This clay vessel was discovered in 1982 by archaeologist V. Sorochin during excavations of a burial mound (no. 1) located in the village of Speia, Dubăsari District. It originates from grave no. 5 and is dated to the 4th millennium BC, belonging to the Usatovo culture. The vessel was found in a child's grave. The burial pit had an oval shape, and the deceased was laid in a crouched position (similar to the fetal posture), on the left side. A total of five vessels were uncovered in this grave: three near the back, one at the feet, and one in the pelvic area. The cultural attribution of this funerary complex was determined based on the burial rite and grave goods. This culture is characterized by the specific construction of the burial pit, as well as the positioning and orientation of the deceased toward the east and northeast. The vessel is shaped from clay mixed with finely crushed shell. Its walls curve gradually toward the top, with the widest diameter at the shoulder area. It has a short neck, a slightly flared rim, and a flat base. The surface is carefully polished, in some areas to a lustrous finish. The interior is reddish-brown, while the exterior is yellowish-brown with gray spots. The rim features groups of perforations, three of which are preserved in their original state. The diameter of the holes is 0.35 cm. The space between the groups of perforations is decorated with cord impressions. The transition from the neck to the shoulder is adorned with three horizontal lines made with cord, from which, in five places, three vertical lines descend, each 5 cm long, executed using the same technique. At the time of discovery, these lines were filled with a white paste. The space between the groups of lines is decorated at the top with short vertical lines (0.5 cm long), and in the center with a meander ornament made of two parallel lines impressed with cord. The base of the vessel retains the imprint of a textile. Vessel dimensions: Height: 22 cm; Rim diameter: 15.7 cm; Maximum diameter: 22 cm; Base diameter: 10 cm.
The Giurgiulești earthen fortress. Preliminary research results
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. II [XVII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
The Giurgiulești earthen fortress is situated on the left bank of the Prut river, on a high cape, at a distance of approximately 1500 meters from where the river flows into the Danube and defends the shallow river known as “Vadul Boului”. Several opposite hypotheses have been advanced regarding provenance and dating of the fortress.
In connection with the building of a section of the railroad Cahul-Giurgiulești in 2007, along the route and on the cape “Cetatea” very limited rescue excavations were carried out. Thus, a ditch and burnt remains of a wooden palisade have been discovered as the result of excavations. “Mushatin type” ceramic vessels were found at the bottom of the ditch, researched and dated second half of 15th - beginning of 16th centuries.
Inside the earthen fortress a half-earth type construction (12×12 m) had been revealed and partially researched. The pottery allowed to date the construction to 18th – beginning of 19th centuries.
It is proposed that the earth fortress near Giurgiulești was constructed in view of the deterioration of the political and military situation in the Lower Danube in the middle 80s of the 15th century.
Apparently, it was erected before the Ottoman forces conquered the Moldavian fortresses Chilia and Cetatea Albă in 1484 or right after their loss in order to fortify the southern boundaries of Moldova along the Lower Troian mound. According to the Moldavian chronicle, several earthen and stone fortresses such as Birlad, Tintiul, Cetatea Nouă, and Palanca on the Dniester river had been constructed, restored and fortified because of the Turkish invasion. Among them could be constructed the earthen fortress on the Prut river researched by us which subsisted for a very short time.
In the end of 18th – beginning of 19th centuries during Russo-Turkish wars, food and household warehouses were constructed inside the deserted fortress, afterwards revealed by the archaeologists.
Ion Tentiuc, Valeriu Bubulici
Considerations regarding the 10th-11th century Scandinavian pendants with animal motifs or in the shape of hemispheric shield found in the Middle Dniester region
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XV [XXX], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică, Chişinău, 2021
Ion Tentiuc
Les carreaux des poêles avec l’images heraldiques de Căușeni
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. III [XVIII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
Ion Tentiuc
About horse rider pendants from the early Medieval period in the Prut-Dniester area
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
Сергей М. Агульников
The Belozerka culture horizon from the settlement Kriničnoe
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. I [XVI], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
Ion Tentiuc
Profesorul, savantul și omul de cultură Gheorghe Postică la 60 de ani
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
This clay vessel was discovered in 1982 by archaeologist V. Sorochin during excavations of a burial mound (no. 1) located in the village of Speia, Dubăsari District. It originates from grave no. 5 and is dated to the 4th millennium BC, belonging to the Usatovo culture...
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
