Late Neolithic

Аbstract: During the past century, an enormous corpus of raw data was collected through extensive archaeological fieldwork on the territory of the Central Balkans-pottery, stone tools, figurines, and many more. However, due to the fact that researchers have mainly been concerned with culture-historical problems, usually only a few diagnostic finds were published, while the major part of the collections often remained unstudied. In this paper, we address a particular artefact from the site of Crnokalačka Bara, near Ražanj (central Serbia) that represents a large leg, shaped like an animal foot, possibly belonging to a figurine or a vessel. Since the evidence of these finds in the Neolithic of the Central Balkans is extremely rare, the aims of the paper are to contribute to the identification of "omit-ted" archaeological artefacts, to be of illustrative use to other researchers encountering similar problems, and to offer some insights into the daily life of Neolithic communities. An overview of the site itself is also presented, followed by a brief description of its ceramic assemblage.

This innovative volume draws on a range of materials and places to explore the disparate facets of Bronze Age society across the Nordic region through the key themes of time and trajectory, rituals and everyday life, and encounters and identities.

The Bronze Age in Northern Europe was a place of diversity and contrast, an era that saw movements and changes not just of peoples, but of cultures, beliefs, and socio-political systems, and that led to the forging of ontological ideas materialized in landscapes, bodies, and technologies. Drawing on a range of materials and places, the innovative contributions gathered here in this volume explore the disparate facets of Bronze Age society across the Nordic region through the key themes of time and trajectory, rituals and everyday life, and encounters and identities. The contributions explore how and why society evolved over time, from the changing nature of sea travel to new technologies in house building, and from advances in lithic production to evolving burial practices and beliefs in the afterlife.

This edited collection honours the ground-breaking research of Professor Christopher Prescott, an outstanding figure in the study of the Bronze Age north, and it takes as its inspiration the diversity, interdisciplinarity, and vitality of his own research in order to make a major new contribution to the field, and to shed new light on a Bronze Age full of contrasts and connections.

Hartz, S., Müller, J., 2018 (2014/2015). Spätneolithische Transformationsprozesse: Die Bedeutung von Quern-Neukirchen LA 28 (Tegelbarg)für die Rekonstruktion einer Übergangszeit, Offa 71/72, 149–154.

Quern-Neukirchen LA 28 (Tegelbarg) is the only known shell midden of the Late Neolithic in the Western Baltic. Within transformational processes, which might be linked to climatic deteriorations, the diversification of subsistence production was probably necessary. This would explain the increasing exploitation of marine resources and thus
resulting in the formation of such a Late Neolithic shell midden.

The Polgár-Csőszhalom site fi rst became known to Hungarian and international archaeological scholarship in 1929. Following Ida Bognár-Kutzián's earlier excavation, the large-scale, complex investigation of the site was begun in 1989, whose main goal was a better understanding of both the site and its environment. The joint application of new research methods opened entirely new perspectives in archaeological research. Aerial archaeological photography, magnetometer surveys and geoarchaeological investigations combined with GIS modelling and fi eld surveys enriched the canvas of the Late Neolithic communities settling at Polgár-Csőszhalom and on Polgár Island with countless new details and hues.

This article presents the results of an interdisciplinary study combining archaeology, osteology, and stable isotope analyses. The geological conditions and richness of megalithic graves in Falbygden is suitable for studies of Neolithic human remains. Nevertheless, the Late Neolithic period (2350–1700 BC) is poorly investigated. This paper explores new knowledge of the Late Neolithic megalithic population in Falbygden. In-depth osteological and archaeological studies focusing on a single gallery grave (Falköping stad 5) were conducted. Radiocarbon dating and carbon, nitrogen, and strontium isotope analyses of teeth from twenty-one individuals revealed the time of the grave’s use, as well as the subsistence and mobility practices of the buried individuals. The grave was already in use during the first part of the Late Neolithic and used into the second part of the period by individuals of different origin. Furthermore, the results indicated changing population dynamics in the Late Neolithic Falbygden, with increased human mobility, variability in subsistence strategies, and growing population density.

