Archaeologia Austriaca, Band 104/2020

The interdisciplinary analysis of the skeletal remains of 63 individuals from settlement features and graves from Schleinbach in Lower Austria brought new insights into Early Bronze Age social relations, health aspects, signs of stress and trauma patterns. The individuals were buried in two groups of formal graves as well as in former storage pits. Mitochondrial DNA analysis identified genetic relationships between two individuals placed close together in a double grave, and between individuals from a multiple burial. The sex of four children buried in contexts suggestive of violence was revealed by proteomic sex identification. The high incidence of peri-mortem fractures in individuals from formal graves and pit burials suggests conflict within the community and neighbouring groups that were competing for scarce resources. The osteological analysis focused on skeletal and dental markers of deprivation, traumas, degenerative conditions and pelvic changes possibly linked to reproduction. In addition, we present data from 14C dating, tooth cementum annulation and δ13C/δ15N isotope analyses for selected individuals. The detailed examination of the archaeological context in conjunction with assessing and interpreting non-specific stress indicators and traumas revealed a rich and complex picture of social differentiation at Early Bronze Age Schleinbach, in which conflict, abuse and marginalization played a decisive role.

Schlagworte: Early Bronze Age, Austria, Schleinbach, social relations, stress, deprivation, trauma, violence, Conflict

Objectives: Since the late 1970s, when the first human skeletal remains from a pit (V1141) located within the Late Bronze Age hillfort at Stillfried an der March, Austria, were discovered, their deviation from the predominant burial rite of cremation became the subject-matter of a variety of archaeological and bioanthropological studies. Through continuous archaeological excavations, further settlement pits with unusual human inhumation burials or depositions of isolated skeletal remains became apparent and posed the question of their possible non-local origin. The human samples in this study come from the Pits V841 and V1133, furthermore we re-investigate two individuals from V1141. The aim is to get a better understanding of Stillfried’s population structure and to enrich the debate about the mortuary practices of the Urnfield culture. Material and Methods: Here we present and discuss the radiogenic Sr isotope ratios determined in the enamel of eleven individuals from three settlement pits: eight individuals from Pit V841 and one individual, represented by a skull without mandible (calvarium) of a 12–13-year-old child from Pit V1133; two individuals were taken from Pit V1141 and re-investigated for comparative reasons. We compared all data to signals of the local environment derived from modern environmental samples and to the autochthonous signal of the Late Bronze Age derived from archaeological faunal remains (incl. mussels) and archaeological plants. Further, we investigated and discussed the potential of a mathematical approach to access biogenic Sr isotopic information from diagenetically altered dentine. Results: It has been shown that both supposedly autochthonous and allochthonous (non-local) individuals are buried within the settlement pits of Stillfried, which shows that burial practices do not relate to the individual’s origins. In particular, the n(87Sr)/n(86Sr) isotopic values of six individuals match the supposedly autochthonous Sr signature, while the other five individuals represent allochthonous individuals. Three of the latter showed n(87Sr)/n(86Sr) values that were higher and two that were lower compared to the autochthonous Sr range, thereby indicating at least two different homelands. Despite the small sample size which constrains the validity of the data, the diversity of the inhabitants’ provenance reflects a high mobility. This may support the interpretation of Stillfried as a ‘central site’ – a finding which is also important in the wider context of the European Late Bronze Age.

Schlagworte: Deviant burials, hillfort site, human skeletal remains, Late Bronze Age, Urnfield Culture, Stillfried/Lower Austria, Strontium isotopes, diagenetic alterations

