The Medieval Bosnian Fortress. - Čajangrad - Preliminary Report and Archaeological Project Proposal

Transcription

1 The Medieval Bosnian Fortress - Čajangrad - Preliminary Report and Archaeological Project Proposal ARCHÆTYPES International Research Team Formed 2010/2011 1

2 CONTENTS - Introduction page 3 ARCHÆTYPES International Research Team - Čajangrad Preliminary Report, September page 4. Observations and Initial Survey:. Notes. Extract from the Museum Report Čajangrad, Museum of Visoko. Illustrations. Planning Map, Subdivisions and Area Description with Photographs Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section Archaeological Overview - Project Proposal page 15. Objectives. Research Method Proposal. Single Sector Details: Excavation Proposal. Excavation Calendar. Camp Organisation. First Budget Projection. Conclusions - References and Contact. page 22 2

3 Introduction It was the end of June 2011 when the first team visited the Čajangrad locality for the first time. We had been driving past the only road sign for Čajangrad just after the bridge in Visoko many times and had decided to plan a visit and finally locate the place. One day, upon a brief return trip from the site of Okolišce (a Late Neolithic settlement excavation, 2002) we happened to to meet with a local taxi driver, Mr. Izet. Through conversation we learned that he knew the site of Čajangrad and could tell us something of the history of the area. He agreed to drive us not only back to Visoko, but further on to the site of Čajangrad. He drove us to the Čajan hill base, 8 km from Visoko centre and then proceeded to guide us through the forest, climbing another 300 meters until we reached the crest of the hill. It was another 15 minute walk east before we began to discover the traces and ruins of what used to be the vicinity and town of Čajangrad. What remains of the fortress has been covered by thick vegetation, roots and a deep layer of humus forest soil. During the period 2008 and 2009, an environmental and reconstructive project was carried out by the Museum of Visoko in coordination with the Mozaik Foundation to improve the touristic infrastructure of the area. This process involved placing the road signs from Visoko, the tables at the base of the hill and along the path, placing benches along the route uphill, clearing the path toward the peak and last but not least, creating a new lookout point at the peak of the hill, near the ruins of the tower.this very lookout point gives the perspective to the north of the hill, toward the old medieval royal town of Bobovac. In this report we would like to present our preliminary study of the site, initial observations and commentary. It would be necessary to proceed with a detailed superficial description of the area, giving a brief summary of the historical background, concluding with archaeological and conservational discussion regarding the physical conditions of the fortress and vicinity. Moreover we would like to present our team proposal for the archaeological project at Čajangrad. With a clear project plan and an appropriate research direction, we would aim to achieve the potential for heritage development, archaeological research, conventional and alternative methods of surveying, field work and excavation. ARCHÆTYPES International Research Team Our team is composed of archaeologists, students of archaeology and related sciences from different countries and respective institutions. At the present moment the team has members from universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, UK and France. Our aim for our members is to offer competent archaeological field experience and interactive participation in scientific research with a focus on promoting the archaeology of un-researched areas in this region of Europe, also helping to develop a local acknowledgement of local heritage and respect for archaeological sites and monuments, whether supervised by authorities or not. 3

