Abstrakt: Součástí hospodářského rozvoje v kontinentální Evropě 14. až 16. století bylo rozšíření... more Abstrakt: Součástí hospodářského rozvoje v kontinentální Evropě 14. až 16. století bylo rozšíření rybníků. V některých regionech se chov ryb stal jednou z hlavních podnikatelských aktivit šlechty. V českých zemích známe dodnes existující díla středověkých rybníkářů především z jižních a východních Čech. Zajímavé doklady těchto aktivit však byly zaznamenány i v oblasti jihovýchodní Moravy, kde dnes již neexistující rybníky podstatně změnily podobu hospodářství i ráz krajiny někdejšího brumovského panství. To nazna-čují dochované písemné prameny i terénní relikty, jež jsou v dnešní krajině stále ještě více či méně patrné. Archeologický výzkum pozůstatků konkrétního rybničního díla nedaleko obce Mirošova vedl k lokalizaci dobře dochovaných dřevěných prvků sypané hráze, jež datují jeho založení do období po roce 1488. V pro-storu rybníka, který pravděpodobně zanikl narušením hráze svahovým sesuvem po roce 1536, byly také zaznamenány zbytky vodní a segetální vegetace. Jejich paleoekologická analýza doložila krajinu tvořenou mozaikou lesů, polí a pastvin. Průzkum širšího okolí pak prokázal napojení hráze na síť pozdně středově-kých až novověkých úvozových cest a hráz dalšího rybničního díla. Ta dokládá přítomnost vícestupňové rybniční soustavy. Klíčová slova: rybníkářství – jižní Valašsko – pozdní středověk – časný novověk – paleoekologie. Abstract: The economic development in continental Europe in the 14th–16th centuries involved the spreading of fishponds, and in some regions fish farming became one of the main economic activities of the aristocracy. In the Czech lands, the works of medieval fishpond designers that still exist today are chiefly known from southern and eastern Bohemia. However, interesting evidence of these activities also comes from southeastern Moravia where fishponds (that are no longer in existence) substantially changed the form of economy, as well as the character of the landscape on the former Brumov estate. This is further indicated by written sources and terrain relics that are still more or less discernible in the landscape today. Archaeological research into the remains of a particular fishpond near Mirošov brought to light well-preserved timber elements of an earth pond wall, which date its establishment to the period after 1488. The area of the fishpond that probably ceased to exist through the breaking of the wall by a landslide after 1536 yielded the remains of water and marsh vegetation. Their paleoecological analysis revealed a landscape made up of a mosaic of forests, fields and pastures. Research into the wider surroundings of the pond showed a connection between the pond wall and a network of late-medieval and modern-age sunken lanes as well as a wall of another pond, which evidences the existence of a system of fishponds consisting of several levels. Key words: fish farming – southern Moravian Wallachia – late Middle Ages – early modern age paleoecology.
The article aims at identifying the origin of voids left by burnt-out organic material within the... more The article aims at identifying the origin of voids left by burnt-out organic material within the ceramic paste of Neolithic pottery from the Czech Republic territory. In methodological terms, an experimental reference collection was created and compared with the original early Neolithic pottery from the sites of Bylany by Kutná Hora and Těšetice-Kyjovice. The key analytical procedure consisted in non-destructive 3D micro- tomography (uCT) analysis, which is especially well suited for the study of the internal spatial organization of voids and temper. It allows to determine whether it is possible to define different manufacturing techni- ques employed for vessel construction on the basis of internal distribution of voids. The research identified cow dung as the probable organic temper within the original LBK ceramic paste. The ‘S’-forming techni- que, consisting in pressing the coil to the vessel wall, most closely corresponded to features observed at the Neolithic vessels.
This paper summarizes current knowledge of the distribution of obsidian in prehistoric Bohemia (C... more This paper summarizes current knowledge of the distribution of obsidian in prehistoric Bohemia (Czech Republic). In terms of this raw material’s distribution, Bohemia is a peripheral area, and it is also the westernmost part of its regular archaeological occurrence. Because of its rarity within the specified area, it is possible to identify this material quite easily even in earlier archaeological literature, and together with new discoveries, to create a coherent picture of its distribution. So far, only two locations in Bohemia have been described where the processing of raw obsidian material is documented. Both these sites are located in the eastern part of the study area; in terms of location these are the closest sites to the anticipated sources. The sites are dated to a later stage of the Stroked Pottery culture. Because no such processing sites are known from other periods, we believe it was mainly the distribution of entire blanks and pre-prepared cores that took place at that time. Furthermore, our study discusses the original sources of obsidian in terms of the region that is being monitored. In accordance with the aims of our investigation, the selected obsidian artefacts were subjected to geochemical analysis to identify their origins. The peak of the distribution is the period of the Stroked Pottery culture (4900– 4500/4400 cal BC). The basic outcome of the geochemical analysis is the identification of at least two sources of raw material in the Carpathian source area.
