Honcu Ştefan
Institute of Archaeology Iasi, Classical Archaeolgy, Ancient History, Department Member
- Anthropology, Archaeology, Roman ceramics, Late Roman and Early Byzantine Pottery, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Pontus Euxinus, and 46 moreRoman Archaeology, Amphorae (Archaeology), Roman Amphorae, Roman Pottery, Barbaricum, Late Roman Pottery, Roman Economy, Black Sea Region Archaeology, Black Sea region, Ceramica Romana, Ceramics (Archaeology), Maritime Trade Ceramics (Archaeology), Terra Sigillata, Roman Army, Pottery (Archaeology), Roman History, Late Roman Amphorae, Late Roman Archaeology, Acculturation and 'Romanisation', Storage Amphoras From Greece and Its Colonies, Amphorae Production Centers, Stamped Amphora handles, Ceramic Petrography, Ancient economic history, Roman Agriculture and Extraurban Economy, Roman agriculture, Free Dacians, Roman rural settlements, Roman Rural Production, Roman Pottery Kilns, Late Roman Pottery Kilns, Notitia Dignitatum, Roman Architecture, Wine and Olive Oil Production, Amphorae, Trade, Mediterranean archaeology, Antic Technology, Terra sigillata Gallica, Stamps, Terra Sigillata, Roman pottery, Vasa Escaria, Lower Danube limes, Roman Transport Amphoras, Przeworsk culture, Wielbark Culture, and Great Migration periodedit
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Fieldwork is an important segment of archaeological research, contributing to the better knowing and understand- ing of different historical periods. Publishing the results obtained and the archaeological materials discovered after such... more
Fieldwork is an important segment of archaeological research, contributing to the better knowing and understand-
ing of different historical periods. Publishing the results obtained and the archaeological materials discovered after
such an initiative can complete the image already formed about the communities that lived in the past. In the
present study we tried to highlight some settlements belonging to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, some of
which were not previously known in the literature. This time frame, although rich when talking about the discov-
ery of settlements, was very little researched in the space that was proposed for studying. The last diggings that took
place in archaeological sites belonging to this period can be placed a few decades ago. Thus, publishing the results
of the field research carried out can represent an important starting point in the resumption of the archaeological
research dedicated to this chronological sequence.
This paper proposes a discussion on some archaeological materials specific to Noua and Corlăteni-Chișinău cul-
tures, discovered in the settlements identified on the territory of Cozmești, Iași County. The spatial analysis of the
three archaeological sites indicates the apartenence to the already-known pattern specific to the above-mentioned
cultures. Noua communities are known to be interested in the geographical areas placed at the confluence of two
rivers, with low and medium altitudes and smooth slopes, this fact being proven once again by the preferences
manifested for the three settlements discussed here.
ing of different historical periods. Publishing the results obtained and the archaeological materials discovered after
such an initiative can complete the image already formed about the communities that lived in the past. In the
present study we tried to highlight some settlements belonging to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, some of
which were not previously known in the literature. This time frame, although rich when talking about the discov-
ery of settlements, was very little researched in the space that was proposed for studying. The last diggings that took
place in archaeological sites belonging to this period can be placed a few decades ago. Thus, publishing the results
of the field research carried out can represent an important starting point in the resumption of the archaeological
research dedicated to this chronological sequence.
This paper proposes a discussion on some archaeological materials specific to Noua and Corlăteni-Chișinău cul-
tures, discovered in the settlements identified on the territory of Cozmești, Iași County. The spatial analysis of the
three archaeological sites indicates the apartenence to the already-known pattern specific to the above-mentioned
cultures. Noua communities are known to be interested in the geographical areas placed at the confluence of two
rivers, with low and medium altitudes and smooth slopes, this fact being proven once again by the preferences
manifested for the three settlements discussed here.
