Unearthing the forgotten history of a Byzantine-era settlement in Kosovo
Short Summary
For centuries, the remains of people who lived around Kastrc Castle in Kosovo lay beneath the earth. Archaeological excavations have now revealed more than 120 graves, a large basilica, a baptistery, ancient settlements, coins, jewellery, inscriptions, weapons, tools and other personal objects.
The discoveries reveal a settlement with a long history, stretching from prehistoric periods through the Roman and Byzantine eras and into the medieval period.
At the centre of the investigation is the basilica, believed by the archaeologists interviewed in the documentary to have been constructed around the end of the fifth or beginning of the sixth century. More than 114 graves have been registered inside the basilica, with additional burials outside it.
Archaeologists are investigating who these people were, how they lived, where they came from, and whether the burials represent one local community or people who arrived from elsewhere.
Future DNA and C14 analyses are expected to provide further information about their age, origins, relationships and chronology.
1. INTRODUCTION – A LAND FULL OF SECRETS
For more than 1,500 years, people buried at this site remained largely forgotten.
Today, archaeology is bringing their remains and possessions back to the surface.
Among the discoveries are:
- Human remains
- More than 120 graves
- Jewellery and rings
- Coins
- Personal objects
- A basilica
- A baptistery
- Ancient walls and settlement structures
- A fifth- or sixth-century inscription
- Evidence of prehistoric occupation
The central question is:
Who were these people, and why were they buried here?
2. KASTRC CASTLE
The archaeological site is located at Kastrc Castle, approximately 12 kilometres northwest of Suhareka in Kosovo.
The castle occupies a naturally defensible position. Its northern and western sides are protected by steep rock, while other areas were protected by constructed walls.
The site covers approximately 1.6 hectares between its surrounding walls.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence that the location was inhabited during several different historical periods.
3. A SETTLEMENT THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD
The earliest traces of habitation mentioned in the documentary date to the Neolithic period.
According to the archaeologists, people may have lived here around 3000–3500 BC.
The earliest inhabitants did not construct large stone buildings. Instead, they lived in simple structures made from wood and covered with mud.
Archaeologists have found traces of birch and objects associated with everyday life during the Eneolithic period.
The settlement was subsequently occupied during:
- The Eneolithic period
- The Late Bronze Age
- The Early Iron Age
- The Roman period
- Late Antiquity
- The Byzantine period
- The medieval period
There were also periods when the site appears to have been abandoned.
4. THE PREHISTORIC FORTIFICATION
Archaeological work has identified more than one phase of fortification.
One phase belongs to the Eneolithic period, while later fortifications are associated with the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.
The location appears to have been strategically important because of its natural defensive characteristics.
The steep rock provided protection on one side, while constructed defensive walls protected areas where the terrain was easier to access.
5. THE GAP IN OCCUPATION
According to the archaeological interpretation presented in the documentary, there appears to have been a period without significant habitation between approximately 700–800 BC and the fourth century AD.
The site was later reoccupied during the Roman and Late Antique periods.
The documentary connects this renewed occupation with the changing political and military situation of the Roman world.
After the division of the Roman Empire and the continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire from Constantinople, strategically important locations once again became significant.
Kastrc appears to have been one of these locations.
6. THE BYZANTINE PERIOD
The fifth and sixth centuries appear to have been particularly important for the site.
The documentary describes a period in which the settlement expanded and the basilica was constructed.
The archaeologists associate the basilica with the end of the fifth or beginning of the sixth century.
The basilica may have remained active for approximately a century.
The documentary also discusses the period of Emperor Justinian and the relative stability of the region before later attacks and destruction.
7. THE BASILICA
One of the most important discoveries at Kastrc is a large basilica.
The basilica was first identified during archaeological work and excavations continued over several campaigns.
The archaeologists explain that approximately 55% of the basilica had previously been excavated, while later work focused on the remaining section.
The structure includes:
- A central nave
- An apse with three conches
- Multiple entrances
- Additional rooms
- A baptistery
- A baptismal basin
The three-conch apse is described as unusual and possibly unique within Kosovo.
