JOURNAL OF ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
The Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology is seeking to publish profound, rigorous, well-written, high-quality, high-impact papers to generate discussion, debate, fresh perspective. The research area is the worldwide history starting with Antiquity up to the Byzantine period. The topics are: ancient history, ancient philology, epigraphy, papyrology, numismatics, archaeological material, archaeological reports, digital archaeology, archaeometry, reviews. The journal has four issues per annum. We strongly encourage the interdisciplinary or ‘bridge-building’ approach of different academic disciplines. The journal uses a peer-review system. The readers have free access with the pdf version ready to download. We want to make the Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology a ‘must read’ publication for those who want to learn more about Ancient History.
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KHIRBET BEIT ʿATÂB AND THE MÛGHÂRET BIR EL HASÛTAH CAVE COMPLEX: A MULTI-PERIOD ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE IN THE JERUSALEM HILLS
: Khirbet Beit ʿAtâb, strategically located in the Jerusalem Hills, has attracted scholarly attention since the 19th century, yet fundamental questions about its most enigmatic feature—the Mûghâret Bir el Hasûtah cave complex—have remained unresolved. Previous researchers debated whether this extensive underground network represents an artificial hiding system or a natural karstic formation. This study synthesizes archival research, field observations, and speleological analysis to demonstrate that Mûghâret Bir el Hasûtah represents a natural karst system enhanced through selective human modifications for refuge purposes. Morphological analysis reveals diagnostic evidence of phreatic cave formation, while constructed retaining walls and passage constrictions indicate deliberate human adaptation. The site exhibits multi-period occupation from the Iron Age through the Ottoman period. A kokhim tomb indicates late Second Temple–period Jewish settlement, whereas Crusader remains may correspond to the documented Bethaatap estate. The columbarium installation provides chronological parameters from the Hellenistic through Byzantine periods. Rather than functioning as a direct fortress-to-spring tunnel, the 104 m cave system served refuge purposes, following patterns documented throughout Judean Hills hiding complexes. This integrated approach to natural feature adaptation characterizes sustainable settlement strategies in the semi-arid Jerusalem Hills environment.
Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
ROMAN AND LATE ANTIQUE GLASS BOTTLES IN THE ADANA MUSEUM COLLECTION: AN EVALUATION OF TYPOLOGY AND PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
This study examines the glass bottles in the Adana Museum collection, dated to the Roman and Late Antique periods, from typological, technical, and chronological perspectives. Dated between the 1st and 10th centuries AD, these examples reflect the formal diversity, technological development, and aesthetic approach of the Eastern Mediterranean glassmaking tradition. Within the scope of the study, the distribution of free-blowing and mould-blowing techniques within the collection was assessed; it was determined that mould-blowing is more prominent in the earlier phases, whereas free-blowing becomes more evident in the later phases. The collection presents a wide typological range, including examples such as oinochoai, amphoriskoi, gutti, aryballoi, as well as bottles with spiral and zigzag decoration, ribbed forms, and long-necked and globular-bodied specimens. Comparative analyses indicate that a significant portion of the assemblage reflects Eastern Mediterranean glass-production traditions. However, the distinctive qualities observed in formal details and technical features indicate the presence of an active local glass-production tradition in the region of Cilicia. These findings demonstrate that the region was not merely an area of commercial distribution, but also a centre where production activities were maintained. The data obtained indicate that Cilicia assumed a central role within Eastern Mediterranean glass production and trade networks throughout the Roman and Late Antique periods. The Adana Museum glass collection constitutes a significant representative assemblage documenting the technical and typological development of this process; the study offers new archaeological and typological assessments regarding Cilicia’s position in the history of glassworking.
