A new fortified settlement was found at Gura Bâcului, dating to the 9th–10th centuries
A large fortified settlement was discovered near Gura Bâcului, as revealed by research conducted by the National Archaeological Agency. This finding, made during excavations at a tumular necropolis from the Second Iron Age, enhances the archaeological map of the Lower Nistru microzone and provides new insights into the living conditions and fortification systems of the Early Middle Ages.
According to the National Archaeological Agency, recent research included a periegetic survey in the Gura Bâcului estate, where a fortified archaeological site, previously identified through satellite images, was verified.
The institution's press release states, “The research targeted a large-scale fortified archaeological site, previously identified based on older satellite images.”
Following the examination of the land surface, archaeologists recovered numerous ceramic fragments from several historical periods. These fragments date back to the late Bronze Age and are associated with the Sabatinovka culture, as well as from the late Roman era corresponding to the Sântana de Mureș–Cerneahov culture and the early Middle Ages, classified as the Dridu culture.
Preliminary observations by specialists suggest that the fortification system and the main phase of habitation of the settlement could date back to the 9th–10th centuries.
The newly discovered archaeological site is located approximately four kilometers from the well-known fortified medieval settlement of Calfa I – Cetățuie, which is currently situated in the Varnița territory of the Anenii Noi district. This site was systematically researched by archaeologist Gheorghe Cebotarenko during the 1960s and 1970s, and in 2020, the National Archaeological Agency conducted a rescue archaeological investigation here.
Representatives of the institution emphasize that “the discovery at Gura Bâcului significantly enhances the archaeological map of the Lower Nistru microzone and provides new insights into the habitation and fortification systems of the early Middle Ages.”
Specialists indicate that investigations will continue to determine the age, size, and characteristics of the site with greater accuracy.
The press release concludes, “Future research will facilitate a more precise determination of the chronology, extent, and character of this important multi-layered and fortified archaeological site.”
