UDK 903.23(498)"634"
Documenta Praehistorica XXXV (2008)
Archaeological research in Miercurea Sibiului - Petris
(Sibiu County, Romania): the Starčevo-Cri§ level
during 1997-2005 (a preliminary report)
Sabin Adrian Luca1, Dragos Diaconescu2 and Cosmin loan Suciu3
1 Lucian Blaga University Sibiu and National Brukenthal Museum Romania, sabin.luca@brukenthalmuseum.ro
2 National Brukenthal Museum Sibiu Romania, goshu_d@yahoo.com
3 Lucian Blaga University Sibiu Romania, cosmin.suciu@ulbsibiu.ro
ABSTRACT - The article presents an archaeological description of the Starčevo-Cris close complexes
at Miercurea Sibiului-Petris, one of the Earliest Neolithic settlements in Romania. The site belongs to
the early wave of First Temperate Neolithic communities who reached Romania. Each complex is
presented through plans, statistical ceramic analyses and some representative materials. White pain-
ting is present here in the earlier complexes.
IZVLEČEK - Članek predstavlja arheološko obravnavo zaprtih kompleksov kulture Starčevo-Cris na
najdišču Miercurea Sbiului-Petris, enem najzgodnejših neolitskih najdišč v Romuniji. Najdišče pri-
pada prvemu valu skupin 'prvega neolitika zmernega pasu' (First Temperate Neolithic), ki so doseg-
le Romunijo. Vsak kompleks je predstavljen na načrtih, skozi tipološko analizo lončenine in nekate-
rimi reprezentativnimi najdbami. V zgodnejših kompleksih se pojavlja tudi belo slikanje.
KEY WORDS - Early Neolithic; Starčevo-Cris; white painting; radiocarbon; statistical analyses
General context
The Petri§ archaeological site is situated 500m east
of the Miercurea Bai halt, 50-80m north of the Se-
be? Alba-Sibiu highway, along the Seca? river terrace
which is 4-5m in height (Plan 1). The archaeological
discoveries are over an area of about 300/100m.
Systematic research at the site commenced in 1997,
and at the moment the excavators comprise resear-
chers and representatives of several institutions in
Romania and abroad1.
The interdisciplinary profile of the accomplished re-
search (the statistics on ceramics; the analysis of soil
types as rough materials in ceramics processing; the
pre-elevation of samples and the 14C data; the desi-
gnated analysis of items of flaked obsidian and flint;
the zoo-archaeological analysis of the remnants; the
analysis of the route attained by the adornments,
tools and weapons made of bone, horn and shell;
the analysis of seed remnants, etc.), as well as the
particularities of the site's settlement, has led to
outstanding findings and remarkable conclusions.
For a better understanding of the topographical set-
ting, detailed measurements were taken (Plan 2),
allowing correlation with advanced technology pro-
1 Sabin Adrian LUCA - „Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu and The Brukenthal National Museum of Sibiu, Romania; Drago? DIACO-
NESCU, Adrian GEORGESCU, Gheorghe NATEA, Florina Maria NIJU, Anamaria SEULEAN - The Brukenthal National Museum of Si-
biu, Romania; Cosmin loan SUCIU, Florian DUMITRESCU CHIOAR - „Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu, Romania; Paolo BIAGI -
Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Italy; Michela SPATARO - British Museum, London, U.K.; Georgeta EL SUSI - Institute of Archaeo-
logy of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania; Corneliu BELDIMAN - „Dimitrie Cantemir" University of Bucharest, Romania;
Diana SZTANCS - teacher; Marius CIUTA- Romanian Police, Alba Iulia; Beatrice CIUTA- „1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba
Iulia, Romania.
grammes such as Google Earth.
The area in which the site is lo-
cated enjoys high quality satellite
imagery provided through this
particular programme. In the
near future, we will be able to
publish the results of the topogra-
phic data processing, i.e. geogra-
phical simulations and mathema-
tical processing of data. In order
for this to happen, a geo-magne-
tic study of the area is still need-
ed; the site's stratigraphy promi-
ses a particularly relevant geo-
magnetic map.
Plan 1. The Miercurea Sibiului city map with the archaeological site
at Petri§.
In the first stage, research at the site was conducted
by means of stratigraphic control trenches, for which
purpose the eastern zone was chosen (Plan 2); Plan
3 clearly presents the exact positioning (Si/1997 -
20/1.5m; S2/1998 - l6/2m; S3/I998 - 16/2 m; S4/
1999 - 16/2m and S5/2OOO - 20/1.5 m).
In the next stage (begun in 2001) the digging system
was changed on the researched surfaces because it
was observed that the stratigraphy is extensive and
horizontal, in which circumstances the archaeologi-
cal complexes rarely intersect and the dwellings, pits
and other constructions could be excavated very
productively. That is why it was decided to set aside
the archaeological material coming from the cultural
level, and concentrate efforts on as closely as possi-
ble on the architectural remnants, artefacts and bio-
logical remnants in the enclosed archaeological com-
plexes. The surfaces studied (Plan s2 and 3) have
the following measurements and numbers: SI/2001-
2003 - 20/20m; SII/2004-2005 - 15/16m; SIII/ 2006-
2007 - 20/10m; SIV/2006 - 40/40m (no image; it is
to be traced out north of the SI-II surfaces; still to
be excavated); SV/2007 (still to be excavated).
The present article is concerned with the analysis of
the Starcevo-Cri§ levels, systematically researched
from 1997-2005 in S1-5/1997-2000 sections, and
SI-II/2001-2005 surfaces. In brief, the stratigraphy
of the site is as follows:
I - the first and the oldest dwelling level appertains
to the Starcevo-Cri§ culture, presenting several sub-
levels:
Ia - the deepened dwellings of this sub-level apper-
tain to the Starcevo-Cri§ IB phase;
Ib - the deepened dwellings of this sub-level apper-
tain to the Starcevo-Cri§ IC-IIA phase;
Ic - after a hiatus (?), the deepened dwellings of this
sub-level appertain to the Starcevo-Cri§ IIB-IIIA
phase.
II - the second level appertains to the Vinca culture,
old phase (A, and evolving to B1):
IIa - the dwellings of these sub-levels - dwelling
pits - are constructed in two stages:
IIai - the dwellings of this stage appertain to the
Vinca A2-3 phase (typologically and stylistically);
Plan 2. Topographical plan of the terrace and loca-
tion of surfaces I and II.
Suprafala S I
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Suprafala S II
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Miercurea Sibiului - Petrin
General plan of excavations
(1997-2005)
The present article analyses the architec-
tural remnants of the oldest first level in
Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§, researched be-
tween 1997 and 2005. All the dwellings
at this level were sunk deep into the
ground (Plan 4), the analysis being done
in the order of their age. The criteria were
a result of a study of the direct stratigra-
phic relations, architecture, typological
and stylistic examinations, studies in ma-
thematics and statistics, and absolute ra-
diocarbon chronology.
