Thanks to long-term efforts to identify the stone raw materials of Neolithic lithics, a dataset o... more Thanks to long-term efforts to identify the stone raw materials of Neolithic lithics, a dataset of the proportional raw material composition at Neolithic settlements for the eastern part of Bohemia and the Morava River Basin in Central Europe has been created, which can be analysed in the period c. 4900-3400 BCE The focus of this study is on four issues: (1) the chronological evolution of the mode of distribution of the raw materials of lithics and its relation to settlement dynamics; (2) the relationship between the rate of imported raw materials and settlement density; (3) the importance of navigable rivers for the long-distance transport of raw materials; and (4) a comparison of the spatial distribution of stone raw materials and 'archaeological cultures'. In terms of chronological variations in distributional structures, it is clear that population size was an important factor affecting extraregional distribution, particularly when compared with settlement numbers and radiocarbon density. In contrast, settlement density was not a determinant of the occurrence of imported raw materials. Navigable rivers are an important factor in the transport of goods, which is represented in the archaeological record by stone raw materials. The most evident relationship between imported raw materials and navigable rivers is in c. 4800-4500 BCE. At the end of the period under study, the construction of fortified hillforts is a significant social phenomenon, which, despite the problematic find circumstances of lithics, suggests a change in the distribution pattern. The presence of archaeological cultures (ceramic style) cannot be an explanatory factor for the changes in the distribution of stone raw materials, as the changes in internal and extra-regional distribution are not related to its changes.
Nove neoliticke sidlistě kultury s linearni keramikou bylo objeveno v Hradcovicich u Uh. Hradistě... more Nove neoliticke sidlistě kultury s linearni keramikou bylo objeveno v Hradcovicich u Uh. Hradistě. Z lokality byla ziskana typicka keramika, dale stipana a brousena kamenna industrie.
Karpatský obsidian reprezentoval jednu z nejvýznamnějsich surovin v pravěku středni Evropy. Podle... more Karpatský obsidian reprezentoval jednu z nejvýznamnějsich surovin v pravěku středni Evropy. Podle distribucnich map ležel rozhodujici výskyt pro celou středni Evropu ve slovenských Zemplinských vrsich (oznacovan jako Karpaty 1). Zdroj tohoto obsidianu byl hledan v okoli obce Vinicky na jižnim okraji Zemplinských vrchů. Kusy přirodniho obsidianu z tohoto zdroje (polyedrický tvar obsidianů, chybějici skulptace, sklovita hmota je teměř neprůsvitna, velikost kusů obvykle jen do 3-4 cm) se vsak zasadně lisi od vzhledu větsiny obsidianových artefaktů, ktere maji na reliktech původniho povrchu výraznou skulptaci, obvykle dobrou průsvitnost, velikost kusů přes 6 cm a vice. Nalezli jsme výskyt takových kratce transportovaných a skulptovaných obsidianů v cockach deluviofluvialnich až fluvialnich sedimentů v navatých piscich na sv. okraji Zemplinských vrchů, to je v okoli Brehova. Nas nalez ukazuje, že toto uzemi o plose kolem 6 km2 velmi pravděpodobně bylo tim klicovým zdrojem, jenž zasoboval...
V souvislosti s výzkumem dilenských aktivit zaměřených na produkci stipane kamenne industrie ze s... more V souvislosti s výzkumem dilenských aktivit zaměřených na produkci stipane kamenne industrie ze stranskoskalských rohovců v průběhu neolitu a eneolitu byl v roce 2017 proveden sondažni a revizni výzkum v prostoru vymezenem lokalitami Stranska skala III a IIIa.
The paper presents the results of the first geochemical analysis conducted on prehistoric obsidia... more The paper presents the results of the first geochemical analysis conducted on prehistoric obsidian artefacts from Bohemia. Eleven samples from reliably dated contexts were chosen for the study. The vast majority of the analysed samples can be classified into the Neolithic period. The artefacts were analysed using two non-destructive geochemical methods: concentration values determined by portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) were calibrated using the results of laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Based on the results, the origin of nine samples can, with the greatest degree of probability, be traced to Slovakia, the other two to Hungary.
The study summarizes the latest results of the interdisciplinary research conducted by the Masary... more The study summarizes the latest results of the interdisciplinary research conducted by the Masaryk University at Pohansko near Breclav, one of the most significant Early Medieval centres in the core area of the Great Moravian Empire (9th century AD). It brings data on the natural ...