The work presents possible alternatives in approaching the evaluation of assemblages of pottery v... more The work presents possible alternatives in approaching the evaluation of assemblages of pottery vessels with marks on their bottoms. By means of an analysis of a sample group from two assumed pottery workshops from the ‘U Víta’ site in Staré Město (Uherské Hradiště district), the benefits of the method of photogrammetric documentation are illustrated and records from the virtual environment are subsequently compared. The possibilities for the virtual comparison of archaeological material are tested not only on traditionally evaluated marks with relief symbols, but also on heretofore neglected axis imprints (technical marks) as well as some other additional unintentional imprints. Based in the obtained results, the work then considers the possible level of production organisation at both of the studied workshops.
Abstrakt Ze sedimentárních výplní v nivách Únanovky a Jevišovky byly za účelem výzkumu vývoje kra... more Abstrakt Ze sedimentárních výplní v nivách Únanovky a Jevišovky byly za účelem výzkumu vývoje krajiny ve středověku a novověku odebrány vzorky pro makrozbytkovou, palynologickou a malakozoologickou analýzu. Profil Jevišovka podle získaných dat odráží vývoj od vrcholného středověku do novověku. Profil Únanovka 3 se vztahuje pouze k novověku, a to od 17. století. Z písemných a archeologick-ých pramenů bylo zjištěno, že na přelomu raného a vrcholného středověku dochází v regionu ke stabilizaci sídelní struktury, která přetrvává do současnosti. Sedimenty vrcholného středověku ve vrtu Jevišovka obsahují velké množství makrozbytků z různých ekologických skupin, dřeviny a le-sní druhy se vyskytují minimálně. Ve vrstvě datované do 14. století se vyskytla pohanka obecná. Ve vyšších vrstvách převažují ruderální a segetální druhy rostlin s mokřadními a vodními taxony, dřeviny mizí. Poslední fáze z 18.–19. století obsahuje makrozbytky všech ekologických skupin a také dřeviny, mezi nimi jehlice smrku ztepilého, jako důsledek lesního hospodářství, a pěstované druhy tabák virginský a mák. Pylový záznam ve svrchní části profilu Jevišovka, která je zřejmě z 18. sto-letí až současnosti, indikuje silně ruderalizovanou vegetaci v intravilánu vesnice. V případě vrtu Únanovka 3 se nejnižší vrstvy datované do 17. století vyznačují přítomností druhů křovin a lesních lemů rostoucích v okolí vodních toků a ruderálních stanovišť. Palynologicky byl ve vrtu Únanovka 3 zachycen nárůst borovice jako důsledek moderního lesnického hospodaření v nejmladším období. Zbytky plžů z profilu Únanovka 3 vypovídají ve spodní fázi (17. století) o prosvětlování prostředí. Střední část profilu obsahuje spíše fragmentární materiál, ve svrchní části profilu se objevují opět vodní a vlhkomilní měkkýši. Abstract To explore the evolution of landscape in the Middle Ages and Modern Times, samples were taken from sedimentary infills in floodplains of the Únanovka and Jevišovka streams for the purpose of macroremains, palynological and malacozoological analyses. According to the data obtained, the Studia Archaeologica Brunensia
Despite the large-scale expansion of Bell Beaker phenomenon, there is a tension between the norma... more Despite the large-scale expansion of Bell Beaker phenomenon, there is a tension between the normative Bell Beaker material culture categories and their local objecti-fication in the form of real artefacts. Stone projectile points provide an opportunity to evaluate how much was the general category of such a point influenced by regional and local factors. The aim of this paper is to explore shape and size variation of Central European Bell Beaker projectile points from Moravia (Czech Republic) to elucidate factors responsible for this variation. The sample consists of 194 projectile points from 54 Central European Bell Beaker sites (2500–2300/2200 BC) distributed in Morava River catchment. The size and shape of projectile points were studied by landmark-based geometric morphometrics and expressed as shape groups, which have been assessed in terms of their spatial distribution, raw material, and reuti-lization. Although several shape categories of points were identified, there is a strong degree of uniformity in the research sample. The dominant shape category (75.4 % of points) was pervasive across geographic space and was not significantly affected either by raw material or reutili-zation. A lower degree of reutilization of points is interpreted as a consequence of a non-utilitarian role of projectile points, which represented a critical component of Bell Beaker mortuary practices.