4 Preliminary Report After our first visit in June, we returned to Čajangrad on 10 th of September. Our aim was to collect as much useful information on the area in the short span of one day in order to later collate and present some ideas for future field work. Observations and Initial Survey Location Details: Site name: Čajangrad General dating: XI XII Century Location: Eastern edge of steep hill between the villages of Malog i Velikog Čajna (Small and Big Čajan), Visoko Municipality, BiH. Notes: Upon initial arrival at the site of Čajangrad, the visitor is greeted by a great depression that cuts into the two parts of the Čajangrad grounds. The whole area is densely populated by deciduous alpine trees and thick shrub that grows around and inside of the medieval walls. The ground beneath the feet is left to natural humus build up and a thick layer of leaves (c cm). Observation made at the site by three volunteers from the team were brief and superficial, focus was placed on surface finds surveying, using photographs and illustrated notes to document any finds or places of interest. The group was divided into two smaller teams, one group focussed on spanning the accessible areas and taking photographs of various subjects of archaeological and aesthetic interest. The second group stayed within the depression sector to investigate the depth of the first few stratigraphic layers of leaves. It was this very group that through clearing away the bed of leaves found a breccia stone slab taking immediate note and photographs of it. Aside from this rectangular peaked breccia stone slab, the rest of the investigation yielded no other hidden archaeological finds. The founding of this stone slab has helped shape and inspire the succeeding research interest in the area and the historical questions the team has proposed for the project. The following extract has been provided by the local Museum of Visoko who helped to guide our initial interests in Čajangrad and it is through their aid and suggestions that this report has taken shape. Extract from the Original Museum Report Čajangrad, Museum of Visoko Translation into English from the original document Zavicajni Muzej Visoko, Bosna I Hercegovina. The name Čajangrad comes from the old Slovenian verb Čajati 1, which means to keep, relating to the function of the city in this period the keeping and safeguarding of the local resident population. It is assumed that this fortress had the function of guarding an important pathway between the Medieval Bosnian royal towns / cities of Visoki and Bobovac. 1 Čajati alternative interpretations of this word exist, mainly focussing on the etymological root of the word. In the modern Slovenian and Russian languages, Čajati can be interpreted to mean waiting, hoping and in this sense of the word, the city could be described as a post between two other cities, one that waits on travellers or news. 4

5 The Bosnian Čajangrad, visually connects the locations of the royal cities of Visoki (Visoko), Bobovac (Vares) and Kozigrad (Fojnica), for the related activity of lighting flame torches at these locations as a sign of signalling, (alert, warning of danger, important visits etc.) That it is most probably a royal city is witnessed at two locations on the south side, that are even to this day called Kraljev Do (The King's Way) and Kraljevo Guvno (Unknown direct translation), amongst the remaining literature about Čajangrad has been reported in writings by H. Kresevljakovic Stari bosanski gradovi, ( Old Bosnian cities ), Sarajevo and M. Vego Naselja bosanske srednjevjekovne drzave, ( Towns of the Bosnian medieval country), Sarajevo Illustrations The following is a Čajangrad Overview Map Plan and brief description of each section (S1C, S2C...) Fig. 01: Planning Map. General Reference Scale = 1:100. Key: Black Line = Hill edge Red line = Section limit Example Section Locations: S1S = Section 1 South, S1C = Section 1 Central, S1N = Section 1 North Black circle in S4C = Tower wall Note: The description will follow an analysis of the area section by section, corresponding to numbers 1-5 and sectors, corresponding to three cardinal point directions. 5

6 Planning Map, Subdivisions and Area Description with Photographs In order to describe the area and further on organise the field work, a first planning map has been drawn (Fig. 01). The area has been divided into 5 sections from West to East, each one then divided into 3 sectors, South, Central and North (Fig.01.1). West East North Central South Fig Breakdown of the Sections and Sectors Section 1 South This first section is the entrance from the touristic route. Climbing up the hill from the resting area, after a 10 minute walk, one arrives to the top of this steep hill. A path has been created over the years to make the access easier and more accessible to visitors. The whole area around the path is of quite thick vegetation (Fig. 02). Fig. 02: The rocks and thick vegetation cover the entire area. 6

