Unusual Mortuary Practices from the Alba Iulia-Lumea Nouă Neolithic and Eneolithic
site (Transylvania, Romania)
The site of Lumea Nouă is located in the north-eastern part of the city of Alba Iulia (Alba
County), on the second terrace of the Mureş River. After extensive archaeological excavations
and the establishment of research units in different parts of the site, we can state that the surface
of the Neolithic settlement is larger than 40 ha.
A distinct Neolithic funerary complex has been the focus of recent excavations. As a result
of archaeological work from 2003, 2005 and 2011, we found a massive agglomeration of
disarticulated human bones. The corroboration of the three funerary discoveries leads to the
conclusion that around 120 disarticulated individuals were buried in this area. The skeletal
remains have not been identified in anatomical connection and the archaeological context suggest
the idea that we are dealing with an agglomeration of defleshed bones.
The archaeological material associated with the funerary discovery belonged to the late
Neolithic/early Eneolithic Foeni culture. The human skeletal material has seven app
AMS dates of between 4600 - 4450 calBC.
The presence of both children, male and female adults has been determined by osteological
analyses. No traces of interpersonal violence, such as wounds inflicted by arrows or lithic
weapons, have been found. Some of the skulls present circular fractures and areas of abrasion. In
particular, the study of the mandibular branches shows areas with obvious sectioning traces that
have regular, oblique margins. Faunal remains were also associated with the human bones.
Our current interpretation is that the local Foeni communities practiced organized burial
rituals and that Lumea Nouă was a late Neolithic/early Eneolithic ceremonial centre for this
group.