The demographic history of East-Central Europe after the Neolithic period remains poorly explored... more The demographic history of East-Central Europe after the Neolithic period remains poorly explored, despite this region being on the confluence of various ecological zones and cultural entities. Here, the descendants of societies associated with steppe pastoralists form Early Bronze Age were followed by Middle Bronze Age populations displaying unique characteristics. Particularly, the predominance of collective burials, the scale of which, was previously seen only in the Neolithic. The extent to which this re-emergence of older traditions is a result of genetic shift or social changes in the MBA is a subject of debate. Here by analysing 91 newly generated genomes from Bronze Age individuals from present Poland and Ukraine, we discovered that Middle Bronze Age populations were formed by an additional admixture event involving a population with relatively high proportions of genetic component associated with European hunter-gatherers and that their social structure was based on, primar...
The Early Roman artefacts found in the interfluve of the rivers Vistula and San indicate that the... more The Early Roman artefacts found in the interfluve of the rivers Vistula and San indicate that the travel and transport routes that run through the area in question led not only to the development of local settlement but also to the formation of a hierarchical local society. This is indicated by the presence of richly furnished burials, with grave goods including imported metal vessels. In the Younger and Late Roman Period, the region underwent changes caused by the growth of settlement and its move to the south.
Universitätsforschungen zur prähistorischen Archäologie 376, 2022
Around 2400-2200 BC the funerary rite in southeastern Poland underwent significant changes compar... more Around 2400-2200 BC the funerary rite in southeastern Poland underwent significant changes compared to the Final Eneolithic period. The new ritual combined features of two large cultural complexes: the older being the Corded Ware (CW) and the younger being the Bell Beakers (BB). In taxonomic terms, this new phenomenon was initially included into the "Chłopice-Veselé culture", but today it is usually referred to as the "Proto-Mierzanowice phase", considered as the initial developmental stage of the Mierzanowice culture complex (c. 2300-600 BC). 2 While ceramics connected with this period, mainly cups with zonal corded decoration, 3 have been the subject of broader studies, the small number of sepulchral finds and poor quality of much of the data did not allow for a detailed discussion of other furnishings and a comprehen
Okres lateński i wpływów rzymskich w Karpatach, 2022
Growth of the source base observed in the recent years resulting
from significant intensification... more Growth of the source base observed in the recent years resulting from significant intensification of the archaeological research in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship has become an impulse to summarise the knowledge concerning imports from the Roman territories. In principle, this area borders the Wisłoka river valley from the west, Vistula river from the north, San river from the east (in some places surpassing the river in the direction of the Roztocze range) and reaches the Polish border in the mountainous area in the south. The discussed artefact category comprises monetary finds, which are the most numerous, as well as bronzeware, terra sigillata, and other clay non terra sigillata items, weaponry, clothing items, ornaments and single finds, so-called varia. The development of the settlement in the area of the present Podkarpackie Voivodeship, that commenced in the early Roman period (B2 phase) and the early phase of the younger Roman period (C1a phase), was the reason for the characteristic distribution of imports. However, in the late Roman period, the route along the San river, confirmed in the earlier periods, was still functioning, which is confirmed by the presence of glass vessels, found in some settlements. Significantly lower is the number of imports found in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, that can be dated to the early phase of the Migration period, or even later. In the meantime the San river route was one of the main communication routes throughout the whole Roman period and the early phase of the Migration period, which can be confirmed by monetary finds.
Objective: In this work we aim to investigate the origins and genetic affinities of Bronze Age po... more Objective: In this work we aim to investigate the origins and genetic affinities of Bronze Age populations (2,400–1,100 BC) from the region of southern Poland and to trace maternal kinship patterns present in the burials of those populations by the use of complete mitochondrial genomes. Materials and methods: We performed ancient DNA analyses for Bronze Age individuals from present-day Poland associated with the Strzyżow culture, the Mierzanowice culture, and the Trzciniec Cultural circle. To obtain complete mitochondrial genomes, we sequenced genomic libraries using Illumina platform. Additionally, hybridization capture was used to enrich some of the samples for mitochondrial DNA. AMS 14C-dating was conducted for 51 individuals to verify chronological and cultural attribution of the analyzed samples. Results: Complete ancient mitochondrial genomes were generated for 80 of the Bronze Age individuals from present-day Poland. The results of the population genetic analyses indicate clo...