The architecture of the complexes was se-
verely damaged - in the upper part of
the dwelling pit - the resultant dyke
(levee) is earthen, formed by earth and
other elements dug out, on the pit's mar-
gins, during contemporary agricultural
activities and construction enterprises of
the inhabitants who have subsequently
followed the Starcevo-Cri§ culture. This is
why we deal mainly with the lower part of
the construction, meaning 50-60 % of it.
Saprafala S III
Plan 3. The overall plan of the excavations
(surfaces I-III) in 2005.
IIa2 - the dwellings of this stage appertain to the
Vinca A3 phase.
IIb - the surfaced dwellings of this sub-level apper-
tain to the Vinca A3-B1 phase.
II/III level - unpublished research in 2007, led to
the discovery of several pits containing archaeologi-
cal material from the Vinca Bi phase, yielding paint-
ed decorations specific to the Lumea Noua Transyl-
vanian culture; future research will reveal more de-
tails of this aspect. Considering the fact that the stra-
tigraphy of the site was already published, we chose
to name this level: II/III, which anyway emerged
after Vinča Bi and before Vinča C2.
III	- this level appertains to the Pe-
tre§ti culture; its surfaced dwellings,
with massive clay floors, appertain
to the AB phase of the culture.
IV	- the pits at this level were dug
by Celto-Dacians in II-I BC.
V	- the graves and some of the hete-
rogeneous archaeological complexes
at this level appertain to the Gepid
period.
VI	- this level is represented by a
semi-deepened dwelling, with a stone
oven that could be dated to the first
millennium A.C.
The later work determined, in most cases,
the destruction of the first (I) Starčevo-
Cri§ layer. In its preserved parts (Plan 5 - level num-
ber 6) it is no thicker than 0.10m; it is discontinu-
ous and presents a yellow-reddish colour, a clay-like
consistency mixed with gravel, lying on gravel con-
taining sand and loess. The reddish shade of the ar-
chaeological layer could indicate the formation of
forest soils during the post-Ice Age period. Over the
whole region of Transylvania, the first farmers set-
tled on this type of soil which, after the sedimenta-
tion of vegetal remains resulting from human activi-
ties over many generations, evolved into the humus
visible in the area of the site.
Plan 4. Starčevo-Cris complexes in 2005 (level Ia-c).
Plan 5. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Vertical stratigraphic profile in
the zone of the B10 dwelling pit.
As could be observed, the vertical stratigraphy of the
site is not very well developed (1-1, 20m), this being
one of the features of most Transylvanian archaeolo-
gical sites.
The Ia sub-level
Dwelling-pit Bio/2003 - Starcevo-Cri§ Culture
(Plan 4, surface I, lower-centre; Plan 5, Plan 6;
Fig. 1; Photo 1; Tab. 1)
From a chronological and cultural perspective, the
oldest dwelling-pit was discovered in Miercurea Si-
biului-Petri§, gate number 10. It is rectangular and
oriented approximately north-south. Part of the en-
trance on its eastern side has survived (Plan 6). The
general features of the digging method in prehistory
reveals it as a semi-dwelling-pit, the area designed for
air circulation being deepened approximately 0.40m
in comparison with the lateral part designed as a
Plan 6. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Horizontal plan
of the B10 dwelling pit.
sleeping area (Plan 5). There is no
heating system. Also, there are no
elements of a dyke (levee) formed
by the earth that was dug out, or
pole-pits to indicate its architecture.
The pit's filling shows that the dwel-
ling was left on purpose and rapidly
filled in with the remains of other
constructions. The 14C data indicate
that the dwelling was in use before
7050 ± 70 calBP (Tab. 2 (see Appen-
dix), Fig. 9). The artefacts and biological finds do not
indicate disturbances other than those caused by hu-
man activity.
Some 382 ceramic fragments comprise the B10 com-
plex (Fig. 1, Photo 1, Graphic 1, Tab. 1). Fine cera-
mics predominate with 47%, closely followed by
semi-fine ceramics (41%) and only 17% coarse cera-
mics. The colour of the exteriors are mainly shades
of red: russet (27%) and cardinal red (7%). Brick re-
presents a 19%, followed by shades of brown: dark
brown (12%) and light brown (5%). Grey (11%) and
yellowish (5%) also occur. The temper consists of
sand and husk (86%) or just sand (8%). The exterior
surface is polished (49%) and smoothed (48%). 97%
of the fragments do not present ornaments. All the
above data make the B10 dwelling pit at Miercurea
Sibiului-Petri§ one of the oldest archaeological com-
plexes of this type north of the Danube.
The B19 dwelling-pit (Plan 4, surface II, lower
left; Plan 7; Fig. 2)
This item is closely connected - chronologically and
culturally - to the G26 pit (Plan 4, surface II, next to
the B19 to the right; Plan 7 - right). The features of
G26 will be described and discussed on another occa-
sion. At this point we restrict ourselves to affirming
that it indicates a ritual character (related to hunting
and success in hunting rituals and practices; the pit
contains dozens of pairs of Bos primigenius horns
deposited, it seems, at the conclusion of a successful
hunt; on this occasion, it is possible that a Neolithic
community had been established). The 14C data
show that the pit was in use around 7010 ± 40 calBP
(Tab. 2, Fig. 9).
The B19 dwelling pit is rectangular and is oriented
approximately north-south, as B10 is. To the south,
the entrance is partially preserved (Plan 7). The ge-
neral features of the digging method used reveals
it as a semi-dwelling-pit, the part designed for air cir-
culation being deepened approximately 0.40m in
comparison with the lateral parts designed as slee-
Ipii
4.
ping area. There is no heating system. Also, there
are no elements of a dyke (levee) formed by the
earth that was dug out, or pole-pits to indicate its ar-
chitecture. The pit's contents show that the dwel-
ling was left on purpose and rapidly filled with the
remains of other constructions. The artefacts and
biological finds do not suggest disturbances other
than those resulting from human activity. Stratigra-
phic observations show that the B19 dwelling pit was
made after the digging of G26.
720 ceramic fragments, comprising the B19 content,
have been analysed (Fig. 2, Tab. 1, Graphic 1). The
semi-fine ceramics predominate with 45%, followed
by coarse ceramics (35%) and fine ceramics (20%).
There are mainly shades of brown: brown (21%),
dark brown (20%) and light brown (16%). There are
presented also reddish brown (9%), russet (6%),
greyish-black (5%), brown with flaps (4%), brick-
colour (4%) and grey (4%). The other nuances are
less than 2% each. In the composition of the paste
husk prevails in several combinations: husk and
sand (38%), sand and husk (23%), sand, shivers and
husk (11%), husk and shivers (8%), husk (8%), sand,
husk and small stones (4%). The smoothing of the
exterior surface of the fragments is as follows: smooth
(30%), detached slip (22%), rough (20%), polished
slip (15%), polished (5%), well smoothed (4%), smo-
othed slip (3%) and applied barbotine (ledge) (1%).
