Papers by Gabriela Dzhurkovska
MEMORIA ANTIQUITATIS XXXIX, 2024
During the Late Bronze Age, differences in the type of settlements are noticeable, in contrast to... more During the Late Bronze Age, differences in the type of settlements are noticeable, in contrast to earlier periods. The Black Sea area is characterized by naturally fortified or stone-walled settlements that have apse buildings with stone construction. The buildings are close to each other. This type of construction is characteristic of the Black Sea region. Inland, the settlements are of the open type, covering a larger area; the buildings are of a wattle-and-daub construction, located at a great distance from each other. These settlements are characterized by the presence of not very deep ditches.
There is almost no evidence of the burial ritual, in contrast to the previous and subsequent periods. From the information we have, biritualism is present, which probably reflects a direct influence from the Coslogeni, Noua and Sabatinovka culture. There is data for used older burial spaces, burying their dead on the periphery of Early Bronze Age mounds. While cremation in urns, sometimes within the settlement and near settlement structures, is a custom more characteristic of the southern part of the range.
The large amount of hoards and stone moulds show that metallurgical activity was developed during the period in the territory of northeastern Bulgaria, and the presence of metallurgical workshops in some settlements speaks of local production.
Ceramic vessels and shapes show the closest similarities with the Coslogeni, Noua, and Sabatinovka cultures, and generally fit well into the system of the Late Bronze Age Zimnicea-Plovdiv-Cherkovna group.
Characteristic Features of the Bronze Age Pottery from a Site Near the Village of Panayot Volovo, Interdisciplinary Approaches to Early Bronze Age Burial Mounds in Oltenia, in V. Diaconu, A. Gafincu (eds.), The Bronze Age in south-eastern Europe. Multidisciplinary Studies. Piatra Neamț-Brăila, 2023
The main purpose of this article is to present the pottery from the Late Bronze Age settlement of... more The main purpose of this article is to present the pottery from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Site No. 1 near the village of Panayot Volovo, northeastern Bulgaria, with an emphasis on ceramic diversity, technology, and use of vessels. For this purpose, a database was created, through which direct observation was carried out, which provides information about the preparation of the clay, the methods of forming the vessels, the surface treatment and the characteristics of the moulding and firing technique. The analysis of ceramic fragments, alongside with the study of typology and classification, provide information on various aspects of the settlement's daily life. The research shows that the pottery of this period consist of serving, cooking and storage vessels. The classification pattern presents the presence of the following forms used in the settlement from Site No. 1: cups, jugs, plates, bowls, kantharos-like vessels, amphora-like vessels, cooking pots, storage vessels and vessels with internal handles. The above-mentioned types of ceramic vessels are most often conical, with S-profiles, or spherical in shape; the treatment of the surface was carried out by means of not very precise smoothing; decoration is registered on few fragments and vessels. Relief applied bands predominate, often in combination with handles or knobs. The most often decorated forms are the pots and the cups.
Ivan Vajsov, Vladimir Slavchev, Gabriela Dzhurkovska, Galya Vandeva, Tzvetana Popova, Nadezhda Karastoyanova. 2021. No. 17. The 2020 Season of the Research Excavations on Golemija ostrov Tell Near Durankulak. – Archaeological Discoveries and Exavations 2020, Book 1, Sofia 2021, 246—251, 2021
The results of the study of building № 25 / VII-VIII showed that it has a slightly trapezoidal sh... more The results of the study of building № 25 / VII-VIII showed that it has a slightly trapezoidal shape. The total built-up area is 69 m2. The building has undergone two stages of development: the first stage refers to the Hamangia III Culture, and the second one - to Hamangia IV Culture.
The building from sub-stage 1A was small, of a shape close to the square measuring 6.5 × 6.0 m. Internal dimensions are 5.5 × 4.0 m (22 m²). Its massive walls have double-sided stone foundations 0.50 – 0.60 m wide. A thermal structure was attached to the eastern wall – a hearth with a half-dome; and to the western one – a clay podium with a square shape measuring 1.50 × 1.50 m and a height of 10 cm. There were several small and large clay structures of unclear shapes and purposes next to the northern wall. The structures in the room occupied about 15% of the living space.