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Through this study we aimed to present two fortresses, Fundul Văii - Cetatea Zmeilor (com. Lipovăț), respectively Popeni - Valea Bujorani (com. Zorleni), both located on the territory of Vaslui County. Both fortresses, judging from the... more
Through this study we aimed to present two fortresses, Fundul Văii - Cetatea Zmeilor (com. Lipovăț), respectively Popeni - Valea Bujorani (com. Zorleni), both located on the territory of Vaslui County. Both fortresses, judging from the recovered materials as well as their characteristics, seem to belong to the Early Iron Age. The fort of Valea Bujorani, having around 55 hectares, is among the largest known forts of this kind in the East Carpathian regions of Romania.
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The supplying of Noviodunum (Moesia Inferior), the important headquarter of fleet classis Flavia Moesica, has received little attention so far. The important find of some rare amphorae, originally discovered during past excavations and... more
The supplying of Noviodunum (Moesia Inferior), the important headquarter of fleet classis Flavia Moesica, has received little attention so far. The important find of some rare amphorae, originally discovered during past excavations and currently studied by the authors of this paper sheds, for the first time, new light on the trade network that provisioned Noviodunum with expensive wine and olive oil. These products arrived at this site due to regional as well as long-distance trade, which united the discussed site with the Black Sea, the Aegean, and the Levantine.
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Our article refers to a special discovery made at Noviodunum, the headquarters of the Danube fleet Classis Flavia Moesica. It is about an oinophora type vessel, shaped as a ram, which was discovered, by chance, in a cremation grave. Its... more
Our article refers to a special discovery made at Noviodunum, the headquarters of the Danube fleet Classis Flavia Moesica. It is about an oinophora type vessel, shaped as a ram, which was discovered, by chance, in a cremation grave. Its presence in the necropolis of the city must not come as a surprise to us, because such discoveries come, once again, to show its commercial and economic importance in the province. The Noviodunum market represented a luxury goods consumer from all the provinces of the empire. Regarding the chronological framing of the vessel we support the opinion that it might come from the second half of the 2 nd century p.Chr. ... Articolul nostru discută o descoperire aparte făcută la Noviodunum, sediul flotei dunărene Classis Flavia Moesica. Este vorba despre un vas de tip oinophora, în formă de berbec, care a fost descoperit, în mod întâmplător, într-un mormânt de incinerație. Prezența acestuia în necropola cetății nu trebuie să ne surprindă, deoarece astfel de descoperiri vin să arate, o dată în plus, importanța comercială și economică a acesteia în cadrul provinciei. Piața de la Noviodunum reprezenta un consumator de bunuri de lux provenite din toate provinciile Imperiului. În privința încadrării cronologice a vasului suntem de părere că ulciorul s-ar putea data, eventual, în a doua jumătate a secolului al II-lea p.Chr.
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The Talpalari Church in Iasi, dedicated to "Nativity of the Virgin", was built, according to the existing documents, in the middle of 17th century, by the great vistiernic (treasurer) Iordache Cantacuzino, the brother-in-law of prince... more
The Talpalari Church in Iasi, dedicated to "Nativity of the Virgin", was built, according to the existing documents,
in the middle of 17th century, by the great vistiernic (treasurer) Iordache Cantacuzino, the brother-in-law of prince
Vasile Lupu. There was a cemetery around it, about which we also have information from contemporary sources.
In view of the consolidation works to be carried out on "Milescu" House, a heritage building, the Institute of
Archeology in Iasi provided the archaeological assistance. The excavations near the Talpalari church, conducted
in 2016 and 2017, led to the identification of the skeletal remains of 14 individuals in relatively certain funerary
contexts. It was also possible to estimate, based on minimum number of individuals calculation method, the
presence of 11 other individuals from which we have only disparate fragments due to repeated disturbance events.
The present paper presents a detailed analysis of the funerary features, from historical, archaeological and
anthropological points of view. The research focuses on both elements of funerary inventory (including potsherds),
and animal osteological remains identified in a secondary context.
Six coins have been identified as a grave goods. The excavation of the features has led to the finding of several
buttons and hook-eye fasteners. In particular, based on the interpretation of the numismatic material, we could see
that the graves corresponding to this level in the cemetery of the Talpalari church can be chronologically framed
between the last decades of the sixteenth century and the first decades of the next.