COINS AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF A SANCTUARY: NUMISMATIC EVIDENCE FROM THE SANCTUARY OF MEN ASKAENOS IN PISIDIAN ANTIOCH
Excavations carried out at the Sanctuary of Men Askaenos, located within the territory of Pisidian Antioch, have yielded 214 coins alongside votive objects, figurines, miniature offering vessels, and other finds. As proven by the coin finds, site was actively used from the 2nd century BC until the late 4th century AD, documenting its long-term function as a religious and cultural center. The transformation of the Roman Empire in favor of Christianity accelerated particularly during the 4th and 5th centuries AD through a series of legal decrees. The law issued on July 10, 399, ordered the destruction of pagan temples in rural areas; another decree dated August 30, 415, mandated the transfer of all properties belonging to the pagan cult to the Church. Finally, the law of December 18, 435, required the complete demolition of any surviving temples, shrines, and altars, and their purification through consecration with crosses, the sacred symbols of the Christian faith. These laws established a legal framework for the systematic eradication of pagan sanctuaries and their conversion into Christian places of worship within the Late Roman Empire. The Late Roman coins found in the Sanctuary of Men Askaenos provide valuable insights into how this transformation was implemented at the local level. In particular, they shed light on how the decrees compiled in the Codex Theodosianus affected regional religious structures and illustrate the process by which pagan cult sites were replaced by Christian worship spaces.
AGAIN ABOUT THE COINS OF MOSKON – AN ENIGMATIC RULER FROM DOBRUDJA IN THE HELLENISTIC PERIOD
In the lands of today’s Northern Dobrudja in Romania – south of the Danube River around the Delta, several single silver coins have been found, as well as three coins found as included in a mixed coin hoard – all of the coins with the title basileus and the name Moskon on the reverse. After all such finds, discussions about the dating of these coins, as well as about the ethnic identification of this ruler, have not subsided. Moskon has been identified as the ruler of the Getae from the lands of Dobrudja, but his identification is still disputed. The date of these coins has so far varied widely from ca. the middle of the 4th century BC until the end of the 2nd century BC/beginning of the 1st century BC. Here are presented completely new observations on the silver coins of the ruler Moskon. The two known denominations of this ruler’s coins have been previously defined as follows – the larger denomination – didrachm, the smaller denomination – hemidrachm. It was found that the denomination presented as a hemidrachm was incorrect, as it was a drachm in weight. It has been established that there is a third denomination of coins of this ruler, previously unknown, which is represented here as a tetrobol, minted by different pair of dies. Moskon was probably a ruler of the Bastarnae around the middle of the 2nd century BC.
WHY DID THEY NOT RECOVER THE HOARDS? INSECURITY IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE
The phenomenon of coin hoarding in ancient Rome has been a subject of considerable scholarly interest. Various factors contributed to the inability of Romans to recover their buried hoards. Historical Context: It is suggested that the practice of burying coins was not universally intended for recovery. Recent archaeological findings, such as the Frome hoard, indicate that many hoards were buried during periods of instability, leading to the assumption that recovery was not always feasible. Socioeconomic Factors: The decline in population and economic turmoil during the later periods of the Roman Empire may have hindered recovery efforts. As communities faced invasions and internal strife, the original owners of the hoards may have perished or relocated, making recovery impossible. Archaeological Evidence: Studies of hoard distributions indicate that many hoards were never recovered, as evidenced by the lack of subsequent finds in the vicinity of known hoard locations. This suggests that the original intent to recover was often thwarted by changing circumstances.
SETTLING STRATEGIES OF HUMAN COMMUNITIES IN PANNONIAN HOLOCENE RIVERSCAPE. A MICRO ZONE CASE STUDY FROM BANAT (ROMANIA)
To balance the advantages and disadvantages of living near a river, communities faced strategic choices when establishing their settlements: settling along an active river channel, a fossil (abandoned) channel, or avoiding watercourses. In this research, we tried to identify these ancient options, establishing an absolute chronology for the fossil river channels. Therefore, in addition to producing a distribution map of historical human settlements, our study aims to reconstruct part of the local paleo-hydrographic network by integrating multiple methodological approaches. Former human settlements were identified through a systematic field survey covering the entire study area. The paleochannel network was reconstructed using high-resolution LiDAR data, which enabled a detailed analysis of the micromorphology of both, inhabited and uninhabited areas. Furthermore, sediment samples were collected by drilling into former riverbeds and analyzed using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL), dating to establish an absolute chronology for each paleochannel. By correlating the results obtained from these approaches, we achieve a partial reconstruction of the spatial and temporal relationship between past human communities and nearby water resources.