In stage 1B, an annex was added to the building from the south, probably a covered terrace. For this purpose, the eastern and western walls were elongated by 5 m each. The dimensions of this extension are 4.5 × 5.5 m (20 m²). It rose 15 – 20 cm above the room from stage 1A, and the approach to the inner room was stepped. Several additional economic segments were situated there: a domed oven located in its south-eastern corner and an elongated clay trough (?) – in the south-western one.
During stage 2 the interior of the building was completely changed. A large room with dimensions of 10.0 × 4.5 m (45 m²) was formed. The building from this stage was open from the south where a wooden colonnade was arranged. This porch was covered with a stone pavement.
The life of building № 25 / VII ended with a fire, followed by a strong destructive earthquake, around the IX degree after MSK-64. It also marks the end of the settlement from the period of Hamangia IV Culture.
In 2020, the research of building № 24 / VII continued as well. There we came across the northwestern part of an unexplored earlier building – № 23 / V. The remains are framed by a low clay plinth 5 – 6 cm high. On the floor of the structure we found a charred grain of Triticum monococcum and Triticum dicoccum with an approximate ratio of 50:50%.
Popov, V., Vajsov, I., Evlogiev, J., Markova, H., Markov, D., Dzhurkovska, G. 2020. Neo-Еneolithic Settlement Golo Bǎrdo. – Archaeological Discoveries and Exavations 2019, Sofia 2020, 250–255, 2020
The Neo-Eneolithic settlement "Golo Bǎrdo" is located in the "Golo Bǎrdo" locality, falling withi... more The Neo-Eneolithic settlement "Golo Bǎrdo" is located in the "Golo Bǎrdo" locality, falling within the territory of the villages Gradishte and Asenovtsi, Levski Municipality, Pleven District. It is located in the south of the Lower Danube Valley, on an Osǎm River terrace. The terrain is level, slightly inclined north and north-east.
In the first excavation stage, were plotted 29 test trenches with different length and breadth. Results indicated presence of several consecutive prehistoric settlements on the site, dated to the beginning of the Late Neolithic (the time of the Vinca А3/В1 and the Samovodene – Ovcharovo cultures); the Late Neolithic (the Podgoritsa cultural group); the transition from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic (the Brenica phase of the Gradeshnitsa culture); the Early Eneolithic (the Polyanitsa – Vidra culture).
In the second and the third excavation phase, were excavated 184 archaeological structures – sunken featured buildings and pits with various functions (cult pits, refuse pits, pits for extraction of inert construction raw materials, etc.). The larger sunken features, which could be interpreted as buildings, were spaced 4 to 9 m apart and as a rule had oval plan. We assume these also featured suspended wooden floor superstructures, upon which the ovens were found.
The next phase in the settlement’s development is associated with the Late Neolithic, with structures including ground level and semi-sunken buildings, pits, etc. Notably, also to this period belong designated flint and bone tools processing areas.
The Early Eneolithic phase is registered only in the site’s west sector. The respective structures include destructions of the superstructures of raised buildings, deposits, refuse pits, special purpose pits, pits with deposited burnt wall plaster, etc.
Other Publications by Gabriela Dzhurkovska
Vajsov, I., et all. Site No. 50/4007 Gradishte and Asenovtsi, Levski Municipality. – In: H. Popov (ed.) Stream through time: rescue archaeological investigations along the expansion of the gas transmission infrastructure of Bulgartransgaz EAD. (Catalogs, Suppl. 2), 2020, 207–222, 2020
The prehistoric settlement in Golo Bardo locality in the vicinity of the villages of Gradishte an... more The prehistoric settlement in Golo Bardo locality in the vicinity of the villages of Gradishte and Asenovtsi, Levski Municipality, Pleven Region, is the largest settlement in this region, discovered during the preliminary field surveys along the route of the gas pipeline.