Therefore, the written sources of the time argue for the existence of Talpalari church in the seventeenth century,
however, the field research leads us to the hypothesis that this place of worship was preceded by another one that
operated in the previous century and which hosted the cemetery of that neighborhood.
Keywords: Iaşi, Talpalari church, medieval cemetery, anthropological analysis, grave goods.
in the middle of 17th century, by the great vistiernic (treasurer) Iordache Cantacuzino, the brother-in-law of prince
Vasile Lupu. There was a cemetery around it, about which we also have information from contemporary sources.
In view of the consolidation works to be carried out on "Milescu" House, a heritage building, the Institute of
Archeology in Iasi provided the archaeological assistance. The excavations near the Talpalari church, conducted
in 2016 and 2017, led to the identification of the skeletal remains of 14 individuals in relatively certain funerary
contexts. It was also possible to estimate, based on minimum number of individuals calculation method, the
presence of 11 other individuals from which we have only disparate fragments due to repeated disturbance events.
The present paper presents a detailed analysis of the funerary features, from historical, archaeological and
anthropological points of view. The research focuses on both elements of funerary inventory (including potsherds),
and animal osteological remains identified in a secondary context.
Six coins have been identified as a grave goods. The excavation of the features has led to the finding of several
buttons and hook-eye fasteners. In particular, based on the interpretation of the numismatic material, we could see
that the graves corresponding to this level in the cemetery of the Talpalari church can be chronologically framed
between the last decades of the sixteenth century and the first decades of the next.
Therefore, the written sources of the time argue for the existence of Talpalari church in the seventeenth century,
however, the field research leads us to the hypothesis that this place of worship was preceded by another one that
operated in the previous century and which hosted the cemetery of that neighborhood.
Keywords: Iaşi, Talpalari church, medieval cemetery, anthropological analysis, grave goods.
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A household or community sanctuary at Scânteia. Ethno-religions, ethnoarchaeology, and archaeology study. We preserved the L14 dwelling în Scânteia, where an alter-hearth with bucrania, and anthropomorphic statue, indicating the presence... more
A household or community sanctuary at Scânteia. Ethno-religions, ethnoarchaeology, and archaeology study. We preserved the L14 dwelling în Scânteia, where an alter-hearth with bucrania, and anthropomorphic statue, indicating the presence of a community Sanctuary, in the time Cucuteni A3 phase.
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In this study, we presented the L14dwelling in Scânteia, where an alter-hearth with a bucrania, horns and an anthropomorphic statue was identified, indicating the presence of a community type sanctuary. The L14 is a one-storey dwelling... more
In this study, we presented the L14dwelling in Scânteia, where an alter-hearth with a bucrania, horns and an anthropomorphic statue was identified, indicating the presence of a community type sanctuary. The L14 is a one-storey dwelling with several rooms (two on the ground floor, two on the top floor), where the cult parts are represented by different artifacts, along with the mentioned hearth-altar and some stone stele, representing a unique situation in the Cucuteni-Trypillja area. There were presented the elements that support the presence of a community cult building by referring to the discoveries from Trușești or Parța, as well as the stages of construction, our first hypothesis regarding this worship construction, as well as a reconstruction o the altar-hearth, discovered in Scânteia, also unique in the Cucuteni-Trypillja area.
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Cercetări arheologice de suprafaţă la Buda (com. Corbiţa, jud. Vrancea) (Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey at Buda [Corbița comm., Vrancea c.]), in: C. Croitoru, G.-D. Hânceanu (edd.), Miscellanea Historica et Archaeologica in Honorem Vasile Ursachi octogenarii, Ed. Istros, Brăila 2015, 317-326more
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Bei einer im Jahr 2019 durchgeführten archäologischen Kampagne wurde in Argamum, Sektor Kleines Tor, ein kaiserliches Bleisiegel gefunden. Auf der Vorderseite des Siegels ist ein frontal dargestelltes Kaisergesicht mit Bart, Zepter auf... more
Bei einer im Jahr 2019 durchgeführten archäologischen Kampagne wurde in Argamum, Sektor Kleines Tor, ein kaiserliches Bleisiegel gefunden. Auf der Vorderseite des Siegels ist ein frontal dargestelltes Kaisergesicht mit Bart, Zepter auf der linken Schulter und zwei runden Fibeln auf beiden Schultern eingeprägt. Auf der kreisförmig angeordneten und teilweise erhaltenen Legende ist zu lesen: Dominus Noster Theodosivs Avgustus. Kaiserliche Siegel mit dem Bildnis von Kaiser Theodosius II. Wurden bisher auf dem Gebiet der Provinz Scythia Minor nicht entdeckt. Das Bleisiegel könnte in die letzten zwei Jahrzehnte der Herrschaft des Kaisers Theodosius II. datiert werden.
