This paper discusses a funerary discovery from the Eneolithic site of Alba Iulia-Lumea Nouă (Romania). Rescue excavations in Trench V/2018 uncovered an unusual mortuary context, an irregularly shaped pit containing the skeletal remains of three individuals: two non-adults and one female. Palaeopathological analysis revealed metabolic stress indicators, such as cribrotic lesions (cribra femoralis and cribra orbitalia) and endocranial changes in the non-adults, while the adult female displayed minor degenerative alterations. No traumatic injuries were observed on any of the skeletal remains. The individuals were discovered at different depths, indicating distinct depositional events. Radiocarbon data indicates that the individuals’ deaths occurred within a short temporal span. The archaeological context shows that the pit was initially used in multiple domestic sequences, possibly for clay extraction or storage, before being reused as a burial place. The associated artefacts, not directly linked to the funerary depositions, are attributed to the Foeni group, placing the discovery within a mid-5th millennium BC timeframe.

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[8]  We extend our gratitude to Mr. Bogdan Condurățeanu, PhD candidate, for his contributions to improving the model previously published by M. Gligor, in “Ceramica pictată,” fig. 3.
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[25]  See supra, note 20. 

Tab. 1. Archaeological context of the samples and radiocarbon data from Cx002a, Trench V/2018, Alba Iulia-Lumea Nouă.

Fig. 1. Modelled 14C data from Cx002a, Trench V/2018, Alba Iulia-Lumea Nouă.

Fig. 2. Skeletal inventory for M1 (in brown), M2 (in green) and M3 (in blue).

Plate I. Google Maps capture (©Google) showing Alba Iulia-Lumea Nouă Archaeological site and the location of Trench V/2018.

Plate II. Alba Iulia-Lumea Nouă: M1 and M2, Cx002a (1); M3, Cx002a (2).

Plate III. Foeni painted pottery (After Gligor, “Ceramica pictată,” Pl. IX).

Plate IV. Foeni painted pottery (After Gligor, “Ceramica pictată,” Pl. XI).

Plate V. Foeni painted pottery (After Gligor, “Ceramica pictată,” Pl. X/1a–1d).

Plate VI. Foeni pottery: biconical bowl (1); carinated bowls with rounded carina (2-4).

Plate VII. Foeni pottery: carinated bowl with rounded carina (1); pedestal vessel (2).

Plate VIII. Foeni pottery: lids (1-2).

Plate IX. The skeletal remains of M1 in anatomical connection.

Plate X. The skeletal remains of M2 in anatomical connection.

Plate XI. The skeletal remains of M3 in anatomical connection (1); endocranial lesions on the skull of M3 (2).