The archaeologist interviewed in the documentary compares it with a structure in eastern Albania, while emphasizing that the Kastrc basilica is not identical.
8. THE EARTHQUAKE OF 518
The documentary identifies an earthquake in AD 518 as an important event in the history of the basilica.
Evidence of different construction phases can be seen in the northern section.
One of the entrances appears to have been narrowed following the earthquake.
A protective wall was also constructed in order to stabilize the damaged structure.
This suggests that the basilica was repaired and modified after the earthquake rather than immediately abandoned.
9. THE BAPTISTERY
A baptistery was discovered as an annex connected to the basilica.
Inside the baptistery, archaeologists found a baptismal basin.
The baptistery provides further evidence of the Christian character of the settlement during Late Antiquity.
10. MORE THAN 120 GRAVES
The most striking discovery inside the basilica is the large number of burials.
At least 114 graves had been registered inside the basilica, with additional graves outside.
The total number mentioned by the archaeologists exceeds 120.
The burials occur at different levels.
Some graves were cut directly into or through the former floor of the basilica.
The archaeologists describe three levels of burials.
11. CHILDREN, MEN AND WOMEN
The graves contain people of different ages.
Among the discoveries are:
- Children
- Adult men
- Adult women
- Possible family burials
- Graves containing more than one individual
One grave contains the remains of a woman and the bones of a child.
The archaeologists suggest that the woman may have died following complications associated with childbirth, although this remains an interpretation that would require further analysis.
Another grave contains the remains of multiple individuals.
Several skulls were found together, and archaeologists are uncertain whether these represent successive burials or the later rearrangement of earlier remains.
12. BURIAL ORIENTATION
Most of the individuals appear to have been buried in an east–west orientation.
The documentary describes the bodies as being placed with their hands together over the stomach or chest, consistent with a Christian burial tradition.
However, one grave is oriented differently.
That individual was buried north–south.
The archaeologist suggests that this person may have been a newcomer to the community or may have belonged to a different cultural tradition.
This interpretation remains uncertain.
13. A POSSIBLE PAGAN BURIAL
One particularly unusual grave contained an iron ring placed inside the mouth.
The archaeologist compares this with ancient Roman and pagan traditions in which coins could be placed inside the mouth of the deceased.
The documentary suggests that this burial may therefore represent a person who did not belong to the Christian community.
However, the archaeologist emphasizes that DNA and C14 analysis would be needed to investigate this further.
14. WHO WERE THESE PEOPLE?
This is one of the central mysteries of Kastrc.
Were the people buried here:
- Members of one local community?
- An extended family?
- A tribe?
- People from different regions?
- Migrants who arrived at different times?
The number of graves and the different burial practices raise questions about the composition of the community.
Future DNA analysis may help establish biological relationships between individuals.
The archaeologists also hope to determine whether people buried at Kastrc were genetically connected to later inhabitants of the surrounding area.
15. DNA AND C14 ANALYSIS
The archaeologists describe plans to work with researchers from the Romano-Germanic Institute in Frankfurt.
C14 analysis could provide more precise dates for the burials.
DNA analysis could potentially reveal:
- Family relationships
- Biological connections between individuals
- Population origins
- Relationships between different burial groups
These analyses are presented as an important next step in understanding the cemetery.
16. THE LANDOWNER – NUHI BYTYQI
The archaeological site lies on land belonging to the Bytyqi family.
Nuhi Bytyqi explains that the land was inherited from his father.
He expresses pride that archaeological discoveries have been made on the property.
For him, the discoveries are important not only to his family but also to the village, the municipality and Kosovo more broadly.
He describes the archaeological remains as evidence that people lived in the area long before the present population.
17. THE INSCRIPTION
One of the most significant finds is a fragment of a ceramic or clay object containing an inscription.
The inscription contains the Christian formula:
“In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
According to the documentary, the text is written in Latin and represents the earliest written formula of this kind discovered in Kosovo, according to the archaeologists interviewed.