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The aim of the present note is to introduce to the scientific circuit a Roman amphora, of the Forlimpopoli type, discovered at Polocin, in a dwelling belonging to the Sântana de Mureș-Cerneahov culture. The amphora was produced in the... more
The aim of the present note is to introduce to the scientific circuit a Roman amphora, of the Forlimpopoli type, discovered at Polocin, in a dwelling belonging to the Sântana de Mureș-Cerneahov culture. The amphora was produced in the western part of the Roman Empire and was used to transport wine. This type of amphora, attested for the first time in the eastern Carpathian area, can be dated back to the first half of the 4 th century AD.
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Sur le territoire de la commune de Dobrovăţ (département de Iaşi), dans l’un des sites archéologiques du IVème siècle ap. J. Chr. appelé “Râpile lui Filip” (“les ravins de Philippe”), plusieurs artéfacts ont été identifiés durant les... more
Sur le territoire de la commune de Dobrovăţ (département de Iaşi), dans l’un des sites archéologiques du IVème siècle ap. J. Chr. appelé “Râpile lui Filip” (“les ravins de Philippe”), plusieurs artéfacts ont été identifiés durant les recherches de surface déroulées en 2020. Parmi ceux-ci, notre attention a été attirée par une fibule en argent de type mit umgeschlagenem Fuß. Cet
accessoire vestimentaire était confectionné de deux pièces de métal et il avait le pied trapézoïdal. C’est une pièce qui a de nombreuses correspondances surtout dans les territoires des Sarmates du Nord de la Mer Noire. En Roumanie il y a encore quelques exemples similaires, principalement en Munténie, mais aussi en Moldavie, sur le site de Poieneşti. Dans la zone de la découverte de la pièce, à Dobrovăţ, une recherche archéologique intrusive a également été déroulée dans la même année. Les fouilles ont révélé un complexe archéologique qui a été identifié comme un logement en terre crue. Celui-ci a permis aussi une datation pour la fibule, à la fin du IIIème siècle ou dans les premières décennies du siècle suivant.
accessoire vestimentaire était confectionné de deux pièces de métal et il avait le pied trapézoïdal. C’est une pièce qui a de nombreuses correspondances surtout dans les territoires des Sarmates du Nord de la Mer Noire. En Roumanie il y a encore quelques exemples similaires, principalement en Munténie, mais aussi en Moldavie, sur le site de Poieneşti. Dans la zone de la découverte de la pièce, à Dobrovăţ, une recherche archéologique intrusive a également été déroulée dans la même année. Les fouilles ont révélé un complexe archéologique qui a été identifié comme un logement en terre crue. Celui-ci a permis aussi une datation pour la fibule, à la fin du IIIème siècle ou dans les premières décennies du siècle suivant.
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The study shows six fibulae that were discovered, using a metal detector, in the locality of Drăgești (Bacău County). The fibulae are divided into five categories: Carpic‑type fibulae, knee brooches, brooches of A VII type, brooches with... more
The study shows six fibulae that were discovered, using a metal detector, in the locality of Drăgești (Bacău County). The fibulae are divided into five categories: Carpic‑type fibulae, knee brooches, brooches of A VII type, brooches with recurved foot, and cast fibulae with bent stem. They are dated from the 1st to the 6th century AD. Though they were not found in an archaeological context, we may admit that the ethnical attribution of the persons having worn the fibulae, corroborated with discoveries from other settlements and necropolises, indicates a native “Daco‑Carpic” population with strong Roman, Sarmatian, and Germanic influences. The objects found at Drăgești suggest the hypothesis of the existence of a settlement with one or more habitation phases.
