Археологическо проучване на късноримско селище в землището на с. Боримечково, общ. Лесичово, обл. Пазарджик

Archaeological excavations of a Late Roman settlement near the village of Borimechkovo, Lesichovo Municipality, Pazardzhik Region

Abstract

This study presents the results of rescue archaeological excavations conducted at a late Roman settlement near the village of Borimechkovo, in Lesichovo municipality, Pazardzhik region, Bulgaria. Until now, archaeological research in this area has been limited. The settlement was identified during the construction of a transit gas pipeline, covering approximately 4400 square meters, located to the west of Borimechkovo village on an elevated terrace near a small stream.

The area's strategic location in the western part of the Sredna Gora mountain, along with its natural copper ore deposits, influenced habitation through different historical periods. The site experienced significant landscape modifications during the 20th century, notably terracing and plowing for orchard planting, complicating archaeological preservation.

The excavation aimed to document the site's stratigraphy, layout, character, and dating, particularly focusing on architectural remains, artifacts, and ceramic materials. Archaeological structures were primarily identified in trenches A20, A21, A22, trench W, and trenches B21 and B22. Analysis revealed a single-layer settlement dating from the late Roman period, ending abruptly with a fire dated no earlier than 347 AD based on coin evidence. The fire resulted in preserved in situ destruction, indicating buildings were abandoned and never reconstructed.

The remains of two separate buildings, closely spaced but distinctly oriented, were identified within the excavated area. Their foundations consisted of medium-sized stones joined with mud, supporting walls originally constructed from mudbricks. Roof fragments, including tegulae and imbrices, were also recovered. Storage pits for pithoi were located along interior walls.

Building I, partially exposed, included at least three rooms, whereas Building II comprised two parts. Finds from the burned layer included seven coins, two of which, minted during the reign of Constantius II (347–355 AD), helped establish a chronological framework. Additionally, a collective deposit containing six silver coins and jewelry, dating to 249 AD, was uncovered near the modern surface, though this area had been disturbed by agricultural activities.

Artifacts recovered were limited but varied, including metal items such as arrowheads, a silver lunula, fibulae, appliqués, buckles, sewing needles, knives, rings, chains, and nails. Stone finds included a fragment of a manual quern-stone. Ceramic artifacts, though fragmented, included amphorae, jugs, cups, bowls, pots, lids, strainers, and storage vessels, alongside spindle vertebrae and loom weights. Handmade ceramics indicated continuity with traditional Thracian pottery styles, suggesting the inhabitants belonged to the Thracian ethnic group.

Despite the site's limited excavation area, evidence of later disturbances from antiquity to modern treasure hunters indicates ongoing activity. Coins dating to the 5th century and an earlier iron fibula suggest settlement continuity both before and after the mid-4th century fire, highlighting the site's long-term occupation and historical significance within the regional context of late Roman Thrace.