Histria antiqua, Vol. 20 No. 20, 2011.
Original scientific paper
Not only Hill Forts
Klara Buršić-Matijašić
; Sveučilište Jurja Dobrile u Puli Odjel za humanističke znanosti Odsjek za povijest HR - 52100 Pula
Abstract
In the metal periods of prehistory, the inhabitants of the Istrian peninsula lived in caves and on hills where they built fortified settlements, so-called hill forts or castell ieri. During terrain investigations, traces of a certain type of settlement or dwelling structures have been observed. Currently, the largest number of such settlements has been documented in the area along Limska Draga. Non-hill-fort settlements were located in the plains (Lokva Zanetovac) and on gentle hill slopes (Margarištak), but also on the cliffs above Draga (Bataljevac and Ladićevi Krugi). The site of Komunski Krmed-Škrače is particularly remarkable because humans found shelter there between rows of high cliffs. Finds discovered in the karst valleys should certainly be viewed as indications of non-hill-fort settlements (the karst valley near Sveti Vetore). Such finds are increasingly numerous both inland and on the coast of Istria (Kargadur). This type of settlement has also been observed in neighbouring karst areas: the hinterlands of Rijeka, Gorski Kotar, Dalmatian Zagora and Herzegovina. It has been observed that the settlements in Istria are characterised by modest, dry-wall architecture. Indications of dating come from other areas. Fragments of pottery have been discovered which allow us to date the settlements to the transitional period between the Eneolithic and Bronze Age. Investigations of these settlements raise many questions which range from detailed documentation of the settlements to establishing the time range of their use. Although rich archaeological cultural layers have not been preserved because of anthropogenic or natural processes, gradually more intensive screening work indicates a wealth of finds of non-hill-fort settlements or structures.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
79707
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2011.
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