New Insights into the Later Stage of the Neolithisation Process of the Central Balkans. First Excavations at Svinjaricka Cuka 2018

Abstract

This article discusses recent findings from the newly identified archaeological site of Svinjaricka Cuka, situated next to the Southern Morava River in southern Serbia. We will present the latest results from the excavation, material studies, bioarchaeological analyses and contextualised radiocarbon data, focusing on the Stare'evo Neolithic horizon within the context of the new NEOTECH project. The interdisciplinary approach aims to shed light on the Neolithisation process of the region along one of the main communication routes between the Aegean and the Danube by the Axios-Vardar-Morava river system. The work so far has uncovered remains of Early to Middle Neolithic features dating around 5600 calBC, with analyses of faunal remains, ceramics and lithics contributing new insights into animal exploitation, raw materials and technological practices during this important time of socio-economic transition.