Following a timeline of prehistorical discoveries, Conduct in a Neolithic Kingdom is the next 100 words story inspired by the (pre)historical past of Transylvania, this beloved and thought-after province of Romania, my home country.
Conduct in a Neolithic Kingdom
The wool she threaded in a pattern was as white as the swans floating overhead. The new quilt, verincă, will please their Queen. That was enough for her. They’ve known years of peace under Her rule.
A butterfly kissed her cheek and she caught it in her arms, merry. ‘May I deliver the quilt to the Queen, Mama? I’m as tall as the sapling today!’
Her lips agreed, her heart differed.
Then, she knew. By the ice settling in her chest.
She knew it. Before her butterfly failed to return.
Boys go to war; tall girls are sacrificed for peace.
© Patricia Furstenberg, 2001, All Rights Reserved.
The seed of this story.
During 2013 works on a national road unearthed a Neolithic fortress dating from the Turdaș culture, part of Vinča – Turdaș (5700–4500 BC).
The fortress discovered was built near Mureș river (being easy and fast to travel on) and covered no less that 100 hectares. The fortress from Turdaș was built nearly 1 600 years before the first pyramids of Egypt, raised around 2780 B.C. by King Djoser’s architect Imhotep.
You can read more on my blog about the gigantic Neolithic fortress of Turdaș, Hunedoara, Transylvania.
HOT NEW RELEASE: A – Z, 100-Wors Stories are inspired by Transylvania’s history, from the Paleolithic Period to WW1:
Shall I understand that the girl got married against her will? Or was she bricked up in the walls of the fortress like Manole’s Ana?
More like bricked up, Jo.
Archeological findings near this Neolithic fortress dating from the Turdaș culture tell of human sacrifices performed as rituals so the fortress will thrive and stay protected.
Oh! I was afraid you’d say that. Poor girl! 🙁
I thought so too. It is the sacrificial site that inspired me to write this little story, more than the grandeur of the fortress, so unusual for its time.
And it is a beautiful story, Patricia. You have the gift of telling stories. ❤️
Creepy.
Hard times too.
Thank you, Martie 🙂
Wow! 100 hectares!
Massive, isn’t it?
Interesting and sad at the same time, but in ancient times people sacrificed humans on altars – just thinking of the Canaanites who sacrificed their children to the god, Molech, during the time the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land.
So true, Maretha.
Thank you for your informed comment. I did not know about the Canaanites, and now your words sparked my interest.
So happy with your visit 😉
Thanks so much, Patricia. I always enjoy your posts and I thought your 100 word story was very good. All the best to you and your family for 2021. 🙂
And for you and yours too, a 2021 filled with blessings!
Thank you so much, Patricia. Best wishes to you and your family. 🙂