Tématem článku jsou železné sekery s raménky nalezené v letech 2016-2017 na katastrech obcí Drmaly a Vysoká Pec (okr. Chomutov, severozápadní Čechy). Metalograficky bylo prokázáno, že jde o kvalitně zpracované sečné zbraně/nástroje s... more
Tématem článku jsou železné sekery s raménky nalezené v letech 2016-2017 na katastrech obcí Drmaly a Vysoká Pec (okr. Chomutov, severozápadní Čechy). Metalograficky bylo prokázáno, že jde o kvalitně zpracované sečné zbraně/nástroje s místně kalenými ocelovými břity; u jednoho z nich byla doložena uni kátní vložka z arzénového železa. Sekery s raménky převážně datované do rozpětí stupňů Ha C2-D12 se na českém území nacházejí v menší míře v depotech, na pohřebištích, sídlištích a hradištích doby halštatské. Jejich největší skupinu tvoří solitérní, tzv. ojedinělé nálezy intencionálně deponované mimo soudobé areály běžných lidských aktivit a situované převážně ve vysokohorském lesním terénu, někdy v blízkosti vodních zdrojů, komunikací či hradišť. Vazba monodepositů a depotů na markantní přírodně formovaná místa (hory, skály, jeskyně, prameniště ad.) může představovat archeologický projev rituálního chování obyvatel doby halštatské v sakrální krajině.
The subject of the article is iron trunnion axes found in the years 2016–2017 in the cadastral territory of the villages of Drmaly and Vysoká Pec (Chomutov district, northwest Bohemia). It was metallographically proven that the artefacts are finely crafted cutting weapons/tools with differentially quench-hardened steel cutting edges. A unique inlay from arsenic iron was documented on one of the axes. Trunnion axes mostly dated to Ha C2–D1-2 are found in Bohemia to a lesser extent in Hallstatt period hoards, cemeteries, settlements and hillforts. Their largest group is composed of solitary finds intentionally deposited outside of contemporary areas of regular human activities and situated primarily in forested mountain terrain, sometimes in the vicinity of water sources, routes or hillforts. The connection between deposits and striking natural locations (mountains, cliffs, caves, river sources, etc.) could represent an archaeological manifestation of the ritual behaviour of Hallstatt period man in the sacred landscape.
The subject of the article is iron trunnion axes found in the years 2016–2017 in the cadastral territory of the villages of Drmaly and Vysoká Pec (Chomutov district, northwest Bohemia). It was metallographically proven that the artefacts are finely crafted cutting weapons/tools with differentially quench-hardened steel cutting edges. A unique inlay from arsenic iron was documented on one of the axes. Trunnion axes mostly dated to Ha C2–D1-2 are found in Bohemia to a lesser extent in Hallstatt period hoards, cemeteries, settlements and hillforts. Their largest group is composed of solitary finds intentionally deposited outside of contemporary areas of regular human activities and situated primarily in forested mountain terrain, sometimes in the vicinity of water sources, routes or hillforts. The connection between deposits and striking natural locations (mountains, cliffs, caves, river sources, etc.) could represent an archaeological manifestation of the ritual behaviour of Hallstatt period man in the sacred landscape.
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The pattern-welding is well known technique that was widely employed in manufacture of swords. While the decorative effect of the genuine pattern-welding (employing phosphoric iron) is indisputable, its reinforcing effect is up to date... more
The pattern-welding is well known technique that was widely employed in manufacture of swords. While the decorative effect of the genuine pattern-welding (employing phosphoric iron) is indisputable, its reinforcing effect is up to date rather unclear. In order to understand this issue better, wrought iron, phosphoric iron, steel and various pattern-welded samples were prepared, mechanically tested and the results obtained were discussed in detail. Both the mechanical testing and the long-term metallographic investigation of medieval swords suggest that pattern-welding does not have any significant positive effect on the mechanical properties of swords and we should consider it a primarily decorative technique.
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Studie prezentuje výsledky revizniho výzkumu deviti raně středověkých meců ci jejich casti z Pohanska u Břeclavi. Nalezový soubor tvoři nejen starsi, ale i nove, dosud nepublikovane, nalezy. Studie obsahuje popis archeologickeho kontextu,... more
Studie prezentuje výsledky revizniho výzkumu deviti raně středověkých meců ci jejich casti z Pohanska u Břeclavi. Nalezový soubor tvoři nejen starsi, ale i nove, dosud nepublikovane, nalezy. Studie obsahuje popis archeologickeho kontextu, v němž byly mece objeveny, a podrobnou typologicko-metalografickou analýzu. Mece jsou precizně datovany s pomoci stratigraficke a radiokarbonove metody, což umožňuje jejich zařazeni do sirsiho kontextu celoevropskeho vývoje raně středověkých meců. Studie přinasi i nove impulsy do diskuse o spolecenskem postaveni uživatelů meců aplikaci sociologických konceptů Pierra Bourdieu.
