The migration period in Iovia–Botivo - a 5th century grave with a trepanation

Abstract

During systematic research in Ludbreg (Roman Iovia-Botivo) in 2011, a 5th century grave built of tegulae was discovered within the Roman stratum. The deceased has a trepanation on his skull and was accompanied by a single object, a silver ring buckle. The newfound grave has undergone radiocarbon and radiological analysis. The discovery of this grave has prompted a revision of previous graves of the Migration Period found in Ludbreg, discovered in previous research, as well as the accidental find of a grave found between Ludbreg and Selnik. Available data on these graves have been analysed and contextualized within the complex historical period of Late Antiquity and the Migration Period of northern Croatia. Analysis of the graves in question has shown that Roman Iovia ceased to function during the 5th century.