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FIRST ARHEOINVEST CONGRESSInterdisciplinary Research in Archeology

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GEOARCHAEOLOGY 19

GEOARCHAEOLOGY

IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES OF CIRCULAR ARCHAEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES

USING SATELLITE IMAGES AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY.

CASE STUDY: NOVEL CIRCULAR FORTIFICATIONS FROM TIMI COUNTY

Dorel MICLE1, Liviu MRUIA1, Adrian CNTAR1,

Leonard DOROGOSTAISKY2, Andrei STAVIL1, Cristian FLOCA1

1West University of Timioara, Faculty of Letters, History and Theology, History Department

2Alcatel-Lucent Romania, Timioara

Keywords: remote sensing, satellite images, aerial photography, archaeological site, aerial photointerpretation.

Satellite remote sensing represents the acquisition of information from a distance, in the

form of conventional photographic images (in analogic format) or as raster images (in digital

format) based on the interaction between objects found on the Earths surface and the sensors

of electromagnetic radiation (radiated by the Sun). The detection of electromagnetic radiation is

done photographically (photographs) or electronically (spectral imagery).

Remote sensing in archaeology is still based, in most cases, on aerial techniques of low

altitude prospection, on visible wavelengths and on those closer to infrared. The information is

gathered in a digital format that can be amplified, rectified and reclassified using a large array of

algorithms and specialized software. Archaeologists tend to increasingly choose remote sensing

as a technique of exploration of sites with a minimal disjointing from the surrounding

geographical context. These procedures allow for new methods of 3D cartography of prehistoric

and historical sites to be developed, as opposed to the traditional 2D approach.

Standard black and white aerial photography is usually employed for the purpose of

archaeological exploration and site analysis better than images acquired by the infrared scanner,

by radar or by colour photography. However, the real benefit of experimentation through

remote sensing techniques lies in the use of different instruments and in comparing and

correlating the results.

Remote sensing can be an identification technique, since the computer can be

programmed to search for distinctive signatures or for the energy emitted by a site or for

known features in areas where such research was not employed. Such signatures are useful for

the recognition of features or patterns. Features such as: elevation, distance from water sources,

distance between sites or settlements, transportation corridors and routes can be used to

predict the locations of potential archaeological sites.

The study is based both on the analysis of satellite images and on the analysis of air

photographs, in the perimeter of the Timi County, using as case study the circular fortifications

identified through this method, belonging to several historical eras, that have not been

previously published. Our study presents the methods and techniques for processing the images

acquired, and the subsequent field identification and survey using the total station.

The features of these circular archaeological sites are emphasized, their fortification

system, and other geomorphologic markers that can be useful for a non-invasive archaeological

analysis, as part of a more complex study of landscape archaeology.


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Fig. 1. Corneti - circular fortifications.

USE OF GIS TECHNIQUES AND TOPOGRAPHIC INSTRUMENTS TO MONITOR THE

GEOMORPHOLOGIC PROCESSES AFFECTING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Gheorghe ROMANESCU

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of Geography and Geology, ARHEOINVEST Platform

Key words: GIS,topographic instruments, ravine, Cucuteni village.

Even though the active geomorphological processes taking place in Romania are closely

monitored by specific institutions, the equipment used is, unfortunately, often inadequate, and

this leads to substandard results. The most intense processes are furrowing and landfalls. These

often occur in areas with an argillaceous substrate and on surfaces lacking forest vegetation. In

this category we can include the Moldavian Plateau and the Transylvanian Depression.

By using the GIS techniques and modern topographic instruments, many of the answersexpected from dynamic geomorphology will be accurate, and the data bank will be much


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GEOARCHAEOLOGY 21

improved. For the morphologic analysis and the dynamic of versant geomorphologic processes,

a wide array of modern methods and techniques was used, but they were not always rigorous.

In most of the studies, rudimentary and dated methods were used, which were based on woodor metal markers. In order to accurately monitor the current geomorphologic processes, we

need to make use of satellite imagery analysis, aerial photographs, electronic equipment, etc.

Among the most accurate topographic instruments used to monitor these processes,

we mention the following: the Leica 3D Scanner and the Leica Total Station. They were

successfully tested by monitoring the ravine from Cucuteni (Iai county). Three years of

geomorphological processes measurement allowed for the elaboration of models for tracking

the ravines advancement, on for predicting further developments. The elaborated maps

constitute the basis for the accurate interpretation of processes that are being increasingly

observed.

Fig. 1. Map elaborated according to the data obtained from the 3D scan

of the Biceni-Cucuteni ravine, 2010.

IDENTITY IN DIVERSITY.

PHOTOGRAMMETRY, 3D LASER SCANNING AND MAGNETOMETRIC ANALYSIS

ON GUMELNIA TELLS OF MUNTENIA (ROMANIA)

Ctlin BEM1, Andrei ASNDULESEI2, Carmen BEM3, Bogdan VENEDICT2,Cristi NICU

2, Vasile COTIUG2, Ctlin NICOLAE1, Eugen PARASCHIV1

1National History Museum of Romania, Bucharest

2Alexandru Ioan Cuza University ofIai, Department of Science, ARHEOINVEST Platform

3Institute for Cultural Memory, Bucharest

Key words: Chalcolithic, Gumelnia tell, aerophotogrammetrry, 3D laser scanning, magnetometry,

internal structure, delimitation ditches.

We first needed to sketch out a model of unintrusive investigation of Gumelnia tells.

Archaeology, on its own, with its destructive character, inherently affects the tells, during the

carrying out of the investigation, as well as after the diggings. This generally takes place fromnatural causes and, more commonly in Romania, from anthropic causes.


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After more than 100 years of archaeological studies, it is still difficult to properly

characterize the complexity of the GumelniaKaranovo VI phenomenon. The study concentrated

on tells man-made knolls created by a long and successive habitation of the same location.They are considered the most important habitations of the Gumelnia communities, for more

than five hundred years (ca. 4550-3900 BC).

Without a coherent strategy for investigating this phenomenon, the studies, carried out

according to strict deadlines, were directed especially to the discovery of burnt habitation remains

very rich in their archaeological inventory. The internal structure, the landscape, the immediate

link of the tellwith its geomorphological bases were often unquantified. Consequently, our study

was also based on a characterization of these elements.

