Authors:Cédric Bodet Pages: 6 - 26 Abstract: The monumental twin steles of Göbekli Tepe are one in a long series of isomorphic compositions in Neolithic symbolism. Seemingly tracing back to the Palaeolithic, symmetry likely played a fundamental role for prehistoric societies. Ethnographers showed how hunter-gatherer ideology (mythology, totemism, etc.) is often structured around a dualistic worldview (male/female; summer/winter etc.) taking root in the kinship system through a division of the community into exogamic subgroups. It is this dualism that is argued to be embodied in the twin steles. The advent of autonomous agricultural lineages could explain why this timeless principle appears with such prominence in the Neolithic. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.2 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Hüreyla Balcı, Rana Özbal, Fokke Gerritsen, Erkan Fidan Pages: 28 - 44 Abstract: The Neolithic way of life was first established in Northwest Anatolia before the middle of the 7th millennium BC. The recently excavated sites of Barcın Hoyuk and Bahcelievler have yielded archaeological evidence for the earliest Neolithic levels in the region and provide new archaeobotanical datasets. To compare different adaptations to the changes brought on by the Neolithization processes, we studied 348 archaeobotanical samples from Phases VIe and VId1 at Barcın and 63 samples from the contemporaneous levels, Phase 6 and Phase 5, at Bahcelievler. The economic plants include hulled and naked six-row barley, einkorn, emmer, bread/hard wheat, small-sized naked wheat, lentil, bitter vetch, pea, chickpea, flax, hazelnut, bramble, and pistacia. Our analyses show small but significant differences between the sites in the selected economic plant ranges, among the cereals, pulses as well as gathered plants. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.19 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Ana Đuričić Pages: 46 - 66 Abstract: Food is essential for survival, but how humans obtain and manage it is regulated socially. The life of Neolithic and other non-industrial communities depended on environmental variations – temperature patterns and precipitation. For farming communities, even minor changes in those patterns could have led to periods of food scarcity. In order to overcome and prepare for periods of scarcity, non-industrial communities applied different social buffering strategies. In this paper, the social buffering strategies Early/Middle Neolithic Starčevo and Late Neolithic Vinča culture communities applied in overcoming the environmental variability are tested and the most plausible ones are considered. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.23 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Kelly Reed, Petra Radaković, Sara Essert, Dinko Tresić Pavičić Pages: 68 - 82 Abstract: This paper presents new archaeobotanical data from the Lower Cerovačka Cave located in Dalmatia, Croatia. At the site a high density of carbonized plant remains was recovered, indicating the remnants of a burnt crop store dating to the Late Bronze Age. Overall, the assemblage is dominated by lentil (Lens culinaris) and free-threshing wheat (Triticum aestivum/durum), and to a lesser extent, emmer (Triticum dicoccum), einkorn (Triticum monococcum), spelt (Triticum spelta) and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum). In general, the large botanical collection from Lower Cerovačka Cave fits with what is already known about Bronze Age agriculture in Croatia, yet the unique nature of this site brings to the fore questions around storage practices and the use of caves in prehistory. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.22 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Laura Dietrich, Oliver Dietrich, Julia Meister Pages: 84 - 92 Abstract: The present paper explores the possibility to better understand the function of pits through phytolith and starch analysis. A case study from the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age settlement phase of Rotbav in southeastern Transylvania is discussed in detail. It appears that a large storage vessel originally sealed with a bowl was kept in a pit filled with chaff or straw to preserve its contents. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.1 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Anna Stroulia, Jérôme Robitaille, Birgül Ögüt, Areti Chondroyianni-Metoki, Dimitra Kotsachristou Pages: 94 - 122 Abstract: Despite their widespread presence and potential to shed light on various aspects of prehistoric life, for a long time Neolithic macrolithics attracted little scholarly attention. The situation, however, is rapidly changing as more and more assemblages are being studied and published systematically. The study of the grinding and abrading tools from the earlier Neolithic site of Pontokomi-Souloukia in northern Greece is part of this recent trend, as it integrates macroscopic examination, use wear, microbotanical and macrobotanical analysis, an experimental program, ethnographic data, as well as contextual analysis. In this article, we present the results of our study and make comparisons with other assemblages, placing the Pontokomi-Souloukia material in its wider Aegean Neolithic context. