An archaeological sketch of the Belgrade district of Dorćol and the El Kal Viejo Synagogue

After four decades, in 2018, the experts of the Institute of Archaeology had the opportunity to undertake further research in the area of the El Kal Viejo (Old) Synagogue in Visokog Stevana Street. This new research has confirmed, and greatly supplemented, previous knowledge about the settlement of the Dorćol riparian zone through different prehistoric and historical eras. Following the identification of the foundations of the synagogue and definition of its construction phases, excavations of the deeper layers began. While no evidence of Neolithic occupation was found, sporadic finds of Eneolithic artefacts have yielded new information on the sequence of prehistoric cultures in the riverine area. Although limited to the parcel of land and dictated by the disposition of solid walls and the subterranean water level, the excavations brought to light the partial remains of two dugout houses belonging to the Iron Age and Late La Tène period were discovered, while traces from the Roman period were somewhat sporadic, being best represented by a pit dating to the 4th century AD. A damaged necropolis and a cultural layer belonging to the 10th-11th centuries represent the earliest evidence of the structure of Belgrade's suburbs in the Middle Ages. A settlement layer dating to the 11th-12th centuries was also documented, evidenced by a dwelling - only partially excavated - that, on the basis of pottery finds, was dated to the late 12th century. In accordance with previous investigations, traces of the later medieval period up until the 15th century are almost completely absent. That horizon, best represented by a sunken-floored house rich in ceramic artefacts, represents the culmination of the riparian zone's rural characteristics. An era of solid architectural constructions followed, but the remains of the buildings dating to the 16th-17th century cannot be reliably interpreted. A series of walls, retaining walls and floors were discovered, with some of these being incorporated into the later synagogue building. This simple construction, with a rectangular footprint, measuring 20m x 9m, paved with bricks and with massive pillar bases, was built at a time post-dating 1632. Based on numismatic finds, we also know that a major renovation of the synagogue, with the later structure retaining the same dimensions, was carried out at some point after 1770. Written sources also report in detail about a final renovation undertaken in 1819. The synagogue was expanded through the construction of an apse to the south and an annexe to the north. The synagogue was damaged in 1941, and, after the end of the Second World War, its remains were buried, with the entire plot completely changing in appearance. The synagogue, however, did not disappear from memory, and its ruins remain as a testament to Belgrade's rich history.