Cremation Burials from the Archaeological Site of Grobana - Vinica

Abstract

During the archaeological excavations in 2009 and 2010 on the site Grobana, near the city of Vinica, in the frame of the Tumulus I, several Roman cremation burials have been found. According to their constructions, four grave types can be identified. In the northwestern part of the tumulus on the bigger surface thick layer of burning was found which indicate that the cremation was performed on the ustrina. Characteristic appearance of these archaeological findings are the handmade ceramic vessels that are enriching the picture of these types of necropoleis, most present of the line of the eastern border of our country. Those vessels can be interpreted as a need of the local population to keep their cultural identity during the process of Romanization in these conservative areas. According to the numismatic material, the necropolis can be dated between II – IV century AD.

Keywords: Grobana, necropolis, cremation, ustrina, handmade pottery.