“Marta” archeological locality – village Zovikj
In the archeology, the iron age refers to the appearance of the metallurgy, and the appearance of the iron corresponds with other changes in some cultures from the past, often with more sophisticated agricultural practices, religious promises and artistic styles.
The iron was mainly used for a long time for making weapons, while the bronze remained typical for the tools, just as in the art. In the middle European sense, it represents a time for stability after the Greek migrations and the formation of the paleo Balkan peoples and tribes which is manifested in one wide unity of the cultural material. This age has a special importance in separating the regional ethno groups, the following of their genesis, and also in the workout of their nice chronology that enables thorough follow-up of the history pathway.
The Iron Age in Macedonia is divided into three periods: The Iron Age I (1200-900BC), II (900-700 BC) and III (700-500 BC). Towards the end of the VI century BC, the greatest part of Macedonia, lost, before everything else, the prehistoric character in the material culture. The territory situated in the Central-Balkan region did not represent a geographical, cultural, ethnic area which was closed and isolated. That territory also suffered influences from other cultural groups from the neighbouring spaces. The valleys of Vardar and the other rivers were a special communication between north and south, i.e. between middle Europe and the Aegean.
In the surrounding of the village Zovikj on the place called Marta, in 1963, during the time of the reconnoitre, two almost open tombswere found – massive and firmly built. In one tomb, a bowl with coloured ornaments was found, and in the other a part of the iron spear. “Marta” is registered as an archeological locality, necropolis since Iron Age (I). The hill “Marta” has always attracted attention and arose mystical and mythological stories at the locals, as a place where there are some higher powers and peculiar appearances. It is no wonder that the name of the hill “Marta” is linked to the Xanthika cult of Marta and the awakening of the earth and the birth of the spring.
