Archaeological research at the medieval necropolis of Lozova-La hotar cu Vornicenii (2024 campaign)

Abstract

The authors present the preliminary results of the archaeological research conducted during the 2024 campaign in the area of the medieval necropolis of Lozova-La hotar cu Vornicenii (Strășeni district, Republic of Moldova). The continuation of systematic excavations within the perimeter of this site led to the discovery of 17 burial features, comprising 18 inhumations. These belong to a local Christian community. The deceased (adults and children) were buried according to Christian ritual: on their backs, with their heads facing west and their legs extended, and their arms bent at the elbows, with their hands placed on their abdomen, chest, or shoulders. The grave goods are rich and diverse, including jewelry such as earrings, rings, beads, pendants, and veil rings, along with various clothing accessories (spherical buttons, brooches, buckles) and utensils (thimbles) and fabric remains, etc. The artifacts indicate that the cemetery was in use during the 14th century. The medieval necropolis of Lozova is one of a series of archaeological sites of particular importance for reconstructing the spiritual life of the orthodox population of 14th-century Moldavia, and the continuation of interdisciplinary research and rigorous analysis of the entire archaeological inventory will provide further valuable insights into the rural communities in the region between the Prut and the Dniester during the late period of the Golden Horde and the emergence and eastward expansion of the Principality of Moldavia.