7 Central The Central sector is the crest of the hill. It extends for over 200 meters reaching the next hill to the west. In this area we found traces of another path, probably older and used by local hunters and lumberjacks. While exploring the area we also noticed an interesting feature: on one stone there was carved a perfect circular hole, 10cm wide and 10cm deep (Fig. 03). Fig. 03: Circular hole in stone, S1C. It is difficult to determine the age and distinguish it from something modern or medieval, however we suppose the purpose was probably that of a flag holder. In fact, no other similar holes in other stones nearby were found (excluding therefore the possibility of some type of major complex) and the size of it matched that of a stick to hold a flag. Last but not least, this is also the highest point of the hill explored so far. North On the entire north side the hill drops down almost straight for about 10 to 15 meters. It was a natural defense and a strategic look out to the next valley. The presence of large rock formation leads us to suppose that all the material used for building the fortress was mainly found in situ and that there was no open air quarry from which the stones were taken from. Section 2 South / Central The touristic route ends here and after a small climb one arrives on a small plateau organised as a rest and picnic area. Although reserved for touristic purposes, it would be interesting to understand how this area was used during the medieval settlement. The flora and fauna of the area could prove vital to the study of the habits and diets of the settlers. Over a period of c years, the vegetation has adapted to suit the environmental changes of the region, the natural fauna of this region of Bosnia has probably undergone an unprecedented change in number and diversity of species due to forest felling, hunting 7

8 and wars. Nevertheless, in such a remote region of the vast wilderness of Bosnia, hunting practices may uphold archaic generational traditions and hunt similar game of deer and birds. It would be necessary to compare this region with other regions of Bosnia that have been subjected to medieval archaeological research. North On this side is the steep slope again, but before the deep fall of 10 meters, a small path is visible on this side, carved on the edge of the hill. We would like to insert here also the bizarre story that Mr. Izet told us about during our first visit. According to him the black iron inlays in the rock were many years ago horns and / or rings to hold boats and that over the centuries were broken off. Now, the interesting aspect of this unrealistic legend is that it seems to spread among all the people of the surrounding valley. In fact, other locals told us many times that in the Visoko basin there was once a very big lake. It is important to take old folklore into consideration and, even if hard to investigate and test scientifically, it is an integral part of the tradition and heritage of the region. Moreover this story could possibly connect Čajangrad with other settlements situated on top of other surrounding hills where similar stories are told. Section 3 South This section is quite particular. It is reported as a depression (usjek) in the first report by the Zavičajni Muzej of Visoko. It is 2-3 meters deep and 4-6 meters long and it separates the tower area from the forest. The area presents a very thick shrub-land type of sediment. In the south sector there is presence of large rocks (up to half a meter wide) which we uncovered while removing rubbish and plastic bags left there over the years by tourists. Central This sector faces to the right the west side of the tower. The sediment and the roots of the trees go uphill. It is probable that if cleared deeply they could reveal a larger side of the tower under the soil and the 'depression' could be revealed to hide a more plain surface that was the original access walkway into the stronghold. North On the North sector the 'depression' continues and within it is embedded a very interesting feature. At first sight it seems to be a very large rock, but upon more careful inspection this rock appears to resemble a very rudimental tomb stone, traditionally known as a stečak (Fig. 04). 8

9 Fig. 04: Removing numerous plastic bags on the side revealed that the rock was much larger than what we thought. The yellow chalk on the right lower corner refers to the code CG S1 = Čajangrad Stone 1. It measures 1,80m. long and 1m. circa wide. While clearing out the edge slightly and removing more plastic bags around the object we concluded that it was more or less cm tall. The top features a roof like shape (cracked and ruined) and the north side of it appears to have maybe been carved to become straighter and smoother (Fig. 05). 9

10 Fig. 05: The straight North side of the stečak and its roof shape. The importance of this stone slab, possibly a stečak is that it could help us during excavation to draw a line at the original layer upon which it was placed. Then using this as a marker point, we could continue stripping the section layers to this base. The stečak was recovered partially with soil to preserve it and to leave an obvious mark of its location for future reference. 10

11 Section 4 South This section is the largest and most relevant. In the South sector there is a small path that leads to the top of the fortress. The vegetation hasn t grown as thickly here due to the building structure. Central This sector features the ruins of the tower. It is approximately 3m in diameter, the visible ruins are almost 2m. tall but the original height of the tower cannot be determined yet. It is surrounded and grown in with plants and leaves but its stability has prevailed. The style of architecture is similar to that of Stari Grad on Visočica Hill, at an aerial distance of 8 km toward the south. The larger stone bricks are in stable condition, whilst the smaller ones fall away with a gentle brush of the hand or trowel (Fig.06/07/08/09). Fig. 06: The internal West side of the Tower. 11