In the beginning, we stressed some different aspects of the comparison between different

tells. The pluristratified stations from Stoeneti - Mgura Tangru, Bucani-Podand Udupu are

differentiated by their location, foundation, dimensions, actual landscape, type of previous

study, and also by the grade of contemporary anthropic degradation. Thus, the Stoenetitell

is

located on an extension of the terrace of the Clnitea brook. Those from Bucani and Udupu

developed on low spits from the narrow meadow of Neajlov and from the large meadow of

Teleorman. The tell from Stoeneti dominates the meadow from its height of eleven metres,

while the tellfrom Bucani is, at first sight, of not more than 2.8 m in height from the actual level

of the meadow. The Udupu tellhas a maximum height of 3.7 m, and its surfaces are in direct

proportion to these values. The tell from Stoeneti was studied in the 1930s and at the end of

the 1950s. The Bucani tellhas been systematically investigated since 1998. The tellfrom Udupu

has not been studied so far. The tell from Stoeneti is relatively isolated from the actual

settlement. Only seasonal sheepfolds neighbour it. The Bucani tellis close to the actual village,

while the one from Udupu is far from any actual anthropic intervention. Their degree of

conservation is directly linked to the impact of contemporary anthropic factors.

A conjugated analysis of aero-photometrical data (Fig. 1-2), 3D scanning (Fig. 4) and

magnetometry (removing, when possible, the perturbations created by the daily variations of the

Earths magnetic field and the background noise produced by the existence of some massive

geological formations) (Fig. 3), proved that the three tells which are so different today have a

similar internal structure. All of them have at least one bounding ditch at the basis of the actual

hill, to their exterior (including the small telladjoining the base of the larger Stoeneti tell). The

maximum stratigraphic amplitude is between 3.2 and 4.5 m. The effective habitation area

concentrates on the surface, and is rectangularly delimited by the ditch(es) of some palisade(s),

and is superposed by the first-level curves of the raised-relief topographic maps.

In the tell from Bucani Pod (Fig. 5), archaeological investigations confirmed the

magnetometric maps obtained in three different sessions. The stratigraphy of the tell from

Bucani-Podincludes three important moments ofGumelnia habitation. They are separated by

alluvial sediments or by periods of abandonment marked by important pluvial activity. There are

two categories of boundary delimitation works: 1. wide ditches, dug on a quasi-circular contour

and left opened, with the excavated sediments deposited along one of the sides, creating a

structure which might be described as a dam. They each belong to the Gumelnia A1 (N3) level,

around 4400 BC and to the Gumelnia B1 (N1) level, around 3900 BC; 2 narrow and deep ditches,

dug on a generally rectangular contour. They are the foundation of some fences, filled shortly

after the digging, and, from a stratigraphic point of view, belonging to the Gumelnia B1 (N1)

level, or from around 3900 BC. As most of them were dug in anthropic sediments and were

covered shortly after that, their identification on the magnetometric maps is quite difficult. They

are often mistaken fo the effective remains of the habitation burnt dwellings, fireplaces, ovens,

etc. It is noteworthy that the same way of boundary delimitation at least the one using exterior


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ditches also appeared at the dawn of the Gumelnia civilization (around 4500-4400 BC) and at its

end (around 3900 BC).

We also have to stress the fact that in the case of the large tell from Stoeneti - MguraTangru, the exterior ditch was dug at the base of the terrace on which the first inhabitants

settled, on a level which is around 6 m lower than the place where the first buildings were

raised. Obviously, any defensive scenario is out of the question at this moment.

We should also mention the fact that all the ditches were dug before the stratigraphic

development of the tells. In the case of the ditches acting as foundations for palisades or fences,

the space enclosed by the resulting perimeter was subsequently occupied by constructions

totally (as it appears to have happened at Udupu) or partially (as it is the case of the tellfrom

Bucani). This may well have been one of the causes for the proliferation of Gumelnia tells.

Since most of them were small in size, it would appear that the settlements initial limits forbade

horizontal expansion and development. Over time, this caused repeated and extensive

swarmings of some parts of the communities, which will found new settlements where the

same pattern was applied and manifested itself.

Fig. 1. Stoeneti - Mgura Tangru. Air photo. Fig. 2. Stoeneti - Mgura Tangru. Aerial photo withchange of the RGB for make the anomalies more

visible.

Fig. 3. Magnetometric map of the Udupu tell. Fig. 4. Udupu tell. Elements of the 3D laser scanning.


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Fig. 5. Bucani - Podtell. The reconstruction of the separation ditches or the tracks and foundation ditches

for the palisades (the red, blue and green parts were researched during the archaeological dig, while the

dark grey parts correspond to the magnetometric information; the red contours show the position of the

buildings at the upper level).

THE KOMARIV COMMUNITY FROM ADNCATA.THE EVALUATION OF THE HABITATION CONDITIONS

Vasile BUDUI1, Bogdan-Petru NICULIC2

1tefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Faculty of History and Geography

2 Bukovina Museum, Suceava

Keywords: Adncata, tumulus necropolis, Komariv culture, habitation conditions, GIS.

In the period from 2000 to 2005, systematic archaeological excavations were carried out

in the tumular necropolis from Adncata (Suceava county). Since we were dealing with the only

Komariv necropolis from Romania which has been thoroughly investigated, a special attention

was paid to an interdisciplinary approach that sought to identify the landscape features with

potential for human habitation. To this end, we proceeded with the geographical analysis of the

region, using the following sources: topographical maps and layouts, orthophotomaps and field

work.

To acquire the sites features, we made use the ArcGIS 9.2 geographical informationsystem, which allowed us to analyse the spatial distribution of the geomorphometric parameters


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(altitude, slope, aspect) and to compile the solar radiation factor, as well as to create a series of

topographical profiles ofthe Adncata site. The investigated region has the general appearance

of a plateau, slightly fragmented by a hydrographic network composed of one or two Horton-Strahler ranges, which enhanced the habitation potential by flanking the settlement with two

confluent creeks, Porcul and Grigoreti. The pedological investigations revealed that the forest

once spread across the entire field, and also brought forth the soil profiles forest morphology,

that is, the presence of the Bt horizon (clay illuviation). The quasi-horizontal surface with a slight

southern exposure, as well as with easy access to water, food and wood resources, favoured

habitation of the area.

