Archaeological Antiquities of the Old Suburb of Chernivtsi –Roșa and the History of the Țețina Fortress

This article presents an analysis of archaeological discoveries in the territory of the suburb, now a district of the city of Chernivtsi –Roșa. The research was conducted as part of the «RESTORY» project, funded by the European Commission’s «HORIZON-CL2‑2023-HERITAGE‑01-№ 101132781» grant. The aim of the study. The authors of the study argue with previous researches that, the district should include units such as Roșa (Rosha), Roșa-Stânca (Rosha-Stinka), Țețina (Cecino), and Monastâriște (Monastyrishche) geographically and administratively, which, for a certain period, was even officially considered part of Rosha). The relevance of this research lies in the uniqueness of the archaeological data, which helps describe the ancient period before the advent of writing in this region, as well as in the comprehensive study of the history of the Cecino fortress based on medieval charters and scientific works from the 19th to the 21st centuries. The chronological framework of the study spans from the first Paleolithic settlements (40,000-10,000 years ago) to the 15th century AD. The research aims to evaluate the process of human habitation in what is now known as Rosha, based on current archaeological findings, medieval documents, and scientific works from the 19th-21st centuries. Methodology. The study involves analyzing archaeological objects and artifacts within the specific area of the Rosha district and critically examining documents from the corresponding historical periods. A detailed examination of the archaeological materials concentrated in Rosha, along with previously unknown findings from research conducted during the Romanian administration of the region, represents a scientific novelty. Conclusions. Archaeological investigations in this part of modern Chernivtsi have sparked scientific interest among many researchers, including R. F. Kaindl, V. Milcowich, T. Balan, B. O. Timoșciuc, S. V. Pivovarov, M. V. Ilchiv, and others. Scholars have identified several archaeological cultures within this area, including Cucuteni-Tripillian, Noua, Holigrad, Poianești-Lukașivka, Carpathian burial mounds, Raikovet, and various Slavic settlements. Particular attention has been given to Mount Țețina, where the remains of a defensive structure were found. Local legends, still preserved by Roșa’s long-lived inhabitants, enrich knowledge about the folklore and cultural traditions of the area’s residents. Additionally, scientific theories regarding the date and builders of the stone fortification on Mount Cecino have been examined. A remarkable find was a treasure discovered in the ruins of the Cecino fortress in 1839, consisting of 19 silver objects, which are now displayed in the Museum of Art History in Vienna.