Stećci Tombstones: Limestone Monuments in Different Climate Zones

Résumé fourni par la source

Stećci, medieval tombstones from the 12th to 16th centuries, are found primarily in present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina and its bordering regions of Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, distinguished by intricate carvings and inscriptions. This paper describes ten necropolises—Blidinje, Ravanjska Vrata, Radimlja, Križevići, Kopošići, stećci at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cista Velika, stećci at the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split, Mramorje, and Žugića Bare-along with archaeological work and documentation at these sites. The study examines the impact of climate change on the preservation of stećci. By characterizing thermo-pluviometric parameters and classifying the sites within the Köppen climate system, the research highlights regional climate variations affecting stone deterioration. The analysis reveals that most necropolises are located in climate classes C and D, including types Cfa, Cfb, Csa, and Dfb. Over the past 30 years, increased sunshine, higher temperatures, and radiation have been observed, along with significant variations in humidity and precipitation and a decrease in snow cover. GIS-based mapping shows spatial trends in vulnerability, offering insights to guide future conservation strategies. By integrating archaeology, climatology, and geospatial analysis, this study emphasizes the need for adaptive conservation to protect stećci as vital cultural heritage.

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