SETTLEMENT DYNAMICS DURING LATER PREHISTORY

IN MOLDAVIA (ROMANIA). LAST RESULTS AND PERSPECTIVES

Robin BRIGAND1, Olivier WELLER

2

1Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249, Besanon

2CNRS-Universits Paris 1 Panthon-Sorbonne et Paris 10-Nanterre, Laboratoire Archologies et

Sciences de l'AntiquitProtohistoire europenne, UMR 7041, Paris

Keywords: Moldavia, natural resources, salt, settlement pattern, Neolithic, Chalcolithic.

The paper aims to extend a collective research initiated by the French-Romanian projects

dedicated to investigating the impact of salt springs in Moldavia (Romania) on the Neolithic and

Eneolithic settlement patterns, land use and landscape perception during the Late Prehistory.

The main objective of these successive programs, dealing with archaeology, ethnology,paleoenvironmental reconstruction and geomatics, was to examine how and why salt resources

were controlled and structured in the Eastern Carpathians piedmont, more specifically in its

central part (Neam county).

This presentation plans to expand the issues addressed by the previous research, in

terms of spatial dimensions and thematic scope. The first goal was to explore, with reference to

the natural resources and the available archaeological databases on settlement patterns, the

Romanian north-eastern territories organization and their dynamics.

Taking into consideration the subsequent results compiled for Neam County, a similar

spatial analysis methodology was used on a regional scale. For each county, an exhaustive

archaeological database was built using most recent previous published repertories. The main

goal was to obtain, for each prehistoric settlement, different qualitative indicators regarding theprecision of the topographic mapping, the nature of settlement and its chronological framework,

as well as of the quality and dating of the archaeological material. The second goal was to focus

on natural indicators and their relative attractiveness in order to define their relation with the

economic development by chronological periods. In order to understand the settlement

patterns, population density and diachronic evolution, the obvious objective was to create a

model of the evolution pattern of the areas where traces of human occupation and activity are

to be found. Aiming to characterize the evolution of the human influence and of the modes of

the territorial conquest, we used methods of spatial analysis and spatial information processing,

in a Geographic Information System, more specifically the kernel density estimation and

viewshed analysis. The final goal was to evaluate how the territories were constituted and to

compare their human dynamics.


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INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH IN THE TERRITORY OF HISTRIA

Octavian BOUNEGRU1

, Gheorghe ROMANESCU2

1

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of History, ARHEOINVEST Platform2

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of Geography and Geology,ARHEOINVEST Platform

Keywords: Histria, hinterland, Greco-Roman time, resources.

In 2007, the research project The Captation Area of the Resources of the Histrian

Territory in Greco-Roman Time. An ecochronological Approach from the spatial Perspective of the

Histrian Territory, part of the Exploratory Research Projects Program - 2007-2010, was accepted

for financing. From an integrative perspective and with methods specific for the interdisciplinary

study, the project approaches the Chorothesy, the famous inscription discovered at Histria in

1914. In this exceptionally significant epigraphic document, M. Laberius Maximus, the governorof Moesia, established the boundaries of the Histrian territory on October 25, 100 A.D.

The new analysis of this epigraphic document aims at a holistic approach of the issues

concerning the spatial organization of the Histrian territory in the Greco-Roman period, as well

as the exploitation of the resources in that area.

The main objectives of the project were:

- to identify the natural resources in the Histrian territory in the Greek and Roman

period;

- to determine the size of the natural catchment area and to highlight the dynamics of

the natural resources exploitation in the Histrian territory from the Greek to the Roman period;

- to ascertain the role played by the Histrian natural resources in the implementation of

the human habitat;- to accomplish a habitation typology with regard to the functionality of the main

categories of settlements on the Histrian territory, from a diachronic perspective.

The research has allowed for the identification of 84 ancient settlements, sanctuaries,

necropoleis, fortified settlements, farms, and aqueducts on the Histrian territory from the Greek,

Hellenistic, Roman, and Roman-Byzantine periods, as well as the vestiges of the ancient Histrian

harbour. The following types of resource exploitation sites were identified, registered, and

charted: stone quarries, copper and iron mines, traces of iron and clay exploitations, and a few

Roman aqueducts that supplied water to the town. The surveys and systematic archaeological

research have confirmed the fact that during the Hellenistic and Roman periods the territory of

the townchora stretched in the west and south as far as the Calabeus River in Chorothesy,

and in north to the Danube Delta.The establishment of the visibility limits of the boundaries of this territory is of particular

importance for the debate on the Histrian territory. To the north and west, these limits largely

included the real boundaries of the Histrian territory, which explains to a great extent the direct

control Histria had over the resources of the area and confirms the biunivocal relation existing in

a Greek colony between the town and its hinterland.


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ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY.

METHODOLOGICAL CASE STUDIES IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FROM ROMANIA

Clin UTEU

1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba-Iulia, Iuliu Paul Systemic Archaeology Institute

Keywords: archaeogeophysics, Electrical Soil Resistivity Tomography, stratigraphy, method,

standards.

Geophysical investigation is increasingly becoming one of the most desired steps to be

included in the strategies of the Romanian archaeological projects, either for systematic or

salvage archaeology. If the equipment, from a technological point of view, has already been

standardised as a consequence of its widespread international use, with refinements only going

into improving the quality of the collected data, we cannot say the same when it comes to thefield and laboratory methodology. In this respect, we can state that improvements could be

made, particularly in regard to the manner in which ERT is integrated into complex

archaeological projects. We consider our approach valuable since it is meant to ensure the

improvement of the effective quality of the provided ERT services, while also aiming at amending

the relationship between ERT specialists and archaeologists, when it comes to establishing a

strategy and interpreting and using the data.

