Archaeological sites in the District of Mitrovica
The strategic position of the region of Mitrovica in the middle of two great rivers Ibar and Sitnica and its mineral wealth in Albanik (Monte Argentarum), made this location populated since the prehistoric period.
The first data for the archaeological sites in the region of Mitrovica, begin with the research of Sir Arthur Evans, who was the first to pinpoint the Roman town of the Municipium Dardanourm.
Objects and figurines include: fortress vestiges, necropolis, Terpsichore figure, statues, sarcophagus, altar, jewelry, etc.
Fragments of pottery and vast movable material from the Neolithic period were recorded during these researches, evidence Starcevo and Vinca cultures.
It is a baked clay handcraft creation, it has a height of 8 cm (3 in), with finger holes on the axles and a mouthpiece on the highest ax.
It was given the name "Runik ocarina", and it releases sounds and warm vibrations it is the earliest prehistoric musical instrument discovered in Kosovo.
Research in these sites, respectively, Zhitkoc began in 1958, when several test excavations were carried out near the Ibar shore and resulted in discovering remains of a typical Neolithic settlement, of both, Starcevo and Vinca cultures.
Researches in the archaeological site of Karagaç were developed during the time frame of 1955 and 1960, the results evidenced a settlement established on the major part consisting of half earth-grounded ellipsoid huts protected with ditches.
Karagaç settlement continued to exist in a later phase, respectively, Vinca culture, whereas;based on the discovered fragments of ceramic and anthropomorphic figurines, and huts that were constructed with intertwined timber beams coated with earth/mud.
In this site were discovered also remains and traces of a settlement and cemetery of Bronze and Iron Age, illustrating the life continuation from the prehistoric period.
The most characteristic objects found in this site belong to the Late Neolithic Vinca Culture and include a considerable amount of the anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, modeled and carefully designed terracotta statues.
[4] The objects discovered in Fafos I, include a figure of a squatting man, with hands resting on tightly drawn-up knees, a grotesque masked figurine with padded knickers and exposed belly, and altar table in form of an animal-masked woman holding a vessel decorated with meandering bands, and with bull shaped legs.
[5] Coordinates: 42°54′18″N 20°57′11″E / 42.905°N 20.953°E / 42.905; 20.953 Rashan fortress is a late antiquity settlement build by illyrians, respectively dardans in the 4th and 5th centuries AD.
It has a very favorable position, and together with the Zveçan Fortress they had their role on protecting the mining and mineral wealth of Bajgora Region.
In the inner part of the tower, or known as King's Room (Albanian: Dhoma e mbretit) is derived a stair in the form of a guardrail to put things on it.
Based on the toponyms and microponomys around the Rashan village it is stated that this fortress was a branch of Dardan royal dynasty.
Municipium Dardanorum archaeological site stretches approximately 30 hectares, where in the eastern part of this settlement were discovered a forum, horrea, urban basilica, features of the Roman bath, details of auxiliary objects, vessels made of ceramics, and the northern necropolis.
Based on the construction material and exhibits found here it is a Dardani fortress which was used in continuity since prehistory, Late Antiquity and Early Medieval period.
Based on the terrain configuration and evidenced remains, presumable at this location, in the past, a cult object used to exist and served to the local population.
[14] Based on the terrain configuration and evidenced remains, presumable at this location, in the past, a cult object used to exist and served to the local population.
[17] In this fortress were found ceramics with ornaments of the illyrian ethnographic fond, bricks, and marble objects with inscriptions.