This paper explores how pottery production was organized at fortified sites of central Europe at ... more This paper explores how pottery production was organized at fortified sites of central Europe at the end of the Early Bronze Age. The organization of pottery production in terms of ethnography-based models was inferred jointly by non-destructive multi-elemental analysis, micropetrography and powder X-ray diffraction. This minimally destructive approach was used to explore the mode of pottery production at the fortified central site Blučina (Moravia, Czech Republic). Archaeometry-based indirect evidence indicates that tableware of a specific shape was produced using a specific technology at the site or in its close vicinity and that coarse ware was brought to the site from elsewhere. The results obtained were complexly evaluated and compared with ethnography-based categorizations to reveal the features of production organization of the Early Bronze Age pottery. Multidimensional analysis classified the production as intensified household labour and work of individual retainers, or nucleated corvée, depending on its scale and intensity.
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.
Článek přináší kompletní katalog dosud
známých zlomků tenkostěnné červené středověké
keramiky, kt... more Článek přináší kompletní katalog dosud známých zlomků tenkostěnné červené středověké keramiky, která se svým výskytem v rámci Plzeňského kraje zřejmě stále omezuje na okr. Klatovy. Hlavním přínosem příspěvku je však zveřejnění zajímavých výsledků petroarcheologické analýzy, která odhalila přítomnost anatasu v červené engobě.
Archaeological and building-historical research carried out during the reconstruction of the sout... more Archaeological and building-historical research carried out during the reconstruction of the south wing of Špilberk Castle in 2011–2012 brought a great deal of new information about the castle’s past. This contribution presents the newly acquired data regarding, in particular, the building and technical ceramics in combination with macroscopic and microscopic samples of the natural building material. Comparison with earlier data will enable the drafting of a hypothetical sequence of the castle’s development from the early Gothic until its baroque reconstruction.
stavebně historický výzkum v rámci rekonstrukce jižního křídla Špilberku v letech 2011–2012 přinesl celou řadu nových poznatků o minulosti hradu. V předkládaném příspěvku využíváme získaná data týkající se zejména stavebně technické keramiky v kombinaci s makroskopickým a mikroskopickým vzorkováním přírodního stavebního materiálu. Po konfrontaci se staršími poznatky nám výsledky umožní sestavit hypotetickou posloupnost vývoje hradu od rané gotiky do barokní přestavby.
The eastern part of central Europe underwent dynamic socioeconomic development at the end of the ... more The eastern part of central Europe underwent dynamic socioeconomic development at the end of the Early Bronze Age, accompanied by qualitative changes in material culture. The technological transformation is most visible on the most accessible and most frequent evidential sources of this period: potsherds. This transformation in vessel morphology made it possible to identify the Věteřov group (Stuchlík 1984), which is found most often in Moravia at the end of the Early Bronze Age and its transition to the Middle Bronze Age. The pottery of the given period in Moravia is characterised by typical and easily identifiable forms with a quality surface treatment and decorative elements. A similar situation is also found in the surrounding areas. Based on the amount and quality of pottery at the end of the Early Bronze Age, a high level of pottery and its establishment as a separate craft branch is traditionally assumed (Furmánek – Veliačik – Vladár 1991; Neustupný a kol. 1960, 210; Ondráček – Stuchlíková 1988, 28; Stuchlíková 1993, 270; Tihelka 1960, 30; Točík 1964, 21). Likewise associated with the possible professionalization of pottery production is the origin of the products, which provides important testimony on the organisation of production and the economic relationships with the regional settlement structure. This study evaluates a selected segment of pottery production from the lowland Věteřov group settlement in Hulín-Pravčice, based on the analyses of forty-nine pottery samples from four sunken features. The methodology was focused on determining the technological and material characteristics using a combination of a macroscopic investigation along with a micropetrographic analysis of thin sections, and X-ray fluorescence. This hierarchy of methods makes it possible to define the variability of production, to classify it into production groups and to separate specimens with differing origins. It was determined that local loessic and alluvial materials, or their combinations, were used to make the pottery. Naturally, it must be pointed out that it is difficult to divide the