The soil resistivity method was one of the first geophysical methods to be applied with

success in archaeological investigations, since 1946. Although relatively simple, this method has

known in recent years many variations and improvements in its usability for archaeological

purposes, especially as a result of advancements in technology and software. Of the several

available methods, the electrical soil resistivity tomography - ERT (also known as electricalprofiling) stands out, and we hereby present few projects that helped us to establish a more

adequate methodology for ERT use in archaeological applications. The main presented aspect

concerns the usage of a combined method for an optimum characterization of detected

anomalies. The addition of a magnetometrical profile with the same coordinates as the ERT

survey, and the use of topographical corrections are discussed in relation to the interpretation of

the data. To illustrate these aspects, several archaeological projects that were carried out over

the past years will be presented (e.g. Sultana - Malu Rou, Apaa - the medieval citadel, Alba Iulia

Str. Decebal nr. 8, Drobeta Turnu Severin - Severin medieval citadel, the tumulus burials from

Okland, etc.). The paper will also showcase an illustrative project, namely a study on the

defensive system of the fortified settlement from Teleac, Alba county. It includes a presentation

of the main phases of the survey, as well as of the overall preparation of the project, of therecording strategy, the creation of a report and result dissemination. An attempt to corelate the

results with the stratigraphy from the 1980s campaigns will also be presented. Finally, a

discussion will be held on the topic of standardized recording of a geophysical survey, with

references to well-known European heritage institutions such as English Heritage and the

Institute for Field Archaeologists. Several suggestions towards establishing and applying a

standard in Romanian practice will be advanced.


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Fig. 1. Electrical Resistance Tomography - ERT survey at the Medieval citadel of Apaa-Cetate.

THE ANALYSIS OF THE VIEWSHEDS OF THE MEDIEVAL FORTIFICATIONS

FROM THE LIPOVA HILLS, N-E BANAT, ROMANIA

Liviu MRUIA1, Dorel MICLE1, Petru HORAK1, Oana BORLEA1, Lavinia BOLCU11West University of Timioara, Faculty of Letters, History and Theology, History Department

Keywords: GIS, visibility area, viewsheds, medieval fortress, historical geography, landscape

archaeology.

From a geographical point of view, the Lipova Hills are a morphostructural part of the

greater unit of the Western Hills. They constitute clearly individualized geomorphological units

through their deposit structure, their location at the base of mountainous areas and through

their altitude.

From an administrative point of view, this geographical unit is currently part of the

following counties: Timi, Arad and Hunedoara. The area has been only slightly explored from an

archaeological point of view; thus, between 2006 and 2010 numerous field surveys were carried

out as to identify and map new archaeological sites, producing 265 analytic records for diverse

archaeological complexes, nine of which are medieval fortifications that constitute the topic of

the present study.


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As a whole, our work aimed at identifying, researching, interpreting and integrating

some terrain realities into the generic context of historical geography, as a base component ofthe cultural landscape. The use of modern interdisciplinary investigation methods and

techniques gives substance to the validity of such an approach. This type of investigation of

geographical micro-units offers complex information that can constitutre the base of detailed,

targeted investigations for the future.

The present study attempted, above all, to detect the original landscape inhabited by the

respective communities, before it was altered during the modern and contemporary ages.

Fig. 1. Aerial map of intervisibility areas of the medieval fortifications.

All the sites identified through systematic archaeological field research were afterwards

georeferenced, mapped and GIS-processed. Different geomorphographic factors were analysed,

among them the viewsheds (areas of visibility) of these fortifications.

This type of analysis (intervisibility) renders a visualization which highlights the areas that

are invisible from one or more observation points. These observation positions can be detailes

such as pointed objects (points), linear objects (lines) or area objects (polygons). A thematic

coverage was produced, whose Z values represent the visibility (often coloured green) or

invisibility (often coloured red) and also observation points (often colored blue) and the image is

then rendered. The observation points can be set at a specified elevation, and the array of values

for the surface can be modified with custom values, for example the height of the trees. The

ArcGIS package also contains the HNTRLAND procedure to determine the area dominated by one

or more vantage points, and the VIEWSHED procedure for determining the cells visible from one

or more points.

The results are very interesting, particularly when we discuss the issue of fortification

system or when we attempt to determine the area of authority for a fortified point (cf. the

dispute on centre and periphery).


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FROM SHOVEL TO NON-INVASIVE SCIENCES.

INVESTIGATING A BRONZE AGE SITE IN WESTERN MOLDAVIA

Neculai BOLOHAN1, Andrei ASNDULESEI2, Felix-Adrian TENCARIU2,

Silviu GANIA2, Cristi NICU

2, Vlad RUMEGA

1

1Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of History, ARHEOINVEST Platform

2Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Department of Science, ARHEOINVEST Platform

Keywords: Early/Middle Bronze Age, settlements, multidisciplinary approach.

The Early and Middle Bronze Age in the area located east of the Carpathians was

investigated mainly by pottery found in a cluster of settlements and funerary findings. Coherent

ideas about life, relationships of these communities and the landscape are less rather

inconsistent, as is clear from the material published until recently.This contribution is setted on my observations from the field and on the contribution of

a young and training team from the Arheoinvest Platform. I have paid particular attention to

previous research on the type and structure of these kind of discoveries dating from the

beginning of the Middle Bronze Age in the area of study and I tried to revaluate my own

researches on the archaeological site of Silitea, Romni commune, Neam county. To expand

and diversify the observations, in 2008 I turned to non-invasive investigations techniques in

Archaeology (mapping, geomagnetic researches, and radiocarbon analyses).

On this occasion, I will attempt a brief review, which will illustrate the current

archaeological research avatars, a rocky path from the archaeological shovel up to the

multidisciplinary approach.

MAGNETOMETRIC PROSPECTIONS IN THE THRACO-GETAE FORTRESS FROM

SAHARNA MARE, REZINA DISTRICT, REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Ion NICULI1, Vasile COTIUG2, Aurel ZANOCI1, Andrei ASNDULESEI3,Gheorghe ROMANESCU

4, Felix-Adrian TENCARIU

3, Bogdan VENEDICT

3,

tefan CALINIUC2, Radu BALAUR3, Cristi NICU3

1State University of Moldova, Chiinu

2Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of History, ARHEOINVEST Platform

3

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Department of Science, ARHEOINVEST Platform4Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of Geography and Geology, ARHEOINVEST Platform

Keywords: Saharna Mare, Thraco-Getae, fortress, magnetometric prospections.