The inscription is dated to approximately the end of the fifth or beginning of the sixth century.
18. THE AGE OF JUSTINIAN
Another important discovery is a coin associated with the reign of Emperor Justinian I.
The documentary places the coin around AD 527.
This provides archaeological evidence connecting the site with the Byzantine period.
Other coins discovered at the site come from different periods, demonstrating that Kastrc remained connected to wider economic networks over a long period.
19. OBJECTS MADE FROM BONE
Archaeologists also discovered decorated objects made from animal bone.
One fragment appears to depict a hand or figure associated with a cross.
The archaeologist interprets the decoration as potentially connected with Christian symbolism.
The object may represent:
- A decorative piece
- Part of clothing
- Part of a comb
- Part of a knife or sword handle
The exact function is not certain.
The documentary suggests that a workshop may have existed at the settlement where animal bones were processed into decorative objects.
20. JEWELLERY
A large number of personal objects have been discovered.
These include:
- Rings
- Earrings
- Bracelets
- Bronze objects
- Silver objects
- Lead objects
- Wire jewellery
Some jewellery was found directly inside graves.
One ring was found near the remains of a woman estimated to have been around 35 years old.
Another object was found with the remains of a girl estimated to have been around 16–17 years old.
The jewellery provides evidence about clothing, personal identity and burial practices.
21. THE HUNTING-DOG RING
One particularly well-preserved ring depicts a hunting dog.
The archaeologist interprets this as possible evidence of hunting activities among the inhabitants.
The mountainous landscape surrounding Kastrc would have provided opportunities for hunting.
The ring is described as one of the most characteristic objects discovered inside a grave.
22. THE MEDIEVAL BURIALS
Not all of the discoveries belong to the same period.
Some graves and objects are associated with the medieval period, including approximately the 10th–12th centuries.
A coin associated with the Komnenian period was also discovered.
This demonstrates that the site continued to be used long after the Late Antique basilica.
23. THE FAMILY COLLECTION
The Bytyqi family has collected objects discovered on their land over many years.
The family explains that different members have found objects while:
- Working the land
- Harvesting crops
- Walking through the area
- Using agricultural tools
The family has preserved these discoveries rather than treating them simply as valuable objects.
They describe their collection as a contribution to archaeological and historical research.
24. EARLY IRON AGE OBJECTS
Among the family collection are objects that archaeologists associate with the Early Iron Age.
Some are estimated in the documentary to be approximately 2,800 years old.
Other objects belong to later historical periods.
The collection therefore reflects the long chronological history of the settlement.
25. COINS AND TRADE
Coins discovered at Kastrc originate from different periods.
Some are associated with the Byzantine Empire.
The documentary mentions coins connected with:
- Constantinople
- Thessaloniki
- The reign of Justinian
- Later Byzantine rulers
The presence of coins from different centres is used by the archaeologists to argue that Kastrc was not an isolated military settlement.
Instead, it appears to have participated in wider trade networks.
26. TRADE ROUTES
The documentary connects Kastrc with historical roads linking the region to larger centres.
The archaeologists discuss connections through routes associated with:
- Lezha
- The Vërmia region
- Ulpiana
- Apollonia
- Durrës
- Thessaloniki
- Constantinople
These connections suggest that goods and people could travel through the region.
The settlement therefore appears to have had not only a defensive function but also an economic and productive role.
27. MORE THAN A MILITARY CASTLE
The archaeological evidence suggests that Kastrc was more than a defensive fortress.
The site appears to have had several functions:
Defensive
- Natural protection
- Fortification walls
- Strategic location
Residential
- Houses and settlement remains
- Long periods of habitation
Religious
- Basilica
- Baptistery
- Christian burials
Economic
- Coins
- Trade connections
- Production activities
Agricultural
- Cultivated land
- Agricultural tools
- Evidence of farming
28. A PLACE CONNECTED TO THE WIDER WORLD
The variety of coins, jewellery and other objects indicates that the inhabitants were connected to wider cultural and economic networks.