samples into production groups based on micropetrography and phase composition. This is caused by a location near the Morava River valley, the vast territory of which is also reflected in the composition of the pottery. In this geological environment it is difficult, and in the case of very fine-grain material virtually impossible, to determine the precise provenance of the pottery. The certain chemical difference in the specimens of micropetrographic group D2 (bowls and amphorae) and a specimen from a jar from which a section was not obtained suggests that these artefacts could have been manufactured at a different site. The granularity and phase composition of certain specimens (group A) do not rule out the possibility of the intentional addition of a sandy temper to the ceramic fabric. The material is always homogeneous or well-homogenised, and the addition of grog was not recorded. Evidence of manufacturing techniques was evaluated mostly macroscopically and shows that bowl-shaped forms have a significantly high representation of attributes corresponding to coiling or pinching techniques, whereas multiple types of techniques come into consideration with other pottery forms. Smoothing was the most common surface treatment on bowls, burnishing in the case of pots, cups and amphorae. On the other hand, surface roughening is typical for larger pots, pointing to a practical function for these vessels. The surface of three vessels is decorated with encrustation made of burnt and ground bone, and the surface of one vessel was covered with a white carbonate coating. The spectrum of determined firing temperatures and atmospheres does not show signs of standardisation and appears to have been highly varied. There are a wide range of possibilities, from open and pit firings to those in earth-mound kilns, and not even single-chamber furnaces can be ruled out, despite the fact that their atmosphere or temperature does not correlate with the composition or type of vessels. Noteworthy is a specimen influenced by a temperature above 1200 °C, which could be evidence of the presence of pyrotechnology producing such high temperatures, or a fire at the settlement. The studied ceramic artefacts have a high degree of technological variability with respect to their raw materials, production technique and firing. Hence, no signs of standardisation (after Eerkens –Bettinger 2001) were differentiated on the technological level in the entire spectrum of evaluated pottery vessels with respect to efforts to produce artefacts that would reveal the same production technology, morphology, optical qualities, etc. This observation naturally does not apply in cases of the formal spectrum of vessels and their surface treatment, which has led scholars to assume the existence of the professional production of pottery (Furmánek – Veliačik – Vladár 1991; Neustupný a kol. 1960, 210; Ondráček – Stuchlíková 1988, 28; Stuchlíková 1993, 270; Tihelka 1960, 30; Točík 1964, 21). Here it is possible to consider the contrast between high technological variability representing various production traditions within a single settlement and attempts at a certain standardisation of appear-ance reflecting the identity of artisans and manifesting itself in the uniformity of forms and surface
treatment. A somewhat different trend was identified in the case of bowl-shaped vessels, which are characterised by specific technological and material standardisation as well as by a higher representation of imports and the use of a specific raw material (fine-grain material). This can hypothetically be explained by the higher degree of the individual specialisation of their producers and/or a special
role served by these forms of vessels.
Floodplain sediments of the Únanovka Stream’s catchment were investigated utilizing the methods o... more Floodplain sediments of the Únanovka Stream’s catchment were investigated utilizing the methods of sedimentology and paleoecology. The development of human settlements in the stream catchment and dating from the Prehistoric through the Medieval, have been compared with floodplain evolution. Paleoecological data were obtained from the pollen record and plant macroremains. Bulk samples of the sediments were analyzed for phosphates, magnetic susceptibility, and grain size; macroremains were dated using the radiocarbon method. Floodplain structure were explored by combination of geophysical methods and drilling. The floodplain base was formed during the beginning of the Neolithic, where a sandy, organic silt layer was formed upon a sandy gravel basement, under a deciduous forest environment. From approximately the late neolithic, when a silty loam sediment started accumulation, direct paleoecological evidence of agriculture has been recorded. Since the beginning of the Middle Ages, the dominant vegetation was of a ruderal character, with Alder. From the High Middle Ages, the processes of accumulation and erosion in the neighboring region accelerated.
