Archaeological Evidences of The Non-Christian Rituals in The Serbian Part of The Danubian Region During The Middle Ages

Abstract

In the settlement strata dated to the 12^th and 13^th centuries, within three Byzantine border forts along the Serbian part of the Danubian region (Morava, Braničevo and Egeta), ritual bird offerings that preceded the erection of various buildings were archaeologically testified. Namely, whole ceramic vessels were placed upside down in pits and within them were the skeletal remains of chicken of various ages. Magic power of the ritual was additionally amplified by other offerings, such as iron knives and nails, while on one occasion small glass amorphous objects were likewise detected.

Numerous similar examples of building deposits were detected all over Europe during the 12^th and 13^th centuries. Since mentioned rituals were tied to folk beliefs that, unlike the official religion, didn`t have strict norms, numerous variations occurred. For example, vessels were mainly placed upside down, but some were placed on their bottoms and covered with fragment of another ceramic vessel. Considering sacrificed animals, they were mostly hens and roosters, as well as gees and pond birds, sometimes eggs, pikes, dogs or cats, and the magic power was likewise amplified by diverse additional offerings. Practicing the said ritual was always tied to the turbulent times.

It is interesting to notice that, on the central Balkans, there are no archaeological traces of this ritual during the period from the late 5^th to the early 7^th century. That was the time when firm church organization functioned in this area and Christian customs were strictly obeyed. The collapse of the Byzantine state at the beginning of the 7^th century, as well as settling of new peoples, led to the abandonment of Christian customs or their arbitrary interpretation and implementation. Therefore, during the early medieval period on the territory of the Serbian part of the Danubian region, the sacrificing of animals when erecting the buildings offen occured.

The re-establishing of the Byzantine rule on the central Balkans at the beginning of the 11^th century led to the definite embedment of Christianity and abandonment of pagan elements in funerary practice. Still, during the turbulent 12^th century, marked by intensive conflicts between Byzantium and Magyars in the Serbian part of the Danubian region, the practice of non-Christian rituals when burying of building deposits, occurred once again. Wishing to secure safety, peace and salvation during the times of crisis, the Christian community reached out not only for God`s intervention, but also for help of other „greater forces“. Although the character of folk beliefs and Christian norms of official church were, on the first sight, diametrically opposed, one should bear in mind the fact that during the Middle Ages folk belief wasn’t in complete contrast to the Christianity. Namely, pre-Christian and Christian elements were not two confronted sides, but they both shaped the beliefs within Christian communities. Considering the fact that in both cases the adherence to certain norms of behaviour is actually based on personal beliefs of each individual, the choice of what someone will believe in, is closely tied to challenges of that particular historical moment and to his/hers choice of rituals that he/she believes would provide help.