Prostor oko južne kapije Gornjeg grada Beogradske tvrđave

Abstract

This work represents an integration of all previous results of excavation around Medieval South gate, encompassing a space between the Sahat (Clock) Gate and the Tower V, i.e., a part of the Upper town platform which may be observed as a micro unit. Summing up the results of archaeological excavations provided a possibility of complete analysis of the settlement establishment, as well as its further development followed by fortifying of the Upper town. Also, data on original configuration of the terrain are obtained, furnishing an interpretation of deposition process in this space. All this has significantly contributed to understanding of this important segment of the Fortress: the change in its appearance and settlement process in the course of long period since prehistory until modern times. Therefore the space around South gate has been observed over six culture horizons beginning with prehistory until the end of XVII century, i.e. 1688, when the Belgrade fortress has forever lost its Medieval appearance. The last stage covering a period between the end of XVII century until the end of XVIII century when this space has been finally modified, was studied only in relation to the construction of new fortification bastions, as the archaeological layers are not very significant for this epoch. Archaeological excavations of space around South gate represent only a small segment of the large research project, which will furthermore expand to the other parts of Upper town. The results represented here largely correspond to data obtained at other explored parts of the Upper town platform.