The presence of ornaments is only 6%.
In our opinion, at the present moment, the oldest
Neolithic horizon is in Miercurea Sibiului-Petri?, indi-
cated by the mark Ia and defined by the B10, B19
dwelling pits and the G26 pit (Figs. 1, 2, Tab. 2, Pho-
tos 1, 2). These dwellings are not very deep, rectan-
gular, with rounded corners. The B10 dwelling pit is
partially cut in its north-western corner by the B1
dwelling pit which appertains - as we shall see as
follows - to a subsequent phase of the same culture.
If we are to compare this type of dwelling with other
types at contemporary sites, we notice that the pro-
file is identical (regarding shape, depth, the fashion
of digging) with the one of the oldest dwellings in
Gura Baciului (Lazarovici and Kalmar 1995.63) (a
comparison with Ocna Sibiului is not possible yet,
due to the lack of complete publication of the plans
describing the oldest dwellings).
The study of the ceramics in these complexes shows
that we are facing some of the oldest dwellings ap-
pertaining to farmers domesticating plants and ani-
mals during the Neolithic in Romanian areas. Com-
paring the categories of the ceramics in the presen-
Plan 7. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. The plan of the
B19 dwelling pit and of the Gr26pit.
ted site with those in Gura Baciului (a compa-
rison with Ocna Sibiului is impossible due to
the lack of published statistical data) a great
many similarities are ascertained. These dwel-
ling complexes, completely dug, also have sin-
gular characteristics like the presence of cera-
mic fragments painted with small spots of
white-yellowish colour on a red, polished, glass-
like background (Figs. 1, 2). This feature, spe-
cific to a technology extent in the very old cul-
tural horizon (Gura Baciului I - the dwelling
complexes at the inferior part of the level), is
also specific to the archaeological complexes
studied in Miercurea Sibiului.
In this regard, the B10,19 dwelling pits and the
G26 pit in Miercurea Sibiului-Petris are to be
considered as part of the first migration in the
opinion of Gheorghe Lazarovici and Zoia Kal-
mar (Lazarovici and Kalmar 1995.199-200),
and regarding Gura Baciului I, in Nicolae Vlas-
sa's opinion (Vlassa 1976.198-264), or Precri§
Ia in Iuliu Paul's opinion (Paul 1995.30-31,
Abb. 2, 5), the cultural horizon of the archaeo-
logical complexes being Starcevo-Cri§ IB (La-
zarovici 1979.40-41).
The Ib sub-level
Fig. 2. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Sherds from the B19 dwel-
ling pit and Gr26pit.
are G28 and G34 (Plan 8). The depth of the dwelling
pit is greater than in the case of the dwelling pits of
the Ia level by approximately 0,60m. The dwelling
pit has lateral 'beds'.
The B17 dwelling-pit (Plan 4, surface II, centre;
Plan 8; Fig. 3, Tab. 1)
This dwelling pit is round, being interrupted on its
southern side by a complex of pits: B20-21; G3135-36.
To the south-east, the dwelling pit is disturbed by an
oven-hearth at the Vinca level (a surfaced dwelling
that appertain to the Vinca level is dated 6359 ± 130
BP). The pits anthropically upsetting the dwelling pit
Photo 1. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Painted sherd from the
B10 dwelling pit (no scale).
649 ceramic fragments from the B^'s content have
being analyzed (Fig. 3, Graphic 1, Tab. 1). Regarding
the categories of ceramic, semi-fine ceramic (44%)
predominate, followed by coarse (38%) and fine
(18%) ceramic. As for colour, nuances of brown are
most common: brown (28%), light brown (19%),
dark brown (11%) and brown with flaps (7%). The
reddish nuances are: reddish (11%), reddish-
brown (11%) and cardinal red (3%). The
temper used for the paste is mainly made up
by different combinations of husk: husk and
sand (64%), sand, husk and small stones
(10%), sand and husk (8%) and husk (7%).
Regarding the smoothing of the exterior sur-
faces, there are to be observed: smoothed
slip (29%), detached slip (27%), rough (19%),
smoothed (11%), smoothed slip (9%) and
barbotine (3%). 89% of the fragments are not
decorated, with barbotine (3%), application
(3%), application and cell (3%) and finger tip
impressions (1%). The pit is dated at 7030 ±
50 BP (Poz-24697 - Thanks to prof. dr. hab.
Janusz Kozlowski who kindly accepted the
sample in FEPRE project - Tab. 2, Fig. 9).
The B20-21 dwelling-pits and the G3135-36 pits
(Plan 4, surface II, centre-right; Plan 9; Figs. 4
and 5)
The B20-21 dwelling pits and the G3135-36 pits are spe-
cial cases in Miercurea Sibiului-Petrig. The five com-
plexes are in a very small area. Because they inter-
sect in such a manner, we faced difficulties in estab-
lishing their stratigraphic succession, considering
their chronological succession at the same time. So,
we resorted to intermediary stratigrafic profiles
(cross-section) in order to establish the succession
of these units. It was clear that, from a stratigraphic
point of view, B21 is the latest, as it 'cuts up' the fill-
ing of B20 and G35 which, in turn, intersects B20. The
latter is intersects the G36 pit. The difficulty resided
in establishing the stratigraphic position of G31 in re-
lation to the other four complexes, due to its eccen-
tric position. The dwelling pits were abandoned and
corked up at short notice, and a palisade at the Vinca
level, as well as other two pits at the same level (in-
dicated by the dotted line contours) 'passed' through
the middle of the intersection of pits, making more
difficult the chronology reading of the complexes.
129 ceramic fragments were recovered from B20.
Semi-fine ceramics predominate (41%), followed by
coarse ceramics (37%) and fine (22%). The nuances
of brown are the most numerous: brown (24%), light
Fig. 3. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Sherds from the
B17 dwelling pit. dwelling pit.
Plan 8. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. The plan of the
B17 dwelling pit.
brown (19%), brown with flaps (8%). There are also
nuances of red such as reddish-brown (6%), reddish
(5%), cardinal red (3%), and nuances of grey: grey
(10%), greyish-black (3%), light grey (3%) and grey
with black flaps (1%). The temper used for the paste
is mainly made up of different combinations of husk:
husk and sand (70%), sand and husk (12%) and
sand, husk and small stones (12%). The exterior sur-
faces are: detached slip (35%), polished slip (33%),
rough aspect (17%), applied barbotine (5%) and smo-
othed slip (5%). Only 15% of the ceramic fragments
are ornamented, with barbotine (5%) and applica-
tion (2%) are predominant, and the rest of the deco-
ration types being below 1%.
