Late Antiquity and Medieval sites in Kosovo

[1] While the Dark Age is in full swing in Europe, Kosovo and Balkans in general see a migration of new people in its territories, and even though not in peace, see a period of progression.

Being that this is an archaeological article, we excluded the sacral monuments, but it would be interesting to study them as well, considering their age and continuous use, since the first days of Christianity until today, through different creeds and nationalities.

Archaeological excavations conducted here in 2010, unearthed remains and foundations of a church with small dimensions, typical for the early Christian period (4th–6th century AD).

Excavations carried in the church, revealed a large type of crypt grave, measuring: 2.80m in length, 1.40m in width and 1.40m in height, constructed in the shape of a semicircular arch or vault.

Nonetheless, the crypt/grave was constructed with tough stones, and what is interesting, inside the unearthed grave, intact mortal remains of a male was discovered, buried according to the Christian rites.

[3] The village of Mališevska Banja, situated southeast from the town of Mališevo, on the left side of the Mirusha river shore, an archaeological site known by the toponymy 'Trojet e Vjetra' is found.

Among the most important findings, Early Medieval jewelry made of bronze like rings, bracelets, and necklaces with a symbol of Christian crosses were recorded and documented.

The fortress is located in an altitude of maximum 766 meters above the sea level, and is approximately sited 9 km southeast from the town of Kosovo Polje and only 2 kilometers west from Pristina International Airport.

In regard, the entire outer sides of the rampart with towers at the axes were unearthed, as well as a church with three naves and a Saskrity are discovered, but also two almost identical structures in a rounded shape of an unknown sacral complex has been uncovered, as well.

On the other hand, vast movable archaeological material composed of; metal made working tools, jewelry, coins, bricks, glass fragments and architectural structures, all clear indications that pinpoint to the Late Antique date and especially typical for the Justinian Period.

[6] The archaeological excavations conducted in two seasons; 2002 and 2004 at the Korisha fortress located at the area known by the toponymy as the 'Gralishta' hill, revealed contours and documented the plan of an early Christian church of the 6th century AD.

[6] At the village of Vučak, which is located at the verge of the Kasmaç Mountain, situated around 12 km southwest from the town of Glogovac, placed in a very dominant position, traces of ruins that follow the terrain configuration of the hill are observable.

Nonetheless, this archaeological center, respectively, characteristic fortification site, is unique, where an Italian specialist for the ancient rock art studies, has identified symbols and signs that were evaluated to be a creation of the humans before at least 7 millenniums.

Great geostrategic position of the stronghold, clear surveillance on the western part that visually communicates with Ulpiana, which is set on a low land, makes this fort a very important site for the entire surrounding archaeological area.

However, what draws the attention at this site is that the Arbër culture witnessed which is mainly composed of; jewelry, weaponry, working tools, pottery and rare glass jars which were part of the grave goods collected in this place.

[14] On a smaller mountain set between Prilepnica and Kriva Reka, around 30–35 km west from Gnjilane and approximately, 39 kilometers south-east from Pristina, the ruins of the medieval town and fortress of Novo Brdo are to be seen.

The Medieval town was a mining center and up to the present days, remains of the walls, watch towers and foundations of several other sacral monuments within the area of the fortress are still preserved.

Toward the eastern part, the terrain gradually raises what makes possible to pass to a lower hill in a plateau whereas ruins of a large medieval church of cathedral type are to be found.

Kaljaja of Prizren due to the extraordinary good geostrategic position, structural integrity and the wide observation horizon, with all these factors emphases the monumental values of this cultural entity.

The fortress of the Kaljaja is situated on a dominant hill at the eastern part of the town of Prizren, set on a strategic position, contoured with lines that follow distinguished features of the terrain natural morphology.

Archaeological excavations were carried out here in 1969 and then again in 2004, 2009–2011; which resulted with the discovery of the infrastructure, which incorporates rampart walls enforced with towers, casemates, labyrinth corridors, depots, and other accompanying inner rooms and dwellings.