This is the introduction to the edited volume "Warfare in Bronze Age society" published by Cambridge University Press. The introduction present the premise of the volume, an overview of past and current research, and introduces the articles of the volume. The book and ebook can be purchased here: http://www.cambridge.org/core_title/gb/500176

Monografija "Praistorijska nalazišta u aleksinačkoj kotlini: Evidencija i revizija starih podataka" predstavlja rezultat dugotrajnog rada na objedinjavanju svih raspoloživih podataka o arheološkim istraživanjima praistorijskih lokaliteta u Aleksinačkoj kotlini, koji je sproveden u sklopu projekata Arheološka prospekcija Aleksinačke opštine i Arheološka prospekcija donjeg toka Južne Morave. Osnovni cilj projekta je izučavanje odnosa između ljudskih naselja i okoline, odnosno interakcije između ljudi i okolnog predela u dijahronoj perspektivi. Jedna od glavnih težnji jeste sagledavanje primenjivosti različitih modela naseljavanja i uočavanje određenih pravilnosti u izboru mesta za naselje kroz različite praistorijske periode. S tim u vezi posebno je bilo bitno odrediti tačan položaj lokaliteta, čemu je u značajnoj meri doprinela revizija dokumenata iz muzejskih arhiva. Ona je podrazumevala i tumačenje rukopisa i kritičku procenu verodostojnosti podataka o arheološkim nalazištima. Napor autora da determinišu i u kulturno-hronološkom pogledu evidentiraju faze naseljavanja na nalazištima u Aleksinačkoj kotlini na osnovu arheološkog materijala, arhivske građe i publikovanih radova predstavlja temelj za buduća istraživanja u okviru projekta. Posebna pažnja je usmerena na geografske odlike regije i naseljavanje različitih mikro-predela i visinskih zona u cilju utvrđivanja obrazaca naseljavanja tokom različitih faza praistorije. Predstavljeno monografsko izdanje pokriva period od prvih istraživačkih saznanja o praistoriji Aleksinačke kotline do današnjih dana, čime je popunjena praznina, duža od jednog veka, tokom koje nije izdata ni jedna arheološka publikacija koja objedinjuje godinama gomilanu građu. Na taj način prikazano delo prezentuje niz korisnih podataka koji na prvom mestu pružaju uvid u položaj arheoloških nalazišta, objedinjujući pri tome i sve ostale relevantne podatke.

We present the results of the archaeological excavation in two open-air settlements dated between the middle of the IV and III millennium cal BC, practically only published testimonies in the right margin of the Ebro River (La Rioja, Spain). Both show common characteristics in their size (2-2.5 ha), organization and location criteria in an intermediate fluvial terrace, characteristics of segmental societies that built megaliths; also because the low number of archaeological materials that suggest a temporary and recurrent occupation. The settlement of Igay (Varea-Logroño, Spain) is chronologically located in the Late Neolithic (4750 ± 30 BP, 3637-3382 cal BC 2σ); the structural record is formed by 15 pits (storage pits, furnace, post hole and other indeterminate pits). Geometrical and retouching flat cover coexist as elements of lithic industry transition to the Chalcolithic, which could be placed ca. 3500 cal BC. Pottery are related to the Cameros megalithic stations, 20 km away and with evident contextual and chronological relation. The settlement is explained by the temporary exploitation of the resources in Ebro River fertile plain, with agricultural and hunting activities evidenced by hand querns and lithic arrowheads, respectively. Los Cascajos (Grañón, Spain) site is an open-air Chalcolithic settlement with an appreciable organization in disposition of the 32 negative structures documented. Approximately, 47% are combustion structures; the rest are interpreted as pits storage, post holes, indeterminate pits and a possible hut. Two almost continuous ditches delimit the nuclear area, inscribed on a small hill. In the archaeological site there are elements of transition to the Early Bronze Age, especially in the pottery repertoire. The lithic industry technique is laminar and with foliaceous; the absence of sickle and hand querns elements is striking, but in the settlement metal processing is present. The site is located chronologically at advanced Chalcolithic,
dating 4097 ± 36 BP (2866-2498 cal BC 2σ); it anticipates the features of regional Early Bronze Age (ca. 2400 cal
BC) without an abrupt rupture. The deficit of interventions in synchronic settlements in front of megalith tombs and cavity contexts requires diversifying the information at a regional scale to obtain more adjusted profiles of these communities.

