Dolenji Leskovec – Za Savo (south-east slovenia)

The archaeological site of Dolenji Leskovec – Za Savo has been known to the professional community since the mid-1980s, following the chance discovery of a stone tool at the location. Between 2007 and 2011, three archaeological surveys were conducted in response to planned construction interventions for the Krško Hydroelectric Power plant. This article presents a short preliminary report on the 2011 excavations conducted by the company Arhos d.o.o. Dolenji Leskovec – Za Savo is a multi-period site where the remains of a Neolithic settlement, traces of an Early Iron Age burial mound and an early medieval settlement, and evidence of modern land use were discovered in 2011. Furthermore, it is highly probable that the site was also inhabited during the Early Bronze Age, as indirectly indicated by numerous fragments of Litzen pottery found in secondary contexts. Although occupation at the Dolenji Leskovec – Za Savo area spans various periods, the Neolithic settlement is particularly notable among the preserved remains. It is distinguished not only by the abundance of material but also as the only lowland settlement discovered to date that is enclosed by a double palisade.