On the ethnic attribution of the grave 2 from the site Njive - podstrana in Narona

Abstract

Several graves of the Great Migrations period were found during recent archaeological excavations at the site Njive - Podstrana in Vid near Metković (Roman Narona). Finds from the Grave 2 are particularly interesting: such as a pair of arch fibulae, few glass and amber beads, a small ring, and a silver conically bended object of an unknown use. On the basis of the typological and stylistic analysis of the fibulae, their comparison with the corresponding finds from the territory of Hungary, and according to the rest of the grave goods, the author opines that the grave should be attributed to a female member of the Gepid tribe and dated to the first third of the 6lh century. In addition, the author mentions two other finds from the territory of Dalmatia as being used by the Gepids: a belt-buckle and a two-edged sword (spatha) from the cemetery at Knin - Greblje. In conclusion, he lays stress on the Gepid presence in many areas of the Ostrogothic Kingdom (much broader than previously considered). Most of them served as soldiers in the Ostrogothic army, with their family members coming along, as well.