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The Early Medieval settlement at Roztoky (Prague-west district, Central Bohemia) represents an extraordinary case and, at the same time, a difficult challenge in terms of interpretation among sites of the Prague-type Culture (6th–7th... more
The Early Medieval settlement at Roztoky (Prague-west district, Central Bohemia) represents an extraordinary case and, at the same time, a difficult challenge in terms of interpretation among sites of the Prague-type Culture (6th–7th century AD). Primarily, the high overall number of settlement features of the given culture is what makes this site unique and puzzling. To date, more than 300 sunken houses of this culture have been captured at the site (with an area size of min. 22 ha) and their overall number can be estimated as being at least double this amount. On the one hand, the site is specific also by its landscape setting (at the base of a canyon-like valley) and by its discontinuity in relation to the preceding and the following periods. On the other hand, the site lacks finds that would allow for a clear interpretation in terms of its function (e.g. production features, tools or waste materials, luxury goods, etc.). Finds of the Prague-type Culture were first discovered at ...
Research Interests: History and Archeology
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While cataloguing medieval and post-medieval militaria in the collections of Czech and Moravian institutions, we have succeeded in identifying a specific type of single-handed dussacks dating back to the 15th and 16th c. A detailed... more
While cataloguing medieval and post-medieval militaria in the collections of Czech and Moravian institutions, we have succeeded in identifying a specific type of single-handed dussacks dating back to the 15th and 16th c. A detailed examination of these dussacks revealed very similar damage to the blade. This fact inspired research into the production technology of this type of weapons and a discussion of the probable causes of their damage. This paper summarises the findings of the research and the related archaeological data.
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The collections of Buchlov State Castle include, among other things, a richly decorated late medieval long-sword that can be, based on its overall character, including maker's marks on its blade, reliably interpreted as a so-called... more
The collections of Buchlov State Castle include, among other things, a richly decorated late medieval long-sword that can be, based on its overall character, including maker's marks on its blade, reliably interpreted as a so-called magistrate's sword made around the turn of the 16th century in Passau, Bavaria. This article discusses the nature of its decoration in comparison with other similar preserved Central European magistrates' swords of Passau provenance, as well as both the practical and symbolic function of these weapons.
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Hoards of metal objects dated to the 3rd – 4th century AD in Bohemia This paper refers to three hoards of metal objects. Recent one from Rosovice and two older (but originally incorrectly dated) from Lety near Dobřichovice and Benátky nad... more
Hoards of metal objects dated to the 3rd – 4th century AD in Bohemia
This paper refers to three hoards of metal objects. Recent one from Rosovice and two older (but originally incorrectly dated) from Lety near Dobřichovice and Benátky nad Jizerou in central Bohemia region. The analysis confirmed that all three hoards were buried during 3rd – 4th century AD. The paper also includes the results of the archeometalurgical analysis of scythes found in Rosovice and description of making functional replicas.
This paper refers to three hoards of metal objects. Recent one from Rosovice and two older (but originally incorrectly dated) from Lety near Dobřichovice and Benátky nad Jizerou in central Bohemia region. The analysis confirmed that all three hoards were buried during 3rd – 4th century AD. The paper also includes the results of the archeometalurgical analysis of scythes found in Rosovice and description of making functional replicas.
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An amateur metal detector survey conducted in the cadastral territory of Klamoš in 2015/2016 yielded, among other things, a well-preserved long-sword. Based on the typo-chronological analysis, the sword can be classified as an Oakeshott... more
An amateur metal detector survey conducted in the cadastral territory of Klamoš in 2015/2016 yielded, among other things, a well-preserved long-sword. Based on the typo-chronological analysis, the sword can be classified as an Oakeshott Type XIIIa, J, 2, and dated to the course of the 14th c. A conservation-restoration survey revealed remains of maker’s marks on the blade and, mainly, rich pommel decoration that is thus far unique. The latter is further discussed in detail in terms of a both formal evaluation and the applied decoration technology, the identification of which has been based on a detailed survey of the weapon and experimental work. A metallographic examination of the blade was finally
omitted due to its compact preservation.
omitted due to its compact preservation.
