Page 242 - NOVOPAZARSKI ZBORNIK 44-2021

242 С. Новаковић, Касноантичка утврђена насеља у тутинској регији...

Stefan Novakovic
University in Belgrade– Faculty of Philosophy

LATE ANTIQUE FORTRESS SETTLEMENTS IN THE REGION OF
TUTIN-THE SETTLING AND ECONOMIC BASES

Abstract: During the archeological researches and recognizing of the terrain
that happen intensively since the eighties of XX century in the region of Tutin, the
total of seven locations were researched of the late Antique, i.e. early Byzantine
period. These fortresses were built for their most parts or they had been rebuilt
within the buildings being led elsewhere over the Empire, in the period of reign
of Justinian I (527 – 565), since turbulent times caused by barbarian intrusions
in the territory of the Eastern Roman Empire. In this occasion, the settlements in
more accessible places, like (river) valleys were abandoned, and more difficult
positions in hill­mountain areas were occupied. Although being fortified, this type
of settlement did not have enough of the military character, but it was a fortress of
a village. Based on the present known data related to the late Antique fortressed
settlements, there are regularities to be noticed in the way of their fortification and
position for their building, and also certain economic characteristics, important for
reconsidering of settlement and economic bases, in the late Antique period in the
stated area.

Key words: late Antique settlements, vertical migration, high fortresses,
Justinian I, Gradina in Ramosevo.