Razgradnja fortifikacije Akropolja Caričinog grada

Abstract

Year after year, archaeological research of Caričin Grad advances our knowledge of the urbanism of this unique Early Byzantine city. Thanks to the excavations which follow conservation works at the Acropolis fortification, new data are gained regarding the construction of the ramparts, towers, posterns, and stairways. Especially important to us are the clues for establishing the time and manner of use of the fortifications. It is commonly believed that the ramparts and towers of the Acropolis had fulfilled their function from the very beginning of Caričin Grad until the termination of life in the city. However, new findings show that in different parts of Caričin Grad the fortifications underwent considerable changes, such as repairs of the ram-parts, towers, and other facilities. These interventions have been recorded on the Lower Town's southeast corner tower, and on the southern rampart of the Acropolis too, where during the lifespan of the city even the foundations of the ruined tower were deconstructed to make room for a minor building erected in its place. Apart from this, the eastern stairways lost their function. With the erection of the building leaning on the southern rampart of the Acropolis, at the place where the tower used to be, the defensive role of the fortification was completely suspended. Along with this, the building testifies to a considerable intramural settlement. It is important to mention that in the debris layers of this area four fragments were found of a column made out of 'Green Thessalian Stone', or verde antico, undoubtedly originating from the internal decorative program of the Episcopal Basilica, most probably from the ciborium.