The specific features of the Getic fortifications in the Middle Dniester region (the Saharna and Horodişte-Ţipova micro-zones)

Abstract

In the Middle Dniester region, as a result of field investigation, surveys, and archaeological researches 40 fortifications and 70 open settlements attributed to the Getic communities of the 4th-3rd centuries BC were discovered. In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the research of fortifications in the Saharna (16 sites) and Horodişte-Ţipova (7 sites) micro-zones. Based on field investigations and archaeological research, it has been observed that the defensive system of the fortifications in this region has some specific features, which are not attested in the rest of the Getic fortresses. Among these are the so-called “bastions”, which can be divided into two types according to the place of arrangement within the defensive system: bastions placed in front of the entrance gates, and “bastions” located on the perimeter of the fortification. The erection of defensive constructions of the bastion type as additional elements of the fortifications denotes the fact that the Getic communities of the Middle Dniester region had a thorough knowledge of the military architecture.

Keywords

• Middle Dniester region
• Iron Age
• Getae
• fortifications
• bastions