LA-ICP-MS method was used to analyze a relatively unknown type of silicate rock, so called revait... more LA-ICP-MS method was used to analyze a relatively unknown type of silicate rock, so called revait. Analyses were performed on 10 natural samples of this rock in order to determine both major and trace element composition. NIST SRM 610 was used as a calibration material for quantification purposes. The statistical evaluation using exploratory data analysis (EDA) and advanced multivariate statistical methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA) was described.
With the increasing interest of archaeologists and geologists in ancient raw materials and their ... more With the increasing interest of archaeologists and geologists in ancient raw materials and their provenance there was a need to develop nondestructive analytical methods with low limits of detection. Such a method with a low level of destructivity can be LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). One of the major benefits of LA-ICP-MS method is a relatively simple sample preparation or even no preparation of the analyzed sample. On the other hand simple sample preparation is disadvantaged by relatively difficult process of optimization of the measuring parameters such as pulse frequency, diameter of a laser beam and its energy. Also the process of data calibration and quantification is quite complicated and requires the use of standard reference material. This work presents preliminary results of LA-ICP-MS analysis of samples made from porcellanite, which was commonly used as a raw material for manufacturing stone tools in the past. Set of analyzed samples included both source material and artifacts mainly from Czech Republic. One sample came also from Poland. NIST SRM 610 was used as a calibration material for quantification purposes. The resulting data were than subjected to multivariate statistics including Principal component analysis (PCA), which represents an essential part of multivariate data analysis. Our results indicate that LA-ICP-MS is a suitable method for provenance determination of the porcellanite material.
Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry has been used for the provenance dete... more Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry has been used for the provenance determination of stone tool artifacts made up from porcellanite rock.
The paper describes Jurassic cherts of the Stranska skala hill and other local siliceous raw mate... more The paper describes Jurassic cherts of the Stranska skala hill and other local siliceous raw materials in its surroundings. In addition to it, there are mentioned imported raw materials as well, such radiolarites and nordic flint.
Nezpracovana cast archeologickeho výzkumu hradu Lelekovice u Brna z let 1984-1990 a 2002-2004 pře... more Nezpracovana cast archeologickeho výzkumu hradu Lelekovice u Brna z let 1984-1990 a 2002-2004 představuje neoliticke osidleni z II. stupně kultury s moravskou malovanou keramikou.
Clanek je věnovan drobne kamenne sekerce z Vlastivědneho muzea Jesenicka. Brousený artefakt je vy... more Clanek je věnovan drobne kamenne sekerce z Vlastivědneho muzea Jesenicka. Brousený artefakt je vyroben z nefritu. Artefakt byl analyzovan za použiti nedestruktivni rentgenove difrakce. Tento postup byl při identifikaci nefritu v Ceske republice použit poprve.
Nephrite and jadeitite represent probably the most attractive rocks used for polished artefact pr... more Nephrite and jadeitite represent probably the most attractive rocks used for polished artefact production in prehistoric times. Now we can add one new nephrite axe from Silesia and two jadeitite axes from Moravia.
Thanks to long-term efforts to identify the stone raw materials of Neolithic lithics, a dataset o... more Thanks to long-term efforts to identify the stone raw materials of Neolithic lithics, a dataset of the proportional raw material composition at Neolithic settlements for the eastern part of Bohemia and the Morava River Basin in Central Europe has been created, which can be analysed in the period c. 4900-3400 BCE The focus of this study is on four issues: (1) the chronological evolution of the mode of distribution of the raw materials of lithics and its relation to settlement dynamics; (2) the relationship between the rate of imported raw materials and settlement density; (3) the importance of navigable rivers for the long-distance transport of raw materials; and (4) a comparison of the spatial distribution of stone raw materials and 'archaeological cultures'. In terms of chronological variations in distributional structures, it is clear that population size was an important factor affecting extraregional distribution, particularly when compared with settlement numbers and radiocarbon density. In contrast, settlement density was not a determinant of the occurrence of imported raw materials. Navigable rivers are an important factor in the transport of goods, which is represented in the archaeological record by stone raw materials. The most evident relationship between imported raw materials and navigable rivers is in c. 4800-4500 BCE. At the end of the period under study, the construction of fortified hillforts is a significant social phenomenon, which, despite the problematic find circumstances of lithics, suggests a change in the distribution pattern. The presence of archaeological cultures (ceramic style) cannot be an explanatory factor for the changes in the distribution of stone raw materials, as the changes in internal and extra-regional distribution are not related to its changes.