From B21, 186 ceramic fragments were analysed
(Figs. 4 and 5), with semi-fine ceramic (51%) being
the most frequent, followed by fine (25%) and coarse
(24%). The exterior colour of the fragments is domi-
nated by nuances of brown: brown (25%), light
brown (21%), dark brown (20%) and brown with
flaps (5%). The nuances of red are: reddish (5%),
reddish brown (4%) and cardinal red (2%). Husk
prevails in the composition of the paste: husk and
sand (62%), sand and husk (17%) and sand, husk
and small stones (9%). The exterior surfaces were:
detached slip (40%), polished slip (22%), rough
(13%) and smoothed (18%). Only 9% of the frag-
ments are decorated, the percentage for every type
of decoration being below 2%.
When analyzing the ceramics in these complexes
(which offered enough data for a comparative ana-
lysis on typological and stylistic bases) we decided
to integrate the complex of pits in the Ib sub-level
(even if from a stratigraphic point of view there is a
clear chronological difference between the five deep-
ened complexes, the ceramic materials discovered
here argue for the relative contemporaneity of these
pits in the IC-IIA phase of the Starcevo-Cri§ cultural
complex).
The Bi dwelling pit (Plan 4, surface I, left; Plan
10; Photo 3, Tab. 1)
It seems that the initial pit of Bi was round. Unfor-
tunately, its initial shape was damaged by the B4
Vinca dwelling pit (which reached the bottom of Bi
only here and there, but modified its initial shape)
and the M3 grave (level V - a Gepid necropolis). The
i4C data for this dwelling complex, 6920 ± 70 calBP,
is the base - along with the typological and stylistic
characteristics - for the absolute chronology of the
Ib horizon here, representing the real time of the
complex (the archaeological material discovered
here is characteristic of fully functional house-ware).
Two pits were preserved in the interior of Bi, name-
ly G4a and G4a' (Plan 4, surface I, left; Plan 10). It
seems that they were part of this complex as pole-
pits (?) of large dimensions. The archaeological ma-
Fig. 4. Miercurea Sibiului-Petriv. Sherds from the
B21 dwelling pit.
Plan 9. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. The plan of the
B20 and B21 dwelling pits.
terials discovered in the two pits and in the dwelling
pit prove that they are contemporaneous.
Only 141 ceramic fragments were recovered from Bi
(Fig. 6, Graphic 1, Tab.1). Fine ceramic predominates
(41%), followed by semi-fine ceramic (37%) and
coarse (22%). Brick colour (23%) is followed by the
brown (18%), reddish (13%), cardinal red (11%),
dark brown (9%), light brown (9%), grey (6%) and
yellowish (2%). Husk prevails as a supplement in the
composition of the paste: sand and husk (81%), husk
and sand (13%) and fine sand (3%). The exterior
surface is smoothed (56%) and polished (40%). Un-
decorated ceramics predominate (92%), most of the
decorative elements being cells (5%). The rest of the
ornaments are below 1%.
An item of special character was discovered in this
dwelling pit. The schematic amulet (Fig. 6/4a-b;
Photo 3) represents an 'idol bucranium' or a 'labret'
(Karmanski 1986.12, prilog 1) and is made of clay.
In Romania, this kind of amulet is to be found in set-
tlements that appertain to the Starcevo-Cri§ cultural
complex: Cluj-Napoca-Gura Baciului (Vlassa 1976.
211, 230, Fig. 14/3-4; Lazarovici and Kalmar 1995.
155, Fig. 22/6; Brukner 2000.298-299), Dubova-
Cuina Turcului (Lazarovici 1979.34; Päunescu 1979.
37, fig. 14/ 11), Foeni-Sala§ (Ciubotaru 1998.75, Pl.
III/6-7, 9), Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§ (Luca 2002),
The chronological and cultural integration of
the Ib sub-level
The Bi dwelling pit is contemporary with Starcevo-
Cri§ IC-IIA, according to the similartities regarding
ceramic and plasters. In the same way, the 14C data
and the seriation with other data obtained from the
same site clearly indicate a relation with the anterior
sub-level and a certain evolution at the same time.
The Ic sub-level
The B9 dwelling pit (Plan 4, surface I, lower
centre; Plan 11; Fig. 8)
This deepened dwelling shows - through the crop-
ped archaeological material, as well as through archi-
tectural characteristics - that we are dealing with a
different cultural and chronological horizon, a later
one, appertaining to the Starcevo-Cri§ culture. The
14C data for this archaeological complex - 6180 ±
40 BP - reflects an important reality of the stratig-
raphy of the site in Miercurea Sibiului - the exis-
tence of considerable disturbance due to human ac-
tivity, rodents and carnivores. In our case, the dis-
turbance was caused by humans - as shown by the
stratigraphy. During the 2007 research, we obser-
ved that the B9 dwelling pit continues in surface III
(no illustration) and is strongly affected by a pit ap-
pertaining to the II/III level (Lumea Noua culture),
the one which follows here to the II horizon com-
plexes, dated Vinca A3-B1. This complex has an ex-
tended, oval shape, with a short axis of small dimen-
sions (2m), and is ot very deep (see Plan 11).
In total, this complex comprises 585 fragments (Fig.
8, Tab. 1, Graphic 1). Rough ceramics predominate
Fig. 5. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Sherds from the
B21 dwelling pit.
Ocna Sibiului-Triguri (Paul 1995.51, Pl. VIII/5-6;
XXX/3 a-b, 4 a-b) and Salcuta (Lazarovici 1979.
34, n. 170). Dumitru Berciu integrates very early the
first level of the Piscul Corni§orului (Berciu 1961.
29-30, 160, 161, 162, 167, 185-192), the same per-
spective being that in the case of the site at Timi-
§oara-Fratelia (Dra§ovean 2001.34, Pl. 4/4-5), ana-
logies in South-Eastern Europe being developed with
Blagotin (Ciubotaru 1998.75). This author states
that the items were discovered in the vicinity of a
cultic complex and could have a utilitarian purpose,
perhaps in connection with the religious practices,
as they have been hypothesised at Divostin (Kar-
manski 1988.12), Dobanovici-Ciglana (Karmanski
1988.12), Donja Branjevina (Lazarovici 1979.34, n.
166; Karmanski 1989.Pl. 9/2-6, 10-12, 14; 2000,
T. XXII; Brukner 2000.309), Grivac (Lazarovici
1979.34, n. 168), Knjepište (Brukner 2000.309),
Kozluk (Srejović 1969.306, Pl. 8; 85/2; Tasić 1973.
90; Lazarovici 1979.34, n. 167), Lepenski Vir (Sre-
jović 1969.306, Pl. 8; 85/2; Tasić 1973.90; Lazaro-
vici 1979.34, n. 167), Lug-Obrenovac (Jovanović
1967.20; Tasić 1973.90; Lazarovici 1979.34, n. 169)
and Rakitovo (Matsanova 1996.105-127). Cultu-
rally, these items are to be integrated with the Star-
cevo-Cri§ culture, the IC-IIA phase (Lazarovici 1983.