APPLICATION OF ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES AND MACHINE LEARNING MODELS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND CULTURAL ATTRIBUTION OF ANCIENT POTTERY: A CASE STUDY FROM BOLU CLAUDIOPOLIS, TURKEY
Understanding the origin, manufacturing technology, and cultural connections of ancient pottery is a primary goal in interdisciplinary research spanning archaeology and materials science. This study investigated 20 pottery samples from the ancient site of Bolu Claudiopolis (modern-day Bolu, Turkey). For a detailed and multifaceted analysis, a combination of scientific techniques—including X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)—were employed to obtain the chemical, mineralogical, and structural characteristics of the pottery. The resulting data were input into various machine learning algorithms (KNN, SVM, Random Forest) implemented using Weka software. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was utilized for dimensionality reduction and pattern discovery. To enhance accuracy in identifying and distinguishing possible civilizational origins (Roman and Greek), Fuzzy Logic was applied to define rules for combined classification. Furthermore, data fusion methods were used to combine and analyze information across different data levels (chemical, mineral, structural). The results demonstrated significant differences in the chemical and mineral composition of the samples, which can be interpreted in relation to different civilizations. The Random Forest model showed the highest classification accuracy. Fuzzy analysis indicated that most samples had a high dependency on the Roman civilization, while some exhibited a mixed tendency toward the Greek civilization. XRD and FTIR results suggested the use of a medium firing temperature and silicate soils with specific mineral granules. This study exemplifies a new interdisciplinary approach that utilizes advanced scientific techniques and machine learning to enable a deeper analysis of ancient pottery and its civilizational provenance.
CHARACTERIZATION OF EASTERN SIGILLATA C (ESC) FROM THE YK SECTOR AT KLAROS: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ARCHAEOMETRIC APPROACH
The popularity of the sanctuary of Klaros began to rise around the turn of the millennium, reaching its zenith in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Recent excavations in the YK Sector, situated near the propylon of the oracle centre, have yielded significant data regarding this period. The Roman-period fine ware assemblage recovered from the sector includes Italian Sigillata, Eastern Sigillata A, B, and C, Late Roman C (LRC), African Red Slip Ware, and Late Roman Light-Coloured Ware. This study focuses specifically on Eastern Sigillata C (ESC), a group not previously examined as a distinct assemblage at Klaros, providing new evidence for the sanctuary’s role as one of the consumption centres in Ionia. Comprising 75 diagnostic fragments, the ESC assemblage contributes significantly to the chronology of the sanctuary. The majority being dated to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, these finds correspond to the final major phase of activity before the sanctuary lost its original oracular function. Moreover, parallel to the transformation of the sanctuary, the ESC group represents a transitional stage between terra sigillata and Late Roman Red Slip wares. Archaeometric analyses of the relevant samples from the site proved to be a helpful method in classifying specimens that are typologically and macroscopically indistinguishable from many Eastern Sigillata B and early LRC examples. Compositional analyses also highlighted hints on the predecessor-successor relationship, particularly between ESC and LRC. Furthermore, the chemical analysis results demonstrate that the samples compositionally correlate to those of Çandarlı (Pitane) productions, confirming it as a primary source. The typological and archaeometric examination on ESC wares offers new insights on the history of the sanctuary as well as the shifting ceramic consumption patterns of the region.
REVISITING THE CULT OF ARES IN GRECO-ROMAN ASIA MINOR
This article revisits the cults of Ares in Asia Minor, with particular attention to the southern regions of the peninsula. It starts from the interpretation of these cults as local manifestations of indigenous warrior deities assimilated to the Greek Ares, while focusing on specific features that complicate such a model. The study first analyses the distinctive iconography of Ares holding a trident at Amblada in eastern Pisidia, as attested in numismatic evidence. It then investigates the god’s oracular dimension, especially in connection with alphabetical oracles in Kabalia and neighbouring regions. The alleged dedication of a statuette of Hermanubis to Ares is also considered in relation to this divinatory aspect. Finally, two Clarian oracles from Syedra and Iconium prescribing the erection of statues of Ares alongside Hermes (Argeiphontes) and Dike/Thesmos are re-examined, with attention to their historical context and religious content. The evidence presented in the article underscores the local particularities and the complexity of cult practices within the hybrid ritual landscape of Greco-Roman Asia Minor.
