raskendava

Raskendava is an abandoned archaeological site located in the Balkan Mountains of North Macedonia. The site spans over an area of approximately 60 hectares. Physical remains date back to the ancient Dardanian civilization and the Roman period.

Excavations undertaken in the region between 1964 and 1973 revealed several artifacts, including ceramic and stone vessels, scattered debris, and several plaster-floored rooms. Although specific details about the layout of the habitation areas are scarce, it can be deduced that the structures lacked distinct lower floors, an architectural feature common to other Neolithic sites in the region.

Research has shown that the site experienced variations in water levels and was potentially inhabited at intervals due to repeated changes in local environmental conditions. Geographically, the site is located in the immediate vicinity of the Dănič River, and discoveries include ironworks, through evidence of hearths, molds for casting iron, and portions of iron-working tripods.

Early estimates placed the date of human habitation at the site as appraising back to the Early Neolithic period. After radiocarbon analysis, revised conclusions point to an even earlier Iron Age date for specific phases of certain areas of the site. The correlation between Raskendava and topographical geomorphological surveys, particularly for pottery remains around ancient brook beds, is yet to be fully explored.

Excavations at Raskendava have been sporadic and, as of the last known report, in 1996 stalled after surveying an increase in significant over-growth due to being left untouched for almost three decades.