Višeslojno naselje Gornja Tuzla u hronologiji neolita sjeveroistočne Bosne

Abstract

This dissertation explores the neolithic period in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with special reference to northeastern Bosnia and the settlement Gornja Tuzla. This area was under the influence of the Vinca culture, with a Starcevo presence determined only in Gornja Tuzla. According to this, compared to Starcevo, the Vinca culture had exceptional influence on northeastern Bosnia, leaving many settlements with longer or shorter periods of duration. The time frame that this dissertation explores is the second half of the middle, and the entire period of the younger neolithic period in Bosnia, in relation with eastern Croatia and western Serbia (Starcevo and Vinca culture). This dissertation is based on the hypotesis that geological changes had significant influence on the genesis of soil in northeastern Bosnia, geographical features of Tuzla basin and creation of salt formations. This geological process, which led to the creation of salt formations in the Tuzla basin, had a key role in the process of inhabiting the area of Gornja Tuzla by Starcevo and later Vinca populations. The wealth of salt ore in the Tuzla basin enabled production of this mineral to the neolithic communities, and this an extremely important role in their lives. An analysis of material excavated in 1958 by Borivoj Covic in Gornja Tuzla, which is curated in the National museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been performed. Also, an analysis of material excavated during 2007- 2008, and 2018, has been performed. Comparing the excavated material in Gornja Tuzla from these three excavations, a cultural affiliation of Gornja Tuzla with its layers and their specific features has been established. So far, five samples from Gornja Tuzla layers have been analysed. Results of radiocarbon analysis allow better information about the chronological determination of Gornja Tuzla in relationship to the rest of the neolithic settlements of northeastern Bosnia.