Ceramic evidence from archaeological sites offers many opportunities to explore the technological... more Ceramic evidence from archaeological sites offers many opportunities to explore the technological and social behaviour of prehistoric communities. Results related to inter and intra site ceramic variability in technology, provenance, decoration and shapes indirectly reflect the social and natural environment of the producers of prehistoric pottery and consumers as well as the role of pottery in society. The aim of this paper is the evaluation of how these approaches were reflected by scientific analyses of prehistoric pottery in the area of the former Czechoslovakia from the 1920s to the present. Scientific analyses of pottery in Czechoslovakia intensified in the 1970s. In the 1980s, analyses focussed mostly on specific issues, which reflect the high variability of methods used. Technological experiments were carried out mostly in the 1990s and later. In the second half of the 1990s, the role of pottery origin became more strongly emphasised. However, some investigations with social and economic inferences were also carried out. Despite the long tradition of interest in the scientific analysis of pottery and the high level of analytical methods currently used in the Czech Republic, there is still a lack of studies dealing with either the social or cultural questions, or the functionality of pottery.
The white inlayed decorations represent a distinctive phenomenon of prehistoric Europe, and are k... more The white inlayed decorations represent a distinctive phenomenon of prehistoric Europe, and are known to have been produced in diverse areas since the Neolithic. This paper reveals how the raw materials were gathered and utilized, as well as the complex technological processes of the inlay decorations, from the period of their widest production and use. A large set of shards of Late Copper Age Bell Beakers and Early Bronze Age vessels from Moravia (Czech Republic) were examined, with a focus on material analyses of the white inlay decorations. Based on x-ray diffraction analyses, five technology groups were defined: kaolin, bone material, carbonates, gypsum plaster, and mixtures of some of those materials. The gypsum plaster inlay represents the oldest evidence of gypsum production and application in Central Europe. The results indicate both regional and chronological aspects in the selection of the raw materials. In contrast to the bone and gypsum, the kaolin inlay was not thermally treated. Based on the physical properties of bones and the crystallinity of bone hydroxylapatite, it can be presumed that the encrusting slurry was prepared out of fired bones. These facts prove a knowledge of the different properties of the individual raw materials; hence, the need for different production chains.
This paper will discuss the so-called ‘other stone industry’ from Tell Arbid Abyad (Upper Khabur ... more This paper will discuss the so-called ‘other stone industry’ from Tell Arbid Abyad (Upper Khabur Basin, north east Syria). It concerns the excavations of a Czech project under the direction of Inna Mateiciucová, which is joined to the Syrian-Polish Archaeological Expedition working at Tell Arbid. The excavation found Late Neolithic settlement activity from the beginning of the 6th millennium BC. No natural sources of compact rocks exist on the site and in its neighbourhood. Every find of stone from archaeological contexts therefore had to be imported to the site. The prevalent limestones (72.3 %) are represented by angular chips and pebbles. They are present as 0.14 % of the total recognised artefacts. Basalts (21.9 %) are the dominant material within the recognized artefacts (82.69 %). We have supposed the limestone chips originate from an alluvial fan because, according to the geomorphological map, its southern margin is roughly 10 km to the north of the archaeological site. The limestone raw material can therefore be classified as local. Four potential sources for the basalt artefacts are possible: the Hemma plateau and Kawkab volcano to the south and west, a projection from the Karacadağ in the north west and another basalt plateau near the Tigrid in the east. According to chemical analyses of the basalt sources, the rocks are classified as alkali basalts, trachy basalts and foidites. Our analysed basalt artefacts most correspond to alkaline basalt from the Hemma plateau.
Investigations of a Bell Beaker grave were conducted at Těšetice-Kyjovice in Moravia, and include... more Investigations of a Bell Beaker grave were conducted at Těšetice-Kyjovice in Moravia, and included a trial of a geochemical phosphate analysis and Brongers method for detecting decomposed wood. The grave was well-equipped, comprising a chamber, skeleton and surrounded by a trough. The aim of this paper is to provide an interpretation of anthropogenic phosphates in the grave, their relation to the skeleton, a description of an application of Brongers method and comments on the outcomes. Through the use of the GIS approach, the eochemical methods have a more logical structure which improves burial rite research. The authors are of the opinion that the body was deposited into the grave chamber before soft tissue decomposition due to phosphate accumulation recognized under the skeleton. A second accumulation of phosphates is in all probability related to organic grave goods. Brongers method identified the features at the 40 cm level and provided a more complete picture of the features identified at 110 cm and 140 cm. The features recorded are thought to be the remains of a wood structure along the chamber wall, a divider wall or a top cover. The authors tested this method, which had only been sporadically used in the Czech Republic. The geochemical approach provided relevant results for a thorough interpretation of an archaeological context which is not recognizable through the naked eye.