During the excavation of the Przeworsk culture necropolis at Site 21 in Ostrów, Przemyśl District... more During the excavation of the Przeworsk culture necropolis at Site 21 in Ostrów, Przemyśl District, a richly furnished burial of a mounted warrior was found. The burial, which can be dated to the developed stage of the Early Roman period based on the grave goods, stood out through the lavishness of its grave inventory. Among other objects, the grave goods included a sword with a ring-like pommel, known as a Ringknaufschwert, two spearhead, one of them with punched decoration, and elements of horse tack. There also were ornaments and dress items, particularly noteworthy among them a gold pelta-shaped pendant decorated with granulation.
During the excavation of the Przeworsk culture necropolis at Site 21 in Ostrów, Przemyśl District... more During the excavation of the Przeworsk culture necropolis at Site 21 in Ostrów, Przemyśl District, a richly furnished burial of a mounted warrior was found. The burial, which can be dated to the developed stage of the Early Roman period based on the grave goods, stood out through the lavishness of its grave inventory. Among other objects, the grave goods included a sword with a ring-like pommel, known as a Ringknaufschwert, two spearhead, one of them with punched decoration, and elements of horse tack. There also were ornaments and dress items, particularly noteworthy among them a gold pelta-shaped pendant decorated with granulation.
This article discusses the absolute chronology of collective burials of the Trzciniec Cultural Ci... more This article discusses the absolute chronology of collective burials of the Trzciniec Cultural Circle communities of the Middle Bronze Age in East Central Europe. Based on Bayesian modeling of 91 accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dates from 18 cemeteries, the practice of collective burying of individuals was linked to a period of 400–640 (95.4%) years, between 1830–1690 (95.4%) and 1320–1160 (95.4%) BC. Collective burials in mounds with both cremation and inhumation rites were found earliest in the upland zone regardless of grave structure type (mounded or flat). Bayesian modeling of 14C determinations suggests that this practice was being transmitted generally from the southeast to the northwest direction. Bayesian modeling of the dates from the largest cemetery in Z· erniki Górne, Lesser Poland Upland, confirmed the duration of use of the necropolis as ca. 140–310 (95.4%) years. Further results show the partial contemporaneity of burials and allow formulation of a spatial and temporal development model of the necropolis. Based on the investigation, some graves were used over just a couple of years and others over nearly 200, with up to 30 individuals found in a single grave.
Broomcorn millet is one of the most important plants species in pre-history. It was first domesti... more Broomcorn millet is one of the most important plants species in pre-history. It was first domesticated in China and subsequently spread across Eurasia becoming a significant staple crop. For a long time, the arrival of millet into Europe was assumed to have taken place in the Neolithic. However, this has recently been challenged, with new direct radiocarbon measurements on reportedly Neolithic charred millet grains in fact dating to the Middle Bronze Age. To aid in understanding the timing of millet’s spread across East-Central Europe in the Bronze Age we present the results of over 120 new paired radiocarbon dates and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements on human bone collagen from individuals across 33 archaeological sites in Poland and western Ukraine. In doing so we directly assess millet’s role in the Bronze Age diets. Our results show a clear increase in bone collagen δ13C values from the middle 15th century BC onwards. This increase is rapid across the whole study area, occurring almost simultaneously with respect to the precision of our radiocarbon dates. Pilot stable isotope data for contemporary animals suggests that they were not foddered with millet and hence it was probably eaten directly by humans. Interestingly, individuals consuming millet appear to be exclusive to geographically upland regions compared to lowland ones. However, not all individuals from upland zone have δ13C values consistent with millet consumption. Based on the stable isotope evidence for the northern Carpathian Basin at this time, we posit that it is through this route, across the Carpathians, that millet was introduced into the region. An increase of its economic importance in Lesser Poland was plausibly caused by a significant growth in human populations.
The cemetery in Ostrów, commune of Przemyśl, site 21 was discovered in 2013 during the constructi... more The cemetery in Ostrów, commune of Przemyśl, site 21 was discovered in 2013 during the construction works. The results of the study of this necropolis revealed more complex cultural and ethnic situation in the San River basin during the Roman Period. At least some part of the people using the mentioned cemetery originated from the eastern zone of the Przeworsk culture. Moreover, it is very likely that the cultural contacts with Sarmatian culture took place as well. The necropolis in Ostrów is also another site that confirms the growing amount of sites situated along the San River course in the period between the decline of the Early Roman Period and the beginning of the Younger Roman Period (i.e. phases B2-C1). It was the time of the expansion of the Przeworsk culture people into the Upper Tisa River basin.