It is not unusual that archaeological finds come under renewed scrutiny. This is actually an important part in the progress of scientific research. All the more so when important and ground-breaking discoveries are involved, like the Nebra Sky Disc, which is listed among the UNESCO “Memory of the World”. However, in most cases a new assessment is based on new data or insights. None of this is presented in a recently published article by Gebhard and Krause (2020). Instead, their argument is based on early published and unpublished material, which is used and cited selectively and ignores a substantial number of subsequent publications. Since the Nebra Sky Disc is a unique find that was not recovered during a controlled excavation, it can neither be dated by traditional typological methods nor prima facie by its appearance. Moreover, there is no scientific method yet available to date copper alloys exactly, so that the date suggested in the original publication was established by reconstructing the find context and by analysing the accompanying finds that are typologically and radiocarbon dated to around 1600 BC. The find location on the Mittelberg was excavated in great detail and a number of scientific analyses confirmed the testimony of the looters in a court trial that the Sky Disc had been buried there together with the accompanying finds. These analyses also disproved an earlier claim that the Sky Disc was a modern fake. This allegation is not repeated by Gebhard and Krause (2020) but they do use similar arguments for their claim that the Sky Disc was not found together with the hoard and may not even have been on the Mittelberg near Nebra. By contrast, they assert that the Sky Disc should be typologically dated to the Iron Age. It can be shown that their arguments are based on a distortion of the evidence derived both in the court trial and by scientific analyses. They combine their proposal with a superficial typological discussion of the image displayed on the Sky Disc. As this overview demonstrates, through interdisciplinary studies it is possible to determine the origin and composition of the Nebra hoard with the greatest possible certainty. This determination was based on results from sediment attachments, the chemical concentrations of gold and copper in the geological subsoil of the findspot, astronomical references, as well as an analysis of the traces left by the looters, police investigations, and a comprehensive confession by the offenders, which has confirmed the independently obtained archaeological and scientific observations.

Schlagworte: Nebra Sky Disc, find context, Early Bronze Age, authenticity, Archaeology, Archaeometry, soil pedology/geology

The mining region of Oberhalbstein, to date sparsely studied, has been the subject of archaeological research since 2013. Two mining areas which lie well above the forest line were studied in the summer of 2017. The Avagna-Ochsenalp site includes multi-phased heap features, of which the earliest phase has been dendrochronologically dated to the 11th century BC. In Cotschens, mining traces in an area of approximately 0.1 km2 from an unknown time period have been observed. Here, the flooded mine 1 was studied in more detail. After the cavity had been drained, 66 wood objects were revealed, including mining tools from the 1st century BC. 14C dating further confirms Late Bronze Age and Early to Late Iron Age activity. Stone tools from the adjacent heap also confirm prehistoric on-site ore processing, a unique find so far in the Oberhalbstein region.

Schlagworte: mining archaeology, copper production, Central Alps, Late Bronze Age, Hallstatt period, La Tène period

Lange Zeit war über das keramische Formenspektrum der entwickelten Frühbronzezeit und der Mittelbronzezeit der kroatischen Halbinsel Istriens nur wenig bekannt. Studien am umfangreichen Keramikmaterial aus der befestigten Bergsiedlung (Gradina) von Monkodonja an der Westküste der Halbinsel, gelegen südlich von Rovinj, haben einerseits Licht auf das variantenreiche Gefäßrepertoire geworfen, andererseits konnten über die Keramik Kontaktzonen zu den benachbarten und weiter entfernten Gebieten herausgestellt werden. Besonders deutlich, und gleichzeitig überraschend, zeichnen sich über die Keramik Verbindungen zum mittleren Donaugebiet und dem Karpatenbecken ab. In diese Richtung weisen auch einige Kleinfunde, wie beispielsweise die Funde bestimmter Nadel- und Beiltypen. Die Gradina Monkodonja und Istrien waren offensichtlich in das zentraleuropäische früh- und mittelbronzezeitliche Kommunikationsnetz eingebunden und es ist wahrscheinlich, dass der Austausch nicht nur Waren und technisches Know-how umfasste, sondern möglicherweise auch andere Kenntnisse und sogar spirituelle Vorstellungen. Hinweise darauf könnten in der Ornamentik auf der Keramik zu finden sein, deren Bedeutung sehr wahrscheinlich über die Funktion einer reinen Zier hinausging und die vielmehr als Sinnträger fungierte. Die Ornamentik auf zwei außergewöhnlichen großen Schalen von Monkodonja lässt dabei an bestimmte astrologische Kenntnisse bzw. Vorstellungen denken und wird im vorliegenden Beitrag gemeinsam mit den Verbindungen zum mittleren Donaugebiet und dem Karpatenbecken erörtert.

