Beriš kod Ljubuškog (zapadna Hercegovina) – primjer mikroneolitičkog nalazišta

The paper presents results of the excavations conducted in 2016 at the Neolithic site of Beriš near Ljubuški (western Herzegovina). The site is characterized by modest spatiality, thin deposit, scarce settlement remains, as well as typical lithic and ceramic finds of the Middle Neolithic that in their structure illustrate all kinds of activities characteristic of spatially much bigger sites of residential character. Starting from these premises the paper discusses cultural and relative chronological dimension of the site, its specific traits among other synchronous sites and importance of a micro-site within the Neolithic as a whole in the region of the eastern Adriatic and its hinterland.

The Origin Of the Kultepe Culture

The different opinions have been put forward about the neolithization of the Azerbaijan. Some researchers note that the South Caucasus’ Neolithic culture is related to Mesopotamia by origin; some note that this culture developed based on local traditions. New researches conducted in the territory of Nakhchivan are essential for solving these problems. New excavations conducted in Kultepe I, located near the city of Nakhchivan, led to the discovery of new facts related to the peopling history of this site and the peculiarities of the Kultepe culture. Studies show that there were various centers of Neolithic cultures’ formation in the VII—VI millennia BC in Azerbaijan. Moreover, the Kultepe is the oldest ceramic Neolithic site in the South Caucasus. Outputs of these studies indicate that Azerbaijan’s Neolithic cultures have no sources in the Middle East’s monuments.

Construction features of the dwelling at the early Neolithic site Baibek in the North Caspian Sea Region

This work studies construction features of the dwelling discovered at the Neolithic site Baibek. Detailed recorded data made it possible to determine its dimensions, shape and structural components. The layer by layer analysis gave grounds to reconstruct its origin and development. Pottery and stone tools, as well as other materials of the cultural layer found in the dwelling pit are similar to the materials of the Kairshak type of the Neolithic in the Northern Caspian Sea Region. A series of radiocarbon dates establishes the chronological interval of the dwelling functioning: the first quarter of the VI millennium BC. The results of spores and pollen analysis indicate the paleogeographic background at that time. The definition of faunal remains indicates the leading hunting species: onager, red deer, corsac, saiga; fish (sterlet, perch, pike, common carp, pike perch) were caught both in open and in closed reservoirs. Judging by the analysis of the crust on the inner side of the vessels, signs of animal and plant food preparation have been established. The studied dwelling complements the characteristics of the Neolithic culture of the Kairshak type bearers and possibly marks the beginning of the transition of the population to a certain sedentary life. In addition, the information obtained gives reasons to speak about the appearance of dwellings in the region of interest starting from the early Neolithic.