Research Interests: History of Moldova, Dacian civilization, Moldavia, Dacians, Barbaricum, and 12 moreBrooches, Roman Brooches, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, cultura Santana de Mures, Barbaricum Archaeology, Barbarians and Romans in Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages, Fibulae, Fibulae on the Upper, Middle and Lower Danube, Typology of Roman fibulas (brooches; fibulae), Sântana De Mureş–Černjachov Culture, Sântana de Mureş-Cernjacov, and Archaeology: Roman Imperial Period (Barbaricum) Migration Period.
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The authors aim to discuss some minor discoveries made in the commune of Dobrovăţ (Iaşi County). Thus, following a field survey carried out on the territory of this village, a new settlement belonging to the Sântana de Mureş-Cerneahov... more
The authors aim to discuss some minor discoveries made in the
commune of Dobrovăţ (Iaşi County). Thus, following a field survey carried out on the territory of this village, a new settlement belonging to the Sântana de Mureş-Cerneahov culture was discovered. The archeological data that were gathered consist in ceramic fragments that are typical for this period, but also two fibulae, one being typologically
identified as Fibeln mit umgeschlagenem Fuß and the other belonging to the A-VII type - Almgren group VII, series I.
commune of Dobrovăţ (Iaşi County). Thus, following a field survey carried out on the territory of this village, a new settlement belonging to the Sântana de Mureş-Cerneahov culture was discovered. The archeological data that were gathered consist in ceramic fragments that are typical for this period, but also two fibulae, one being typologically
identified as Fibeln mit umgeschlagenem Fuß and the other belonging to the A-VII type - Almgren group VII, series I.
Research Interests: Late Antiquity, Archaeology of Germanic tribes (Roman period), Arheology, Roman Small Finds, Barbaricum, and 13 moreRoman Brooches, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, cultura Santana de Mures, Barbarians and Romans in Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages, Fibulae, Barbarians societies, Late Antiquity, Ethnogenesis, Funerary World, Goths, Vandals, Sueves, Alans, Roman Fibula, Typology of Roman fibulas (brooches; fibulae), Sântana De Mureş–Černjachov Culture, Almgren Fibeln, Fibeln, Santana-Cerneahov, and Sântana de Mureş-Cerneahov settlement
The present study investigates the results of the preventive archaeological research, carried out by a team from the Institute of Archaeology of Iași, in the mediaeval site of Schineni – point “La Islaz” (Săucești Commune, Bacău County),... more
The present study investigates the results of the preventive archaeological research, carried out by a team from the Institute of Archaeology of Iași, in the mediaeval site of Schineni – point “La Islaz” (Săucești Commune, Bacău County), between 2017-2020. Three pit-houses (H 1-3/ Cx 602, 665, 609) and a burial tomb (Cx 872), which was located in their vicinity, were excavated. Only in one of the pit-houses (L 1) a fireplace was identified. The housing inventory is a rather modest one and consists of few ceramic materials, animal bones and a solidus from Sigismund III Vasa.
The three pit-houses were part of a scattered village, placed on either side of a main road, located near the course of the Siret river. Most probably, the mediaeval artefacts discovered in the '60s of the last century (in the “Morărița” point) belong to the same settlement. The necropolis, from which only one tomb was unveiled (without inventory), may have developed in the south-eastern part of the mediaeval village. Exclusively on the basis of the archaeological material uncovered from the dwellings and the tomb, we can assume that the standard of living inside its community inhabitants was solely average.
Likewise, we attempted to find out the older name of the settlement, subject to archaeological investigation. For the Mediaeval and Premodern period, Săucești fell within the territorial limits of the nowadays village of Schineni or, equally, were geographically pointed out by comparison with other settlements (Sârbești or Cătălești). Since the end of the eighteenth century, the two villages, Săucești and Schineni (in certain cases, Spineni) had an autonomous evolution.
