Was Gordineşti II-Stînca Goala abandoned due to cultural changes or environmental impacts? A case of the late Trypillia settlement in northern Moldova

Abstract

This study aims to provide information on cultural and environmental factors influencing the development and decline of the Late Trypillia settlement at Gordineşti II–Stînca goală. The discussion is based on the results of archaeological excavations, non-invasive surveys (magnetometric and GPR), as well as radiocarbon, macroremains, palynological, archaeozoological, and isotopic analyses. All data suggests that Gordineşti II–Stînca goală consisted of at least 15 lightweight constructed dwellings. It was a small settlement existing c. 3300-2950 BC. Its inhabitants were oriented to cereal cultivation and livestock husbandry, using available areas with fertile soils. The livestock were well-fed. However, the location of the settlement on a highly exposed outcrop probably did not facilitate the use of the flowing water of the nearby Racovăţ River. The rock underlying the site would have made digging the wells a very tough task. Hence, the water access problem may be one of the factors that made life inconvenient at the Gordineşti II-Stînca goală settlement.