The rocky hill from Saharna Mare, situated at 1 km south-west of the current Saharna

village, constitutes the high terrace of the Dniesters right bank, with lofty and steep flanks on its

northern, eastern and south-eastern sides. With a surface area of ca. 12 ha, the hill has

witnessed human habitation since the end of the 2nd

millennium BC.

A semi-oval stronghold measuring 60x64 m and dated to the 10 th-8th century BC, has

been archaeologically attested at this location. The fortifications southern boundary is marked

by the interfluves steep hillslope, while the eastern, northern and western ones by a man -made

defensive work composed of a palisade (a wall of two rows of timber, with the gap b etweenthem filled with clay and rocks) and a ditch adjoining to the front.


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Towards the 8th

-6th

century BC, the inhabited area from Saharna Mare witnessed a

considerable widening when it expanded to the central and north-eastern parts of the

promontory, forcing the erection of a newer, more complex and sturdy fortification system, thatwas again rebuild during the 5th

-4th

century.

The defensive system was composed of a wall stretching for ca. 385 m and with a

width of ca. 5,6 m, that was built from a wooden case with a core ( emplecton) made from a

mixture of dirt, sand, gravel and rocks. To the exterior of the south-western side, a ditch, 15 m

wide at the top and 6 m at the bottom, was dug parallel to the wall. The defensive potential of

the fortress was augmented by three bastion positioned in front of the defensive line, in the

central area and on the flanks.

During the 2010 campaign, following the partnership signed with the ARHEOINVEST

Research Platform from the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, the entire area in question

was magnetometrically surveyed, as to trace the path of the fortification works that were

archaeologically attested and to identify new archaeological complexes.

The resulting magnetometric map highlights the paths of the archaeologically identified

fortifications, as well as the existence of other magnetometric anomalies which may represent

other various archaeological complexes.

Fig. 1. Saharna Mare - magnetic field map.


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THE EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE

ENVIRONMENTINTHEPRE-CUCUTENI-CUCUTENI-TRIPOLYE CULTURAL COMPLEX

Constantin PREOTEASA

History and Archaeology Musem of Piatra-Neam

Keywords: Pre-Cucuteni-Cucuteni-Tripolye cultural complex, anthropic impact, natural resources,

environment.

The present study focuses on the exploitation of natural resources (wood, salt, rocks and

metals) by the human communities of the Pre-Cucuteni-Cucuteni-Tripolye cultural complex,

while also taking into account the impact of this activity on the environment.

Our approach considers the temporary settlements and the extraction points of different

raw materials such as salt, clay and flint, built near these sources with the purpose of assuring amore efficient exploitation.

We reviewed the different estimates made by specialists accompanied by our

observations on the total amount of wood necessary for building, but also for fuel and,

implicitly, on the size of the harvested area, for several settlements with a well-known or an

approximate number of habitation complexes.

At the same time, we emphasized the estimates about the total amount of salt necessary

for the human communities from settlements which had demographic estimations, and for their

effectives of domestic animals (with conventional average estimates).

The study advances several estimates on the size of the harvested areas, the amount of

wood necessary for construction and on the salt requirements of some Pre-Cucuteni-Cucuteni-

Tripolye communities from settlements with known numbers of dwellings and inhabitants.

PROVENANCE OF NEOLITHIC STONE ARTEFACTS

FROM THE BANAT REGION, ROMANIA

Otis CRANDELL1, Florentina MARI2, 3

1Babe-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Biology and Geology

2Banat Museum, Timioara

3"1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba-Iulia

Keywords: Romania, Banat, raw materials, lithic artefacts, Neolithic.

The objective of the study was to determine the origin of several knapped lithic artefacts

at six Late Neolithic sites near Timioara (Romania). To help determine possible sources of the

raw materials which were used to produce the artefacts, the artefacts were compared to

geological samples of known origin. Rock samples were collected from sources in Cara-Severin

and Mehedini counties. In addition to these samples, the artefacts were also compared to rock

samples in the Lithotheque of Babes-Bolyai University which came from other locations in

Romania. All of the knapped lithic tools (approximately 400) were analysed macroscopically.

Some were also thin sectioned for microscopic analysis.

The artefacts or the materials used to produce them appear to have come from a variety

of sources. The nearest are at least 80 to 100 km away. Some of them appear be over 500 kmaway. This presentation will look at the artefacts found at the sites and compare them to the


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sources where they likely came from. Finally, we will consider the cultural implications of these

discoveries.

Acknowledgements: This study was financially supported by CNCSIS-UEFISCSU, PNII-IDEI project

Nr. 2241/2008 (Romanian Ministry of Education and Research).

Fig. 1. Overview maps. a: Neolithic sites where the artefacts were found; b: nearest raw materials sources;

c: sources of high quality materials further away; d: examples of artefacts.

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES WITH

IMPACT ON THE ACHAEOLOGICAL SITE FROM HOISETI, IAI COUNTY

Dan LESENCIUC1, Daniel CONDORACHI

1, George BODI

2

1 Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of Geography and Geology, ARHEOINVEST Platform2

Institute of Archaeology of Iai

Keywords: archaeological site, Hoiseti, Cucuteni culture, floodplain, river erosion, meandering.

The Hoiseti archaeological site is located on a concave bank of a meander loop in the

Bahlui floodplain. From a geomorphological point of view, floodplains are characterized by

processes of river erosion, associated with depositing ones. In our case, the modelling agent is

the Bahlui River, which displays in the investigated area a riverbed channel that is much

meandered and in which processes of bank and in-depth erosion are present. Particularly the

bank erosion induces a strong dynamic that triggers frequent horizontal movements. Therefore,

these meanders are continuously adjusting to, and influenced by, the banks slope, the riverbedssediments, the quantity of solid and liquid discharge, the river s catchment area, land use and


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other human activities. Alongside the meanders horizontal movement, a noticeable process is

the appearance of microrelief landforms, such as islets and abandoned meanders.