Schlagworte: Früh- und Mittelbronzezeit, Istrien, Gradinen, Verzierungen auf Keramik, astrologische Kenntnisse, Himmelsscheibe von Nebra

Treazzano di Monsampolo is situated in the basin of the Tronto River in the Marche region, central-eastern Italy. In 1979, the site was investigated by the Soprinendenza Archeologica delle Marche through explorative trenches following the fortuitous discovery of a Mycenaean fine ware fragment, which constituted the first Aegean artefact from the region. The excavation, whose documentation has been lost, brought to light evidence of structures related to a settlement. The findings, which mainly include pottery but also animal bones, lithic and bronze fragments as well as evidence of an antler industry, date to a period comprising the end of Middle Bronze Age 3 (MBA 3) and the very beginning of the Final Bronze Age (FBA) (14th–12th century BC). Except for a few decorated fragments belonging to the Apennine facies, most of the pottery from Treazzano di Monsampolo shows Subapennine typical features, sometimes characterized by regional or local elements. Although the pottery does not show marked influences from the Terramare area, some evidence of these contacts can be seen in the antler industry quite well represented at the site.

Schlagworte: Treazzano di Monsampolo, Marche, Tronto River, Adriatic Sea, Italy, Subapennine facies, Recent Bronze Age, Mycenaean pottery

This article focuses on ceramic goblets found in settlement contexts, using their capacity as a leading criterion for a better understanding of drinking practices and consumption patterns in the MH – LH IIIA1 periods. It compares goblets of various sizes and capacities obtained by calculation methods with other individual open shapes and explores their use within wider ceramic assemblages. In total, the capacities of over one hundred goblets and more than 400 vessels of other shapes have been calculated. I argue that the largest goblets, at least those exceeding three litres in capacity, were certainly shared by several individuals in commensal activities, passing from hand to hand, as was probably the case at small-scale gatherings at Asine in the MH III period. From LH I onwards, this practice may have coexisted with the use of kraters for mixing drinks subsequently distributed in smaller individual drinking vessels, goblets included, among the participants at feasts or ceremonial drinking. The large number of drinking vessels and the wide capacity range of the LH IIB–IIIA1 goblets from the Menelaion of Sparta support this idea. This constitutes a milestone in the development of drinking events, which reached their peak in LH IIIB within the framework of huge feasting ceremonies organized by the Mycenaean palaces.

Schlagworte: Drinking vessels, ceramic, volume, Greece, Aegean Bronze Age, commensal practice, Feasting

Auf einem namenlosen Höhenrücken bei Möllbrücke westlich von Spittal/Drau wurde 2012 ein bronzener Armreif mit doppelter gegenständiger Kopfzier gefunden. Es könnte sich um eine kultische Deponierung handeln. Der Armreif gehört zur Gruppe der massiven Knotenarmreifen der Späthallstattzeit und datiert ins ausgehende 6. oder 5. Jh. v. Chr. Für Arm- und Fußringe mit Kopfzier lassen sich eine Reihe an Vergleichsfunden beibringen, insbesondere aus dem Bereich des frühkeltischen Kulturkreises. Kopf- bzw. Gesichtsappliken („Masken“) vergleichbarer Zeitstellung sind aber auch im südalpinen Raum in unterschiedlichen Ausformungen belegt. Während sie in Oberitalien als etruskischer Einfluss gelten, sieht die slowenische Forschung darin – insbesondere mit Blick auf zwei Fingerringe aus Vače – einen frühen keltischen Einfluss. Weil auch der Südostalpenraum damals wesentliche Impulse seitens der etruskischen Kultur erfahren hat, ist aber auch ein direkter mediterraner Einfluss für das Aufkommen der Kopfzier zu erwägen. Der Armring aus Möllbrücke ist vom Typ her jedenfalls ein lokales Produkt. Gesichtsappliken gelten zum einen als Ausdruck apotropäischer Vorstellungen, zum anderen als Bilder von Göttern, Heroen und Dämonen. Außerdem werden in ihnen symbolisch Köpfe von im Kampf getöteten Kriegern gesehen (têtes coupées).

