Archaeological Guide of Kosovo

115
Llashtica
The Llashtica burial mounds are situated approximately 10 km northeast
from the Gjilan, set on the left bank of the Morava e Binçës River, stretched
in a wider area of the agricultural fields of Llashtica village and bordering with
the mountains of Karadak. Nine burial mounds were recorded so far, all characteristic
for the Late Iron Age. Approximately, 1.5 km north from this site, a
flat settlement was researched through scan excavations carried out in 2011,
confirming the same occupancy period with the mounds, respectively the Late
Iron Period. Nevertheless, the archaeological researches’ were carried out in several
seasons at the Llashtica tumulus site commencing in 1980, 1981 and 1982,
whereas, five burial mounds were excavated up to the geological layer. In 2011,
a tumulus known as number VIII was excavated in two segments. On the other
hand, as stated earlier above, the Iron Age settlement researched in 2011 offered
an overview of the past society while the burial and settlement complemented
the information of the indigenous population. In regard, wealthy archaeological
movable objects discovered here, different in form and material as for example
the earthenware, jars, plates and jewelry (fibulas, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) and
on the other hand, fragmented cult figures with bird motifs coated on bronze,
all clearly an overview of a vivid reflection of the Iron period civilization.
One of the burial mounds (tumulus VIII), which is in a relatively good
condition, measures in dimensions; 32 x 32m in diameter, whereas the height of
the tumulus survived up to 1.60 meter. The archaeological excavations revealed
remains of the deceased who was cremated and ashes most probably scattered.
The tumulus necropolis is dated in the Late Iron Period.
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117
Fig. 115. View of an excavated burial mound. (Kosovo Museum)
Fig. 116. Map of the Llashtica tumulus site, Gjilan Municipality.
Fig. 117. Orthophoto of the stretched Illyrian tumulus of
Llashtica.
50 Archaeological Guide of Kosovo