The strong meandering process in the Hoiseti area is evidenced by the presence ofgooseneck meanders, evolving into self-captured meanders via strangulation. This was caused

by the strong erosion of the two opposing curvatures of a loop, until its base is cut-off as a result

of the loops downstream migration. As the Bahlui River evolved as part of a normal

hydrographical network, at least until the middle of the 20th

century when the first

hydrotechnical work took place, the meandering process was quite strong, resulting in a

shrinkage ofthe archaeological sites area. After the regularization of the rivers discharge, the

lateral erosion of the concave banks was strongly diminished, resulting in significantly reduced

rates of meander migration.

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ANTHROPIC SEQUENCESFROM TELL TYPE SETTLEMENTS IN MUNTENIA

Constantin HAIT

National Museum of Romanian History, National Centere for Pluridisciplinary Researches, Bucharest

Keywords: micromorphology, sedimentary fabric, zone of activity, anthropic activities.

Micromorphological research involves different scales of observation, from the

macroscopic analysis in the field, to the stereomicroscope and polarized light microscopy.

Microscopic analysis is performed on thin sections of sediment and soil samples taken in

their undisturbed and actual orientation, and previously impregnated with synthetic resin.

The study is basically an observation of all sedimentary features (texture, structure,

porosity, colour, nature of constituents, homogeneity, and degree of compaction) as to identify

and rank the diagnosis features which can be attributed to the main anthropogenic, sedimentary

and soil forming processes. They correspond to the interaction of the three main categories of

processes that create sedimentary deposits in the archaeological context: accumulation,

transformation and redistribution.

Sedimentary strata from tell type settlements in Muntenia are characterized by a fine

and complex stratigraphy and an excellent degree of conservation of mineral and organic

constituents and other sedimentary features.

The analysis of such anthropogenic deposits from the composition of the studied

archaeological structures or from areas located outside, allows the interpretation of sedimentaryfabrics (considered as the total organisation of the units) in terms of human activities and

associated environmental conditions, as the influence of their action since the accumulation until

present.

The main types of identified sedimentary units are:

- units of construction attributed to different materials prepared for the construction or

fitting out of anthropogenic structures;

- accumulation units formed in the interior of dwelling structures, in waste or transit

areas;

- units of transformation under the influence of anthropogenic or natural agents;

- natural units formed under the action of physical-chemical and pedological agents.

The interpretation of these sedimentary units in the micro-stratigraphic context enablesboth the understanding of human activity and the main stages in the sites evolution.


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USING GIS IN THE ANALYSIS OF CUCUTENI SETTLEMENTS CULTURE,

IN THE EASTERN CARPATHIANS

Elena DELEANU, Dan CRMID

Mihai Bcescu Technical College ofFlticeni

Keywords: GIS, Cucuteni culture, salt exploitation, Thyssen polygons.

Geographic Information System (GIS) has become a tool with multiple uses in

archaeology, GIS equipment and software being capable of delivering complex geographical

information. Thus, mapping information can be used in visualizing, managing and analyzing data

obtained from archaeological investigations of a particular site or of a wider area. At the same

time, it presents the opportunity to augment the geographical info or other various data we have

on a settlement or a grave field.

Our analysis was based on this technology, and was individually applied to some

Cucutenian settlements whose exact locations (GPS coordinates) are known from previous

archaeological investigations. Likewise, data from previous interdisciplinary research of the

paleo-ecosystem (palynological and archaeozoological investigations), and from research which

inferred the sites functions (exploitation of renewable raw materials, tool production, etc.) was

used.

We analyzed the settlements from Preuteti-Halt, Preuteti-Cetate, Hbeti, all

belonging to the A phase of the Cucuteni culture, in regard to the exploitation of salt during the

Neolithic. The analysis can generate, detail or complete geographical interpretations of a site, in

terms of 3D mapping, topographical reality, surface orientation in relation to the Sun,

hypsometric map, etc. The generated maps are then processed according to a complex site-

catchmentalgorithm, focusing on the sites subsistence area (5 km radius-wide in the case of

agricultural settlements) and the adjoining ecosystem (reconstructed from paleobotanical and

archaeozoological data, soil analysis, presence of raw materials near the site, etc.).

We then further attempt to determine the settlements boundaries, to this point

arbitrarily fixed by archaeologists, by taking into account the size and the importance of the

archaeological discoveries, and by dividing the area according to the Thyssen polygons model.

This information is then correlated with the available archaeological data, as to allow a social

interpretation of the settlement in question, that is, to determine the area of control and

influence of a main central settlement over the rest from inside the polygon.

THE SPREAD OF THRACO-GETAE SITES IN THE MIDDLE DNIESTER BASIN

Aurel ZANOCI, Mihail B

State University of Moldova, Chiinu

Keywords:fortifications, civil settlements, spatial arrangement, the Thraco-Getae.

In the 6th - 3rd centuries BC, the area east of the Carpathians was inhabited for the most

part by Thraco-Getae communities. Their traces are attested by several archaeological sites,

particularly by civilian settlements (over 400 in number) and fortifications (about 113). In termsof topography, we notice that the settlements were not scattered, but concentrated in clusters


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comprised of several fortifications and many open settlements. Currently, ten such clusters

were identified in the above-mentioned territory. They are usually concentrated in river basins

(Dniester, Prut, Rut, etc.) or at the border between the steppe and the forest-steppe.One such case is to be found in the Middle Dniester basin, where 27 fortifications and

about 54 civil settlements were mapped (Map 1). At this moment, this seems to be the largest

concentration of sites not only in the Dniester basin, but also throughout the whole area

inhabited by the Thraco-Getae. The monuments are located along the banks of Dniester, both on

its right and left sides, in the area between the localities of Vertiujeni (47 59' 36" North, 28 32'

24" East) in the Floreti District, and ipova (47 36' 18" North, 28 58' 46" East) in the Rezina

District. If on the left bank the sites are concentrated close to the river, on the right side they are

spread over a distance of up to 18 km west of the river.

Map 1. Spreading of Thraco-Gatae sites in the Middle Dniester basin.


