AT THE BORDER. THE RESCUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF CĂMIN (SATU MARE COUNTY)

Abstract

This study presents the results of the rescue archaeological excavations conducted during 2024 at Cămin (Satu Mare county), in site Via Căminului-nord, preceded by an intrusive diagnostic performed in 2022. In the occasion, thirty-six features have been identified, the majority clustering on the edge of the Papirgyár river terrace. According to the analysis of the identified inventories, most date to the 3rd century AD, respectively fourteen features. These are followed, quantitatively, by features framed archaeologically to the Second Iron Age, of Celtic origin (3), to the Modern period (2), respectively prehistory (1). A feature dates to the chronological frame comprised between the second half of the 4th century – early 5th century AD. Other features have not yielded relevant archaeological materials (Cx 2/P1, Cx 6/P1; Cx 1/P4, Cx 3/P4, Cx 5/P4, Cx 6/P4 and Cx 1/P5).
The oldest find belongs to the late Bronze, respectively a Gàva II type pit-house. The following time sequence includes two Celtic features, large in size, of which one may be interpreted as workshop. It is worth noting that among the recovered objects are constantly present situlae with graphite in paste, some discovered in 2022 exhibiting repair traces. Best documented chronological sequence belongs to the 3rd century AD. In all cases we are dealing with sunken features, most likely related to clay extraction, like for instance Cx 11, composed of numerous adjoining pits. Among particular artefacts counts a handled decorated antler comb (Cx 2/P2), respectively two fragments of stamped pottery imported from the empire.
We believe that all archaeologically identified chronological sequences should be related to occupational activities like clay extraction, its diverse working, even as building material, or activities in connection with bog iron extraction.