Archaeological Guide of Kosovo

Vindenis
147
145
146
Among three road stations that were constructed in Dardania during
the Roman Period, Statio Vindenis, is one of the identified stations. This
archaeological site is set at the area of the village of Glavnik, Municipality of
Podujeva (Besiana). The site is located approximately 5km south, southeast
from Podujeva. The ancient Via Lissus-Naissus (Lezha-Nish) roman road was
a diagonal route, connecting the central Balkans region with the Adriatic coast,
which passed through Vindenis. The settlement and roman road station of Vindenis
are stretched on the right bank of Llap River vicinity, measuring an area
of more or less of 15-20 hectares. During the eighties of the last century, systematic
archaeological excavations carried out at this site, uncovered an area in
total of 550 m2. Among recorded archaeological findings and features here, the
most characteristic ones are the grave burials with the grave goods. The burial
rites documented here, tell us about the practise of cremation and inhumation
burial rites. Besides, a few tons heavy marble sarcophagus was discovered, most
probably especially prepared for a distinguished person of high economical,
social and political status. Nonetheless, archaeological investigations identified
several dwellings, and in particular a distinguished discovery of a floor mosaic
composed with geometrical motifs, at the central part of the mosaic, the figural
display panel of the Orpheus, makes this mosaic a special discovery, A special
finding discovered at this site, is a gold wedding ring (fig. 149) with a cameo
which clearly indicates shaking of the right hands (dextrarum iunction),
which means an agreement but also symbolizes loyalty and friendship. Geophysical,
geomagnetic surveys or prospection’s conducted at this locality in
2008 and 2011, in an area of at least 11 hectares of this important archaeological
site, identified traces of remains of different objects that at the first
impression, resemble to a military field garrison, most probably stationed
there to protect the surrounding area and the road station. The archaeological
site of Vindenis, was active during the entire period of the roman rule as
well as during the late antiquity.
Lab
148
149
Podujevo
Vindenis (Glavnik)
Batlava
Fig. 145. The Mosaic of Orpheus from Vindenis. (KM)
Fig.146. Marble sarcophagus discovered in Videnis. (KM)
Fig. 147. The site setting of the Vindenis.
Fig. 148. Glass jar (KM)
fig.149. Golden ring from Vindenis (KM).
62 Archaeological Guide of Kosovo