Върховете от копия от II–I в. пр.Хр. и погребалните обреди в Северозападна България

Abstract

The subject of the research are spear points which form part of the armament and accoutrement sets placed in graves. They usually consist of a sword, knife, an applique (shield boss) from a shield of iron, and clay vessels. They were used by the local Thracian population, which inhabited the territory of present-day Northwestern Bulgaria during the 2nd–1st C. BC. The sets are dated on the basis of the shape of the swords, which is characteristic for La Tene armament during LT C2: 200/180–150/120 BC and during LT D: 150/120 BC–16 AD – the creation of the Roman province Moesia. The sets are inventory from graves which show the greatest concentration of their type between the rivers Ogosta and Iskar. In the present publication the burial structures from which they originate are examined, and the burial rite which was used in their deposition. In it the information is analysed from the conducted archaeological research and the extant evidence regarding finds which have been discovered in various circumstances such as building activity, agricultural work and treasure hunter’s activities. The research model used allows the formulation of an important conclusion – two models for interment are presented: 1) cremation on a pyre and the subsequent construction of a mound above it; 2) cremation at an undisclosed location and deposition of the burned remains and armament in a pit, above which no earthen structure or mound was piled up.