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Systematic metal-detector prospection conducted in 2016 in the forested area of the western part of the Kroměříž region yielded a solitary find of a Romanesque sword. This weapon can be classified as a sword of the XII, B, 1 type, and its... more
Systematic metal-detector prospection conducted in 2016 in the forested area of the western part of the Kroměříž region yielded a solitary find of a Romanesque sword. This weapon can be classified as a sword of the XII, B, 1 type, and its origin is sought in the 12th century. The blade consists of a layer of steel encasing a softer core, which was a relatively new type of construction used at the time. Besides, a specific tin-inlaid initial inscription was detected on both sides of the blade, which most likely reads as Salvator Iesus Omnipotens Salvator, or Omnipotens Salvator Iesus Omnipotens. These and urther details of the find are in the article discussed in detail.
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In 2019, a metal-detector find of an exceptionally well-preserved weapon was made in the complex of Ždánice Forest. We can classify it as a long-sword of Type XVIa, H1, 1b (according to Oakeshott 1964; Głosek 1984, 39-40, Fig. 4) and date... more
In 2019, a metal-detector find of an exceptionally well-preserved weapon was made in the complex of Ždánice Forest. We can classify it as a long-sword of Type XVIa, H1, 1b (according to Oakeshott 1964; Głosek 1984, 39-40, Fig. 4) and date it to the turn of the 15th century. Its blade was marked on both sides with three marks taking the form of a forked cross, a diagonal consisting of three equilateral crosses and, finally, a bishop's crosier. The weapon was assembled from a blade of Passau provenance and hilt-components characteristic of the wider Central European region. These and other facts concerning the sword were obtained through detailed analysis, which this study introduces.
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Raně středověký meč, který je uložen ve sbírkách Středočeského muzea v Roztokách u Prahy, je spojován s hradištěm na Levém Hradci, byť jeho nálezové okolnosti nejsou známy. Zbraň má jílec Petersenova typu Y, a již předchozí rentgenový... more
Raně středověký meč, který je uložen ve sbírkách Středočeského muzea v Roztokách u Prahy, je spojován s hradištěm na Levém Hradci, byť jeho nálezové okolnosti nejsou známy. Zbraň má jílec Petersenova typu Y, a již předchozí rentgenový průzkum prokázal damaskovaní čepele a přítomnost tzv. železné tauzie. Nově provedený rtg. tomografický průzkum umožnil bližší specifikaci plošného damasku a především tauzie; odhalil, že čepel nese damaskovaný nápis „(ABO)FECIT“ na jedné straně, a složený geometrický znak na straně druhé. Všechny nově získané informace jsou v článku podrobně popsány a diskutovány.
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Archeological excavation conducted in 2010 in Kobilić (Turopolje region, Zagreb County, Republic of Croatia) yielded two knives from which one shows pattern-welding. This is the first pattern-welded knife reported among... more
Archeological excavation conducted in 2010 in Kobilić (Turopolje region, Zagreb County, Republic of Croatia) yielded two knives from which one shows pattern-welding. This is the first pattern-welded knife reported among Croatian archeological finds. Our knowledge of pattern-welded knife production and trade within medieval Europe is still limited, therefore we decided to carry out a metallographic examination of both knives found at the Kobilić 1 site. Both knives are of excellent functional quality. The pattern-welded knife has a single-patterned core, which ends before reaching the pointed part of the blade, and to which another strip of phosphoric iron was welded from above to increase the overall decorative effect. The overall construction of the pattern-welded knife is fairly typical of such 13th- century pattern-welded blades. The other knife blade is made of one heterogeneous piece of steel, distinguishing it from the majority of contemporary knives. The provenance of the knives remains unknown, but considering that the pattern-welded knife is the only find known from the territory of Croatia to date, it is very likely that is was imported.
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The article presents the metallographic examination of three sabres and one double-edged sword coming from the 7th–8th century Slavic-Avar site of Želovce (Slovakia). All four weapons had been subjected to metallography as early as 1975,... more
The article presents the metallographic examination of three sabres and one double-edged sword coming from the 7th–8th century Slavic-Avar site of Želovce (Slovakia). All four weapons had been subjected to metallography as early as 1975, but the results were not published in sufficient detail. With this article, written in honour of Radomír Pleiner, the authors wish to repay this debt. The blades are compared with other (metallographically examined) weapons from Želovce, and the manufacturing methods of early medieval production of sabres are discussed.