YERVAND H. GREKYAN (ED.), BY GOD'S GRACE: ANCIENT ANATOLIAN STUDIES PRESENTED TO ARAM KOSYAN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 65TH BIRTHDAY
Yervand H. Grekyan (ed.), By God’s Grace: Ancient Anatolian Studies Presented to Aram Kosyan on the Occasion of his 65th Birthday. Ancient Near Eastern Studies Supplement Series 61. Leuven – Paris – Bristol, CT.: PEETERS PUB & BOOKSELLERS, 2023. Pp. XX+366. ISBN: 9789042948686; E-ISBN: 9789042948693
YERVAND H. GREKYAN. THE URARTIAN ONOMASTICON: A PROSOPOGRAPHIC STUDY, ARAMAZD: ARMENIAN JOURNAL OF NEAR EASTERN STUDIES
Yervand H. Grekyan. The Urartian Onomasticon: A Prosopographic Study, ARAMAZD: Armenian Journal of Near Eastern Studies. Editor–in–Chief Aram Kosyan, Vol. XVII, Issue 2. Association for Near Eastern and Caucasian Studies. Archaeopress Publishing Ltd: Oxford, UK. Yerevan-Oxford 2023. ISSN 1829-1376, ISBN 978-1-80327-706-6. 128 pp.
STANISLAV GRIGORIEV, INDO-ARYANS IN THE BRONZE AGE, ARCHAEOPRESS ARCHAEOLOGY, BICESTER 2025
Stanislav Grigoriev, Indo-Aryans in the Bronze Age, Archaeopress Archaeology, Bicester 2025, 298 pages, 92 figures, 2 tables. ISBN Hardback: 9781805830665, Digital: 9781805830672, DOI 10.32028/9781805830665
YU. MONAKHOV, E. V. KUZNETSOVA, A. N. KOVALENKO, N. B. CHUREKOVA, A. G. YAZOVSKIKH, AMPHORAE OF THE 6TH–3RD CENTURIES BC FROM MUSEUM COLLECTIONS OF ROSTOV-ON-DON
S. Yu. Monakhov, E. V. Kuznetsova, A. N. Kovalenko, N. B. Churekova, A. G. Yazovskikh, Amphorae of the 6th–3rd Centuries BC from Museum Collections of Rostov-on-Don [in Russian], Saratov: Amirit, 2025, 284 pages, 123 figs, 5 tables, and 199 catalogue illustrations integrated into the text. ISBN 978-5-00207-976-6.
V. SYMONENKO, O. S. DZNELADZE, D. M. SIKOZA, ATLAS OF LATE SCYTHIAN SITES OF THE LOWER DNIEPER.
O. V. Symonenko, O. S. Dzneladze, D. M. Sikoza, Atlas of Late Scythian Sites of the Lower Dnieper. [In Ukrainian], Kyiv: Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2024. 214 p. ISBN 978-617-7810-43-7.
Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
TWO GEPIDIC AGE BURIALS RECENTLY DISCOVERED AT ALBA IULIA. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL EVALUATION
The article presents two inhumations discovered during the rescue archaeological excavations conducted at Alba Iulia, nearby site Apulum II. These are ascribed to the Gepidic period (the 5th–6th century AD), the main focus of the study, being integrated to a broader archaeological context that is characterised by extensive inhabitancy during the period. The first burial belongs to a mature male individual, placed in a supine position with the head oriented to the West, within a rectangular pit. The grave had been looted in antiquity, with only a few coffin nails being identified. The anthropological analysis evidences an average-to-high stature and reveals traces of marked dental wear and degenerative spinal changes, consistent with age and lifestyle. The second burial belongs to an adult female, placed within the grave in a similar position, in oval pit. The grave goods comprise a decorated double-sided comb and an iron buckle. The typological analysis of the comb, characterised by decoration made in the “stab-and-drag” technique and zigzag motifs, indicates a broad dating within the interval between the second half of the 5th century and the 6th century AD. The authors place the two graves within a more extensive Gepidic cemetery identified through previous research in the area, with more than forty identified graves. Although the lack of complete publication of these finds hinders the reconstruction of the cemetery layout, it is suggested that the analysed graves belong to one of its peripheral areas. Traces of habitation were also identified nearby, indicative of existing local communities. In conclusion, the authors highlight the inhabitancy density in the Alba Iulia area during the 5th–6th century AD and emphasize the role of Roman date infrastructure in shaping the post-Roman habitat. Moreover, they draw attention to the need for systematic publication of finds for a better understanding of settlement dynamics and spatial organisation during the Gepidic period.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
A MONOLITHIC DORIC ENTABLATURE FROM IASOS
The artifact examined in this study was discovered in 2023 during the excavations at the temenos of the Artemis Astias sanctuary in the ancient city of Iasos. It consists of a complete Doric entablature comprising its architrave, triglyph-metope, and geison-sima elements. The block is carved from a single piece of white marble. The artifact was used as spolia material in a wall dated to the Late Roman/Early Byzantine period and has been preserved in remarkably good condition. The sanctuary where the entablature was discovered lies directly south of the Roman Agora of Iasos. The temenos, a significant portion of which has now been uncovered, is bounded to the north by the Agora’s south stoa, to the south by the temenos exedra/archive building, and to the east and west by single-row column stoas dated to the late Hellenistic period. At the center of the area stands an in antis temple associated with the cult of Aphrodite, dating to the Hekatomnid dynasty. The temenos is known as a sanctuary dedicated to Artemis Astias, based on inscriptions related to repairs and additions made during the Roman Imperial period. The piece is a complete, monolithic Doric entablature, rectangular in shape, with four sides. With these characteristics, it is unique both in the Caria region and throughout the wider Mediterranean area. First, the study identifies the stylistic features of the piece. Next, the criteria relevant to its dating are determined, followed by a comparison with the block itself and other examples of Doric architecture in the ancient city of Iasos and the Caria region. The final section presents data and suggestions regarding the artifact’s function, its possible other components, and its location in the ancient city of Iasos.
NOMADS OF ZERENDY AND SANDYKTAU AT THE TURN OF ERAS (NORTHERN KAZAKHSTAN)
The article publishes archaeological excavation data from the Aydarly burial ground and archaeological reconnaissance conducted in the Zerendy and Sandyktau districts of the Akmola region of the Republic of Kazakhstan by the Ishim stationary archaeological expedition in 2010 and by the A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology in 2024–2025. The burial ground consisted of three structures: two barrows with undercut (catacomb) graves and one ritual structure. The barrows differ in the composition of the mound and the pit construction. Barrow No. 1 with a soil embankment has a standard undercut grave with the entrance of the burial chamber located below the bottom of the access pit. Under the stone and earth embankment of barrow No. 2, an undercut burial chamber with the entrance located above the bottom of the access pit was discovered. The accompanying inventory from the burial in barrow No. 1 included ceramic, iron arrowheads, a knife, and sacrificial animal bones. These grave goods combined with the ritual, allow us to date its construction to the second half of the 2nd-1st century BC or the turn of the era. The chamber type in barrow No. 2 and its southern orientation, determined by the in-situ calcaneus bones, allow it to be synchronized with barrow No. 1. Three statuary objects were discovered at the site during excavation. The first anthropomorphic slab was discovered beneath the mound of barrow No. 1. Two more statuary objects were recorded during excavations of barrow No. 2 – in the burial pit and as part of a ritual arrangement. The archaeological survey revealed archaeological sites with similar layouts and mound types. A stone slab with a tamga (sign) was discovered near one of them. Analysis of the burial rites, grave goods, sculptures, and tamgas of the Aydarly and Karagayly burial grounds, as well as the Sarkara burial ground explored last century, suggest that at the turn of the eras, Sarmatians penetrated the central part of the Kokshetau Upland from the Ilek River basin or from the Turgay region. Judging by four recorded tamgas, these communities interacted with populations from the southern regions of Central Asia.