Pedogeochemical analyses could provide additional information to address various archaeological q... more Pedogeochemical analyses could provide additional information to address various archaeological questions. This can be effectively demonstrated by soil phosphate analysis which was used to explore the diversity in funerary rites of prehistoric societies. This investigation aims to illustrate potential options, limitations and perspectives of systematic pedogeochemical sampling of prehistoric graves with circular ditches from selected sites. It is possible to distinguish three categories of grave finds on the basis of macroscopic attributes: a grave pit without skeleton, a complete skeleton, and a disarticulated skeleton or incomplete skeleton. Specific interpretations may be correctly assigned to burial categories only after a synthesis of archaeological, anthropological, taphonomic and geochemical observations. That is why it is necessary to precisely document the archaeological situation: distinguish individual contexts, accurately note positions and degrees of preservation of skeleton remains, and conduct systematic soil sampling (Duday and Guillon 2006; Dupras et al., 2006; Hunter and Cox 2005; Holliday 2004, White and Folkens 2005). Samples from three graves from the Hodonice site represent one possible application of the method, even during rescue excavation
ARCHEOLOGICKÉ PROSPEKCE A NEDESTRUKTIVNÍ ARCHEOLOGIE v Jihočeském kraji, kraji Vysočina, Jihomoravském kraji a v Dolním Rakousku Sborník z konference, Jindřichův Hradec 6. 3. – 7. 3. 2013, 159-165., 2013
The dominant feature of the South Moravian village Březník (district Třebíč) is the Roman Catholi... more The dominant feature of the South Moravian village Březník (district Třebíč) is the Roman Catholic parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Its Romanesque tower and nave are dated to the 2nd half of the 12th century but the Gothic cross wing, sacristy
and choir to 2nd half of the 15th century (Dufka – Richter 1934; summary of the opinions in Kovář et al. in press). The galleried church was built in a dominant top hill position of the municipal urban area, which (together with some early modern written sources) suggests the existence of a medieval manor house in its vicinity. The keep of the local nobility is historically documented
since the 13th to 16th century, however it disappeared without any trace and it lacks in recent summary casteollogical works from Moravia (Plaček 2001).
Anthropogenic activities on the church hill reach according to current knowledge into time before the foundation of the Muzeum brozura.indd 164 19.12.13 13:10 165 medieval church. The isolated fragments of prehistoric pottery mixed up with modern material were found during the reconstruction works (e. g. Vokáč 2007, 7–10). Due to low information value of these fragments, we may just consider only the preliminarily dating of local activities into the Neolithic and Eneolithic period.
The beginning of a new field research was initiated due to destruction of embankment at the western wall of the cemetery. The combined study of written sources, interview with local respondents and detailed surface survey was able to identify the part of the land west of the parish church, which was intact even with the original ground level. The evaluation of current researches and
views on the development of the church and localization fortress in Březník was provided (Kovář et al. in press, 205–210). The archaeological collections (the Museum of the Vysočina in Třebíč) were examined. Collections contained wheel-pressed graphite pottery fragments dated to the 1st half of 13th century. The study of available archive materials provides the discovery of still
unpublished analysis of church building material written by J. Dvořák. Geographic information systems have been used during the
first phase of the research for evaluation of data set gained by measuring of the total station and GPS, and the creation of digital plans examined in the parish plot georeferenced grid S-JTSK (Fig. 1). Via ArcGIS and Surfer the digital elevation model was created (Fig. 2–3), that identified a partly disappeared field anomaly, which spread under a recent embankment and early modern
period cemetery wall. The observed irregularity in the western part of the parish land could indicate the presence of residues of defunct buildings (Kovář et al. in press), but this hypothesis had to be tested by the other independent data sets. In the second phase of the research of church hill, research team investigated the parish area by application of the
geoarchaeological and geophysical research. The manual soil probe, accuratelly hollow-core drill, was used, (3 cm diameter;
Fig. 4). The transect of the geomorphologic anomaly observed by geodetic measurements was made (Fig. 6) and the probes were
georeferenced using the precise GPS Trimble GeoExplorer 6000 GeoXH (TerraSync software).
