1997Archaeological Site Samatorje in Gorica - First Day Cover

GORICA, a village on the northern border of the field of Imotski, used to be a settlement as early as the Copper Age. The oldest settlement was situated on the hill Pit, and this is where the stone axe from the early Stone Age was found. In the Bronze Age a hill-fort settlement was built here which continued its existence into the Iron Age. The period of the Roman government left traces of houses, farm-buildings and public buildings at the foot of the hill Pit, as well as mosaics, weapons, jewellery, coins and other objects from the 1st to the 4th centuries. In the late ancient times the hill Pit became a fortified shelter. Yet, the most important finding from that period is, without doubt, the early Christian (late ancient) basilica, the study of which is currently underway. Up to now the southern and northern wings have been investigated, while the exploration of the central part is yet to be undertaken. The rounded apses in the eastern part complete all three parts of the construction. The southern part of the basilica consisted of a number of rooms designed for the needs of the Christian community. Under the flooring an arched crypt and another entrance to a similar crypt were discovered. The narthex, catechumenicon and baptistery were investigated in the northern part. The font for the baptismal water (the piscina) shows a cross-like form in the ground plan.