On the Gold Adornments from Apahida-Fifth Century AD, Transylvania, Romania

Abstract

Three princely graves, all dating from the second half of the fifth century AD, were discovered at Apahida, in 1889, 1968, and 1979, respectively (Périn et al. 2000; Horedt and Protase 1972; Harhoiu 1998). Subsequently, the treasure of Cluj-Someşeni was found a few kilometres away (Périn et al. 2000; Harhoiu 1998). Both places are located close to the former Roman municipium of Napoca, in the proximity of an ancient Roman road connecting Napoca with the Roman camps (Gherla, Căşeiu, Ilişua) on the Someş valley. These four complexes, located outside the borders of the fifth century Roman Empire, exhibit inventories which are important documents for the archaeological discourse on the Early Middle Ages in the Middle Danube area. The most spectacular analogies for the items discovered at Apahida are found in the Childeric grave from Tournai, Belgium.