, represents a key archaeological site for documenting the history of Roman colonization and building activity on the islands. The urban matrix of this settlement was created by contineous additions and transformations of antique structures, both civilian and military.

Keywords

late antique settlement; villa rustica; Madona bay; Brijuni islands; 2nd century BC - 6st century AD

Hrčak ID:

79771

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/79771

Publication date:

1.10.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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