13; Ciubotaru 1998.75; Dra§ovean 2001).
Plan 10. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. The plan of the
B1 dwelling pit.
(43%), followed by semi-fine (37%)
and fine (20%). The exterior colour
is different from that in earlier com-
plexes, where the nuances of red
(reddish, cardinal red, reddish
brown) played an important role.
In this complex, nuances of brown
are predominate (brown 18%, light
brown 13%, and dark brown 13%),
followed by the nuances of grey
(grey-9%, whitish grey-6% and gre-
yish dark-3%). The nuances of brick
colour are almost at the same per-
centage (14%).
The way that the exterior surfaces
were smoothed indicates an affinity
for a higher quality of product through the polished
(30%) and smoothed (27%) surfaces. In the same
context, the barbotine technique can be observed in
25% of the material. The ceramic paste contains sand
and husk (45%), or husk and sand (28%) as a de-
greaser. The fragments containing sand of various
consistencies are not more than 14% of the total of
the analyzed fragments. The greater parts of the frag-
ments have no decoration (74%). The barbotine
(25%) (barbotine is considered to be a technique for
treating surfaces, as well as a type of decoration) pre-
dominates, while the remainder of decorative types
comprise about 1% (applications, pinches, nail im-
pressions, incisions and cuts).
The chronological and cultural integration of
the Ic sub-level
The archaeological material discovered in this dwel-
ling pit also appertains to the Starcevo-Crig culture.
As we could observe from a study of the ceramics,
there is a hiatus between the settlements characte-
ristic of the Ia-b and sub-levels. The ceramics with
barbotine appear in such a great number - being de-
corated in the technique of organized barbotine (Fig.
Photo 2. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Painted sherds from the
Gr26 pit (no scale).
Fig. 6. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Sherds from the Bi dwelling pit.
8) - that we are led to the opinion that we are dea-
ling with a moment of 'starcevisation', integrated
after the IIB phase of the Starcevo-Crig culture.
The statistics of the analyzed complexes
In Table 1 and on the Graphic 1 the materials of the
complexes we are concerned with, are analyzed.
Thus, B10, B19, G26, B17 were examined almost com-
pletely. B1 comprises partial results because of the
exterior disturbances which affected its structure.
B9 was researched in 2003 and 2007, when the bulk
of the ceramic fragments were recovered.
The situation is relatively constant regarding the ex-
tant relation between the three categories of cera-
mics. Thus, for the B10, B19, G26, B17 and B1 complex-
es, there is a larger proportion of semi-fine rough ce-
ramics, while B9 is the only complex having a higher
percentage of rough ceramics.
The most substantial differences are registered for
the fine category, with B10 and B1 having values
over 40%.
Apart from the B1 complex (comprising a
small number of fragments for each cate-
gory), the other complexes yielded a con-
stant number of fine ceramic fragments
(between 119 and 162 fragments).
We believe that the analysis of the degrease
of the paste, as one of the most important
elements defining the technology of cera-
mics, shows small differences between the
three sub-levels, constituting, along with the
analysis of the categories of ceramics, a ba-
Fig. 7. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Sherds from the
B1 dwelling pit.
sic argument for 'dividing' the level corresponding
to the Upper Neolithic in Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§.
Thus, in the case of the B10 dwelling pit, we observe
a certain prevalence of the combination based on
'sand and husk' (the order is given by the element
that predominates) (87%), 'husk and sand' totalling
only 4% (the sum of the two categories having val-
ues of 91%). We present the combined values for
the two types of degreaser 'sand and husk' and 'husk
and sand', as the analysis of the ceramics is done
macroscopically and could sometimes cause confu-
sion regarding the prevalence of one or another
component. B19 demonstrates a contrasting situa-
tion, favouring degreaser containing 'husk and sand'
in 40%, the other combination of 'sand and husk'
having a percentage of 24% (the sum of the two ca-
tegories having values of 64%). There is to be noted
the introduction of 'pounded shivers' in three diffe-
rent mixtures, amounting to 21% of the total of ce-
ramic fragments in this complex. In which regard,
the G26 pit we consider to belong, with the other two
units described above, to the Ia sublevel; it presents
a slightly different situation: the 'husk and sand'
have values of 63%, 'sand and husk' 16% (the total
being 79%), while the mixtures with 'pounded
shivers' total 8%.
The Ib sub-level includes, as the most representative
complexes, the B17, B20, B21 and B1 dwelling pits. For
B1, the values of the two categories ('sand and husk',
'husk and sand') total 96%; for B17, 74% (this com-
plex presents a large range of combinations of diffe-
rent materials for a degreaser), for B20, 88%, and
for B21, 85%.
Up to this moment, B9 is the only identified unit in-
tegrated in the Ic sub-level. In our estimation, the
percentage of the two categories is 74%.
A common element is also to be observed regarding
the technological aspect of ceramics processing in
the early Neolithic communities, as shown by the site
at Petri§: the two types of material used as a supple-
ment for the rough material (clay), husk and sand
and sand and husk, have a percentage higher than
60% in the case of every unit analyzed, a fact that
could indicate a 'rule' through several phases in the
evolution of the Starcevo-Cri§ cultural complex at
the Miercurea Sibiului site.
Conclusions
The earliest manifestation of the Neolithic in Transyl-
vania is the Starcevo-Cri§ cultural horizon, as defined
by most scholars in the specialized literature of the
Plan 11. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. The plan of the
B9 dwelling pit.
last three decades (Vlassa 1966.9-48; Lazarovici
1975.8-12; 1977.34-42; 1979.39-56; 1983.9-34;
1984.49-104; 1992.25-59; 1993; Dumitrescu 1983.
69; Ursulescu 1984.90; Paul 1989.3-28).
The mode dissemination by the newcomers was de-
termined - to all appearances - by the existence of
some areas newly uncovered from under glaciers.
This is the only way of explaining the conclusion of
Breunig regarding Europe, obtained through the cor-
relation of all the 14C data (in the BC period) having
a natural and direct relation to the process of Neoli-
thisation (Breunig 1987.86).
Concerning the terminology for naming the Neolithic
newcomers, we are circumspect regarding the accep-
tance of the idea that the old phases of the Starcevo-
Crig cultural complex must be considered 'a genetic
phase of the Starcevo-Crig culture' (Pavük 1993231;
Brukner 2000.287). Especially in Transylvania, the
defined terminology for the concept of Precrig cul-
ture (Paul 1989; 1995; Ciuta1998; 2000; 2001) is
based on the scarcity of precise observations, com-
plete research of the archaeological complexes, sta-
tistics, complete analysis, and horizontal and vertical
stratigraphies (Lazarovici 2001.42-45).