Nove neoliticke sidlistě kultury s linearni keramikou bylo objeveno v Hradcovicich u Uh. Hradistě... more Nove neoliticke sidlistě kultury s linearni keramikou bylo objeveno v Hradcovicich u Uh. Hradistě. Z lokality byla ziskana typicka keramika, dale stipana a brousena kamenna industrie.
Karpatský obsidian reprezentoval jednu z nejvýznamnějsich surovin v pravěku středni Evropy. Podle... more Karpatský obsidian reprezentoval jednu z nejvýznamnějsich surovin v pravěku středni Evropy. Podle distribucnich map ležel rozhodujici výskyt pro celou středni Evropu ve slovenských Zemplinských vrsich (oznacovan jako Karpaty 1). Zdroj tohoto obsidianu byl hledan v okoli obce Vinicky na jižnim okraji Zemplinských vrchů. Kusy přirodniho obsidianu z tohoto zdroje (polyedrický tvar obsidianů, chybějici skulptace, sklovita hmota je teměř neprůsvitna, velikost kusů obvykle jen do 3-4 cm) se vsak zasadně lisi od vzhledu větsiny obsidianových artefaktů, ktere maji na reliktech původniho povrchu výraznou skulptaci, obvykle dobrou průsvitnost, velikost kusů přes 6 cm a vice. Nalezli jsme výskyt takových kratce transportovaných a skulptovaných obsidianů v cockach deluviofluvialnich až fluvialnich sedimentů v navatých piscich na sv. okraji Zemplinských vrchů, to je v okoli Brehova. Nas nalez ukazuje, že toto uzemi o plose kolem 6 km2 velmi pravděpodobně bylo tim klicovým zdrojem, jenž zasoboval...
V souvislosti s výzkumem dilenských aktivit zaměřených na produkci stipane kamenne industrie ze s... more V souvislosti s výzkumem dilenských aktivit zaměřených na produkci stipane kamenne industrie ze stranskoskalských rohovců v průběhu neolitu a eneolitu byl v roce 2017 proveden sondažni a revizni výzkum v prostoru vymezenem lokalitami Stranska skala III a IIIa.
The paper presents the results of the first geochemical analysis conducted on prehistoric obsidia... more The paper presents the results of the first geochemical analysis conducted on prehistoric obsidian artefacts from Bohemia. Eleven samples from reliably dated contexts were chosen for the study. The vast majority of the analysed samples can be classified into the Neolithic period. The artefacts were analysed using two non-destructive geochemical methods: concentration values determined by portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) were calibrated using the results of laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Based on the results, the origin of nine samples can, with the greatest degree of probability, be traced to Slovakia, the other two to Hungary.
The study summarizes the latest results of the interdisciplinary research conducted by the Masary... more The study summarizes the latest results of the interdisciplinary research conducted by the Masaryk University at Pohansko near Breclav, one of the most significant Early Medieval centres in the core area of the Great Moravian Empire (9th century AD). It brings data on the natural ...
LA-ICP-MS method was used to analyze a relatively unknown type of silicate rock, so called revait... more LA-ICP-MS method was used to analyze a relatively unknown type of silicate rock, so called revait. Analyses were performed on 10 natural samples of this rock in order to determine both major and trace element composition. NIST SRM 610 was used as a calibration material for quantification purposes. The statistical evaluation using exploratory data analysis (EDA) and advanced multivariate statistical methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA) was described.
With the increasing interest of archaeologists and geologists in ancient raw materials and their ... more With the increasing interest of archaeologists and geologists in ancient raw materials and their provenance there was a need to develop nondestructive analytical methods with low limits of detection. Such a method with a low level of destructivity can be LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). One of the major benefits of LA-ICP-MS method is a relatively simple sample preparation or even no preparation of the analyzed sample. On the other hand simple sample preparation is disadvantaged by relatively difficult process of optimization of the measuring parameters such as pulse frequency, diameter of a laser beam and its energy. Also the process of data calibration and quantification is quite complicated and requires the use of standard reference material. This work presents preliminary results of LA-ICP-MS analysis of samples made from porcellanite, which was commonly used as a raw material for manufacturing stone tools in the past. Set of analyzed samples included both source material and artifacts mainly from Czech Republic. One sample came also from Poland. NIST SRM 610 was used as a calibration material for quantification purposes. The resulting data were than subjected to multivariate statistics including Principal component analysis (PCA), which represents an essential part of multivariate data analysis. Our results indicate that LA-ICP-MS is a suitable method for provenance determination of the porcellanite material.
Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry has been used for the provenance dete... more Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry has been used for the provenance determination of stone tool artifacts made up from porcellanite rock.
The paper describes Jurassic cherts of the Stranska skala hill and other local siliceous raw mate... more The paper describes Jurassic cherts of the Stranska skala hill and other local siliceous raw materials in its surroundings. In addition to it, there are mentioned imported raw materials as well, such radiolarites and nordic flint.
Nezpracovana cast archeologickeho výzkumu hradu Lelekovice u Brna z let 1984-1990 a 2002-2004 pře... more Nezpracovana cast archeologickeho výzkumu hradu Lelekovice u Brna z let 1984-1990 a 2002-2004 představuje neoliticke osidleni z II. stupně kultury s moravskou malovanou keramikou.
Clanek je věnovan drobne kamenne sekerce z Vlastivědneho muzea Jesenicka. Brousený artefakt je vy... more Clanek je věnovan drobne kamenne sekerce z Vlastivědneho muzea Jesenicka. Brousený artefakt je vyroben z nefritu. Artefakt byl analyzovan za použiti nedestruktivni rentgenove difrakce. Tento postup byl při identifikaci nefritu v Ceske republice použit poprve.
Nephrite and jadeitite represent probably the most attractive rocks used for polished artefact pr... more Nephrite and jadeitite represent probably the most attractive rocks used for polished artefact production in prehistoric times. Now we can add one new nephrite axe from Silesia and two jadeitite axes from Moravia.
Fenomén Býčí skála. Krajina, jeskyně a člověk, 2019
English: In the context of the Czech Republic, the well-known Býčí Skála Cave has been re-evaluat... more English: In the context of the Czech Republic, the well-known Býčí Skála Cave has been re-evaluated from 2015 to 2017, after the collecting new and reviewing older data in years 2007–2014. This text considers a role of the Býčí Skála Cave (Bull Rock Cave) to people of the Hallstatt period. The book brings new insights. The cave was used in 16 of 19 time periods, since the Paleolithic until the Present. The reasons why people were entering this cave were regularly changing, even during one period (speleoarchaeology). We see the frequently discussed Hallstatt period (first half of 6th century BC) as a case study of this cave. The groups of findings from the cave indicate four different activities. The issue of a multifunctional space of the human world is discussed ‒ 1. visiting/residential; 2. production; 3. sacrificial/burial; 4. sacrificial/votive. An umbrella term for such complex activities is a cave sanctuary this term can be discussed besides the term cave sacrificial site, which has been commonly used in recent decades. The site in this form and intensity (of presence of elits) is absolutely unique in the landscape of Moravian Hallstatt period. It is necessary to perceive it as a part of social networks of people of the Hallstatt period (Horákov and Platěnice groups of East Hallstatt culture) within which along with people all sorts of material were moving.
Česky: Jeskyně Býčí skála v Moravském krasu patří k nejznámějším archeologickým lokalitám v České republice. Výzkumy lékaře Heinricha Wankela zde sahají až ke kořenům vědního oboru archeologie v naší zemi. Převratný objev z roku 1872 odstartoval snad nejdelší kontinuální zájem o konkrétní lokalitu. Již pátá generace domácích i zahraničních vědců se k nálezu vrací a na základě soudobých znalostí se jej snaží uchopit. Interpretační možnosti však limituje fakt nejen velmi časného objevu, ale zejména parametry samotné lokality, která nemá v Evropě v době halštatské paralelu. Horizontálně přístupná jeskyně ‒ kamenný dům ‒ ve spojení s abnormální koncentrací dokladů po elitách z ní činí unikát. Cesta k závěrečné interpretaci je zde ztížena nejen situací nálezu, ale i řadou mylných tvrzení badatelů. Autor na základě komplexního výzkumu od roku 2007 představuje koncept centrální pohřebně-obětní poutní svatyně.
