Building with octagon from the locality of „Gradsko polje” in Niš (Naissus). New archaeological excavations

Abstract

After three decades of exploring and excavating the so-called building with octagon at the locality of „Gradsko polje” in Niš, new archaeological research has been conducted. The main goal of the new excavations was, based on a previously led geophysical survey, to determine the dimensions of the western part of the building and to continue the exploration of the approach in front of the room with octagon. Despite modest finances and the short duration of the excavations, this year’s archaeological research has allowed us to conclude that the building with octagon had at least three building phases, starting with the beginning of the 4th century and was in use until the 6th century. Also, a clear stratum of Middle Age houses, dating to the 11th–12th century, was also confirmed in this year’s excavations, along with many fragments of ceramics belonging to the same period. This paper discusses in detail the archaeological and architectural results obtained from the new excavations led in 2018.