The settlement is located in the southern part of the Lower Danube valley, on a river terrace of the river Osam. The terrain is flat, slightly sloping to the north and northeast. The sources of several rivers are located in the immediate vicinity. During the rescue archaeological excavations conducted in 2019 and 2020, part of the site was excavated. Sunken and above-ground structures were revealed. The first human presence at this place dates from the earliest stages of the Late Neolithic (5100 – 4900 BC), when a settlement emerged on an area of about 19 ha. In the material culture, one could observe the presence of a number of new elements, a kind of symbiosis between the western Vinča Culture A3/B1, the northern Dudeşti Culture, and the eastern Samovodene-Ovcharovo Culture. A typical feature of the settlement from this period is the presence of structures dug into the alluvial horizon, some of which could be defined as the remains of semi-dug-out dwellings with thermal facilities at their peripheries. From this period, special areas for the production of flint tools were identified, as well as depots for the extracted raw material. Dog skulls were found deposited in several of the pits, indicating the existence of an unknown Neolithic cult practice. A new type of stylized seated anthropomorphic figurines was discovered here – some of them are bisexual, hermaphroditic images. The fertile soils and abundant water sources provided good conditions for meeting the basic needs of the inhabitants. The discovery of a significant number of standardized sickles made from the antlers of red deer (Cervus elaphus) indicates the practising of intensive agriculture, the production of which probably served not only to meet the needs of the inhabitants of the village, but also for exchange. One of the richest collections of bone tools was discovered in the settlement. It is not clear why this population abandoned the village, but after a short interruption, small groups of new inhabitants resettled here during the Late Neolithic Period (Podgoritsa Cultural Group, 4750 – 4600 BC). To this period, the remains of massive above-ground buildings could be attributed. They were burnt down before the village was abandoned, and the burnt remains were “hidden” in specially prepared pits. Later, the place was inhabited by people that migrated from the west, carriers of the Early Chalcolithic Gradeshnitsa Culture (Brenitsa Phase), and once again during the later phase of the Early Chalcolithic by a population from Polyanitsa/Boyan Culture (4550-4400 BC). At this time, the buildings were already above-ground, with a rectangular shape oriented southeast-northwest. This settlement was destroyed by fire, which is the reason why the place was left for good. To this period belong also two shallow pits, covered inside with large fragments of thick-walled ceramic pithos. In one of them, there was a depot of seven ceramic vessels, and in the other – pottery sherds and a necklace of clay beads.
Posters by Gabriela Dzhurkovska
Archaeological Complex Durankulak (Poster for the exhibition BULGARIAN ARCHEOLOGY 2023), 2024
Archaeological Complex Durankulak (Poster for the exhibition BULGARIAN ARCHEOLOGY 2022), 2023
Archaeological Complex Durankulak (Poster for the exhibition BULGARIAN ARCHEOLOGY 2021), 2022
Archaeological Research of Tell Durankulak-Golemija ostrov, 2021
Conference Presentations by Gabriela Dzhurkovska
Durankulak. The door to civilization (Presentation, Kavarna 29.08.2023). From the 5th millennium BC to the 10th century AD, 2023
Promachon-Topolnica. Cult structures from Middle Struma (Presentation Pernik - 2023), 2023
The report was presented at the national conference "Struma Valley - roads and contacts" (Novembe... more The report was presented at the national conference "Struma Valley - roads and contacts" (November 8-10, 2023 in Pernik, Bulgaria). Two cult structures from the time of the late Neolithic - Topolnica-Akropotamos culture are presented.
Neo-eneolithic settlement Golo bardo (Presentation Pleven-2023), 2023
Presentation presented at the LXI National Archaeological Conference in Pleven, Bulgaria. The org... more Presentation presented at the LXI National Archaeological Conference in Pleven, Bulgaria. The organizers are the Municipality of Pleven, the Regional History Museum - Pleven and the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NAIM—BAS).
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Papers by Gabriela Dzhurkovska
There is almost no evidence of the burial ritual, in contrast to the previous and subsequent periods. From the information we have, biritualism is present, which probably reflects a direct influence from the Coslogeni, Noua and Sabatinovka culture. There is data for used older burial spaces, burying their dead on the periphery of Early Bronze Age mounds. While cremation in urns, sometimes within the settlement and near settlement structures, is a custom more characteristic of the southern part of the range.
