The Neolithic Settlement at Drenovac, Serbia: Settlement History and Spatial Organisation

Abstract

The Neolithic settlement at Drenovac, in the region of the Middle Morava Valley in central Serbia, is notable for its size and long-term occupation. It is a deeply stratified site, with cultural deposits of up to 6.50 m in depth, and spans two main periods of occupation, separated by a hiatus of ca. 700 years: the Early Neolithic Starčevo culture (6100–5900 BC) and the Late Neolithic Vinča culture (5300/5200–4700/4500 BC). In this paper we will discuss the complex stratigraphy and dynamics of the formation processes, settlement history and the use of living space in Drenovac. These first insights are based on recent excavations, geomagnetic survey and reconnaissance. Extensive research into the latest building horizon at Drenovac, dating to the Late Neolithic (Vinča-Pločnik phase), provided the most valuable data on settlement size and spatial organisation.