The existence of a 'first Neolithic wave', represented
through the 'aceramic' or 'pre-ceramic' Neolithic ho-
rizon, as discovered in Thessaly (Milojčić 1959.230-
232; 1960; Benac 1978.16; Garašanin 1978.34;
1980.58) or in other locations, especially in caves
(Benac 1971.98), cannot be a demonstration of the
situation in Transylvania. The closest site and asso-
ciated assemblage of this cultural and chronological
horizon was hypothesised at Därtu-Ceahlau (Pau-
nescu 1958.269-271; Berciu 1958. 91-98), which
proved to be of later date (Vlassa 1964.463-464).
The evolution of the large Carpatho-Balkan cultural
complex of the Early Neolithic, Starcevo-Crig - a
component of the Balkano-Anatolian complex of the
Early Neolithic (Garašanin 1978.32-33, 35-38;
1980) - begins in Transylvania, at least theoretically,
at the same time as the 'Frühkeramik' or 'Mono-
chrom' phase (Milojčić 1949; 1959; Milojčić-Zum-
busch 1971.25). The archaeological materials of this
phase are shown hypothetically at Romanian sites
(Lazarovici 1977.34; 1979.17; 1984.53-55). The
existence of the monochrome, fine and polished ce-
ramic, is beyond doubt, present among the other
pottery in all the locations yielding early Neolithic ce-
ramics in Transylvania (Paul 1989.20). It is enough
to mention here the settlements at Gura Baciului I
Fig. 8. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§. Sherds from the
B9 dwelling pit.
(Vlassa 1976.198-264; Lazarovici and Kalmar
1995.199, 201), Ocna Sibiului-Triguri I and II (Paul
1989; 1995.28-68) and Miercurea Sibiului-Petrig Ia-
b (Luca 2002; 2004; Luca et ali 1998; 1999; 2000a;
2001; 2002).
Perhaps the most important location pertaining to
the primary moment of Neolithisation - 'post ace-
ramic' is at Cluj-Gura Baciului. The first (I) horizon
here (Vlassa 1976.198-264) comprises archaeolo-
gical complexes beginning their evolution as early
as the IA phase of the Starcevo-Crig cultural complex
(Lazarovici and Kalmar 1995.63, 68-79). The most
important dwelling complex is the B2A dwelling pit,
considered by its discoverers to be the oldest Neoli-
thic (Lazarovici and Kalmar 1995.68-69). Other
complexes and archaeological materials - along
with those in the B1 dwelling pit and G1a pit, the B8
dwelling pit, the B2A1 dwelling pit, the G11 pit, the
B9B dwelling pit, the G33 pit, and the B10 and B2B
dwelling pits - are part of horizon I at Gura Baciu-
lui (Lazarovici and Kalmar 1995.68-79), conside-
red by Vlassa to be parallel with the 'Protosesklo'
stage (Vlassa 1976.257-260).
Photo 3. Miercurea Sibiului-Petti§.
The bucranium idol from the B1
dwelling pit (no scale).
An important location of the early Neolithic in Tran-
sylvania is at Ocna Sibiului-Triguri (Paul 1989; 1995.
28-68), considering its stratigraphy and archaeolo-
gical material. The first three successive levels of
this site (Ia-IIa) appertain to the 'Protosesklo' hori-
zon. The IIb level could appertain to the transit
phase to the Cris culture (a synchronic phase with
Gura Baciului II); while the last two levels - IIIa-IIIb
- appertain to some sequences of the Starcevo-Cri§
cultural complex (Paul 1989.10). He suggested that
the 'Protosesklo' horizon appears as a distinct cul-
ture, having a relatively long evolution, which he
names 'Precri§', two regional aspects of which were
noticed north of the Danube: the 'Wallachian aspect'
in Carcea (Oltenia) and the 'Transylvanian aspect' in
Ocna Sibiului-Gura Baciului, observing the existence
of two developing stages as well - I and II (Paul
1989.11). Against a unitary evolution of the early
Neolithic in the northern zone of the Balkans, under
the name of Starcevo-Cri§ cultural complex (Lazaro-
vici 1992.27), Paul is seeking a detailed phase I and
partial phase II of this chronological system, which
was not confirmed directly in the context of the ne-
west discoveries in Transylvania, especially in Gura
Baciului or Miercurea Sibiului-Petris. It is to be obser-
ved that, no matter in what perspective we consider
the development of the first Neolithic phases (such
as the Starcevo-Cri§ cultural complex, phase I and
partial II, or Precris I-II, or a cultural group - or cul-
ture - Gura Baciului-Carcea), the recent discoveries
will lead to the required nuances and reconsidera-
tions. Finally, we notice that, in the publication of
this site, no clear observations were made of the
dwellings and the evolution of the ceramics at each
successive level of the dwellings. Analysing
the published material, we could offer the
opinion that - besides the consideration that
the author has other data - the oldest dwel-
lings here would be a dwelling pit (Paul
1995.30-31, Abb. 2) for Precri§ Ia phase,
along other one in SXII (Paul 1995.Abb. 5),
and a semi-dwelling pit (Paul 1995.30-31,
Abb. 2), dwelling 9 and a pit (Paul 1995.
Abb. 5, 6) for the Precri§ Ib phase. Without
renouncing to a research system based on
the prospect of the stratigraphy in narrow
sections, the author remains captive to some theore-
tical concepts which are only tangentially based on
the data from a thorough analysis of both the archi-
tecture and the artefacts (Lazarovici 2001.42).
The observations made in Transylvania, as well the
latest discoveries, compel us to draw attention to the
Early Neolithic cultural penetration along the val-
ley of the River Olt to Ocna Sibiului, continuing
(Miercurea Sibiului - thermal springs) towards the
salt mines at the far north curve of the central
stretch of the River Mures and towards the settle-
ment at Gura Baciului. It is difficult to consider that
we are dealing with migration in the real sense of
the word (Lazarovici and Kalmar 1995.42-43), es-
pecially because the data relating to ceramic techno-
logy do not match those from Thessaly, for example.
The ways of diffusions are not clear (Lazarovici and
Kalmar 1995.42-43). We have to accept that, for
the time being, these remain the only possible defi-
nitions if we consider them in succession: migration
and diffusion. However, the Ib level is - in the case
of the location at Miercurea Sibiului - the associa-
tion of a piece of bucranium type with the ceramics
of the B1 dwelling pit which compel us to integrate
the artefact and the archaeological complex in the
IC-IIA phase of the mentioned culture. As a conse-
quence, it is contemporary with Gura Baciului I (a
part of the complexes: the B8 dwelling pit, B2A1 dwel-
ling pit, the G11 pits, the B9B dwelling pit, the G33 pit,
the B10 dwelling pit and B2B dwelling pit) (Lazaro-
vici and Kalmar 1995.68-79) or with Precri§ Ib -
the pit, semi-dwelling pit, dwelling 9 (Paul 1995.