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Concerning this cluster, our attention is drawn to the manner in which the

fortifications were positioned. They are arranged in three defensive lines. Thus, the first one,

composed of four bulwarked facilities (Racov, Caterinovca, Stroieti and Ofatini), is located onthe left bank of the river and close to the water. The second is on the right bank, also near the

water, and consists of ten fortifications (Vertiujeni, Japca, Curatura, Rezina, Saharna-Revichin,

Saharna Mic, Saharna Mare, Saharna-La an, Saharna-Hulboacaand Buciuca). After mapping,

it became apparent that the fortifications which constitute this line of defence were placed on

elevated positions dominating the long, narrow lowlands which connected the riverbed with the

lands to the west. The third line of defense, consisting of 13 fortifications (Cunicea, Alcedar,

Glinjeni-La an, ahnui, Mateui, etc.), was situated at a distance of several kilometres from

the Dniester. Most fortresses are found in the basins of the Ciorna River or of other brooks, all

right-bank tributaries of the Dniester.

Open settlements are located around the fortifications, at a distance of about 0,1 to 1,5

km from the fortified centres. We can also observe a preference for establishing civilian

settlements near water sources (the Dniester, Ciorna, Coglnic, etc. rivers).

Among the clusters of the Middle Dniester region, some smaller nests consisting of

one to three fortifications (e.g. Saharna Mare, Saharna Mic, Saharna-La an) and several other

civilian settlements, are observed.

As a result of archaeological investigations conducted in a series of fortifications, it was

determined that they were permanently inhabited, as attested by the remains of dwellings,

ancillary buildings, sewage pits and a fairly rich and diverse archaeological inventory. At the same

time, the fortresses could serve as a refuge for communities living in nearby civil settlements.

This is attested, for example, at Saharna-La an, where there was a permanently inhabited small

stronghold (17560 m) with a larger adjoining enclosure (307254 m) that is practically devoid

of traces of habitation. Nonetheless, three open settlements were identified in the fortress

environ, and, in case of necessity, the population could take refuge in the large accommodation.

Thus, it can be inferred that the small nests represented the living space of a tribal

community, and that the clusters of sites, which spreads over an area of about 600 km, can be

attributed to a major Thraco-Getae polity from the Middle Dniester region.

URTIM 2009 - AN ORIGINAL PROCEDURE TO ANALYZE SATELLITE IMAGES

IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Timotei URSU

Salamandra Communication, New York

Keywords: Google Earth Pro, Dacian Sanctuaries, URTIM 2009, satellite image.

Regular satellite-images provided by dedicated software such as Google Earth Pro are

analysed using an original technique that permits pertinent results even from images with low

quality. The usefulness of the procedure, which produces quality data to be used in

archaeological work, was exemplified, for example, by its employment in the investigation of

several archaeological sites from Romania, specifically of the Dacian sanctuaries from the Ortie

Mountains, in the Southern Carpathians.

An explanation of the technique follows. In batches of satellite images, with a focus

range between 8 to 30 m from the soil, an intensive colour oversaturation was performed. Then,usingthe filters fornightand day(UV and IR), the computer screen becomes a special sensor


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which can reveal more than the limited data offered by the satellites sensors that capture

information in the form of visible radiation (i.e. the spectrum of visible light reflected by Earths

surface).The URTIM 2009 method produces new images on the basis of UV electromagnetic

radiation (with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light) and IR radiation (with a

wavelength of 0.7-300 micrometres). These wavelengths from the spectrum of sunlight,

reflected by de Earths surface, will reveal traces of past human activities (structures, roads,

diggings, pits) that are buried at a depth between 0.50 - 2.50 m, while at the same time

ignoring some surface structures. The effect is due to the differences present in the texture of

the soil, and due to the fact that all ground structures and features (soil, rocks, bottom of lakes,

etc.) have distinct temperatures which will be registered as a different colour-radiation.

URTIM 2009 can not differentiate between old and recent human traces, but it can offer

archaeologists a useful image of the underground reality, in quadrilaterals areas (ranging from

5 x 2.7 m to 40 x 22 m). Basically, the URTIM 2009 method uses image visualisation software,

translating the results to other programs for the best resolution and clarity of the pictures.

Fig. 1. The old sanctuary made of calcar from Sarmizegetusa.

TOPOGRAPHY INSUPPORT OF ARCHAEOLOGY AT ROMULA

Lucian AMON

University of Craiova, Faculty of Social Sciences

Keywords: Romula, fortification, topographic plan, Ghi Mnstiriceanu.

Romula (Reca - Dobrosloveni village, Olt County) was an important urban centre of the

Roman province of Dacia. According to some researchers it was the capital ofDacia Malvensis. A

controversial issue concerns the location of the two Roman camps, reported and outlined at the

end of the 17th

century by L.F. Marsigli as existing in the eastern part of the town, but which have

not yet been archaeologically identified (Fig. 1/a). Since an archaeological investigation is

currently very difficult to be carried, due to the fact that area was almost entirely superposed by

modern constructions, the use of a little-known topographic plan turns out to be, at the

moment, the only method applicable. We are referring to the plan of the Reca estate,

developed by cadastral engineer Mnstiriceanu Ghi in 1840 (Fig. 1/b). On its basis we put


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forward an original location in the south-eastern part of the village for one of the fortifications,

in an area which has not been sufficiently researched from archaeological point of view. The

Roman camp seems to be of a rectangular, almost square, shape, with its sides measuring 161.40x 144.30 m, and is located at a distance of about 407 m from the so-called city centres fortress.

This fortification was the only one identified and investigated by archaeological excavations.

Further investigations are needed in order to confirm this hypothesis.

a

b

Fig. 1. The location of the fortifications from Romula in Marsiglis layout (a)

and the topographical survey made by G. Mnstiriceanu (b).

UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY RESEARCH IN MAZOTOS (CYPRUS),

STYRA AND MODI (GREECE).

PROSPECTION AND CONSERVATION METHODS

Ana-Maria BUIL

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of History, ARHEOINVEST Platform

Keywords: Underwater archaeology, prospection methods, conservation methods.

Underwater archaeology has already completed almost half a century of systematic

fieldwork around the Mediterranean. Since 1960, our knowledge of the ancient trade, sea-

routes, navigation and shipbuilding has been significantly enriched especially as a result of the

excavation of wrecks dated to different historical periods.

For the Romanian Black Sea coast, connections with Mediterranean island or its

mainland suggest maritime activity. Land discoveries and historical sources have proved the

intense seaborne trade, in which the cities along the coast where involved throughout history.