The large amount of hoards and stone moulds show that metallurgical activity was developed during the period in the territory of northeastern Bulgaria, and the presence of metallurgical workshops in some settlements speaks of local production.
Ceramic vessels and shapes show the closest similarities with the Coslogeni, Noua, and Sabatinovka cultures, and generally fit well into the system of the Late Bronze Age Zimnicea-Plovdiv-Cherkovna group.
The building from sub-stage 1A was small, of a shape close to the square measuring 6.5 × 6.0 m. Internal dimensions are 5.5 × 4.0 m (22 m²). Its massive walls have double-sided stone foundations 0.50 – 0.60 m wide. A thermal structure was attached to the eastern wall – a hearth with a half-dome; and to the western one – a clay podium with a square shape measuring 1.50 × 1.50 m and a height of 10 cm. There were several small and large clay structures of unclear shapes and purposes next to the northern wall. The structures in the room occupied about 15% of the living space.
In stage 1B, an annex was added to the building from the south, probably a covered terrace. For this purpose, the eastern and western walls were elongated by 5 m each. The dimensions of this extension are 4.5 × 5.5 m (20 m²). It rose 15 – 20 cm above the room from stage 1A, and the approach to the inner room was stepped. Several additional economic segments were situated there: a domed oven located in its south-eastern corner and an elongated clay trough (?) – in the south-western one.
During stage 2 the interior of the building was completely changed. A large room with dimensions of 10.0 × 4.5 m (45 m²) was formed. The building from this stage was open from the south where a wooden colonnade was arranged. This porch was covered with a stone pavement.
The life of building № 25 / VII ended with a fire, followed by a strong destructive earthquake, around the IX degree after MSK-64. It also marks the end of the settlement from the period of Hamangia IV Culture.
In 2020, the research of building № 24 / VII continued as well. There we came across the northwestern part of an unexplored earlier building – № 23 / V. The remains are framed by a low clay plinth 5 – 6 cm high. On the floor of the structure we found a charred grain of Triticum monococcum and Triticum dicoccum with an approximate ratio of 50:50%.
In the first excavation stage, were plotted 29 test trenches with different length and breadth. Results indicated presence of several consecutive prehistoric settlements on the site, dated to the beginning of the Late Neolithic (the time of the Vinca А3/В1 and the Samovodene – Ovcharovo cultures); the Late Neolithic (the Podgoritsa cultural group); the transition from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic (the Brenica phase of the Gradeshnitsa culture); the Early Eneolithic (the Polyanitsa – Vidra culture).
In the second and the third excavation phase, were excavated 184 archaeological structures – sunken featured buildings and pits with various functions (cult pits, refuse pits, pits for extraction of inert construction raw materials, etc.). The larger sunken features, which could be interpreted as buildings, were spaced 4 to 9 m apart and as a rule had oval plan. We assume these also featured suspended wooden floor superstructures, upon which the ovens were found.
The next phase in the settlement’s development is associated with the Late Neolithic, with structures including ground level and semi-sunken buildings, pits, etc. Notably, also to this period belong designated flint and bone tools processing areas.
The Early Eneolithic phase is registered only in the site’s west sector. The respective structures include destructions of the superstructures of raised buildings, deposits, refuse pits, special purpose pits, pits with deposited burnt wall plaster, etc.