In 2019, test excavations and surface surveys were carried out on an accidentally discovered Prz... more In 2019, test excavations and surface surveys were carried out on an accidentally discovered Przeworsk culture cemetery at Obrażejowice, Radziemice commune. The materials recovered during the research should be dated to the Younger Pre-Roman period (phases A2, A3, and A3/B1) as well as Early, and probably Younger, Roman period (phases B1, B2, B2/C1). It is worth noting that the finds represent "pure" Przeworsk culture, since fragments of Celtic vessels have not as yet been identified.
Early Roman Period pottery of the Przeworsk culture included vessels covered with elaborate zonal... more Early Roman Period pottery of the Przeworsk culture included vessels covered with elaborate zonal decoration. They were particularly typical for sites from the eastern area of this culture. Undoubtedly, at least some of the ornamental motifs, featuring primarily on artefacts from sepulchral contexts, can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual culture of the investigated community. A unique ornamentation has been recorded on a cinerary urn discovered in the Przeworsk culture cemetery at Ostrów, Dist. Przemyśl, site 21. Some of the motifs featuring on the urn find no parallel among symbols known from the period. It cannot be ruled out that they are evidence of contact with Sarmatian tribes, which could have taken place in the upper Dniester basin. The discussed motifs were most likely a form of symbolic message, legible to the community in which they were created.
The Przeworsk culture cemetery, site 21 at Ostrów, commute of Przemyśl was accidentally discovere... more The Przeworsk culture cemetery, site 21 at Ostrów, commute of Przemyśl was accidentally discovered in 2013. The cremation graves found there belong to Phase B2, B2/C1 and C1a of the Roman Period. Burials explored are characterized by rich furnishings. Their inventory shows direct indebtedness to the eastern zone of the Przeworsk culture (urns with three handles, artefacts made of bronze, silver and gold). Worth mentioning is the significant number of male burials equipped with weaponry, including swords from the territory of the Roman Empire.
The demographic history of East-Central Europe after the Neolithic period remains poorly explored... more The demographic history of East-Central Europe after the Neolithic period remains poorly explored, despite this region being on the confluence of various ecological zones and cultural entities. Here, the descendants of societies associated with steppe pastoralists form Early Bronze Age were followed by Middle Bronze Age populations displaying unique characteristics. Particularly, the predominance of collective burials, the scale of which, was previously seen only in the Neolithic. The extent to which this re-emergence of older traditions is a result of genetic shift or social changes in the MBA is a subject of debate. Here by analysing 91 newly generated genomes from Bronze Age individuals from present Poland and Ukraine, we discovered that Middle Bronze Age populations were formed by an additional admixture event involving a population with relatively high proportions of genetic component associated with European hunter-gatherers and that their social structure was based on, primar...
The Early Roman artefacts found in the interfluve of the rivers Vistula and San indicate that the... more The Early Roman artefacts found in the interfluve of the rivers Vistula and San indicate that the travel and transport routes that run through the area in question led not only to the development of local settlement but also to the formation of a hierarchical local society. This is indicated by the presence of richly furnished burials, with grave goods including imported metal vessels. In the Younger and Late Roman Period, the region underwent changes caused by the growth of settlement and its move to the south.
