The outer forts of Caricin grad: Visualisation of digital terrain models and interpretation

Abstract

The erection of a new polis, Justiniana Prima, on the site of Caricin Grad, was part of a larger engineering project in a rural hilly setting of the western areas of Dacia Mediterranea, which had also included the construction of nearby fortlets. The article presents LiDAR data which has provided new information related to their ground-plan and dimensions. Located in a 12 km? area around the metropolis, St Elias, Kuliste-Jezero and Gornje Gradiste in Svinjarica were LiDAR scanned in 2011, while the Sekicol fort, with its 4 km? surroundings, was subjected to the same technology in 2015. Our analysis of the outer fortifications of Justiniana Prima is based on a visualisation of the obtained digital terrain models and field observations; in the case of the St Elias fort, we also used the results of the 1976 excavations. These fortlets had manifold functions. On the one hand, they overlooked the approaches to the city and its infrastructure - Kuliste-Jezero was a watchtower - and on the other, they also served as shelters for the local population - refugia. In the middle of the St Elias fort there was a large three-nave church; this may well have been a fortified monastery. Future research of these forts should provide more detailed information on their chronology and function, complement the outstanding results of the LiDAR and geophysical surveys, and contribute to a better understanding of Justiniana Prima itself.