The landscapes of the Mohelno settlement microregion are mostly gently undulating, but also disse... more The landscapes of the Mohelno settlement microregion are mostly gently undulating, but also dissected by two deeply incised river valleys – the Oslava River valley in the north and the Jihlava River valley in the south. The western boundary is formed by Zelený kopec (491 m above sea level, while the eastern boundary is marked by Biskoupský kopec (397.3 m above sea level) and Vodanský kopec (397.5 m above sea level). This microregion was settled at different intensities during the whole duration of prehistory. The ‘Boleniska’ elevation is located in the central part of the microregion and forms a strategic point – the entire microregion is visible from this elevation. This elevation comprise of an occupational palimpsest with intensive occupation during three different periods: at the beginning of the Upper Paleolithic (probably more than one techno-complex), the Late Neolithic (Lengyel culture) and at the end of the Eneolithic period (Bell Beaker culture). There is a high density of sites in this microregion from all three periods of interest. A similar settlement pattern (similar topography and cultural sequences) is known from other Moravian microregions. A preliminary testing of the site’s spatial distribution and a visibility analysis support the hypothesis indicating Mohelno – ‘Boleniska’ as a central site within the entire microregion only in the Paleolithic. The number of similar palimpsests composed of Paleolithic, Neolithic and Eneolithic sites is low within the entire microregion and the interpretation of this phenomenon must also take into consideration climatic factors, subsistence strategies, and socio-economic conditions in future research.
Stránská skála is a limestone hill in the eastern part of Brno, Czech
Republic. Local Upper Juras... more Stránská skála is a limestone hill in the eastern part of Brno, Czech Republic. Local Upper Jurassic cherts, referred to as the Stránská skála type, were used as raw materials in various prehistoric periods, especially at the turn of the Middle and Upper Paleolithic and in the Old Eneolithic. Among archaeological remains discovered on the hill, there is a dug-in settlement structure linked with a younger stage of the Moravian Bell Beaker culture (abbr. MBBC), excavated in 2016. The following paper raises the question of the exploitation of Stránská skála cherts by MBBC people.
Stránská skála represents an important geological and archaeological site. It is also known for i... more Stránská skála represents an important geological and archaeological site. It is also known for its rich deposits of Jurassic cherts that were utilized in various ways during different stages of Moravian prehistory. The substantial Early Upper Paleolithic occupation events are of great significance and have been subject to several international research projects. Archaeological excavations targeting mining and workshop areas were resumed in the last years with a focus on Late Neolithic and Early Eneolithic activities. This paper introduces this project and summarizes recent results. Trends in the chipped industry within the Stránská skála workshop area are outlined, focusing on raw material variability, technology-typology, chronology, and socioeconomic aspects. The first indicators of the location and other aspects of post-Paleolithic mining activities in the field of Stránská skála III are introduced and discussed in the context of mining and workshop activities of similar contemporary features in the Czech Republic and neighboring regions.
Studie byla publikována roku 2015 v časopise ,,Archeologie ve středních Čechách" (ročník 18) / Th... more Studie byla publikována roku 2015 v časopise ,,Archeologie ve středních Čechách" (ročník 18) / The study was published in 2015 in the journal "Archeology in Central Bohemia" (volume 18).
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Česky: Jeskyně Býčí skála v Moravském krasu patří k nejznámějším archeologickým lokalitám v České republice. Výzkumy lékaře Heinricha Wankela zde sahají až ke kořenům vědního oboru archeologie v naší zemi. Převratný objev z roku 1872 odstartoval snad nejdelší kontinuální zájem o konkrétní lokalitu. Již pátá generace domácích i zahraničních vědců se k nálezu vrací a na základě soudobých znalostí se jej snaží uchopit. Interpretační možnosti však limituje fakt nejen velmi časného objevu, ale zejména parametry samotné lokality, která nemá v Evropě v době halštatské paralelu. Horizontálně přístupná jeskyně ‒ kamenný dům ‒ ve spojení s abnormální koncentrací dokladů po elitách z ní činí unikát. Cesta k závěrečné interpretaci je zde ztížena nejen situací nálezu, ale i řadou mylných tvrzení badatelů. Autor na základě komplexního výzkumu od roku 2007 představuje koncept centrální pohřebně-obětní poutní svatyně.
Mohelno – ‘Boleniska’ as a central site within the entire microregion
only in the Paleolithic. The number of similar palimpsests composed of Paleolithic, Neolithic and Eneolithic sites is low within the entire microregion and the interpretation of this phenomenon must also take into consideration climatic factors, subsistence strategies, and socio-economic conditions in future research.
Republic. Local Upper Jurassic cherts, referred to as the Stránská skála
type, were used as raw materials in various prehistoric periods, especially
at the turn of the Middle and Upper Paleolithic and in the
Old Eneolithic. Among archaeological remains discovered on the hill,
there is a dug-in settlement structure linked with a younger stage
of the Moravian Bell Beaker culture (abbr. MBBC), excavated in 2016.
The following paper raises the question of the exploitation of Stránská
skála cherts by MBBC people.