Universitätsforschungen zur prähistorischen Archäologie 376, 2022
Around 2400-2200 BC the funerary rite in southeastern Poland underwent significant changes compar... more Around 2400-2200 BC the funerary rite in southeastern Poland underwent significant changes compared to the Final Eneolithic period. The new ritual combined features of two large cultural complexes: the older being the Corded Ware (CW) and the younger being the Bell Beakers (BB). In taxonomic terms, this new phenomenon was initially included into the "Chłopice-Veselé culture", but today it is usually referred to as the "Proto-Mierzanowice phase", considered as the initial developmental stage of the Mierzanowice culture complex (c. 2300-600 BC). 2 While ceramics connected with this period, mainly cups with zonal corded decoration, 3 have been the subject of broader studies, the small number of sepulchral finds and poor quality of much of the data did not allow for a detailed discussion of other furnishings and a comprehen
Okres lateński i wpływów rzymskich w Karpatach, 2022
Growth of the source base observed in the recent years resulting
from significant intensification... more Growth of the source base observed in the recent years resulting from significant intensification of the archaeological research in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship has become an impulse to summarise the knowledge concerning imports from the Roman territories. In principle, this area borders the Wisłoka river valley from the west, Vistula river from the north, San river from the east (in some places surpassing the river in the direction of the Roztocze range) and reaches the Polish border in the mountainous area in the south. The discussed artefact category comprises monetary finds, which are the most numerous, as well as bronzeware, terra sigillata, and other clay non terra sigillata items, weaponry, clothing items, ornaments and single finds, so-called varia. The development of the settlement in the area of the present Podkarpackie Voivodeship, that commenced in the early Roman period (B2 phase) and the early phase of the younger Roman period (C1a phase), was the reason for the characteristic distribution of imports. However, in the late Roman period, the route along the San river, confirmed in the earlier periods, was still functioning, which is confirmed by the presence of glass vessels, found in some settlements. Significantly lower is the number of imports found in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, that can be dated to the early phase of the Migration period, or even later. In the meantime the San river route was one of the main communication routes throughout the whole Roman period and the early phase of the Migration period, which can be confirmed by monetary finds.
Objective: In this work we aim to investigate the origins and genetic affinities of Bronze Age po... more Objective: In this work we aim to investigate the origins and genetic affinities of Bronze Age populations (2,400–1,100 BC) from the region of southern Poland and to trace maternal kinship patterns present in the burials of those populations by the use of complete mitochondrial genomes. Materials and methods: We performed ancient DNA analyses for Bronze Age individuals from present-day Poland associated with the Strzyżow culture, the Mierzanowice culture, and the Trzciniec Cultural circle. To obtain complete mitochondrial genomes, we sequenced genomic libraries using Illumina platform. Additionally, hybridization capture was used to enrich some of the samples for mitochondrial DNA. AMS 14C-dating was conducted for 51 individuals to verify chronological and cultural attribution of the analyzed samples. Results: Complete ancient mitochondrial genomes were generated for 80 of the Bronze Age individuals from present-day Poland. The results of the population genetic analyses indicate clo...
During the excavation of the Przeworsk culture necropolis at Site 21 in Ostrów, Przemyśl District... more During the excavation of the Przeworsk culture necropolis at Site 21 in Ostrów, Przemyśl District, a richly furnished burial of a mounted warrior was found. The burial, which can be dated to the developed stage of the Early Roman period based on the grave goods, stood out through the lavishness of its grave inventory. Among other objects, the grave goods included a sword with a ring-like pommel, known as a Ringknaufschwert, two spearhead, one of them with punched decoration, and elements of horse tack. There also were ornaments and dress items, particularly noteworthy among them a gold pelta-shaped pendant decorated with granulation.
During the excavation of the Przeworsk culture necropolis at Site 21 in Ostrów, Przemyśl District... more During the excavation of the Przeworsk culture necropolis at Site 21 in Ostrów, Przemyśl District, a richly furnished burial of a mounted warrior was found. The burial, which can be dated to the developed stage of the Early Roman period based on the grave goods, stood out through the lavishness of its grave inventory. Among other objects, the grave goods included a sword with a ring-like pommel, known as a Ringknaufschwert, two spearhead, one of them with punched decoration, and elements of horse tack. There also were ornaments and dress items, particularly noteworthy among them a gold pelta-shaped pendant decorated with granulation.
This article discusses the absolute chronology of collective burials of the Trzciniec Cultural Ci... more This article discusses the absolute chronology of collective burials of the Trzciniec Cultural Circle communities of the Middle Bronze Age in East Central Europe. Based on Bayesian modeling of 91 accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dates from 18 cemeteries, the practice of collective burying of individuals was linked to a period of 400–640 (95.4%) years, between 1830–1690 (95.4%) and 1320–1160 (95.4%) BC. Collective burials in mounds with both cremation and inhumation rites were found earliest in the upland zone regardless of grave structure type (mounded or flat). Bayesian modeling of 14C determinations suggests that this practice was being transmitted generally from the southeast to the northwest direction. Bayesian modeling of the dates from the largest cemetery in Z· erniki Górne, Lesser Poland Upland, confirmed the duration of use of the necropolis as ca. 140–310 (95.4%) years. Further results show the partial contemporaneity of burials and allow formulation of a spatial and temporal development model of the necropolis. Based on the investigation, some graves were used over just a couple of years and others over nearly 200, with up to 30 individuals found in a single grave.
