Trinca-La Șanț – A Large North Moldovan Trypillia Settlement

Abstract

In the years 2022 and 2023, the Trypillia hilltop settlement of Trinca-La Șanț in northern Moldova was investigated and excavated by the CRC1266 in collaboration with the State University of Moldova. As a result, we unveiled the basic structures of the 25 ha fortified settlement, which, adapted to the topography, combines the principles of linear and concentric rows of houses. Based on the ¹⁴C data available to date, it can be assumed that the settlement dates from 3950 to 3650 BCE. Of the 320 houses discovered, up to 100 existed simultaneously, which corresponds to a maximum number of inhabitants of 250–1000 people. δ13C/δ15N isotope values of domestic animals indicate an extensive economy that corresponds to that of other, similarly large or mega-sites.