Recent Excavations at Markova Kula: A Hellenistic Fortress in the Demir Kapija (Iron Gate) Gorge

Petrov, Ordanche (2026) Recent Excavations at Markova Kula: A Hellenistic Fortress in the Demir Kapija (Iron Gate) Gorge. In: Archaeological Institute of America Annual Meeting.

Text (Abstract from the Archaeological Institute of America Annual Meeting) 2026-AM-Program-LR_OP.pdf - Accepted Version Download (286kB)

Abstract

We present the results of 2016 and 2025 excavations at Markova Kula, a Hellenistic fortress overlooking the Demir Kapija Gorge. Markova Kula lies along a major trans-Balkan Road route that connects continental Europe with the Mediterranean basin. The Demir Kapija Gorge is the last and most formidable obstacle on this route before reaching the Aegean basin.

The fortress is one of the best-preserved and northernmost examples of Hellenistic architecture on the Balkan mainland. The goals of the excavations were to determine the building plan, chronology, and construction methods at both entrances of the fortress. The excavations demonstrate that the military outpost was built using ashlar masonry techniques during a single construction phase. The fortress has symmetrical measurements, rectangular layout, and sharply defined wall edges, suggesting that it was built following an original architectural plan fully executed during this single phase of construction. During the fieldwork, the building plan was fully documented with scale drawings and drone imagery.

Analysis of artifacts, including coins and ceramics, provides a relative chronology indicating that the fortress was erected during the reign of the Macedonian king Cassander (317/305–297 B.C.E.) and likely abandoned following the Celtic raids in the Balkans in 279 B.C.E. Because Markova Kula was located along a major transportation route, and occupied for a short period of time with no later construction episodes, it is significant for our understanding of Hellenistic military strategies and architecture during late fourth century–early third century B.C.E.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
Subjects:	Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Humanities > History and archaeology
Divisions:	PSI Ancient Slav Culture Institute
Depositing User:	PhD Ordanče Petrov
Date Deposited:	03 Mar 2026 20:35
Last Modified:	03 Mar 2026 20:40
URI:	https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11396

Actions (login required)

View Item