Archaeological Guide of Kosovo

Bellaçec
The Bellaçec (Bardh
i Madh) prehistoric fortress is
situated on top of a low hill, a
naturally protected terrain configuration
from north, south and
east, in one hand, and the traverse
and ditch barriers from the
western part, which made this
fortified settlement an important
stronghold for its time. Additionally, the Drenica River flows below the foot
of the hill, whereas few meters up north, the Çiçavica Mountains encircle
the surrounding landscape. The ancient fortress is in the trapezoidal shape,
measuring 70x50 meters inside the fort, while, the exterior surrounding
is characterized by rows of traverses composed of mixed earth and river
stones. This extraordinary strategic geographical position of the fortress
was ideal for the inhabitants to observe a wide zone of the Fushë Kosovo
region. The excavations confirmed occupancy evidenced based on the discovered
material, which were unearthed after more than 28 centuries. The
earthenware finds are mainly decorated with caneluras and dots, typical for
the Dardanian decoration style of the Dardanian anciently, respectively the
late Iron Age, this also confirming the local and regional pottery production.
107
108
106
The archaeological excavations
carried on this site, mainly in the form
of trial trenches at this site conducted in
several seasons since the end of the sixties
of the past century to continue up
to present year. In 2011, a geophysical
survey conducted with the geomagnetic
device, has recorded underground
features of the fort’s compounds, premises
which will come under the light
through future excavations. The site
occupancy was active during the 8th
up to the 5th century BC.
Fig. 106. Two handle dish from the Iron Age (Kosovo Museum).
Fig. 107. Orthophoto of the hill, respectively the Iron Age
stronghold.
Fig. 108. The map pinpointing the site setting of the
Bellaçec (Bardh i Madh) prehistoric fortress. Fushë Kosova
Municipality;
48 Archaeological Guide of Kosovo