Research project “Astronomical orientations and geophysical anomalies of trapezoidal niches in the Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria” : In search of an international partnership
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.16, No.4, 2016, pages 407-412
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Pages:
407-412
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Abstract:
Rock-cut monuments culture covers the Balkan Peninsula, Asia Minor and the European Mediterranean. It includes numerous rock sanctuaries in additionally processed rock massifs. Trapezoidal rock niches are especially popular. They are always cut at a big height, on the vertical walls of visible from afar separate rocks and massifs, predominantly on the sunlit side. Most frequently, niches are trapezoidal, with about 1 meter in height and 40-50 cm in depth. Usually, they are in groups of 3 or 4, up to above 100. Up to now, 5000 separate niches are localized. We can differentiate them mainly on their form:- circle (elliptic, oval);- rectangular;- trapezoidal.Only research of trapezoidal rock niches in the Eastern Rhodopes is suggested in this project. Their specific situation connects them with the ancient cults-worship the Mountain, the Rock, as well as the Sun. It is not clear what kind of tools was used for niches production, and when they were made. Artifacts show that niches were used mainly in the period of 2500-1500 BC. Later, they were reused. An interdisciplinary approach is needed to apply for the full investigation of rock-cut trapezoidal niches. We should apply methods of archaeoastronomy, cultural science, ethnography, and other sciences. Taking into account the widespread culture of trapezoidal niches in Mediterranean civilizations, authors suggest collecting team of specialists for localization, documentation and dating of the trapezoidal rock niches. This research could be conducted through realization of a large-scale scientific European project lasting 3-5 years.
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Subject (LC):
Keywords:
Trapezoidal rock niches, 3D models, geophysical fields, catalogue of the niches
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References (1):
- Domaradski, M. (1994) Cult places around rocks and hills. Journal “Epohi”, Vol. 4, pp. 33-36.Ivanova, S. (2008) Early human presence and rock – cut structures in the Eastern Rhodopes. Geoarchaeology and Archaeomineralgy Eds. R. I. Kostov, B. Gaydarska, M. Gurova, Proceedings of the International Conference, 29-30 October 2008, Sofia, Publishing House “St. Ivan Rilski”, Sofia, pp. 185-192.Hristov, I. (1996) Contribution to the research of rock niches in the Eastern Rhodopes. Journal “Minalo”, Vol, 2, pp. 5-17. Raduncheva, A. (2003) Late Eneolithic society in Bulgarian lands, Excavations and Research, Book XXXII, BAS, Sofia.Venedikov, I. and Fol, A. (eds) (1976 and 1982) Megaliths in Thrace Part I and II, Sofia.