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.14 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Nelson J. Almeida, André Texugo, Ana Catarina Basílio Pages: 124 - 149 Abstract: This paper presents the results of the excavations carried out in the Chalcolithic contexts from the walled enclosure of Ota (Alenquer, Portugal). Six new absolute dates allow the discussion of the stratigraphical evidence and chronologically frame the zooarchaeological and taphonomical analysis of the faunal assemblage. Domesticated swine, caprine and bovine are prevalent, while wild species, most notably leporids, but also red deer, auroch and wild boar, among others, are less common. Exploitation and management of animals for the acquisition of primary and secondary products are inferred. Existing data suggests that the economic intensification that started during the previous phases was ongoing. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.18 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Robin Brigand, Jérôme Dubouloz, Olivier Weller Pages: 150 - 193 Abstract: Exploiting a database developed during a previous research project, this study uses factor analyses, GIS techniques and basic geostatistics to evaluate in detail the agro-ecological determinants of the first Neolithic diffusion in continental temperate Europe (the Linearbandkeramik or LBK), as well as its underlying settlement dynamics around half a millennium (5550–4925 BCE). More than 6600 LBK site locations, spread from Moldavia to Normandy, are initially assessed for their informative coherence and ability to offer a unified perspective on the evidence established at more local and regional levels. Most of these data can be used to define the broad geo-pedological options involved in the location of sites across Europe; loess substrate was far from being an exclusive settlement choice and a variety of soils, typically of medium moisture, were exploited. LBK farmers thus had a great capacity to adapt to the different geographical contexts they encountered. With regard to settlement dynamics in Central and Western Europe, the data reveal a systemic interplay between creation, stability and abandonment of sites, supporting the diffusion of the LBK subsistence system. The progressive decline in the number of new sites was compensated by an increase in their stability until the last stage of the expansion process. At this point, abandonments became widespread without significant renewal, except in the westernmost regions. The easternmost parts of Europe could not be integrated in the large-scale temporal modelling, since the chronological data available in the database are insufficiently precise. Shedding new light on the systemic variability of the geo-environmental options followed by these early farmers and highlighting some modalities and spatial-temporal limits of the resilience of their agro-sylvo-pastoral system, our overall analysis confirms and somewhat clarifies current interpretations of the LBK phenomenon. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.12 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:František Trampota, Petr Pajdla Pages: 194 - 212 Abstract: The study examines the degree of similarity of Neolithic settlement structures in two geographically separated regions (eastern half of Bohemia, Morava River Basin) based on the analysis of 11 variables related to the environment and the settlement structures. The period studied corresponds to c. 4900–3400 BC. Although the results of most of the variables analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) do not show significant differences in the preference of settlement locations, the analysis of the individual variables points very clearly to major differences in settlement patterns. These are manifested in different settlement dynamics, accessibility to stone raw materials, and the spatial extent of occupation. The general conclusion is that although early agricultural societies are similar in general terms regarding the location of settlements, their individual aspects are quite different, which must have been reflected in lifestyles during the Neolithic. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.15 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Andrea Villani Pages: 214 - 228 Abstract: The aim of this paper, starting from the analysis of the assemblage and stratigraphy of the unburned rooms, is to analyse the possible discard and disuse processes during the planned and gradual abandonment at Erimi-Laonin tou Porakou (Cyprus). Scholars note how the decision to leave objects when a place is abandoned depends on multiple factors, from functional reasons to ritual practices. At Erimi some markers suggest a possible intentional closure treatment of parts of the site in which it is possible to recognise a mix of functional and symbolic abandonment behaviours. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.9 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Mohsen Heydari Dastenaei, Mohsen Dana Pages: 230 - 243 Abstract: Iron Age settlements in the Middle Atrak Basin in Iran have a particular distribution pattern due to environmental, social, and economic variables, among which geographical factors play an essential role in creating and dispersing settlements. Some of these factors play a more effective and stable role than others. The present study examines and evaluates the role of geographical factors in the distribution of Iron Age sites to determine factors that have a more significant role than others. Moreover, the zoning map of the Middle Atrak Basin should be presented using four different types of location, grouped in terms of those with a perfectly suitable, relatively suitable, suitable, and unsuitable location. To achieve this goal, seven natural factors, including the distance of sites from the river, altitude, slope, slope direction, distance from communication routes, soil type, and land use, were selected as influential factors in choosing the location of the Iron Age sites. In this study operating maps were prepared digitally using ArcGIS, and then the weight of each index was determined using the AHP model. The results of this study show that 46.7% of the Iron Age settlements (or 28 sites) were located in a perfectly suitable environment and geography, 24 sites (29.3%) in a relatively suitable location, seven sites (11.4%) in a suitable place, and one site (1.6%) in a completely unsuitable environment. This last type of location in the region’s landscape indicates the choice of different livelihoods, including agriculture and animal husbandry with both seasonal and permanent methods. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.8 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Başak Boz Pages: 244 - 258 Abstract: Eleven human skeletons were found in a 2m deep circular pit in an open area dating to 5389–5300 cal BC at Uğurlu/Gökçeada. The pit can be considered as a part of the pit tradition frequently seen in Thracian and Balkan prehistory. Its unique contents, however, are discussed in this paper in the scope of possible motivations. An ‘accompanied dead’ hypothesis is offered as the possible motivation of the case based on the contents and depositional details of bodies within the pit. This type of deposition was practiced throughout Europe starting from the early Neolithic through the Chalcolithic. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.13 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Noémi Beljak Pažinová, Alena Bistáková Pages: 260 - 279 Abstract: Cremation was one of the permissible burial practices in the Linear Pottery Culture (LPC). This treatment has largely remained unexplained by previous research in Central Europe due to its descriptive nature. As a result, we present several thoughts on some key issues here. First, we discuss the current state of research in Central Europe, as well as some specifics with regard to the LPC and cremation. Second, we focus on two graveyards with exclusively or primarily cremation graves. Based on the current state of research, our goal is to evaluate the results obtained using a quantitative data analysis method, as well as an evaluation of the interpretation of cremation within the LPC population. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.24 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Noémi Beljak Pažinová, Alena Bistáková Pages: 260 - 279 Abstract: Cremation was one of the permissible burial practices in the Linear Pottery Culture (LPC). This treatment has largely remained unexplained by previous research in Central Europe due to its descriptive nature. As a result, we present several thoughts on some key issues here. First, we discuss the current state of research in Central Europe, as well as some specifics with regard to the LPC and cremation. Second, we focus on two graveyards with exclusively or primarily cremation graves. Based on the current state of research, our goal is to evaluate the results obtained using a quantitative data analysis method, as well as an evaluation of the interpretation of cremation within the LPC population. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.24 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Judit Regenye, Krisztián Oross, Eszter Bánffy, Elaine Dunbar, Ronny Friedrich, Alex Bayliss, Nancy Beavan, Bisserka Gaydarska, Alasdair Whittle Pages: 280 - 299 Abstract: A handful of new radiocarbon dates from three Balaton-Lasinja culture graves at the site of Veszprém-Jutasi út in western Hungary form the starting point for formal models for late Lengyel and post-Lengyel chronology in that region. The graves date to the later fifth millennium cal BC. They provide the opportunity to put the earlier Copper Age Balaton-Lasinja culture of Transdanubia into its regional and wider context, and to highlight both gradually improving understanding of its character and remaining problems of chronology and classification. The Balaton-Lasinja culture was part of a whole series of regional shifts in settlement and society connected to the end of the Neolithic and the demise of major settlement aggregations which had dominated lifestyles in previous centuries. This study indicates how much further detailed research continues to be needed to get fully to grips with this set of important changes, which run on into the Copper Age. Contrasts are drawn between western and eastern Hungary, and the uncertainties surrounding the chronology of the fourth millennium cal BC, including for the Furchenstich pottery style, are emphasised. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.4 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Federico Bernardini, Giacomo Vinci, Vanja Macovaz, Andrea Baucon, Angelo De Min, Stefano Furlani, Snežana Smolić Pages: 300 - 317 Abstract: The paper presents a group of four, approximately 0.5m large, stone disks from entrances or cemeteries of two protohistoric hillforts of north-eastern Adriatic. The disks, having a sparse chronology with the exception of one dated to the Middle Bronze Age, show flat and plain surfaces or covered with sub-circular depressions. One disk shows two larger cup-marks at the centre of both faces. They are interpreted as ritual artefacts based on the association with sacred settlement locations and comparisons with similar coeval stones found mainly close to citadel entrances, burials and thresholds in the Aegean area and Anatolia. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.7 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Natalia Petrova, Hojjat Darabi Pages: 318 - 342 Abstract: The article presents the results of a technological analysis of the ceramic samples from Neolithic settlements of Ali Kosh, Mahtaj and Guran (the 7th mill. BC). The use of sheep and goat dung in the paste prevailed. While two-layer slabs were applied as the main construction method across the region, a few samples from Guran show the appearance of coil construction around the middle of the 7th millennium BC. First an overall coating with the same clay and red colouring appeared, and later a new type of red slip emerged – a mixture of clay with red pigment. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.11 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Andrey Mazurkevich, Ekaterina Dolbunova, Yolaine Maigrot, Veronika Filippova Pages: 344 - 362 Abstract: The Dnieper-Dvina area is one of the regions in Eastern Europe which was part of a wider network of the earliest ceramic traditions, spread in the first half to the middle of the 6th millennium BC. After the collapse of this network new ceramic complexes appeared here, called the Rudnya culture, and at the end of the 6th millennium BC this manifested in changes in the directions of cultural connections. This region became part of the cultural space of the Circum-Baltic area. Several complexes within the Rudnya culture originated in different groups of Narva pottery, and are dated to c. 5400–4400 cal BC. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.21 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Andrey Mazurkevich, Ekaterina Dolbunova, Yolaine Maigrot, Veronika Filippova Pages: 344 - 362 Abstract: The Dnieper-Dvina area is one of the regions in Eastern Europe which was part of a wider network of the earliest ceramic traditions, spread in the first half to the middle of the 6th millennium BC. After the collapse of this network new ceramic complexes appeared here, called the Rudnya culture, and at the end of the 6th millennium BC this manifested in changes in the directions of cultural connections. This region became part of the cultural space of the Circum-Baltic area. Several complexes within the Rudnya culture originated in different groups of Narva pottery, and are dated to c. 5400–4400 cal BC. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.21 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Nina Kyparissi-Apostolika, Evita Kalogiropoulou, Dimitris Roussos, Niki Saridaki, Odysseas Metaxas, Georgia Kotzamani, Katerina Trantalidou, Yorgos Facorellis Pages: 364 - 386 Abstract: This paper presents the first known and systematically excavated Middle Neolithic pottery workshop in southwestern Thessaly at Imvrou Pigadi. The excavations and in situ finds, along with the pronounced kiln structures, their typological classification and pyrotechnological operation, suggests considerable expertise in pottery manufacture. The pottery itself, together with the chipped stone industry and other small finds, as well as the fauna and archaeobotanical assemblages are presented. The results of the 14C dating programme point to use of the workshop at the beginning of the 6th millennium. All this evidence suggests an active settlement where pottery production was carried out, which was then circulated within the wider region. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.16 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Manca Vinazza, Matej Dolenec Pages: 388 - 405 Abstract: The article discusses the possible use of kilns for the firing of pottery in western Slovenia during the Early Iron Age. In the absence of archaeologically attested kilns, their use in this area is studied based on indirect factors, i.e. the analysis of the vessel firing technique, and with the help of experiments from the field of experimental archaeology. The article strives to determine the reasons for the poor state of preservation of the kilns in the area in question. Samples from archaeological experiments and archaeological pottery were subjected to AMS measurements, petrographic and mineralogical analyses (X-ray diffraction), which revealed the importance of considering the soaking time as a criterion for observing the firing processes and use of single-chamber kilns for the firing of pottery, even if they have not yet been discovered. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.20 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Manca Vinazza, Matej Dolenec Pages: 388 - 405 Abstract: The article discusses the possible use of kilns for the firing of pottery in western Slovenia during the Early Iron Age. In the absence of archaeologically attested kilns, their use in this area is studied based on indirect factors, i.e. the analysis of the vessel firing technique, and with the help of experiments from the field of experimental archaeology. The article strives to determine the reasons for the poor state of preservation of the kilns in the area in question. Samples from archaeological experiments and archaeological pottery were subjected to AMS measurements, petrographic and mineralogical analyses (X-ray diffraction), which revealed the importance of considering the soaking time as a criterion for observing the firing processes and use of single-chamber kilns for the firing of pottery, even if they have not yet been discovered. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.20 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Vasile Opriș, Bogdan Manea, Mircea Lechintan, Roxana Bugoi, Florin Constantin, Theodor Ignat, Catalin Lazar Pages: 406 - 421 Abstract: The current paper aims to reveal the potential of combining multiple approaches (techno-functional analysis, experimental archaeology, and X-ray Computed Tomography) when it comes to studying unique earthenware artefacts, such as the prehistoric human-shaped pot discovered within the tell settlement from Sultana-Malu Rosu (Romania), that belongs to the Kodjadermen-Gumelnita-Karanovo VI civilization (KGK VI) which thrived during the 5th millennium BC. This human-shaped pot, also known as ‘The Goddess of Sultana’, is an emblematic artefact that fascinates with its shape, gestures, and decoration. It was apparently made from a standard clay paste recipe and using basic forming techniques, with little care for the internal surface. This vessel also has several hidden cracks and some manipulation traces on its backside. In order to explore its relevance, our approach to this particular human-shaped pot included the use of archaeological data in correlation with other techniques in order to decipher the manufacturing process for such vessels, the possible way of using them, but also the meanings that they might have had for past human communities. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.3 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Jarrad W. Paul, Coşkun Sivil, Özlem Çevik Pages: 422 - 433 Abstract: In this investigation we detail the results of a systematic analysis of worked animal bone from Ulucak, one of the earliest Neolithic sites in western Anatolia. The collection exhibits a wide range of types, including points, needles, spatulas, bevelled tools, perforated objects, and other unique objects. A study of the raw material shows a preference for sheep and goat long bones, while large-sized animal rib bones were also utilized. Manufacturing techniques employed included splitting, grooving, and abrasion, while a contextual analysis of the material underscores an intricate connection with other objects made from stone and clay. Items found in buildings relate to textile, leather, and ceramic production, while personal ornaments may have played a part in abandonment rituals. Examination of this assemblage is understood as a common set of regional tool types with some localized variations. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.10 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Valdis Bērziņš, Agnese Čakare Pages: 434 - 449 Abstract: This study considers the production sequences of amber jewellery from Sārnate and Siliņupe, at the coast of present-day Latvia. Differences between the two sites in terms of the relative frequency of items discarded in various production stages may be related to the degree of integration into exchange networks. Within-assemblage variation in terms of the point within the processing sequence when perforation was performed indicates a strong element of heterodoxy with respect to amber processing within the communities, congruent with a domestic setting of production, even though the output consisted of a rather standardized range of forms. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.5 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Dimitra Malamidou, Zoï Tsirtsoni, Markos Vaxevanopoulos Pages: 450 - 469 Abstract: Copper, gold, and silver artefacts, together with evidence of metallurgical activities, have been retrieved from Late Neolithic strata in several settlements in Greek Eastern Macedonia. Recent excavations at Dikili Tash revealed that gold was further used in paints for the decoration of pottery. It appears that the area’s inhabitants had a great familiarity with different metals and the distinct stages of the production-elaboration processes, including those interfering with other chaînes opératoires. Considering also the results from geological research, we propose a reflection on the socio-economic role of metal production and consumption for these societies, in their broader Balkan context. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.6 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
Authors:Oliver Dietrich, Laura Dietrich, Botond Rezi Pages: 470 - 490 Abstract: Large ‘scrap’ metal hoards have so far been seen as a characteristic of the older Urnfield Period in the eastern Carpathian Basin. Using the hoard from Dezmir, Romania, as a starting point, this paper describes a group of hoards with chronologically and spatially diverse components. These hoards were hidden during the younger Urnfield Period and represent smaller variants of the older, large ‘scrap’ hoards. Earlier research has used them to define a chronological horizon (‘Phase 3-Jupalnic-Turia-Ha A2’). Based on archaeological observations, spatial data and a correspondence analysis, we argue that they represent a specific hoarding practice instead, characteristic of Phase 4, i.e. the younger Urnfield Period. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.4312/dp.49.17 Issue No:Vol. 49 (2022)
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