12 Fig. 07: The internal north side of the tower. Interesting features are the numerous small holes carved into the stones: some of them are more than 10cm deep (origin and purpose yet unknown). Fig. 08: The internal East side of the Tower, the mortar used is still well preserved. 12

13 The South side of the Tower is partially collapsed and covered by thicker vegetation. The integrity of this structure must be kept into account when excavations are carried out here since it is very easy for the walls to collapse towards the inside. How this tower was originally roofed is also another interesting question to take into consideration. North The North sector is the steepest part of the entire area. Along its sides more walls can be detected but only a cleaning out of the smaller vegetation is possible here (Fig.09). Fig. 09 The S4N wall, north of the Tower. 13

14 Section 5 South The furthest East section culminates with the edge of the hill. All sides are densely forested and research here would be hazardous to carry out apart from detailed mapping. Central In the central part many ruins of the fortress can be spotted and it could quite probably be the core of the structure together with the tower on the left. Walls and even room areas can be identified. Clearing vegetation here is easier and excavation is thus possible. North Further east, as part of the tourist infrastructural planning, a lookout was created with a fence. Looking towards the north it is possible to have a beautiful and clear view of the valley toward the royal town of Bobovac (Fig.10). Fig. 10: The amazing view of the valley to the north, toward the 'Royal Town of Bobovac' from the lookout area of Čajangrad. 14

15 Čajangrad 2012 Project Proposal Objectives The aims for the proposed fieldwork research are: - Investigate the site of the Medieval town of Čajangrad in order to find out as much as possible about this strategic location and its connections with the Royal towns of the XII-XIII century AD. - Carry out a preliminary restoration of the site for the protection of the structure. - Develop the touristic infrastructure making the area more accessible to tourists. The aims and objectives are described in more detail below, with reference to each specific area of investigation. Research Method Proposal Taking into consideration the typology of the site, it s size and environment at present day, the research method proposed will be that of surveying and working on a delimited parameter. The parameter will consist of 7 archaeological areas (section and relevant sector) of interest chosen for their relevance and possibility of excavation. In all other areas illustrated previously, only a preliminary and necessary cleaning out of overgrown vegetation will be conducted. Although each chosen section and sector area will have its own method plan (described below), the guidelines are as follows: - Measurement and mapping of the area. Precise trench delimitations of the sections and sectors to be investigated. - Cleaning the area from possible rubbish and removing or cutting plants and bushes that would obstruct the research. No damage to trees will be performed trying to preserve the natural beauty which is also part of the attraction of this area. - Preliminary excavation and data collection. Removal of shrubs and surface soil, maximum depth 5-10cm (depending on the area). - Excavation: the original stratigraphic settlement level is supposed to be at a maximum depth of 50 to 70 cm. This will be the first limit taken into account. If further investigation and cleaning are to be considered necessary, this will be communicated before deeper excavation. - Daily based cataloguing will be conducted, both for the results obtained and also for possible findings which will be at first stored at the camp and secondly brought to the Museum of Visoko. - Clearing and securing of the area excavated. - Restoration: a preliminary restoration and consolidation of the structure will be carried out. Supporting of the structure and safety measures will be organised in order to both preserve the area and maintain a proper safety level for visiting tourists. 15

