History and archeology
There are many archaeological monuments of various cultures and epochs in the Lower Dniester territory. A large number of old localities through its names reminds about tumultuous past when many civilizations have passed here. Romanians, Turkish, Tatars, Germans, Ukrainians, Bulgarians had their settlements here, and commercial routes along the river linked the main cities of the region with the fairs in Europe and Asia on the famous “Moldovan Road”. Most of the villages on the site were founded in the 15th-16th centuries.
Medieval settlements have been discovered dating from the beginning of the XV century, especially along the Dniester, in Cioburciu, Olaneşti, Palanca, Purcari, Talmaza, Rascaieti, Crocmaz, Tudora, Popeasca. Among ancient and medieval fortifications it can be mentioned the circular earth fortification with a diameter of approx. 80 m and a height of 5-8 m, characteristic for ancient Geto-Dacian fortifications or Slavs from the early medieval period of the great migrations (Tudora), the remains of the Iurghici fortress (Palanca), the Zmeul valley (Talmaza, Cioburciu).
At the south of Rascaeti village, one can see the traces of an old fortification (probably a branch of Traian’s Wave) and “Posta” (where the merchants were stopping on the commercial road leading to the Cetatea Alba).Near Purcari, archaeologists have discovered traces of settlements aged between 2300 and 1300 years, and from the time of the nomads, 5 mounds have been preserved. Also, 4 mounds were discovered near Talmaza village. Near Olanesti village, as a result of archaeological excavations, it was established that the site was inhabited more than 14 millennia ago. Traces of cultures from different periods, such as the late Paleolithic, the Bronze Age, Roman period, and the migration period, have been found here. It was discovered the treasure of Olanesti, that, among other things, contained the candlestick from the temple of Artemis of Ephesus. In Crocmaz the Roman period and the migration period left traces discovered by archaeologists. 10 funerary mounds were preserved on the village’s estate.
In the villages of the Ramsar area, there are several museums in the culture houses and schools, where many old objects, work tools, books, etc. show how people lived in the past, such as those from Crocmaz, Rascaieti, Cioburciu, Talmaza, Tudora, etc. These can be used in the organization of tours.