Broomcorn millet is one of the most important plants species in pre-history. It was first domesti... more Broomcorn millet is one of the most important plants species in pre-history. It was first domesticated in China and subsequently spread across Eurasia becoming a significant staple crop. For a long time, the arrival of millet into Europe was assumed to have taken place in the Neolithic. However, this has recently been challenged, with new direct radiocarbon measurements on reportedly Neolithic charred millet grains in fact dating to the Middle Bronze Age. To aid in understanding the timing of millet’s spread across East-Central Europe in the Bronze Age we present the results of over 120 new paired radiocarbon dates and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements on human bone collagen from individuals across 33 archaeological sites in Poland and western Ukraine. In doing so we directly assess millet’s role in the Bronze Age diets. Our results show a clear increase in bone collagen δ13C values from the middle 15th century BC onwards. This increase is rapid across the whole study area, occurring almost simultaneously with respect to the precision of our radiocarbon dates. Pilot stable isotope data for contemporary animals suggests that they were not foddered with millet and hence it was probably eaten directly by humans. Interestingly, individuals consuming millet appear to be exclusive to geographically upland regions compared to lowland ones. However, not all individuals from upland zone have δ13C values consistent with millet consumption. Based on the stable isotope evidence for the northern Carpathian Basin at this time, we posit that it is through this route, across the Carpathians, that millet was introduced into the region. An increase of its economic importance in Lesser Poland was plausibly caused by a significant growth in human populations.
The cemetery in Ostrów, commune of Przemyśl, site 21 was discovered in 2013 during the constructi... more The cemetery in Ostrów, commune of Przemyśl, site 21 was discovered in 2013 during the construction works. The results of the study of this necropolis revealed more complex cultural and ethnic situation in the San River basin during the Roman Period. At least some part of the people using the mentioned cemetery originated from the eastern zone of the Przeworsk culture. Moreover, it is very likely that the cultural contacts with Sarmatian culture took place as well. The necropolis in Ostrów is also another site that confirms the growing amount of sites situated along the San River course in the period between the decline of the Early Roman Period and the beginning of the Younger Roman Period (i.e. phases B2-C1). It was the time of the expansion of the Przeworsk culture people into the Upper Tisa River basin.
In 2019, test excavations and surface surveys were carried out on an accidentally discovered Prz... more In 2019, test excavations and surface surveys were carried out on an accidentally discovered Przeworsk culture cemetery at Obrażejowice, Radziemice commune. The materials recovered during the research should be dated to the Younger Pre-Roman period (phases A2, A3, and A3/B1) as well as Early, and probably Younger, Roman period (phases B1, B2, B2/C1). It is worth noting that the finds represent "pure" Przeworsk culture, since fragments of Celtic vessels have not as yet been identified.
Early Roman Period pottery of the Przeworsk culture included vessels covered with elaborate zonal... more Early Roman Period pottery of the Przeworsk culture included vessels covered with elaborate zonal decoration. They were particularly typical for sites from the eastern area of this culture. Undoubtedly, at least some of the ornamental motifs, featuring primarily on artefacts from sepulchral contexts, can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual culture of the investigated community. A unique ornamentation has been recorded on a cinerary urn discovered in the Przeworsk culture cemetery at Ostrów, Dist. Przemyśl, site 21. Some of the motifs featuring on the urn find no parallel among symbols known from the period. It cannot be ruled out that they are evidence of contact with Sarmatian tribes, which could have taken place in the upper Dniester basin. The discussed motifs were most likely a form of symbolic message, legible to the community in which they were created.
The Przeworsk culture cemetery, site 21 at Ostrów, commute of Przemyśl was accidentally discovere... more The Przeworsk culture cemetery, site 21 at Ostrów, commute of Przemyśl was accidentally discovered in 2013. The cremation graves found there belong to Phase B2, B2/C1 and C1a of the Roman Period. Burials explored are characterized by rich furnishings. Their inventory shows direct indebtedness to the eastern zone of the Przeworsk culture (urns with three handles, artefacts made of bronze, silver and gold). Worth mentioning is the significant number of male burials equipped with weaponry, including swords from the territory of the Roman Empire.
