Saharna Thraco-Getic Hillforts and Rock Monastery
Iron Age Thraco-Getic (5th–3rd c. BCE) + Moldovan monastery 1776–·Thraco-Getae / Getae-Dacians·🇲🇩 Rezina District, Saharna village on Nistru (Dniester) right bank, Moldova
About
About Saharna Thraco-Getic Hillforts and Rock Monastery
Saharna Thraco-Getic Hillforts and Rock Monastery in Rezina District, Saharna village on Nistru (Dniester) right bank, Moldova is a Iron Age Thraco-Getic (5th–3rd c. 500 BCE as three hillforts (saharna mare, mică, la şanţ) on nistru cliffs with ramparts and rock-cut sanctuary, later 1776 saharna monastery founded on hillfort terrace with waterfall gorge. Documented via 1929; Niculiță 1960s; monastery 1776. The Thraco-Getae / Getae-Dacians earthwork at Rezina District preserves three promontory forts 1–3 ha each on 50 m nistru terrace cliffs, gorge with 22 m waterfall and rock-cut hermit cell.
It illustrates Thraco-Getae / Getae-Dacians expansion and saharna mare 10 ha; cliffs 50 m.
Why it mattersSaharna Thraco-Getic Hillforts and Rock Monastery in Rezina District, Saharna village on Nistru (Dniester) right bank, Moldova is a Iron Age Thraco-Getic (5th–3rd c. BCE) + Moldovan monastery 1776– Th
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Thraco-Getic rock sanctuary – solar cult?
Theories
- 01Saharna as Getae river frontier forts on Dniester before Dacian state consolidation south
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Hillforts c.500 BCE
- Period
- Iron Age Thraco-Getic (5th–3rd c. BCE) + Moldovan monastery 1776–
- Culture
- Thraco-Getae / Getae-Dacians
- Purpose
- Three hillforts (Saharna Mare, Mică, La Şanţ) on Nistru cliffs with ramparts and rock-cut sanctuary, later 1776 Saharna Monastery founded on hillfort terrace with waterfall gorge
- Abandoned
- 3rd c. BCE (Celtic pressure)
- Rediscovered
- 1929; Niculiță 1960s; monastery 1776
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Hillforts c.500 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1399 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
47.6903° N · 28.9593° E · 50 m · 2 mapped features
Saharna Mare Hillfort
hillfortLargest promontory fort 10 ha with rampart on Nistru cliff
47.6910° N · 28.9600° ESaharna Rock Hermitage
rock monasteryRock-cut hermitage cell in gorge waterfall side
47.6890° N · 28.9580° E