30-31, Abb. 2, 5-6) and dwelling 1/1997 in §eu§a-
La cararea morii (Ciuta 1998; 2000). To the same
chronological and cultural horizon appertains the ar-
chaeological site discovered in Ceri§or-Pe§tera Cauce.
A new horizon presenting mainly monochrome ce-
ramics could be defined among the latest discoveries
at Cerisor-Pestera Cauce, where there is cultural la-
yer in which the ceramics are mainly fine and poli-
The Stratigraphic Position	The Complex Code	Rough	Semi-fine	Fine
Sub-level Ia	B10	65	155	162
	B19	251	322	147
	G26	151	233	119
Sub-level Ib	B17	246	288	115
	B1	31	52	58
Sub-level Ic	B9	248	218	119
Tab. 1. Distribution of ceramic fragments from the analysed
complexes.
shed, but we cannot give it a
definite date. We note that no
painted ceramic fragments were
discovered here.
On the other hand, the existence
of this kind of settlement in Ro-
mania was announced by the
discovery in Iosa§-Anele (Luca
and Barbu 1992-1994). Some
Romanian researchers preferred
to integrate the early Neolithic settlements that pre-
sented no painting ('Monochrom' in the Dimitrijevic
(1974) system), in the IC-IIA phase of this large cul-
tural complex, the chronological level at which was
stipulated the disappearance - or the very rare ap-
pearance - of painting (Lazarovici 1979.43). That is
characteristic, however, of the IA phase as well, and
it is certain that there are other characteristics which
made the period at the beginning of Neolithic a se-
parate unit. Considering our knowledge, the paint-
ing of white dots develops in the IB and IC phases
of the Starcevo-Cri§ cultural complex, while its pre-
sence in other periods is rather accidental.
As a matter of fact, the ceramics painted in white ap-
pear quite rarely in §eu§a-La cararea morii (3-4 frag-
ments) (Ciutä 2000.67-68, Fig. 25/1-3), so the au-
thor suggests that the ceramic material here is mo-
nochrome, chromatically speaking (Ciutä2000.65).
The same author though, expresses in other pages
of the same work, his doubts about the existence of
a 'Monochrom' horizon in Romania (Ciutä 2000.
76). We are to conclude that, until complete research
of an old Neolithic site the north of the Danube, we
cannot clearly envisage which the characteristics of
a possible 'Monochrom' horizon could be (be it the
oldest or more recent in the chronological perspec-
tive). If so, we must avoid the integration of some
dwellings with painted ceramic fragments - a few -
in the IA phase of the Starcevo-Cri§ cultural
complex!
We may hypothesise the 'Monochrom' (in
Dimitrijevic's perception), would mark the
second migration suggested by Lazarovici
and Kalmar (1995.200; Lazarovici 2001.
42).
Now, the 'traditional' way of Early Neolithic
cultural penetration in Transylvania (via
Oltenia) is doubled by another, towards the
south-west (Banat), of which vestiges are to
be found, most probably, in the karst caves
Fig. 9. Miercurea Sibiului-Petri§ - plot with radiocarbon data from
Early Neolithic complexes.
of Poiana Rusca Mountains, as well, or in the south
Apuseni Mountains (Ceri§or-Pe§tera Cauce, see Luca
et al. 1997.19, 24, or Craciune§ti-Pe§tera Balogu, see
Roman et Diaconescu 2001.7-8). The biggest prob-
lem remains the unsatisfactory state of archaeologi-
cal research in this area, with many of the karstic for-
mations here remaining un-researched or even un-
identified. The supposed way of access would have
been developed step by step, with the result that, in
the period of 'starcevisation' of the communities in
southern Transylvania, the way along the valley of
the Oltul River was closed for a while.
The phenomenon of 'starcevisation' was linked to
the end of the second Starcevo-Cri§ phase in Tran-
sylvania, (Paul 1989.18). The settlement in Ocna
Sibiului-Triguri loses its importance, failing to deve-
lop painting in black, characteristic of the late hori-
zons of the cited cultural complex (Paul 1989.21).
The early Neolithic locations in the valley of the
middle Mure§ River develop (Miercurea Sibiului-Pet-
ri§ and Pustia, Ora§tie-Dealul Pemilor, point Xs, Lim-
ba-Bordane etc.) under the cultural influence of the
west and south-west such elements as barbotine, ap-
plied ornament, incision or 'impresso' decorative
motifs (Paul 1989.21) along with painting in black
(Dra§ovean 1981.42), or altars with leg-like posta-
ments with eyes marked on them (Luca et al. 1998).
All these observations demonstrate that we still can
Graphic 1. The distribution of the sherds number through
complexes.
discuss cultural unity over large areas, a fact that
was accepted under the name of the Starcevo-Cri?
cultural complex even by Paul (Paul 1989.24).
It is possible now to integrate the discoveries in
Ocna Sibiului-Triguri IIa and Miercurea Sibiului-Pet-
ris, the B9/2003 dwelling-dwelling pit, in the vertical
and horizontal stratigraphy here.
Even if there are some differences in comparison
with the above described complexes, we notice a
technological unity, easy to demonstrate, and an
evolution having common roots which generated
the complexes in Miercurea Sibiului-Petris.
The influences generated in Transylvania from the
Banat region and the plain of the Tisa River, and
from south of the Danube, become more and more
visible in the IIIrd phase (Gh. Lazarovici's system) of
the Starcevo-Cri? cultural complex. At the same time
as the middle of this phase, the appearance of the
first Vinca communities in Transylvania is to be ob-
served (Luca 1995-1996; Luca et al. 2000; 2000b).
The evaluation of the data of absolute chronology in
the development area of this cultural complex (see
Tab. I) indicates the relative contemporaneity of the
Ia sub-level in Miercurea Sibiului with the Ib and II
level in Anza, partially with the 'Monochrom' level
in Donja Branjevina, with Gura Baciului, Ocna Sibiu-
lui (level VIII), §eu§a, Foeni-Sala?. Miercurea Sibiu-
lui Ib has the same chronological level as Donja Bra-
njevina (the red on white level), Endrod 39, Anza II,
Foeni-Gaz, Dude?tii Vechi, Endrod 119, Biserna Oba-
la-Nosa, Szarvas 23 etc. The last sub-level of the site
in Petri? was wrongly dated to 6180 ± 40 BP, due to
its being intersected by a later pit.
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Appendix
Tab. 2. The absolute chronology data for the Starčevo-Cris cultural complex.