Objects originating from or associated with places such as Constantinople and Thessaloniki suggest that people, goods and ideas travelled to Kastrc.
The settlement therefore appears to have been part of a much larger regional system.
29. THE CENTRAL MYSTERY
Despite the discoveries, many questions remain unanswered.
Who exactly were the people buried in the basilica?
Why were so many people buried there?
Were they all members of the same community?
Why was one individual buried in a different orientation?
Why were some graves reused?
Who were the people whose remains were found together?
Did the population come from the surrounding region, or did people migrate to Kastrc?
What happened when the settlement was finally abandoned?
These are questions that further archaeological, DNA and C14 research may help answer.
30. FINAL MESSAGE
Kastrc Castle is presented in the documentary as a place where thousands of years of history overlap.
Prehistoric settlements, Iron Age fortifications, Roman and Byzantine remains, a large Christian basilica, medieval graves, jewellery, coins and personal possessions all exist within the same landscape.
The people who lived here left behind fragments of their lives.
Their graves reveal how they died.
Their jewellery reveals aspects of their identity.
Their coins reveal connections with distant places.
Their buildings reveal how they lived.
And the archaeological work continues to reconstruct the story of a community that disappeared from history but remained beneath the ground.
The question is no longer simply what was built at Kastrc.
The deeper question is: who were the people who lived, died and were buried here?
KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kastrc Castle, Kosovo |
| Distance mentioned | Approximately 12 km northwest of Suhareka |
| Site size | Approximately 1.6 hectares |
| Earliest occupation mentioned | Neolithic / Eneolithic period |
| Prehistoric phases | Eneolithic, Late Bronze Age, Early Iron Age |
| Major later period | Late Antiquity / Byzantine period |
| Basilica | Approximately late 5th–early 6th century |
| Earthquake mentioned | AD 518 |
| Graves | More than 114 inside the basilica; over 120 mentioned overall |
| Religious structure | Basilica and baptistery |
| Important inscription | Christian baptismal formula in Latin |
| Important ruler mentioned | Emperor Justinian I |
| Scientific methods planned | C14 and DNA analysis |
| Important finds | Coins, rings, earrings, bracelets, bone objects and other personal items |
| Later finds | Medieval objects and coins |
CHRONOLOGICAL OVERVIEW
c. 3000–3500 BC
Early traces of habitation mentioned in the documentary.
Eneolithic Period
Settlement and early fortification activity.
Late Bronze Age
Further occupation and defensive structures.
Early Iron Age
Continued strategic use of the site.
c. 700–800 BC onward
A period of apparent interruption in habitation.
4th century AD
Reoccupation of the strategic site.
Late 5th / early 6th century
Construction of the basilica.
AD 518
Earthquake causes destruction and later modifications to the basilica.
6th century
Christian community, basilica, baptistery and extensive cemetery.
Later centuries
Additional burials and continued activity.
10th–12th centuries
Medieval objects, jewellery and coins appear in the archaeological record.
Modern period
Archaeological excavations reveal the cemetery, basilica and settlement.
MAIN THEMES
1. Memory and rediscovery
People who had been buried for centuries are brought back into historical memory through archaeology.
2. Continuity and abandonment
The site was repeatedly inhabited, abandoned and reoccupied over thousands of years.
3. Religion
The basilica, baptistery, Christian inscription and burial practices reveal an important Christian presence.
4. Identity
Different burial practices and personal objects raise questions about the origins and identity of the people buried there.
5. Trade and connectivity
Coins and other artefacts suggest connections with major Byzantine centres.
6. Family and archaeology
The modern landowners have preserved objects discovered on their land and allowed archaeologists to investigate the site.
7. Science and the past
DNA and C14 analysis may provide answers that archaeology alone cannot establish.
DOCUMENTARY’S CENTRAL QUESTION
Who were the people buried at Kastrc, and what can their graves, possessions and settlement tell us about the society that once lived here?
Source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYe_JZWG7ZU
