Romanian archaeologist might have discovered a prehistoric temple at an archaeological site in Ripiceni, Botosani county, in northeastern Romania. The discovery was made during excavations in late June.

“Besides the 100 homes that remained in the area unaffected by lake waters, a massive structure of some 1,000 sqm was also discovered, with an enclosure fenced and fortified by a ditch and palisade. This megastructure, which is currently deemed unique in Romanian prehistory, could have been a temple, home of the princes, or could have had another functionality,” said County Museum director Aurel Melniciuc, cited by local Agerpres.

According to him, the structure’s central position and huge dimensions show its particular importance within the settlement.

Only a small part of the structure was researched during the June campaign, around 100 sqm, due to insufficient funds and the difficulty of conducting field research.

The building’s remains are to be dismantled during this period, to recover the entire inventory, including vases, weapons, and tools, and to establish its functionality more accurately, the museum director said.

Archeologists used latest generation technologies on the site in Ripiceni, including magnometric and 3D scans.

Archaeologists find 5000-year old tomb in Romania’s Prahova county

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com