On the territory covered by the Ras Museum in Novi Pazar, over the past several decades systematic archeological reconnaissance has been conducted; sondage samplings were also made on several sites, especially on fortifications. The most of fortifications belong to Late Antiquity, or the Early Byzantine period. In the territory of Novi Pazar municipality there are the following fortifications: Gradina in Pazarište, Gradina in Postenje, Gradina in Južac, Kulina in Rogatac, Gradina in Radalica, Gradina in Saronje, Kula in Kaludra, Gaj in Babrež and Krš in Zlatni Kamen. In the Tutin municipality, there are: Zlostup in Ostrovica, Gradovi in Saronje, Gradina in Ramoševo, Jerina’s Town on Trojan, Gradina on Hum, Djurdjevica in Djerekari, Litice in Dobrinja, and Tupi Krš in Izbeg. The fewest number of fortresses lie in the territory of Sjenica: Velika Gradina in Vrsenica, Šarski Krš at Duga Poljana, Gradina in Tuzinje and Samograd in Grgaje. The fortifications on Pazarište and in Vrsenice were the only ones systematically explored, while in Postenje excavations are still in progress.

Almost all of the above structures are irregular in plan, suited to the configuration of the terrain. They were built in places allowing access only from one side, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs; they measure from 55 by 35 to 210 to 85 meters in size.

As regards movable archeological material encountered during sondage excavations of the above fortifications, it could be said that it is generally evenly spread. Mostly fragmented ceramic vessels were found, as well as occasional objects of metal, bone or stone. Few pieces of coins were retrieved as well.
All these fortresses were erected for the protection of mining areas and communications for the transport of ore wealth. This is confirmed by the remains of mining activities within fortifications themselves. Namely, on many fortifications (Ostrovica, Kaludra, Zlatni Kamen, Šarski Krš, Radalica, Šaronje, Djerekare, Babrež, Trojan) slag left behind melting metal was found and in Barbez and Zlatni Kamen melting furnaces were encountered.

Most fortifications were erected in the 6th century, and fell into disuse towards its end or early in the following century. The Forts in Južac and Zlatan Kamen were built in the late 4th and the early 5th century and remained in use throughout the 6th century, the same as the fortress in Šarski Krš. The only stronghold on Trojan was erected in the first half of the 3rd century and abandoned towards the end of the 4th century. In terms of later use, only the fortifications on Gradine: Pazarište, Postenje and Vrsenice were reconstructed.

Gradina on Pazariste– the City of Ras, Early Byzantine horizont
Podgradje and a small part of the plateau on Gradina were surrounded by new ramparts extending only along accessible sections, while steep cliffs constituted a natural defense. On Gradina, the remains of late antiquity ramparts were encountered in the North Sector. This rampart was strengthened by one tower of rectangular, almost square plan, measuring 4.6 by 5 meters.

By its characteristics, the late antiquity fortress on Pazarište falls with in a line of numerous fortifications that sprang up at the time all across the Roman Empire. 'Together with Gradina on Postenje, that is the largest fortification in territory between the Ibar and the valley of Lim. These two fortresses seem to have been erected at the same time, within the same defense system controlling and defending major accesses to imperial holdings in the valley of the Raška. This is the reason why they are the largest, an in all probability, the oldest fortresses in the area.

The plateau of Podgradje under the cliffs was closed in by sections of the southern and the eastern ramparts; however, for the most part it was defended naturally since it lies under a steep cliffs which in places fall down to the river. The new, late antique fortress was irregular in shape, adjusted to the relief, and protected the area of about 5 hectares. The protected area was not very favorable for living, but could provide shelter for the local population.

Archeological material shows that the fortification was in use from the early 4th century to the 6th century when it was abandoned. Ceramic material is almost exclusively locally made while imported vessels are rare. Numismatic material shows that this fortress was an active stronghold in the 4th -5th century, while the circulation of coins in the 6th century decreased.

Like many other fortresses in Dardania, the fortress on Pazarište was partially restored in the first decade of Justinian’s reign. The reconstruction was done after the earthquake of the 518. New walls curtains were erected along corrected routes and with much better footing.

Trgovište
The oldest horizon of this site presents a late antiquity necropolis which stood on the left bank of the Raška River, where was an early Byzantine church with the tomb. It is one isled building in whose central part, under the floor, lays a masonry tomb vaulted with a barrel roof made of tufa. The tomb had been opened earlier and plundered – only the scattered bones of four or five skeletons were encountered inside. Around the church is discovered a part of a late antiquity necropolis, 11 separately dug burial places without tomb gifts. The church with the tomb is datable to around the 5th-6th century.

On the right bank of the river Raška, in the immediate vicinity of the confluence of the Sebečevska river, the remains of a basilica were uncovered, constructed in the first decade of Justinian’s reign, at the same time when the fortification was restored; they were both demolished in the late 6th century. It was first flooded and then abandoned. Soon after, its wooden construction was destroyed by fire as well. It is three-aisled building, which internal space is divided by colonnades of six built pillars on three aisles. Along the southern wall of the basilica, towards its eastern end, a smallish chapel was added. Inside were found the remains of a Holy table, an altar divide, a pulpit and altar and side seats.

Babrež-Gaj is the fortification on the rim of the Novopazarska Valley, on the northwestern slopes of Rogozna. Prospecting in the area uncovered the remains of a tower, whose earthen floor was covered with a layer of soot 10-15 cm thick, formed by the blasting furnace. The furnace was in the northwest part of the tower and on its upper surface and had a funnel shaped hollow made of the stone. The hollow was narrower and deeper at one end, and its inside was filled by molten ore. The rest of the furnace was made of stone blocks of various shapes and sizes, bound together with yellowish clay, showing clear signs of being exposed to high temperatures. Ore was brought from some of the nearby mines which were on Rogozna. Most archeological objects, primarily ceramic fragments, were found on the floor of the tower or in the layer of soot above. Ceramic vessels include pots, bowls, jugs, lids, pithoi and fragments of an amphora.