Other Publications by Gabriela Dzhurkovska
The settlement is located in the southern part of the Lower Danube valley, on a river terrace of the river Osam. The terrain is flat, slightly sloping to the north and northeast. The sources of several rivers are located in the immediate vicinity. During the rescue archaeological excavations conducted in 2019 and 2020, part of the site was excavated. Sunken and above-ground structures were revealed. The first human presence at this place dates from the earliest stages of the Late Neolithic (5100 – 4900 BC), when a settlement emerged on an area of about 19 ha. In the material culture, one could observe the presence of a number of new elements, a kind of symbiosis between the western Vinča Culture A3/B1, the northern Dudeşti Culture, and the eastern Samovodene-Ovcharovo Culture. A typical feature of the settlement from this period is the presence of structures dug into the alluvial horizon, some of which could be defined as the remains of semi-dug-out dwellings with thermal facilities at their peripheries. From this period, special areas for the production of flint tools were identified, as well as depots for the extracted raw material. Dog skulls were found deposited in several of the pits, indicating the existence of an unknown Neolithic cult practice. A new type of stylized seated anthropomorphic figurines was discovered here – some of them are bisexual, hermaphroditic images. The fertile soils and abundant water sources provided good conditions for meeting the basic needs of the inhabitants. The discovery of a significant number of standardized sickles made from the antlers of red deer (Cervus elaphus) indicates the practising of intensive agriculture, the production of which probably served not only to meet the needs of the inhabitants of the village, but also for exchange. One of the richest collections of bone tools was discovered in the settlement. It is not clear why this population abandoned the village, but after a short interruption, small groups of new inhabitants resettled here during the Late Neolithic Period (Podgoritsa Cultural Group, 4750 – 4600 BC). To this period, the remains of massive above-ground buildings could be attributed. They were burnt down before the village was abandoned, and the burnt remains were “hidden” in specially prepared pits. Later, the place was inhabited by people that migrated from the west, carriers of the Early Chalcolithic Gradeshnitsa Culture (Brenitsa Phase), and once again during the later phase of the Early Chalcolithic by a population from Polyanitsa/Boyan Culture (4550-4400 BC). At this time, the buildings were already above-ground, with a rectangular shape oriented southeast-northwest. This settlement was destroyed by fire, which is the reason why the place was left for good. To this period belong also two shallow pits, covered inside with large fragments of thick-walled ceramic pithos. In one of them, there was a depot of seven ceramic vessels, and in the other – pottery sherds and a necklace of clay beads.
Posters by Gabriela Dzhurkovska
Conference Presentations by Gabriela Dzhurkovska
There is almost no evidence of the burial ritual, in contrast to the previous and subsequent periods. From the information we have, biritualism is present, which probably reflects a direct influence from the Coslogeni, Noua and Sabatinovka culture. There is data for used older burial spaces, burying their dead on the periphery of Early Bronze Age mounds. While cremation in urns, sometimes within the settlement and near settlement structures, is a custom more characteristic of the southern part of the range.
The large amount of hoards and stone moulds show that metallurgical activity was developed during the period in the territory of northeastern Bulgaria, and the presence of metallurgical workshops in some settlements speaks of local production.
Ceramic vessels and shapes show the closest similarities with the Coslogeni, Noua, and Sabatinovka cultures, and generally fit well into the system of the Late Bronze Age Zimnicea-Plovdiv-Cherkovna group.
The building from sub-stage 1A was small, of a shape close to the square measuring 6.5 × 6.0 m. Internal dimensions are 5.5 × 4.0 m (22 m²). Its massive walls have double-sided stone foundations 0.50 – 0.60 m wide. A thermal structure was attached to the eastern wall – a hearth with a half-dome; and to the western one – a clay podium with a square shape measuring 1.50 × 1.50 m and a height of 10 cm. There were several small and large clay structures of unclear shapes and purposes next to the northern wall. The structures in the room occupied about 15% of the living space.
In stage 1B, an annex was added to the building from the south, probably a covered terrace. For this purpose, the eastern and western walls were elongated by 5 m each. The dimensions of this extension are 4.5 × 5.5 m (20 m²). It rose 15 – 20 cm above the room from stage 1A, and the approach to the inner room was stepped. Several additional economic segments were situated there: a domed oven located in its south-eastern corner and an elongated clay trough (?) – in the south-western one.
During stage 2 the interior of the building was completely changed. A large room with dimensions of 10.0 × 4.5 m (45 m²) was formed. The building from this stage was open from the south where a wooden colonnade was arranged. This porch was covered with a stone pavement.
The life of building № 25 / VII ended with a fire, followed by a strong destructive earthquake, around the IX degree after MSK-64. It also marks the end of the settlement from the period of Hamangia IV Culture.