Zróżnicowanie typologiczno-chronologiczne i kulturowe ceramiki z okresu wczesnorzymskiego z terenu południowo-zachodniej małopolski, 2023
The analysis conducted has shown that the handbuilt pottery from south-western Lesser Poland is m... more The analysis conducted has shown that the handbuilt pottery from south-western Lesser Poland is much more varied, both stylistically and technologically, than previously thought. This is largely due to the complex cultural situation present in the early Roman period in the area in question. Compared to other areas of Przeworsk culture settlement, i.e., for example, Upper or Lower Silesia, this differentiation is much more evident, especially in the case of the so-called kitchenware. However, a number of vessel forms of the so-called tableware find analogies in the ceramic material known from other areas of settlement of the Przeworsk culture. Therefore, it is all the more important to indicate the forms of vessels characteristic only of south-western Lesser Poland, as illustrated in this study.
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routes that run through the area in question led not only to the development of local settlement but also to the formation
of a hierarchical local society. This is indicated by the presence of richly furnished burials, with grave goods including
imported metal vessels. In the Younger and Late Roman Period, the region underwent changes caused by the growth
of settlement and its move to the south.
from significant intensification of the archaeological research in
the Podkarpackie Voivodeship has become an impulse to summarise the knowledge concerning imports from the Roman territories. In
principle, this area borders the Wisłoka river valley from the west,
Vistula river from the north, San river from the east (in some places
surpassing the river in the direction of the Roztocze range) and reaches
the Polish border in the mountainous area in the south. The discussed artefact category comprises monetary finds, which are the most
numerous, as well as bronzeware, terra sigillata, and other clay non
terra sigillata items, weaponry, clothing items, ornaments and single
finds, so-called varia. The development of the settlement in the area of
the present Podkarpackie Voivodeship, that commenced in the early
Roman period (B2 phase) and the early phase of the younger Roman
period (C1a phase), was the reason for the characteristic distribution
of imports. However, in the late Roman period, the route along the San
river, confirmed in the earlier periods, was still functioning, which is
confirmed by the presence of glass vessels, found in some settlements.
Significantly lower is the number of imports found in the Podkarpackie
Voivodeship, that can be dated to the early phase of the Migration
period, or even later. In the meantime the San river route was one of
the main communication routes throughout the whole Roman period
and the early phase of the Migration period, which can be confirmed
by monetary finds.
communities of the Middle Bronze Age in East Central Europe. Based on Bayesian modeling of 91 accelerator
mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dates from 18 cemeteries, the practice of collective burying of
individuals was linked to a period of 400–640 (95.4%) years, between 1830–1690 (95.4%) and 1320–1160
(95.4%) BC. Collective burials in mounds with both cremation and inhumation rites were found earliest in the
upland zone regardless of grave structure type (mounded or flat). Bayesian modeling of 14C determinations
suggests that this practice was being transmitted generally from the southeast to the northwest direction.
Bayesian modeling of the dates from the largest cemetery in Z· erniki Górne, Lesser Poland Upland, confirmed the
duration of use of the necropolis as ca. 140–310 (95.4%) years. Further results show the partial contemporaneity of
burials and allow formulation of a spatial and temporal development model of the necropolis. Based on the
investigation, some graves were used over just a couple of years and others over nearly 200, with up to 30
individuals found in a single grave.
new direct radiocarbon measurements on reportedly Neolithic charred millet grains in fact dating to the Middle Bronze Age.
To aid in understanding the timing of millet’s spread across East-Central Europe in the Bronze Age we present the results of over 120 new paired radiocarbon dates and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements on human bone collagen from individuals across 33 archaeological sites in Poland and western Ukraine. In doing so we directly assess millet’s role in the Bronze Age diets.
