Radiocarbon Dating of the Zagreb Upper Town Prehistoric Settlement

Abstract

During the 1989-1994 renovation of the Zagreb Town Museum, it became obvious that the area was inhabited in prehistoric times. We 14C dated 40 samples to determine various settlement periods. The ages of the samples span a much longer time than expected, from the Early Iron Age (Hallstatt period) to the 19th century AD. 14C dates on charcoal samples placed the remains of dwelling pits in the Hallstatt period, 8th to 4th century BC. A late La Tene settlement dated between the 4th century BC and the 2nd century AD. Medieval fortifications were identified in the western part of the complex, consisting of a well-preserved wooden structure used for construction of the royal castrum. 14C measurements on wooden planks and posts date the construction of the fortification between the 13th and 15th centuries AD and branches, beams, and tools found below the basement of the Convent of St. Clare span the 16th to the 19th century AD.