Clothing adornments and jewelry discovered in the early medieval fortified settlement of Oltina
Clothing adornments and jewelry discovered in the early medieval fortified settlement of Oltina

Summary/Abstract: In this study, the author presents clothing and ornament pieces discovered in the fortified settlement of Oltina-“Capul dealului”, a multi-stratified site that includes several early medieval layers, some of which are deep within Roman or Getae layers. The early medieval habitation began in the late 8th century and continued uninterrupted until the late 11th century, exhibiting two distinct phases: under the influence of the First Bulgarian Empire (8th-10th centuries) and later under the administration of the Byzantine Empire (late 10th century and the 11th century). Located on a hilltop on the right bank of the Danube, not far from the fortresses of Păcuiul lui Soare and Silistra, downstream, the settlement has provided numerous pieces of evidence that make it stand out in the archaeological landscape of Dobruja. It exhibits unique features and characteristics compared to other contemporary settlements. One of its distinctive features is the existence of a defensive system, including a rampart and a ditch, which enclose it on the exposed western side. The investigation of this defensive system is the first research of a settlement of this period in Dobruja. Among the artifacts discovered at the site are pieces of clothing and jewelry. These include five reliquary crosses and nine simple crosses (items of daily wear), which were made of bronze, sheet of brass, and lead. There are also four bronze appliqués and one belt end. In addition, two earrings, one made of bronze and one of silver, have been found. Several other objects of this type are mentioned but are not discussed in detail: three rings, one of them featuring a pentagram; a gilded buckle; a pendant; glass beads; and glass bracelets. These discoveries indicate that the fortified settlement at Oltina-“Capul dealului” did not function autonomously but was part of a larger system that allowed access to goods from specialized centers.

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