Polished stone axes and adzes are ubiquitously recovered during the process
of archaeological investigations at Neolithic settlements in the Balkans. Such artifact
types are most commonly interpreted as the everyday tools of woodworking, hide
processing, and/or tilling. However, Grebska-Kulow and Whitford (2016) have
previously presented evidence that these seemingly mundane objects might also have
been utilized in domestic rituals. At the Early Neolithic settlements of Ilindentsi and
Balgarchevo, located in the Struma River Valley of Bulgaria, several stone axes and
adzes were found placed below large storage vessels and ovens and/or were placed
directly on top of storage pits. We suggested that the latter contexts represent the
occurrence of ritual deposition. During more recent archaeological investigations, we
again discovered evidence to support our claim. At the Late Neolithic settlement of
Damyanitsa, two storage vessels found within buildings were found containing
numerous stone axes and adzes that had additionally been coated with ochre. In this
paper, we suggest that the latter is yet another example on the use of polished stone
axes and adzes in domestic ritual. In conclusion, we elaborate on the diachronic
characteristics of domestic ritual practices during the Neolithic Period in the Struma
River Valley, Bulgaria.

Relationships between local and micro-regional phenomena of the Late Neolithic and Copper Age are studied on the basis of archaeological research related to the natural environment at the site of Polgár-Csőszhalom in  the Upper Tisza Region, Hungary. Following the collapse of the Late Neolithic socio-ecological system, its cultural elements formed new structures and resurfaced creating new equilibria in the area called Polgár Island around 4500-4400 cal BC. Consequently, there is a distinct continuity between material manifestations characteristic of the Late Neolithic and the Copper Age respectively. Meanwhile the new cultural integration also rcreated new qualitative traits, values and scales.

In 1992, the member states of the Council of Europe co-signed the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage in Valletta (Malta) This has led to the development-led archaeology in many countries, also in the Netherlands, especially from 2001 onwards. But has Development-led archaeology been able to generate new knowledge about the past? Has increased prospection and excavation activity payed of? Should we continue in the same style, or should we formulate new kinds of research questions?
These are the kinds of questions that the present book aims to discuss. The main goal is to assess the gain in knowledge resulting from development-led  archaeology, notably for remains of the period 2850-1500 cal BC: the Late Neolithic, the Early Bronze Age and the start of the Middle Bronze Age. We know this period very well from burial mounds and bronze hoards. Bronze objects and burial assemblages are widely discussed in international literature, for the Bell Beaker period even with the Netherlands as a typological role model. The question we raise in this book is whether development-led archaeology has confirmed this picture, or whether large scale excavations in ‘Malta-context’ have generated other types of evidence. Have we been able to detect houses from these periods, or settlements? Are these comparable for all regions or are there regional differences? Do we have indications for social stratification; for migrations?
The answers to such questions are hidden in the many reports that development-led archaeology has produced in the last 15 years. The problem is that so many site reports have been, that it is a large task to synthesise these data and translate them into coherent models. Therefor the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) commissioned the authors to go over all the data assembled in the last 15 years, present them to the wider public in a synthesised form, and answer a number of research questions. Because these data are published in Dutch language site reports, this book has been written in English to make the data available to a European (scientific) public. Relevant sites have all been summarised in Chapter 7, which therefore has become the central part of this publication. A synthesis of the Dutch data was formulated in Chapter 8, demonstrating that especially settlement evidence has dramatically changed our perception of the period. The traditional image based on burial data needs to be altered completely. This has implications for the international discourse on the Beaker period as well.
The book ends with a large number of methodical and theoretical avenues that can be followed to gain more knowledge in the next fifteen years of development-led archaeology. We plea for a far more integrated approach between all specialists involved in archaeological excavation and post-excavation analysis. Only then we will be really able to generate new knowledge about the past.