Phase	Settlement	LABNR	BP	Error	Description
IA Monochrome	Anza Ia	LJ-2181	7270	140	unspecified
Starčevo, white on red painted	Grivac Barice	Bln-869	7250	50	Sonda B
White on red, IB-IIA?	Anza Ib	lJ-2341	7230	170	unspecified
IA Monochrome	Anza Ia	LJ-3032	7210	50	unspecified
IA Monochrome	Anza Ia	LJ-2330-31	717°	60	unspecified
Monochrome - IA	Donja Branjevina	GrN-15974	7155	50	layer III, trench V/1986-1987 pit dwel- ling
IA Monochrome	Anza Ia	LJ-3183	7150	50	unspecified
IB-IC	Gura Baciului	GrA-24137	7140	45	structure in trench E-D, square 8
IA Monochrome	Anza Ia	LJ-3186	7140	70	unspecified
Monochrome - IA	Donja Branjevina	GrN-15976	7140	90	layer III, trench V/1986-1987 outside dwelling pit
White painted horizon	Magareći Mlin	GrN-i5973	7130	60	unspecified
White on red, IB—IIA?	Anza Ib	lJ-2339	7120	80	unspecified
Pre-Cris? IB-IC	Ocna Sibiului	GrN-28110	7120	60	layer VIII
White on red, IB-IIA?	Anza Ib	LJ-2332	7110	120	unspecified
White on red, IB-IIA?	Anza Ib	lJ-2342	7100	80	unspecified
Early Körös	Gyalaret -Szilagyi	Bln-75	7090	100	
IB-IIA	Anza II	lJ-2337	7080	60	unspecified
IIA-IIB	Foeni Sälas	GrN-28454	7080	50	dwelling pit, square 5, level 7, locus 23, Bos sp. Radius
Monochrome -IA	Donja Branjevina	OxA-8557	7080	55	layer III, trench 2/1987
Precris? SCIB-IC	§eusa	GrN-28114	7070	60	level
IB-IC	Miercurea Sibiului Petris	GrN-28520	7050	70	B^/2003, level Ia
IB-IIA	Anza II	lJ-2351	7040	90	unspecified
IB-IC	Miercurea Sibiului Petris	GrN-29954 29954	7010	40	G26/2005, nivel Ia, ritual pit
Linear A Phase, IB-IIA	Zadubravlje	Z-1 nec	6995	115	pit 10
IIB	Dudestii Vechi	GrN-28111	6990	50	neolithic ditch, trench 1, sector E4-5, cervus elephus, humerus dx
Körös	Röszke-Ludvar	Deb-2730	6972	59	unspecified
mid-late Körös	Endrod 39	BM-1668R	6970	110	unspecified
IB-IIA, White on red	Donja Branjevina	GrN-i5975	6955	50	unspecified
mid-late Körös	Endrod 39	BM-1870R	6950	120	unspecified
mid-late Körös	Endrod 39	BM-1863R	6950	140	unspecified
IB- IIA	Anza II	lJ-2405	6940	80	unspecified
IIB	Dudestii Vechi	GrN-28113	6930	50	trench 3, sector A2, cm 165, Bos sp. Astragalus
IIB	Foeni- Gaz	GrA-25621	6925	45	dwelling pit 1, cm 125, Long bone flake
IC-IIA	Miercurea Sibiului Petris	GrN-28521	6920	70	B,/2003, level Ib
IIIA	Dudestii Vechi	GrA-24115	6920	80	Trench 3, sector A, cm 75-80, bone perforator
IB-IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA-9587	6915	45	unspecified
Phase	Settlement	LABNR	BP	Error	Description	
II B	Magura	Wk—14435	6896	61		
IB—IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA—9583	6895	45	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Biserna Obala-Nosa	OxA—6875	6875	55	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Ludoš-Budžak	OxA—8554	6875	55	unspecified	
IIIA	Parsta	GrN—28460	6860	60	dwelling pit 1, trench 380, Cervus Elaphus,	I, square 7—5, cm metatarsal
IB—IIA, White on red	Szarvas 23	OxA—9375	6855	55	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA—9588	6855	45	unspecified	
IB —IIA	Anza II	lJ—2409	6850	50	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA—9586	6850	45	unspecified	
Linear Phase, IB—IIA	Donja Branjevina	OxA—8555	6845	55	Layer III	
II	Dudestii Vechi	GrA—26951	6845	40	Acorn (Quercus sp.)	
White on red, IB—IIA?	Anza Ib	lJ—2333	6840	100	unspecified	
Linear Phase, IB—IIA	Zadubravlje	Z—2 nec	6835	110	unspecified	
Körös	Mehtelek-Nadas	Bln—1331	6835	60	pit 1—3/a	
II B	Magura	Wk—14436	6833	53		
mid-late Körös	Endrod 39	BM—1971R	6830	120	unspecified	
IIB—IIIB linear and spira	Soroca II	Bln—586	6825	150	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA—9584	6825	45	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA—9582	6825	45	unspecified	
IIIA	Dudestii Vechi	GrN—28876	6815	70	trench 1, sector C, Square 1 and 2, oven, quercus and ulmus charcoal	
IB—IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA—9590	6815	50	unspecified	
Protostarčevo, IB—IIA	Donja Branjevina	GrN—24609	6810	80	layer II	
IB—IIA	Anza II	LJ—2338	6800	140	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA—9585	6795	50	unspecified	
II B	Magura	Wk—14437	6784	56		
Early Körös	Szarvas 23	BM—1866R	6780	110	unspecified	
Linear Phase, IB—IIA	Donja Branjevina	OxA—8556	6775	60	Layer III	
Starčevo	Mostonga III	GrN—24117	6750	50	level	
IB—IIA, White on red	Biserna Obala-Nosa	OxA—8540	6740	75	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Biserna Obala-Nosa	OxA—8552	6725	60	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Endro'd 119	OxA—9589	6720	45	unspecified	
III	La Ho|u Cave	Sac—2001	6710	80	unspecified	
Linear Phase, IB—IIA	Zadubravlje	Z—3 nec	6705	95	unspecified	
IB—IIA, White on red	Biserna Obala-Nosa	OxA—8553	6705	55	unspecified	
IB—IIA	Anza II	lJ—2345	6600	110	unspecified	
IIB—IIIB linear	Golokut Vizic	OxA—8695	6520	50	unspecified	
IIB—IIIB	Anza III	LJ—2185	6510	110	unspecified	
III/IV?	Valea Raii-Copacelu	KN—I.102	6480	75		
Starčevo end	Starčevo	GrN—9033	6475	60	unspecified	
Körös	Hodmezovasarhely- Kotacpart	Bln—115	6450	100	potsherd	
IV sau Carcea III	Carcea Viaduct	Bln—1982	6430	60	unspecified	
IIB—IIIB linear and spira	Gura Baciului	Lv—2157	6400	90	grave M6	
Early Körös	Szarvas 23	BM—1865R	6400	170	unspecified	
IV, Carcea III	Carcea Viaduct	Bln—1983	6395	60		
IIB—IIIB linear and spira	Trestiana	Lv—2155	6390	100	unspecified	
IV	Limba — Bordane	GrN—28112	6290	50	L3 house, square 6—	8, cm 110—130
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