Some observations about the discovered human skeletons at Rousse tell
Some observations about the discovered human skeletons at Rousse tell

Summary/Abstract: The overall study of the Rousse tell is the reason for it to be one of the important prehistoric archaeological sites of the Balkan Peninsula. One of the main problems is the discovery of skeletons in the outlines of the settlement. The various attempts for explanation and interpretations are the reason for passionate discussions. The lack of scientific solution of the problem is a consequence of the insufficient informativeness of the publications as well, where not all the “graves” are presented. The purpose of this report is to make an attempt to bring some clarity on the issue by including all discovered human remains on the basis of available documentation and publications made, which is to entered into scientific circulation and become the basis for new research and conclusions. In 1904, the Shkorpil brothers conducted the first archaeological excavations of the tell. Two drilling excavations were accomplished in the southeast part, and archaeological materials of bone, ceramics, copper and others were found. Two human skeletons were found on the site of the prehistoric settlement before the time of the Shkorpil brothers' research. The excavations which followed are related to a local archaeological association. They were conducted in 1921 and 1922 by Dimitar Kostov, a teacher at the Boys' High School, under the direct observation of Rafail Popov, head of the prehistoric department of the Archaeological Museum in Sofia. With the help of students from the High School and citizens, 2 drill-holes with a total length of 28.5 m and a width of 8 m in the north periphery of the tell were conducted, without respecting the stratigraphic principles, and the material was collected in order to fill up the museum collection. 7 human skeletons were found. Between 1948 and 1953 an overall study of the site was conducted by G. Georgiev and N. Angelov. The tell was divided into a Western and an Eastern sectors by a control profile. In 1948/1949 there was work in the Eastern sector and about 5 m of cultural stratification were taken off, which were differentiated into 10 construction horizons (G. Georgiev, N. Angelov 1952, p. 119-194). The Western sector is excavated in 1950/1953, and 11 distinct construction horizon were differentiated. In the 1948-1949 period, 45 human skeletons were found, all of them with a different degree of preservation. 44 human skeletons were found at different depths in the Western sector. 6 human skeletons has been discovered in the period 1986-1988. The revealed 104 human skeletons belong to the cultural complex Kodzhadermen - Gumelniţa - Karanovo VI.

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