Institute of Prehistory, Early History and Medieval Archaeology

Movila lui Deciov

The archaeological research took place from 22 July to 05 September 2023. The aim of the work in this campaign was to extend the original area AB with dimensions of 4.5x10 meters by an extension called C with an area of 3x10 meters. Thus the total area under investigation is 7.5x10 metres.

From the research carried out, it was found that in the post-war period, two sections with a width of about 80 cm were carried out, which are parallel to the duct of the area we are investigating, on the north-east/south-west axis. These affected the Neolithic complexes of both phases of occupation of the settlement.

The results of the 2023 excavation confirm the existence of a complex of tombs belonging to the to the transition from the Late Neolithic to the Eneolithic at the intersection of the Tisza and Tiszapolgár cultures. Specifically, in extension C a skeletal fragment consisting of the sacral part and part of the lower limbs was identified, which by depth and orientation belongs to the group of Late Neolithic/Eneolithic graves previously discovered in the AB area.

In the northeastern sector of the extension, at a depth of about 50 cm from the ground surface, an Early Neolithic dwelling belonging to the last Neolithic habitation phase of the site was documented. This dwelling has been preserved and will be investigated during the 2024 campaign.

The most important results were provided by the lower layers, belonging to the oldest Neolithic settlement on the site. A dwelling discovered during the past year has been uncovered over a large part of its surface. Thus, it was found that the width of this rectangular surface house, with foundation ditches, is 5 metres, and in the middle area, an inner wall divided the space into two equal rooms.

Fragments of more than five ceramic pots were found on the floor of the house, trapped under the roof and wall debris that had been burnt. A kiln that was inside the dwelling was also documented. A number of artifacts were recovered from the dwelling, including a set of tools made of flint that were stored together. The floor depth of this dwelling is approximately 1.10 m above the current level of the ground.

In the immediate vicinity of this dwelling, at a distance of 1.20 m from the foundation trench on its southern side, the presence of another dwelling located parallel to it, at the same depth and with the same orientation, was documented. Excavation of the fragment of the dwelling, which extended to the south-west profile of the section, revealed the outer wall of the dwelling and one of the inner walls. In the corner of the room, a large storage vessel, preserved in its entirety, was uncovered, which was found in-situ and will be restored in the following year's campaign. Also from this room comes a set of three polished stone axes that were most likely stored in a common bundle. The investigation of this second dwelling will be continued by extending the area to the south-west.

Corroborating the results of the last two years, it can be concluded that from the earliest horizon, at the base of the stratigraphy, the remains of three rectangular surface dwellings have been identified, arranged parallel to each other, with a corridor of about 1.10-1.20 m between them. This is a very important observation because it is the earliest case of an orderly arrangement of houses on the territory of our country and suggests the existence of an organised structure of housing arrangement in the whole settlement, which is bordered by a perimeter ditch, the first confirmed north of the Danube.

In the south-western settlement area, a further small excavation section of 2x3m was created in response to a clear signal in the geomagnetic survey. This area lies about 95m south-west of our main cut. During this investigation, the remains of an above-ground dwelling from the Late Neolithic and other Early Neolithic settlement pits were discovered.