Schlagworte: Armreif, Späthallstattzeit, Südostalpenraum, Kopf-/Gesichtsappliken („Masken“), Keltisch, etruskisch

For many decades the villa maritima of Vižula had been considered as one of the largest of its kind in Istria, Croatia. In order to prove this theory, large-scale archaeological prospection was applied in Vižula from 2014 onwards, including geophysics (Ground Penetrating Radar) and remote sensing (Airborne Laser Scanning/Airborne Laser Bathymetry). Integrating the results of these non-invasive techniques with terrestrial and underwater surveys and excavations provided an opportunity to evaluate this architecture from a different perspective. Our research indicates that instead of a single luxurious residence, several contemporary complexes existed on Vižula, namely two villae maritimae and two villae rusticae. Furthermore, the results show that the combined methodology is able to integrate detail and context into an interpretative coherent model of a landscape going far beyond the analytical capabilities of each individual method.

Schlagworte: Mediterranean, Roman villa maritima, Archaeological Prospection, ALS/ALB, GPR, underwater archaeology, integrated interpretation of prospection data

The aim of this article is to present a theory on early medieval hoards of iron implements from the region of Slovakia. The chronological range is from the end of the 8th to the beginning of the 10th century. 74 known hoards will be classified using a statistical factor analysis, principal component analysis. This type of analysis enables identification of the variability and the most common iron implements and their combinations that appear in early medieval hoards. Attention will also be focused on the occurrence of specific objects in a hoard, for example warriors’ equipment, agricultural tools or axe-shaped bars, as well as the locations and contexts in which the depots were found. An examination of the excavation circumstances will also be included in order better to understand the results of the principal component analysis. This study will provide a more complete picture of hoards in Slovakia with particular emphasis on hoards of iron implements. It will enable the formation or creation and deposition of hoards in particular places to be interpreted and better understood. The use of statistical methods will further enable a deeper understanding of the theory of hoards in the early medieval period.

Schlagworte: Early medieval period, hoard, iron implements, principal component analysis, Slovakia

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Möglichkeiten und Applikation der emischen und etischen Perspektive im Rahmen der Landschaftsarchäologie zu präsentieren. Als Beispiel wurde die Umgebung der Burg Červený Kameň (Südwest-Slowakei) gewählt. Der konkrete Einsatz dieser Perspektiven wird an der Standortwahl des heutigen Kalvarienberges gezeigt. Dabei werden die emische und etische Perspektive miteinander konfrontiert. Im Falle der etischen Perspektive soll versucht werden, die Motive des Bauherrn, d. h. die konkreten Impulse und Einflüsse, die zur Errichtung der Kreuzigung Christi auf dem heutigen Kalvarienberg geführt haben, zu identifizieren. Hierfür wird das soziologische Makro-Mikro-Makro-Modell herangezogen. Aufgrund der schriftlichen und kartografischen Quellen kann der konkrete gesellschaftliche Kontext belegt werden, der den Bauherrn beeinflusst hat. Die gesellschaftlich bedingten Aktivitäten des Bauherrn fanden ihren Ausdruck auch in der umliegenden Landschaft vor der Burg. Diese Landschaft spiegelt bis heute, vor allem bei vergleichender Betrachtung der historischen Karten, den geschichtlichen Wandel der menschlichen Mentalität wider.

Schlagworte: Červený Kameň, Landschaftsarchäologie, Standortwahl, Sichtbarkeitsanalyse, emische und etische Perspektive