THE MEDUSA-GORGON OF MERENI (REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA) AND HER MYTH
Based on an important discovery at Mereni (Republic of Moldova) – a massive mirror with a handle depicting the Gorgon-Medusa (Argos type) – we propose a critical reassessment of interpretations of the representation of Medusa and the gorgoneion (the severed head) as archaic apotropaic symbols. The mirror was unearthed in a rich Scythian burial associated with an adult woman, very likely a shaman, alongside a contemporaneous grave interpreted as that of a male warrior. The handle bears the face of the Gorgon, a choice seemingly intended to repel malevolent forces that might endanger the object’s owner. Beyond its aesthetic value as a toiletry item, the mirror may have held religious significance, serving as an attribute of priestly status – an interpretation supported by the presence of a divination kit, a whip, a horse, and other ritual paraphernalia found in the same funerary context. Thus, the burial at Mereni, dated to the late 5th century BC, offers a compelling opportunity to revisit the world of shamans, the myth of Medusa, and its distant reverberations far beyond the Mediterranean cultural sphere that gave rise to it.
MAPS OF ROMAN DACIA. VII. ADRIEN-HUBERT BRUÉ (1786-1832) AND ‘CARTE DE LA DACIE ANCIENNE DE LA PANNONIE DE L’ILLYRIE ET MOESIE’ (1875)
We continue our series of studies on the maps of Roman Dacia with this short note about a map depicting the former province of Dacia, entitled ‘Carte de la Dacie ancienne de la Pannonie de l’Illyrie et Moesie’ (1875). This map was part of an atlas called ‘Atlas universel de géographie physique, politique, ancienne et moderne, contenant les cartes générales et particulières de toutes les parties du monde, mis au courant des Progrès de la Science, pour servir a l’intelligence de l’histoire, de la géographie et des voyages, dressé par Adrien-Hubert Brué (1786-1832), géographe, nouvelle édition revue par E. Levasseur, membre de l’Institut, professeur au Collége de France, comprenant 66 cartes et 85 cartouches tenant lieu d’autant de cartes’. The atlas was published by the Institut Géographique de Paris in 1875. The author is the cartographer Adrien-Hubert Brué (1786-1832), and this new edition of the atlas was reviewed by Pierre Émile Levasseur (1828-1911), a French historian and professor of geography and history in the Collége de France.
A HOARD FROM THE EARLY 3RD CENTURY AD DISCOVERED IN THE MAIN GATE – MAIN TOWER SECTOR IN HISTRIA (CONSTANȚA COUNTY, ROMANIA)
The coin hoard we present below was discovered in 2008, in the Main Gate – Main Tower Sector in Histria, within a layer of burnt material corresponding to the second period of use of the room L4 of the Insula 2. The coin hoard consists of 34 silver denarii dating from the 1st-3rd centuries. The earliest coin was issued in AD 69, the most recent in AD 217-218. The low degree of wear observed on the majority of coins indicates that the hoard was not accumulated in time. The authors also present the archaeological context in which the hoard was discovered.
THE GLAZED EARTHENWARE OF SUTOR/OPTATIANA
We discuss herein the glazed earthenware fragments discovered at Sutor during the rescue archaeological excavations conducted between 2021 and 2022. We thus address several key aspects regarding the study of glazed ceramics and make a brief introduction to the production history of such vessel types. Furthermore, we present the main production technologies and their development over the course of the centuries. We highlight the rareness of these earthenware categories, which due to the complex production technology involved higher costs that placed them among Roman-date luxury wares. The presence of these ceramic categories in the vicus at Sutor seems to suggest there existed trade relations with some of the centres in Dacia and, possibly, with a number of centres outside the province.