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Поселение Стаево-4 Мичуринского р-на Воронежской обл. датируется второй половиной V - VII вв. и относится к недавно выделенной верхневоронежской культурной группе со смешанным населением. Основным занятием жителей поселка была черная... more
Поселение Стаево-4 Мичуринского р-на Воронежской обл. датируется второй половиной V - VII вв. и относится к недавно выделенной верхневоронежской культурной группе со смешанным населением. Основным занятием жителей поселка была черная металлургия. В статье полностью публикуются материалы селища.
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The archaeological excavation conducted in Prague – New Town in 2013 at the intersection of today’s Národní třída – Mikulandská streets, i.e. in the medieval New Town, yielded, among other things, the unique find of a late medieval long... more
The archaeological excavation conducted in Prague – New Town in 2013 at the intersection of today’s Národní třída – Mikulandská streets, i.e. in the medieval New Town, yielded, among other things, the unique find of a late medieval long sword. The sword was found in an oval feature of an unknown function (definitely not a cesspit), whose demise dates to the turn of the 16th century. The sword, which can be classified as an Oakeshott type XVIIIb, T14, 12a, can be dated to the period between the second half of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. These and other findings come from an analysis of the find situation, from metallographic examination, and mainly from detailed typo-chronological analysis of the weapon and marks, by which the sword was signed.
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In order to facilitate everyday archaeometallographic research into archaeological and/or historical objects, a method employing results of metallographic examination and hardness measurements to estimate phosphorus content in iron... more
In order to facilitate everyday archaeometallographic research into archaeological and/or historical objects, a method employing results of metallographic examination and hardness measurements to estimate phosphorus content in iron artifacts is introduced in the paper. Furthermore, phosphorus contents encountered in phosphoric iron that was used deliberately as a special material (for pattern-welding etc.) are discussed here. Despite certain limitations, the proposed method can be used for the estimation of the phosphorus content of archaeological iron examined either currently or in the past.
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Radomír Pleiner’s death in January 2015 marked the end of an era. For sixty years he was one of the key figures in the study of early iron working, as demonstrated by his remarkable publication record of 12 books and over 250 papers. He... more
Radomír Pleiner’s death in January 2015 marked the end of an era. For sixty years he was one of the key figures in the study of early iron working, as demonstrated by his remarkable publication record of 12 books and over 250 papers. He was the founder member of the CPSA and remained its secretary for over forty years. An obituary was printed in the Spring 2015 issue of The Crucible, outlining his career and achievements, but it was decided that a longer, and less formal, celebration of his life and work should also be prepared. The tributes which follow include a number of personal reminiscences from the golden years of Radomír’s career, which are in a roughly chronological order, as well as a few thematic items. They are all a clear demonstration of the affection in which Radomír was held, of how widely his inspiration and influence were felt by his friends and colleagues and how they are still felt by succeeding generations. His lasting legacy will undoubtedly be his two magisterial books, Iron in Archaeology: The European Bloomery Smelters (2000) and Iron in Archaeology: Early European Blacksmiths (2006) which formed a fitting conclusion to his long and uniquely successful career. However, for those who had the privilege of knowing and working with Radomír it will be for his human qualities that he will be long remembered.
Compiled by Peter Crew and Jiří Hošek. Contributions by Szymon Orzechowski, Elzbieta Nosek, Vladimir Zavyalov, Henry Cleere, Thilo Rehren, Henriette Lyngstrøm, Brian G. Scott, Věra Souchopová, János Gömöri, Lars F. Stenvik, Michel Mangin, Philippe Fluzin, Eva Hjärthner-Holdar, Christina Risberg, Peter and Susan Crew, Philippe Andrieux, Jiří Hošek, Vincent Serneels, Brian Gilmour, Janet Lang.
Compiled by Peter Crew and Jiří Hošek. Contributions by Szymon Orzechowski, Elzbieta Nosek, Vladimir Zavyalov, Henry Cleere, Thilo Rehren, Henriette Lyngstrøm, Brian G. Scott, Věra Souchopová, János Gömöri, Lars F. Stenvik, Michel Mangin, Philippe Fluzin, Eva Hjärthner-Holdar, Christina Risberg, Peter and Susan Crew, Philippe Andrieux, Jiří Hošek, Vincent Serneels, Brian Gilmour, Janet Lang.