16 - Tourist infrastructural development: The existing tourist facilities are in good condition and in this phase we intend to improve it by marking the path, placing wooden signs along the way and extending the handrail on the path. At the site, other wooden panels could be placed giving details about the site. It should be deemed totally necessary to prevent any falls down the steep slope by placing either handrails or warning signs. It could also be possible to place litter bins near the site in order to help keep the area clean. - Final report presentation: Gathering of all data, cataloguing and further analysis on artefacts recovered can be carried out at the Museum. Single Sector Details: Excavation Proposal The following general map (Fig.11) illustrates the sectors (non random samples) which are considered to be interesting for excavation (highlighted in blue). In all other areas cleaning alone will be carried out and visitation facilities placed (info panels, handrails, etc.) Fig. 11: General map with sectors of possible excavation and interest highlighted in blue. S1C= This area presents both a visible path and the presence of the item illustrated in Fig.03 (the carved hole), suitable not only for cleaning away vegetation but for further research. Handrails or warning signs near the steep fall should also be placed. S2C= The site where the picnic area has been organised. Major cleaning can be carried out, including the placement of both information panels and litter bins. Creating a small staircase from here to the depression of Section 3 should be considered, it would make work easier and add safety for visitors. The following areas are of main research and excavation focus. S3S= Cleaning, trench delimitation, preliminary excavation. Possible presence of wall to be taken into consideration and therefore, in this case, securement and restoration of the area. Tourist facilities limited to small staircase from either S2C or S2S sectors. S3C= Cleaning, trench delimitation, preliminary excavation. Trench could be deeper here. Also on the east side it would be interesting to enlarge the sector in order to reveal the rocks on which the tower of S4C is built. Possibility of walls or similar structures would necessitate securement and restoration. 16

17 S3N= Cleaning, trench delimitation, preliminary excavation. Trench should be orientated around possible stečak described in the report, finding its corners and at what depth it was placed. This level could then help us to identify the original settlement level. Also the north side of this sector, at the edge of the hill, could be used as a soil dumping area for the excavations. At the end of the work, another handrail for security could be placed. S4C= The Tower. This is the most delicate part of the field research and it is necessary to clean, both inside and outside of the building. Attention to excellent restoration should be planned. The soil present inside the tower should be removed as much as is needed. If any deeper excavation should be deemed necessary, the possibility of collapse may increase requiring the use of cement and poles to secure the structure. Tourist safety measures shall be adopted and other info panels could be placed near the tower. S5C= Stretching from the tower to the eastern view point, the center of the fortress developed from here. Cleaning, trench delimitation and preliminary excavation can be conducted with possible deeper excavation in order to reveal the walls and the buildings. Handrails also necessary. Extra litter bins and info panels could be installed at the lookout point. Any proposed modification on the plan will be put forward for permission and communicated directly to the Museum Authority. Excavation Calendar In order to organise and conduct all the above described work, a timeline is proposed. - 2 Days for Camp Organisation (See 'Camp Organisation' below). Beginning of Works. Week 1: - Cleaning of path and of all sectors. - Mapping and trench delimitation. Week 2: - Excavation of the Depression in Section 4. - Cleaning and restoration of the Section. Week 3: - Excavation of the Tower S4C. - Restoration of the tower and the area around it. Week 4: - Excavation of Section 5. - Cleaning and restoration of the Section. Week 5: - Tourist infrastructure. - Final cleaning. Week 6: - Data analysis and report. - Presentation of concluded field work. End of field work. - 2 days camp closing and final documentation. 17

18 Each week will be organised in 5 full working days, 6th half - day for field work and half for data storing. Sunday break. Total esteemed project length: 50 days, divided into: Arrival. Presentation of the site. 2 Camp Organization. 30 Field working days. 6 Data analyze and report writing days. 6 Break days. 2 Camp Closing. Presentation of the concluded work. Departure. Daily organization and work hours Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 07:00-07:45 Breakfast + Daily briefing 08:00-10:45 Excavation Excavation 10:45-11:00 Break Break 11:00 01:00 Free Day Excavation Excavation 01:00-14:30 Lunch 14:30-17:30 Excavation/Lab Data Lab 19:00 Dinner Total daily working hours: 8 hours. Total weekly working hours: 48 hours. Total project working hours: 300 hours. Camp Organisation One of the proposed solutions for the team is to organise a camp near the excavation site. This would provide a faster organisation for the daily working routine and also the possibility to guard the area by night. Every member of the team should provide to his personal items (a guide will be given out) and personal tools. Tools specifically acquired for the project will be listed below (Tool Catalogue). Food and drinks will be also organised by the team and described below (Catering catalogue). Hygiene and first aid also described below. 18