The three pit-houses were part of a scattered village, placed on either side of a main road, located near the course of the Siret river. Most probably, the mediaeval artefacts discovered in the '60s of the last century (in the “Morărița” point) belong to the same settlement. The necropolis, from which only one tomb was unveiled (without inventory), may have developed in the south-eastern part of the mediaeval village. Exclusively on the basis of the archaeological material uncovered from the dwellings and the tomb, we can assume that the standard of living inside its community inhabitants was solely average.
Likewise, we attempted to find out the older name of the settlement, subject to archaeological investigation. For the Mediaeval and Premodern period, Săucești fell within the territorial limits of the nowadays village of Schineni or, equally, were geographically pointed out by comparison with other settlements (Sârbești or Cătălești). Since the end of the eighteenth century, the two villages, Săucești and Schineni (in certain cases, Spineni) had an autonomous evolution.
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The paper presents an iron shield umbo from the rural settlement of Ibida – ’Fântâna Seacă’. It was discovered during the 2014 archaeological research, in the ’S3’ section, ’C2’ square, at a depth of 50 cm from the current stepping level... more
The paper presents an iron shield umbo from the rural settlement of Ibida – ’Fântâna Seacă’. It was discovered during the 2014 archaeological research, in the ’S3’ section, ’C2’ square, at a depth of 50 cm from the current stepping level (represented by the vegetal layer), on the pavement of the ’E1A’ building. Through its shape, the umbo of Ibida belongs to the type ’Zieling I3/Mălăești’, dated to the periods C2-C3 (the years 250-370 AD). It was exceptionally found in a civilian area, in a settlement with a dominant agricultural character, situated in the rural territory of a fortified town. The rural site and the city to which it belongs are situated in the middle of the province, far from its borders. In addition, our item is the only one known in this area, dating to an earlier period (based on the archaeological context), to the third quarter of the 4th century AD. Whereas the research of the ’Fântâna Seacă’ site is still at its beginnings, some discoveries could explain the discovery of an umbo in its inventory. In the previous years, three ’Zwiebelknopffibeln’ brooches were found. Such clothing accessories were mainly used in the military environment. In addition, during the 2018 archaeological campaign, another arrow head made of iron was discovered. All these artefacts are specific to the military milieu, thus suggesting the existence of a correlation between the site of Ibida – ’Fântâna Seacă’ and representatives of the Roman army or administration. The owner of the villa where the umbo was uncovered seems to have been a veteran with a role in the local administration or even an active soldier.
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Research Interests: Celtic Studies, Celts (Archaeology), Celtic History, Celtic Archaeology, Celts, and 12 moreAncient Celts, La Tene culture, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Iron Age Celts, Fibulae, Celtic archaeology, Iron Age Europe, Balkan Celts, Fibulae on the Upper, Middle and Lower Danube, La Tène, Eastern Europe Celts, La Tene, Eastern Celts, and Fibules Celtiques
Research Interests: Roman Army, Moldova, Roman coins, Coin Hoards, Moldavia, and 9 moreRoman Imperial Coins, Barbaricum, Roman Silver, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Barbarians and Romans in Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages, Fibulae, Roman Fibula, Roman Archaeology, and Roman and Barbarian Archaeology
During the rescue archaeological excavations from the site of Schineni – ‘La Islaz’ (2017-2020), a multi-layered site was identified, dated from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. The aim of this paper is to present the coin finds from... more
During the rescue archaeological excavations from the site of
Schineni – ‘La Islaz’ (2017-2020), a multi-layered site was identified, dated from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. The aim of this paper is to present the coin finds from the 2nd-4th century AD settlement. Five Roman imperial denarii were discovered inside three houses (H6, 17, 20). All coins came exclusively from the earliest habitation level of the site (ca. AD 106-170), which is divided into two chronological phases. The earliest issue (denarius of Vespasian, H17) belongs to the first occupation phase of the site (ca. AD 106-150). The remaining denarii (of Domitian – H17, Hadrian – 2 pcs. – H6 and H17 and Marcus Aurelius / Lucius Verus – H20) were discovered in the upper layer, which represents the second habitation phase of the site (ca. AD 150-170). Some of these relics even bear the traces of the fire that led
to the destruction of the housing complexes and the cessation of the first habitation level. Among this small coinage batch, there are some very particular issues, such as: a denarius subaeratus (of Vespasian) and two pierced denarii (of Domitian and Hadrian). So far, most of the Roman coins from a ‘Free Dacian’ site have been discovered in the settlement of Schineni. The fact they were found in clear, well-dated archaeological contexts contributes to the understanding of the chronology of Roman coin finds in this part of the Barbaricum. The imperial denarii arrived in Western Moldavia in already formed hoards likely since the first half of the 2nd century AD. Starting with this early period, the local population, of ‘Geto-Dacian’ origin, reworked and awarded them with new functions, different from those held within the Empire.
