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Archaeological remains of three settlements on Sušine in Virje

Tajana Sekelj Ivančan orcid.org/0000-0001-5992-8434 ; Institute of Archaeology, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

During rescue archaeological excavations, which took place during ten days in the autumn of 2014 at Sušine near Virje, three trenches were opened measuring a total of 750 m2. Positions of trenches 9, 10 and 11 were selected carefully according to results of geophysical survey conducted in the spring of 2014 in order to gain precise data about parts of a foundry and the accompanying structures (fig. 1).
Research has confirmed remains of a settlement on Sušine. Magnetization is extremely strong, as shown by geophysical results, and a large, buried, rectangular structure with remains of ceramic weights of a weaving loom was explored (fig. 2 and 3). To the southeast, two series of three massive postholes were investigated, together with another posthole a little more to the west. The regular outline of the postholes forms the basis of some kind of overground structure which had around 20 m2 of residential space. Closer to the western edge of trench 10, there is a larger structure, which could have been used as a work area because, according to the preliminary results, all three structures can be attributed to the La Tène period.
The second settlement layer can only be determined by a shallow early medieval structure located at the western edge of trench 10. The pottery features simple rims, rough surface and decoration executed as combed, wavy lines (fig. 4). This structure is in line with previously researched ones and the insight into the life of this area in the second half of the 8th century and during the 9th century.
The next layer can be associated with the high Middle Ages. There are three simple units, identical in shape, soil composition and repertoire of finds – apart from ceramic pot fragments typical for this time period, there are also fragments of ceramic balls.
According to the research conducted so far, settlement remains can be confirmed on Sušine, as well as a workshop for melting iron ore.

Keywords

Virje; Sušine position; rescue archaeological excavation; settlement remains; ceramic weights of a weaving loom; Late Iron Age; early Middle Ages; high Middle Ages

Hrčak ID:

148423

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148423

Publication date:

18.11.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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