H. Meller/N. Nicklisch/J. Orschiedt/K. W. Alt, Rituelle Zweikämpfe schnurkeramischer Krieger? In: H. Meller/M. Schefzik (Hrsg.), Krieg – eine archäologische Spurensuche. Begleitband zur Sonderausstellung im Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte Halle (Saale) 6. November 2015 bis 22. Mai 2016 (Halle [Saale] 2015) 185-189.

"Le passé de Sierentz est plutôt bien connu, notamment grâce aux nombreuses fouilles réalisées depuis la fin des années 70 dans la partie nord de la commune près de la petite chapelle de la Hochkirch (Tiergarten, Sandgrube, Zac HOELL). Le site des « Villas d’Aurèle » est lui situé au sud, il semblait donc intéressant de documenter une zone entièrement vierge de recherche. Qui plus est, le contexte topographique et géologique est sensiblement différent du secteur de la Hochkirch : on se trouve ici dans les premiers contreforts loessiques du Sundgau oriental.
A l’issue de l’opération d’évaluation, la problématique principale était de mieux appréhender l’occupation du Néolithique récent qui avait été repérée et qui se matérialisait principalement par un ensemble de fosses circulaires (dont une contenait des inhumations) et des fentes.
La fouille a permis la mise au jour de plusieurs occupations datant de différentes périodes, essentiellement néolithique mais aussi protohistoriques.
Le Néolithique moyen (groupe de Bruebach-Oberbergen) est représenté par trois fosses circulaires et surtout un ensemble de 34 fentes, incluant celles déjà repérées lors du diagnostic, dont l’organisation spatiale est inédite. Orientées sud-ouest / nord-est, elles sont disposées le long d’un couloir sud-est / nord-ouest d’une trentaine de mètres de large traversant la zone fouillée du nord au sud.
Objet principal de la problématique originelle, l’occupation du Néolithique récent repérée lors du diagnostic n’a été complétée que par cinq fosses circulaires dont une seule contenait une inhumation. L’étude de l’ensemble céramique qu’elles ont livré, associée à une série de datation au carbone 14, a permis d’alimenter la récente remise en question de la typo-chronologie de cette période.
La fin du Néolithique est marquée par quatre sépultures campaniformes. Disposées sur un axe nord-ouest / sud-est, elles contenaient les corps d’un enfant, d’une femme et de deux hommes. L’excellent état de conservation des tombes masculines a en outre permis la reconnaissance d’une architecture en bois. D’une manière générale, ce type de découvertes des années 60. Leur état de conservation et leur riche mobilier font des sépultures de Sierentz une découverte majeure de cette période dans la région.
Le site est ensuite occupé durant la Protohistoire, mais les indices qui ont pu être mis au jour lors de la fouille restent cependant assez réduits et la nature de ces occupations n’a pu être précisée.
Le Bronze final IIb est essentiellement représenté par un ensemble de 15 fosses circulaires et de fosses-silos. Certaines de ces fosses contenaient des dépôts de vases entiers et s’organisaient le long d’un axe sud-ouest / nord-est dans la moitié ouest de l’emprise. Six autres fosses et silos sont datés du Hallstatt D1. Il est possible que durant ces périodes, la zone d’occupation humaine principale soit plutôt à chercher dans la partie nord la commune.
Enfin quelques menus indices d’occupations postérieures, éventuellement romaines, ainsi qu’une probable aspergerie d’époque Moderne et/ou Contemporaine ont été mis en évidence"