The task of this presentation is the description of three different models of underwater

projects carried out in Cyprus and Greece, which can be implemented accordingly to the surveys

or excavations of the underwater sites along the Romanian Black Sea shoreline.


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POSTERS

FUNERARY SPACE AND MORTUARY PRACTICES IN

THE ALBA-IULIA - LUMEA NOUA SITE. A GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS

Mihai GLIGOR1, Marius BREAZU

2, Tudor BORAN3

11 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba-Iulia, Department of History, Arheology and Museology

2Roia Montan Gold Corporation, Department of Environment, Roia Montan

31 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba-Iulia, Faculty of Science

Keywords: Neolithic, Eneolithic, funerary space, mortuary practices, 3D modeling and

reconstruction, geospatial analysis.

The Lumea Nou site is located in the northeastern area of Alba Iulia, on the second

terrace of the Mure River, in its middle flow section. Several archaeological campaigns have

been conducted here between 1942 and 1947, 1961 and 1963, 1976, 1995 and 1996, 2002 and

2008. Human habitation from the Middle Neolithic to the Late Eneolithic has been

archaeologically documented. The findings belong to the Vina, Lumea Nou, Foeni, Petreti and

Coofeni cultural groups and the archaeological cultures.

Last year's research has shown that the most intense habitation belongs to Foeni

communities, to whom we also assign one of the remarkable discoveries made during the 2003-

2005 campaign, i.e. the funerary complex displaying some particular mortuary practices. The

human remains, mostly skulls, of ca. 100 people have been unearthed and investigated. Some of

the skulls presented round-shaped clogging fractures. The human skeletal remains were not

found in anatomical connection. The anthropological analysis confirmed the presence child and

adult female and male remains. The archaeological context did not contain traces of violent

actions. The AMS dates offer a timeframe between 4600 and 4500 calBC, therefore from the

advanced period of the evolution of the Foeni cultural group, a moment which coincides with the

beginning of the Eneolithic in Transylvania.

The Lumea Nou site suggests a habitation protected by fortifications. The defensive

system, consisting of three ditches built by the Foeni communities, suggests the existence of a

circular-concentric plan for the settlement.

In past years, 3D modelling and reconstruction has been increasingly used to presenting

and capitalising from the results of archaeological research. From the reconstruction of the

habitat or of artefacts, to spatial analysis, 3D modelling has become an indispensable tool inarchaeological research. The scope of this paper is to analyse the funerary discoveries from

Lumea Nou, from the spatial topo-archaeological and 3D modelling perspective, mainly using

the following methods: (1) the archaeological analysis of the geomorphology of the area, using

cartographic and topographic information; (2) the analysis of the spatial distribution of the

funerary discoveries, by compiling the topographic plan.

The resulting geospatial image offers us some relevant conclusions: the investigated

funerary space is located approximately in the middle of the site; no definite correlation

between the distribution of the archaeological complexes and the funerary discoveries can be

made; there is evidence of unusual funerary practices, gathered from the topographical data, the

horizontal and vertical stratigraphy, and the anthropological analyses; by looking at the shape

and track of the ditches, it is possible that the purpose of the discovered fortification was to


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delineate and protect the funerary space; 3D model allows the reconstitution of the sites

geomorphological features, such as an old riverbed.

Acknowledgement. This work was made possible through the financial support of the Sectorial

Operational Programme for Human Resources Development 2007-2013, co-financed by the European

Social Fund, under project number POSDRU/89/1.5/S/61104 with the title Social sciences and humanities

in the context of global development - development and implementation of postdoctoral research.

THE EFFECTS OF GEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC FACTORS

ON PATRIMONIAL WORKS FROM IAIRPA GALBEN

Mihai BRNZIL1

, Dumitru BULGARIU

1,3

, Ion SANDU

2

1Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Department of Geology

2Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iai, ARHEOINVEST Platform

3Romanian Academy - Iai Branch, Collective of Geography

Keywords: Rpa Galben Ensemble of Iai, degradation, geological and anthropogenic factors.

The Rpa Galben Ensemble historical monument, built in 1898-1900, has a special

historical, architectural and practical importance for the Iai municipality. Regular consolidation

and restoration works have only temporary limited the development and expansion of new and

previous degradation processes which continuously affect the ensemble. The studies performed

between 2005 and 2010 aimed to identify the main causes and dynamics of the degradation

processes, and to estimate the combined effects that geological and anthropogenic factors haveon the monument.

The research methodology included: (i) field studies and investigations; (ii) chemical and

physical-chemical analysis (IR spectrometry, differential thermal analysis, optical microscopy)

performed on the building materials (different types of sandstones and calcareous stones) and

the binder used for consolidation, salts deposits and some weathering products of the building

materials, pluvial water from the parcel system on top and at the bottom of the ensemble; (iii)

theoretical and experimental modelling of physical-chemical weathering processes of the

building materials (sandstones and calcareous).

The results of the studies show the following: (i) the degradation processes,

macroscopically visible, affect the structure and aesthetic qualities of the monument in different

manners: the deterioration (cracking, grinding) of the stonewall, salt depositing in the cracks ofthe wall, the building material and binder are corroded, etc.; (ii) depending on the manner of

evolution and the effects they produce, two types of weathering processes of building materials

can be differentiated: (a) processes with slow, continuous evolution probably caused by the

groundwater, the slow flow phenomena of waves, the stuffing materials behind the walls, the

active surface subsidence, etc.; (b) processes with cyclic evolution (with a succession of very fast

and slow acting steps) probably determined by the infiltration waters (from the city network

and the sewerage system), pluvial waters, exposure to various pollutants, etc.; (iii) geological

context of the perimeter favoured the apparition and the evolution of degradation processes

geological formations in this area belong to the Sarmatian (bluish ash clay) and to the

Quaternary (dusty diluvia clay); (iv) the use of different types of building materials accelerated

the evolution of the degradation process the most intense weathering processes have been


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observed at the area of contact between different types of sandstones and limestones that were

used in the previous consolidations works.

The results of the experimental studies and the field investigations provide importantinformation for the future consolidation and restoration works of the Rpa Galben Ensemble.