WORLD HERITAGE SERIAL PROPERTIES: FROM CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS TO EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT. A CRITICAL STUDY WITH APPLICATIONS TO ROMANIA
Serial World Heritage Properties (WHSPs) have become an increasingly prominent category within UNESCO’s heritage governance, reflecting a shift from isolated site protection to the management of distributed cultural and ecological systems. This article examines the conceptual foundations, methodological challenges, and governance implications of seriality through a comparative analysis of major international models and recent UNESCO debates (2008–2025). Particular attention is given to Romania, whose current involvement in both national and transnational serial inscriptions reveals significant heritage potential but also enduring structural weaknesses, including institutional fragmentation, inconsistent coordination, and limited long-term capacity. Drawing on comparative evidence from the Wadden Sea, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, and Silk Roads, the study proposes a hybrid governance model capable of addressing these vulnerabilities by integrating governance stability, thematic coherence, and participatory engagement. Through this analysis, the article contributes to scholarly debates on serial heritage governance and offers a refined interpretive framework for understanding serial properties as complex, multi-scalar heritage systems. The study advances theoretical discourse on distributed heritage systems and offers actionable policy guidance. Its analytical framework is replicable and relevant for other State Parties managing complex WHSPs. Effective serial heritage governance requires institutional maturity, coordinated multi-level engagement, and sustainable financing mechanisms. Romania must transition from a fragmented, project-driven approach to a coherent framework aligned with international standards.
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LOST ARTEFACTS: THE CASE OF THE DACIAN SICA WEAPONS FROM THE ORĂȘTIE MOUNTAINS
The present study draws attention to the case of three Dacian daggers about which judicial authorities obtained information during the criminal investigation indicating that they had been stolen from the archaeological site of Luncani–Piatra Roșie, Romania—items that are currently listed as wanted objects on the Romanian Police website, yet have nonetheless been resold multiple times through international auction houses. This situation highlights the limitations of the instruments employed by Romanian state institutions to monitor the global antiquities market, a particularly serious issue for a society striving to protect its cultural heritage for future generations. Our analysis includes all available judicial and archaeological evidence, comparing the stolen daggers with similar artefacts originating from sites in the vicinity of Luncani–Piatra Roșie, in order to provide the academic community with a well-documented perspective on the extent of damage caused by archaeological looting. The findings strengthen the conviction that the absence of such weapons in the Orăștie Mountains—the core of the Dacian elite’s power—contrasted with their presence in nearby fortifications, can only be explained by the systematic looting of archaeological sites and the subsequent illicit circulation of these artefacts on the black market.
THE SODALES OF THE COLLEGIUM OF MINERVA AND HERCULES IN A RECENT DISCOVERED FUNERARY MONUMENT FROM SCUPI
This study examines a newly discovered inscription from the eastern necropolis of Scupi, which sheds light on the role and function of the collegium of Minerva and Hercules in the funerary and associative life of the local community during the Roman period. The monument in question is a funerary stele dedicated to Tiberius Claudius Ianuarius, a soldier of Legio VII Claudia, erected by the fellows (sodales) of the collegium in fulfillment of their role as a funerary association. Through epigraphic analysis and comparison with other evidence from Scupi and neighboring provinces, the study aims to establish the chronology, social composition, and function of the college. The results indicate that the association combined a dual function—cultic and funerary—emerging as a collegium funeraticium assembled under the patronage of Minerva and Hercules. Beyond its religious dimension, it was primarily concerned with ensuring the burial and commemoration of its members, thus reflecting an interaction between military and civilian components. As the only attested evidence so far for this collegium in Scupi, the inscription significantly enhances our understanding of an under documented aspect of religious and associative life in Dardania (the southern part of Upper Moesia), while also illustrating broader processes of social integration and Romanization in a provincial context of the Roman Empire.
EPIKLESIS (OGIS 458): RENUNTIATIO OR APPELLATIO?
The inscription OGIS 458 contains a detailed account of the new calendar system introduced by the Greek cities of Asia Minor in honor of Augustus. In addition, the decree at the end of the inscription prescribes a deadline for the conduct of local elections. The word ἐπίκλησις appearing here has traditionally been interpreted as renuntiatio, that is, the proclamation of the election results, but the alternative interpretation as appellatio (appeal) has also been proposed in scholarship, without, however, any substantial arguments being advanced in favor of either. In the present study I argue in detail that the interpretation as appeal fits the context much better and is also supported by other relevant sources, both from the Republican period and from the later Empire.