In 2020, the research of building № 24 / VII continued as well. There we came across the northwestern part of an unexplored earlier building – № 23 / V. The remains are framed by a low clay plinth 5 – 6 cm high. On the floor of the structure we found a charred grain of Triticum monococcum and Triticum dicoccum with an approximate ratio of 50:50%.
In the first excavation stage, were plotted 29 test trenches with different length and breadth. Results indicated presence of several consecutive prehistoric settlements on the site, dated to the beginning of the Late Neolithic (the time of the Vinca А3/В1 and the Samovodene – Ovcharovo cultures); the Late Neolithic (the Podgoritsa cultural group); the transition from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic (the Brenica phase of the Gradeshnitsa culture); the Early Eneolithic (the Polyanitsa – Vidra culture).
In the second and the third excavation phase, were excavated 184 archaeological structures – sunken featured buildings and pits with various functions (cult pits, refuse pits, pits for extraction of inert construction raw materials, etc.). The larger sunken features, which could be interpreted as buildings, were spaced 4 to 9 m apart and as a rule had oval plan. We assume these also featured suspended wooden floor superstructures, upon which the ovens were found.
The next phase in the settlement’s development is associated with the Late Neolithic, with structures including ground level and semi-sunken buildings, pits, etc. Notably, also to this period belong designated flint and bone tools processing areas.
The Early Eneolithic phase is registered only in the site’s west sector. The respective structures include destructions of the superstructures of raised buildings, deposits, refuse pits, special purpose pits, pits with deposited burnt wall plaster, etc.
The settlement is located in the southern part of the Lower Danube valley, on a river terrace of the river Osam. The terrain is flat, slightly sloping to the north and northeast. The sources of several rivers are located in the immediate vicinity. During the rescue archaeological excavations conducted in 2019 and 2020, part of the site was excavated. Sunken and above-ground structures were revealed. The first human presence at this place dates from the earliest stages of the Late Neolithic (5100 – 4900 BC), when a settlement emerged on an area of about 19 ha. In the material culture, one could observe the presence of a number of new elements, a kind of symbiosis between the western Vinča Culture A3/B1, the northern Dudeşti Culture, and the eastern Samovodene-Ovcharovo Culture. A typical feature of the settlement from this period is the presence of structures dug into the alluvial horizon, some of which could be defined as the remains of semi-dug-out dwellings with thermal facilities at their peripheries. From this period, special areas for the production of flint tools were identified, as well as depots for the extracted raw material. Dog skulls were found deposited in several of the pits, indicating the existence of an unknown Neolithic cult practice. A new type of stylized seated anthropomorphic figurines was discovered here – some of them are bisexual, hermaphroditic images. The fertile soils and abundant water sources provided good conditions for meeting the basic needs of the inhabitants. The discovery of a significant number of standardized sickles made from the antlers of red deer (Cervus elaphus) indicates the practising of intensive agriculture, the production of which probably served not only to meet the needs of the inhabitants of the village, but also for exchange. One of the richest collections of bone tools was discovered in the settlement. It is not clear why this population abandoned the village, but after a short interruption, small groups of new inhabitants resettled here during the Late Neolithic Period (Podgoritsa Cultural Group, 4750 – 4600 BC). To this period, the remains of massive above-ground buildings could be attributed. They were burnt down before the village was abandoned, and the burnt remains were “hidden” in specially prepared pits. Later, the place was inhabited by people that migrated from the west, carriers of the Early Chalcolithic Gradeshnitsa Culture (Brenitsa Phase), and once again during the later phase of the Early Chalcolithic by a population from Polyanitsa/Boyan Culture (4550-4400 BC). At this time, the buildings were already above-ground, with a rectangular shape oriented southeast-northwest. This settlement was destroyed by fire, which is the reason why the place was left for good. To this period belong also two shallow pits, covered inside with large fragments of thick-walled ceramic pithos. In one of them, there was a depot of seven ceramic vessels, and in the other – pottery sherds and a necklace of clay beads.