For the purposes of geophysical prospecting (Fig. 5) an area of 20 x 7 m was delineated. Because of predicted stone structures the resistive geoelectrical method, namely the method of symmetrical resistance profiling (SRP), was applied. For the field application of this method there have been used the resistive equipment SAS 1000 (ABEM Instrument, Sweden). Due to the nature
of the investigated area, Wenner electrode arrays with spacing of 50 cm and a similar depth range were chosen, measurement step
was implemented in the network 50 x 50 cm (Fig. 5).
The second stage of applications geoarchaeological and geophysical research tentatively confirmed the earlier hypothesis. Using the series of pedological boreholes (Table 1; Fig. 6) it was reconstructed the complex stratigraphic situation of the parish land outside the southwest corner of the cemetery wall, where earlier contexts under relatively young anthropogenic soil horizons
were identified (Fig. 7). The precise dating have to be subject of further research. It can be assumed that these soil horizons could
be connected to the relicts of medieval and early modern anthropogenic activities. In the stratigraphically oldest context it cannot be resigned on its prehistoric origin which probably belongs into the Neolithic and Eneolithic period. The most important result of this research is the finding of geophysical anomalies which indicates the presence of accumulation
of stones (Fig. 6), which could be attributed to the extinct medieval fortresses.
During the next stage of the research, it seems to be necessary to refine the stratigraphic position location, its genesis and dating of each of identified contexts as well as geophysical survey anomalies which were discovered by the prospection. These problems can be solved by the form of more detailed nondestructive or less destructive geoarchaeological and geophysical methods, which
could be supplemented by methods of absolute dating.
Data set obtained by the first two phases of the research is of that importance, that it should be considered the effective application of site excavation method in the following research phase.
Abstrakt: Součástí hospodářského rozvoje v kontinentální Evropě 14. až 16. století bylo rozšíření... more Abstrakt: Součástí hospodářského rozvoje v kontinentální Evropě 14. až 16. století bylo rozšíření rybníků. V některých regionech se chov ryb stal jednou z hlavních podnikatelských aktivit šlechty. V českých zemích známe dodnes existující díla středověkých rybníkářů především z jižních a východních Čech. Zajímavé doklady těchto aktivit však byly zaznamenány i v oblasti jihovýchodní Moravy, kde dnes již neexistující rybníky podstatně změnily podobu hospodářství i ráz krajiny někdejšího brumovského panství. To nazna-čují dochované písemné prameny i terénní relikty, jež jsou v dnešní krajině stále ještě více či méně patrné. Archeologický výzkum pozůstatků konkrétního rybničního díla nedaleko obce Mirošova vedl k lokalizaci dobře dochovaných dřevěných prvků sypané hráze, jež datují jeho založení do období po roce 1488. V pro-storu rybníka, který pravděpodobně zanikl narušením hráze svahovým sesuvem po roce 1536, byly také zaznamenány zbytky vodní a segetální vegetace. Jejich paleoekologická analýza doložila krajinu tvořenou mozaikou lesů, polí a pastvin. Průzkum širšího okolí pak prokázal napojení hráze na síť pozdně středově-kých až novověkých úvozových cest a hráz dalšího rybničního díla. Ta dokládá přítomnost vícestupňové rybniční soustavy. Klíčová slova: rybníkářství – jižní Valašsko – pozdní středověk – časný novověk – paleoekologie. Abstract: The economic development in continental Europe in the 14th–16th centuries involved the spreading of fishponds, and in some regions fish farming became one of the main economic activities of the aristocracy. In the Czech lands, the works of medieval fishpond designers that still exist today are chiefly known from southern and eastern Bohemia. However, interesting evidence of these activities also comes from southeastern Moravia where fishponds (that are no longer in existence) substantially changed the form of economy, as well as the character of the landscape on the former Brumov estate. This is further indicated by written sources and terrain relics that are still more or less discernible in the landscape today. Archaeological research into the remains of a particular fishpond near Mirošov brought to light well-preserved timber elements of an earth pond wall, which date its establishment to the period after 1488. The area of the fishpond that probably ceased to exist through the breaking of the wall by a landslide after 1536 yielded the remains of water and marsh vegetation. Their paleoecological analysis revealed a landscape made up of a mosaic of forests, fields and pastures. Research into the wider surroundings of the pond showed a connection between the pond wall and a network of late-medieval and modern-age sunken lanes as well as a wall of another pond, which evidences the existence of a system of fishponds consisting of several levels. Key words: fish farming – southern Moravian Wallachia – late Middle Ages – early modern age paleoecology.