FROM MĂGURA CĂLANULUI TO THE ORĂȘTIE MOUNTAINS: PREDICTING LIMESTONE TRANSPORTATION ROUTES WITH LEAST-COST PATH ANALYSIS
The aim of this study was to predict using least-cost path analysis potential ancient routes between the limestone quarry from Măgura Călanului and the Dacian fortresses from Costești-Cetățuie, Costești-Blidaru, Piatra Roșie and Dealul Grădiștii. Multiple optimal routes were computed by calculating the minimum level of energy consumption theoretically necessary for travelling between the respective locations, while taking into account the slope variations. Two types of models were obtained. Some simulate walking, others simulate travelling via wheeled transport. The models that represent wheeled transport routes are less direct, but seem naturally more accessible, and more accurately replicate the ancient roads near the fortresses. The respective models may offer an explanation for the formation of those roads, and indicate by what transportation means those might have been accessible. The optimal routes generally suggest that the quarried limestone might have been transported to the fortresses probably along the natural ways of entry into the Orăștie Mountains, through the Luncani and Grădiște Valleys.
MAPPING THE EARLY SPREAD OF COPPER METALLURGY IN EUROPE: PICKING UP GENETIC TRAILS
This article addresses the diffusion of the early stages of European metallurgy. It suggests a community instrumental to its spread by mapping information from two sets of data: 1) identical by descent (IBD) autosomal chromosome segment sharing among ancient individuals from between around 4300–2000 BCE with individuals from the Chalcolithic buried in the Urziceni, Romania necropolis, a community known to be metallurgically competent, and 2) the location of copper metallurgical activity, copper mines, and selected gold artifacts, mainly in Europe but also in parts of Southwest Asia, in the same time frame. The information collected is consistent with identifying genetic descendants of individuals buried in the Urziceni necropolis as agents of metallurgical activity. The Urziceni necropolis is attributed to the Bodrogkeresztúr archaeological-cultural construct but belongs to the intra-Carpathian range of that culture. The results support formulating further questions concerning traces of metallurgical activity in Europe and parts of Southwest Asia.
Maps relating copper metallurgical activity and chromosomal segment sharing among ancient individuals
Agents of early copper metallurgy diffusion in Europe
Cultural implications of ancient DNA information
POLIS: A NEW HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT GREEK CITY-STATE FROM THE EARLY IRON AGE TO THE END OF ANTIQUITY
AN ENAMELLED ZOOMORPHIC BROOCH RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN THE NORTHERN CEMETERY OF APULUM (ALBA IULIA)
In the spring of 2022, a zoomorphic brooch was discovered during the rescue archaeological excavations conducted in Alba Iulia at no. 3 Republicii Blvd., on the site of the Olympic swimming pool. The investigation was performed as a preliminary phase of an investment project developed by the Alba Iulia Municipality. The plot lies on a high terrace, in an area that yielded multiple archaeological finds, most Roman date burial features. The bronze brooch, surviving fragmentarily, rendered a running bull and had the body decorated with round, enamel inlay alveoli. Given the use period of enamelled zoomorphic brooches within the province territory of Dacia, we believe that the specimen of Apulum dates sometimes to the 2nd century AD, most likely during its second half.
OLD FINDS, NEW INTERPRETATIONS. ABOUT A POSSIBLE HELLENISTIC TYPE BED IN THE LA TÈNE DATE SETTLEMENT AT CRAIVA - PIATRA CRAIVII (ALBA COUNTY)
Among the materials yielded by the archaeological excavations conducted during the ‘60s of the last century in the late La Tène site of Craiva – Piatra Craivii (Alba County) also counts a bronze pedestal, surviving fragmentarily, interpreted almost two decades ago as likely a figurine base. Upon a more careful examination, we noted that discussed item exhibits elements specific to a component part of a Hellenistic type bed leg.