19 Map of the Camp Location for Camp proposed: Rest area before access route to the Fortress of Čajangrad. Camp organization 1 Tent per 2 people. 1 Tool tent or wooden shelter 1 Data storing tent or wooden shelter 1 Medical tent 1 Food storing tent or wooden shelter 1 Washing Cabin Eating facility already existing with wooden table, benches and roof in the resting area. Tool Catalogue Tools organised at the camp 3 Shovels 2 Pickaxes 2 Axes 2 Hammers 3 Gardening Scissors 5 building site type buckets 1 2m Wooden Meter 2 20cm Wooden Meter 2 Tape meters 2 Rope for trenches 1 Bag of Nails 5 Storing Data boxes Night Torches 1 Electric generator* *(To be confirmed yet the possibility of having also a Geo-radar and a Ground Total station) 19

20 Other basic necessary equipment Each team member will have to provide himself the minimum required equipment. 1. one or two archaeological pointed trowels 2. 3-meter or 5-meter pocket tape 3. one or two line levels + line level string 4. one or two folding metric rulers inch bristle paint brushes 6. several good pencil sharpeners 7. plumb bob 8. personal working gloves 9. basic camping gear 10. Working clothes Catering catalogue Food and drinks will be organised at the camp, with twice a week shopping for everyone. Water supply will be set at 10 liters a day per person minimum. (This is also for personal hygiene). The presence of water at the site has yet to be confirmed, but local neighbouring houses seem to have them. Cooking will be set at the camp with camping gear gas cookers. Other catering gear such as plates, cutlery and cups will be provided. Food storage and preservation will be organised in the camp (having an electric generator could even give the possibility of having a small fridge). Hygiene and first aid A washing basin will be set at the camp for showering. Every rubbish accumulated will be placed in rubbish bins and then carried away when going to town for buying food. First aid will be provided with: Medical kits, Band aid kits Tablets (insects bites, stomach aid, etc.) Aspirin Disinfectant - The camp will take 2 days to be totally operative Day 1: arrival, tents, catering and hygiene/medical settling, personal settling. Day 2: Tool shelter and shelter toring organization. Following briefing for camp life organization. A parking space will be made accessible at the base of the hill. 20

21 First Budget Projection A calculation for the budget will be done at our first meeting with the Zavicajni Muzej of Visoko. Expenses should cover only catering and basic tools (most of the equipment is already available on an autonomous team basis). Any post-excavation data analysis should be taken into consideration for budget expenses. Additional expenses will be discussed at the meeting. However, a budget projection proposal will be drawn up to have as a reference guide. Conclusion The project while awaiting approval will carry out other bibliographic research on the area, confronting texts by Kresevljakovic Stari bosanski gradovi, ( Old Bosnian cities ), Sarajevo and M. Vego Naselja bosanske srednjevjekovne drzave, ( Towns of the Bosnian medieval country), Sarajevo At the present moment the importance of such a site should not be historically underestimated, being a small but strategic point that could tell us more about the history and heritage of the valley. Restoration progress at Stari Grad on the peak of Visocica hill in Visoko, could be used as a model for work intended at Čajangrad. Restoration efforts would improve the archaeological interest in the area and help develop the Medieval Bosnian historic map routes. The Team would anticipate and warmly greet external interest in the project and opportunities for cooperation. This would help to create a stable and supportive network of researchers and workers. Finally we would like to thank the Zavicajni Muzej of Visoko and its Director, Prof. Senad J. Hodović and all the staff working there for the courtesy and guidance they have given us. Also a special thanks to Mr. Izet to have brought us for the first time to the beautiful fortress of Čajangrad. 21

22 References and Contact Credits: Finished November 2011, written by AIART. All photos copyright of Riccardo Brett, Anela Podrug and Cristiano Toffoletti. Historical info and Museum Report provided by: Zavičajni Muzej Visoko. For updated news please visit: Contact: Archaetypes International Archaeology Research Team Cell: (under construction) Zavičajni Muzej Visoko Alije Izetbegovića broj 29. Bosna I Hercegovina 22