Schineni – ‘La Islaz’ (2017-2020), a multi-layered site was identified, dated from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. The aim of this paper is to present the coin finds from the 2nd-4th century AD settlement. Five Roman imperial denarii were discovered inside three houses (H6, 17, 20). All coins came exclusively from the earliest habitation level of the site (ca. AD 106-170), which is divided into two chronological phases. The earliest issue (denarius of Vespasian, H17) belongs to the first occupation phase of the site (ca. AD 106-150). The remaining denarii (of Domitian – H17, Hadrian – 2 pcs. – H6 and H17 and Marcus Aurelius / Lucius Verus – H20) were discovered in the upper layer, which represents the second habitation phase of the site (ca. AD 150-170). Some of these relics even bear the traces of the fire that led
to the destruction of the housing complexes and the cessation of the first habitation level. Among this small coinage batch, there are some very particular issues, such as: a denarius subaeratus (of Vespasian) and two pierced denarii (of Domitian and Hadrian). So far, most of the Roman coins from a ‘Free Dacian’ site have been discovered in the settlement of Schineni. The fact they were found in clear, well-dated archaeological contexts contributes to the understanding of the chronology of Roman coin finds in this part of the Barbaricum. The imperial denarii arrived in Western Moldavia in already formed hoards likely since the first half of the 2nd century AD. Starting with this early period, the local population, of ‘Geto-Dacian’ origin, reworked and awarded them with new functions, different from those held within the Empire.
Research Interests: Numismatics, Ancient numismatics (Archaeology), Roman numismatics and archaeology, Ancient Roman Numismatics, History of Moldova, and 10 moreMoldova, Roman coins, Barbarians, Ancient Numismatics, Roman Imperial Coins, Barbaricum, Numismatica, Free Dacians, Marcomannic Wars, and Roman Imperial Coinage
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Over 100 denarii hoards dated in the 2 nd and 3 rd centuries AD were discovered in the Eastern Carpathian Barbaricum. Our paper aims to pinpoint a few aspects related to the chronology of these hoards, such as estimating the moment they... more
Over 100 denarii hoards dated in the 2 nd and 3 rd centuries AD were discovered in the Eastern Carpathian Barbaricum. Our paper aims to pinpoint a few aspects related to the chronology of these hoards, such as estimating the moment they arrived in the territory east of the Carpathians and for how long they were used in this particular area. In our research we analyse the available numismatic, archaeological and historical information. Thus, the composition and chronological structure of the coin hoards, the dating of their most recent monetary issues and the presence of barbarian imitations are taken into account. In some cases, the coins are associated in hoards with other categories of archaeological artifacts having their own dating, such as brooches, bracelets, silver and bronze vessels. Particularly important for establishing the chronology of coin hoards could be the ceramic pots and mugs in which they were housed and buried. Unfortunately, we have little information about the archaeological context of the hoards. Only in few cases they were found within the local settlements, or in their vicinity. Our attempt to date these hoards must also take into account the specific evolution of the relations between the Empire and barbarian populations located East of the Carpathians, as well as the political transformations that took place within this part of Barbaricum during the 2 nd-3 rd centuries AD.