Development of a Settlement on the North-Eastern Promontory at ‘Marea’

Abstract

Excavations in ‘Marea’ in 2018 were conducted within a broader project, the aim of which was to recognize the ancient topography of this settlement. The work this season was mainly carried out at the promontory in the north-eastern part of the site with some partially visible buildings along an ancient street. The goal was threefold: to define when they had been built, for how long they had been in use and to verify results from the previous survey. Consequently, six trenches were made to gain material essential to date the aforementioned constructions. The oldest remains turned out to be from the Roman period, when this area became a rubbish dump for production wastes from adjacent pottery kilns. Above the heaps mainly made of amphorae AE 3 and AE 4 sherds, two occupation levels were recognised with the older one beginning in 3rd century or later. Unfortunately function of the structures uncovered at this level is still unclear. The consecutive phase can be dated to 5th–6th century. During that time buildings were constructed according to the regular grid which fits into the overall plan of the town. Executed works led to better understanding of the particular changes that occurred in this part of ‘Marea’.