The amber findings of Novo Mesto (Slovenia)           

Novo Mesto is an impressive city in the southeast of Slovenia not far from the Croatian border. Its medieval town centre is surrounded by a river bend. Novo Mesto is also one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. In its immediate vicinity, more than 500 inhumations from the period between the 8th and 4th century BC have been found. The whole burial area extends over 30'000 m2. Archaeologists have identified Novo Mesto as the seat of rich Hallstatt princes. In 120 graves they found glass and amber beads as grave goods. Many of the amber products are masterly made. There are 5 disc-like ornamented amber beads (Dm 2,1-2,5 cm), which are versed with incised lines and small circle eyes (see Replica), others show four bird heads each. Other beads are designed as double animal heads, facing away from each other. There are 2 beautiful decorated amber sliders with a length of 3.6 cm (see replica). The chemical analyses confirmed that the raw amber comes from the North Sea - Baltic coast (i.e. Baltic amber) (see Peter Turk / Bostjan Kovacic, Bernstein und Glasschmuck aus Novo Mesto). These findings clearly confirm that the trade relations between the north and the south on the so-called amber roads worked also at that time.

Literature:

Peter Turk / Bostjan Kovacic, Bernstein und Glasschmuck aus Novo Mesto Slowenien. Keltenmuseum Hochdorf / Enz. 2003

Foto Banner: https://www.solidarity4heritage.com/municipality-of-novo-mesto/