Our results show a clear increase in bone collagen δ13C values from the middle 15th century BC onwards. This increase is rapid across the whole study area, occurring almost simultaneously with respect to the precision of our radiocarbon dates. Pilot stable isotope data for contemporary animals suggests that they were not foddered
with millet and hence it was probably eaten directly by humans. Interestingly, individuals consuming millet appear to be exclusive to geographically upland regions compared to lowland ones. However, not all individuals from upland zone have δ13C values consistent with millet consumption. Based on the stable isotope evidence for the northern Carpathian Basin at this time, we posit that it is through this route, across the Carpathians, that millet was introduced into the region. An increase of its economic importance in Lesser Poland was plausibly
caused by a significant growth in human populations.
routes that run through the area in question led not only to the development of local settlement but also to the formation
of a hierarchical local society. This is indicated by the presence of richly furnished burials, with grave goods including
imported metal vessels. In the Younger and Late Roman Period, the region underwent changes caused by the growth
of settlement and its move to the south.
from significant intensification of the archaeological research in
the Podkarpackie Voivodeship has become an impulse to summarise the knowledge concerning imports from the Roman territories. In
principle, this area borders the Wisłoka river valley from the west,
Vistula river from the north, San river from the east (in some places
surpassing the river in the direction of the Roztocze range) and reaches
the Polish border in the mountainous area in the south. The discussed artefact category comprises monetary finds, which are the most
numerous, as well as bronzeware, terra sigillata, and other clay non
terra sigillata items, weaponry, clothing items, ornaments and single
finds, so-called varia. The development of the settlement in the area of
the present Podkarpackie Voivodeship, that commenced in the early
Roman period (B2 phase) and the early phase of the younger Roman
period (C1a phase), was the reason for the characteristic distribution
of imports. However, in the late Roman period, the route along the San
river, confirmed in the earlier periods, was still functioning, which is
confirmed by the presence of glass vessels, found in some settlements.
Significantly lower is the number of imports found in the Podkarpackie
Voivodeship, that can be dated to the early phase of the Migration
period, or even later. In the meantime the San river route was one of
the main communication routes throughout the whole Roman period
and the early phase of the Migration period, which can be confirmed
by monetary finds.
communities of the Middle Bronze Age in East Central Europe. Based on Bayesian modeling of 91 accelerator
mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dates from 18 cemeteries, the practice of collective burying of
individuals was linked to a period of 400–640 (95.4%) years, between 1830–1690 (95.4%) and 1320–1160
(95.4%) BC. Collective burials in mounds with both cremation and inhumation rites were found earliest in the
upland zone regardless of grave structure type (mounded or flat). Bayesian modeling of 14C determinations
suggests that this practice was being transmitted generally from the southeast to the northwest direction.
Bayesian modeling of the dates from the largest cemetery in Z· erniki Górne, Lesser Poland Upland, confirmed the
duration of use of the necropolis as ca. 140–310 (95.4%) years. Further results show the partial contemporaneity of
burials and allow formulation of a spatial and temporal development model of the necropolis. Based on the
investigation, some graves were used over just a couple of years and others over nearly 200, with up to 30
individuals found in a single grave.
new direct radiocarbon measurements on reportedly Neolithic charred millet grains in fact dating to the Middle Bronze Age.
To aid in understanding the timing of millet’s spread across East-Central Europe in the Bronze Age we present the results of over 120 new paired radiocarbon dates and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements on human bone collagen from individuals across 33 archaeological sites in Poland and western Ukraine. In doing so we directly assess millet’s role in the Bronze Age diets.
Our results show a clear increase in bone collagen δ13C values from the middle 15th century BC onwards. This increase is rapid across the whole study area, occurring almost simultaneously with respect to the precision of our radiocarbon dates. Pilot stable isotope data for contemporary animals suggests that they were not foddered
with millet and hence it was probably eaten directly by humans. Interestingly, individuals consuming millet appear to be exclusive to geographically upland regions compared to lowland ones. However, not all individuals from upland zone have δ13C values consistent with millet consumption. Based on the stable isotope evidence for the northern Carpathian Basin at this time, we posit that it is through this route, across the Carpathians, that millet was introduced into the region. An increase of its economic importance in Lesser Poland was plausibly
caused by a significant growth in human populations.
example, Upper or Lower Silesia, this differentiation is much more evident, especially in the case of the so-called kitchenware. However, a number of vessel forms of the so-called tableware find analogies in the ceramic material known from other areas of settlement of the Przeworsk culture. Therefore, it is all the more important to indicate the forms of vessels characteristic only of south-western Lesser Poland, as illustrated in this study.