Circular enclosure from the early copper age in north-western Serbia site of Sancina in Desic, near Sabac (excavations 2017-2019)

Abstract

In the wooded landscapes on the last northern slopes of the mountain Cer, a very well-preserved palisade ditch enclosure of small dimensions and a regular circular shape was discovered (site of Sancina, Desic village). Over the last few years, archaeological excavations at this site have focused on the inner space, bordered by a massive ring-shaped earthen rampart. An unusually wide and deep ditch surrounds a high earthen embankment of flattened conical shape, bordered on the inside by a palisade ditch, with traces of densely packed and deeply buried wooden posts. The excavations so far have not revealed any interruption in the circular palisade ditch, which could confirm the existence of an entrance, i.e., a passage, clearly bordered by an earthen rampart. In the central part of the circular fortification a deep shaft/well was discovered, which has been explored to the level of underground water. Apart from traces of smaller hearths on the inside of the palisade ditch and several deeply buried conical pits, with traces of charred, vertically placed posts, there are no other architectural remains inside the circular fortification. Traces of a catastrophic fire have been discovered inside the entire fortification and are especially visible above the palisade ditch. According to numerous sherds of secondarily burned ceramic vessels, the circular enclosure in Desic belongs to the post-Vinca culture of the Early Copper Age. According to the shape and basic elements of architecture, we assume that the earthen fortification in Desic belongs to a special form of smaller prehistoric enclosures, characteristic of circular palisade fortifications in the area of the Upper Tisza region, in the north-eastern parts of the Great Hungarian Plain.