Archaeological sites in the municipality of Destrnik

Archaeological finds in Destrnik have been uncovered during topographical surveys and excavations. The hilly landscape of the municipality contains many Roman-era burial mounds—some still untouched, others systematically excavated, and many looted. Over the years, however, several important discoveries have been made, especially during the decades when archaeologist Stanko Pahič from the Maribor Regional Museum carried out extensive surveys across the Slovenske gorice.

Although the number of identified sites is relatively small, the finds are significant as they confirm that the entire territory of northeastern Slovenia was once settled.

Discovered sites include:

Drstelja – excavated mound, undetermined period.

Gomila – discovery of Celtic coins and a group of seven mounds (in one, a grave with pottery sherds was uncovered in 1962), plus three additional pairs of mounds.

Gomilci – group of three Roman burial mounds, one of which (Mound 2) was excavated in 1962. A cremation grave was uncovered: a rectangular pit covered with burnt remains, ash, and scattered bone fragments. In the southern part, a fragmented fibula was found. On top of the ash lay six mostly intact vessels (a jug, a pot, a bowl, and three plates) along with scattered sherds, while next to the ash was a broken pot with a fitted lid. The grave dates to the 1st century and the first half of the 2nd century AD.

Janežovci – two mounds with traces of central digging; a burial site with four flattened and one possible mound. Chronological attribution unknown.

Placar – discovery of a stone axe; a group of five partially damaged Roman mounds plus two individual mounds, and two intact solitary mounds of unknown date. In 1962, test trenches were dug at the ruins (Škofca), where Roman bricks were believed to have been found. Remains of medieval structures were discovered there.

Zgornji Velovlak – two intact Roman burial mounds; a cemetery of five mounds arranged in two rows, of which two central mounds were excavated. Nearby, two further intact mounds remain, while traces of disturbance in the surrounding area suggest there may once have been more.