The article aims at identifying the origin of voids left by burnt-out organic material within the... more The article aims at identifying the origin of voids left by burnt-out organic material within the ceramic paste of Neolithic pottery from the Czech Republic territory. In methodological terms, an experimental reference collection was created and compared with the original early Neolithic pottery from the sites of Bylany by Kutná Hora and Těšetice-Kyjovice. The key analytical procedure consisted in non-destructive 3D micro- tomography (uCT) analysis, which is especially well suited for the study of the internal spatial organization of voids and temper. It allows to determine whether it is possible to define different manufacturing techni- ques employed for vessel construction on the basis of internal distribution of voids. The research identified cow dung as the probable organic temper within the original LBK ceramic paste. The ‘S’-forming techni- que, consisting in pressing the coil to the vessel wall, most closely corresponded to features observed at the Neolithic vessels.
This paper summarizes current knowledge of the distribution of obsidian in prehistoric Bohemia (C... more This paper summarizes current knowledge of the distribution of obsidian in prehistoric Bohemia (Czech Republic). In terms of this raw material’s distribution, Bohemia is a peripheral area, and it is also the westernmost part of its regular archaeological occurrence. Because of its rarity within the specified area, it is possible to identify this material quite easily even in earlier archaeological literature, and together with new discoveries, to create a coherent picture of its distribution. So far, only two locations in Bohemia have been described where the processing of raw obsidian material is documented. Both these sites are located in the eastern part of the study area; in terms of location these are the closest sites to the anticipated sources. The sites are dated to a later stage of the Stroked Pottery culture. Because no such processing sites are known from other periods, we believe it was mainly the distribution of entire blanks and pre-prepared cores that took place at that time. Furthermore, our study discusses the original sources of obsidian in terms of the region that is being monitored. In accordance with the aims of our investigation, the selected obsidian artefacts were subjected to geochemical analysis to identify their origins. The peak of the distribution is the period of the Stroked Pottery culture (4900– 4500/4400 cal BC). The basic outcome of the geochemical analysis is the identification of at least two sources of raw material in the Carpathian source area.
The work presents possible alternatives in approaching the evaluation of assemblages of pottery v... more The work presents possible alternatives in approaching the evaluation of assemblages of pottery vessels with marks on their bottoms. By means of an analysis of a sample group from two assumed pottery workshops from the ‘U Víta’ site in Staré Město (Uherské Hradiště district), the benefits of the method of photogrammetric documentation are illustrated and records from the virtual environment are subsequently compared. The possibilities for the virtual comparison of archaeological material are tested not only on traditionally evaluated marks with relief symbols, but also on heretofore neglected axis imprints (technical marks) as well as some other additional unintentional imprints. Based in the obtained results, the work then considers the possible level of production organisation at both of the studied workshops.
Abstrakt Ze sedimentárních výplní v nivách Únanovky a Jevišovky byly za účelem výzkumu vývoje kra... more Abstrakt Ze sedimentárních výplní v nivách Únanovky a Jevišovky byly za účelem výzkumu vývoje krajiny ve středověku a novověku odebrány vzorky pro makrozbytkovou, palynologickou a malakozoologickou analýzu. Profil Jevišovka podle získaných dat odráží vývoj od vrcholného středověku do novověku. Profil Únanovka 3 se vztahuje pouze k novověku, a to od 17. století. Z písemných a archeologick-ých pramenů bylo zjištěno, že na přelomu raného a vrcholného středověku dochází v regionu ke stabilizaci sídelní struktury, která přetrvává do současnosti. Sedimenty vrcholného středověku ve vrtu Jevišovka obsahují velké množství makrozbytků z různých ekologických skupin, dřeviny a le-sní druhy se vyskytují minimálně. Ve vrstvě datované do 14. století se vyskytla pohanka obecná. Ve vyšších vrstvách převažují ruderální a segetální druhy rostlin s mokřadními a vodními taxony, dřeviny mizí. Poslední fáze z 18.–19. století obsahuje makrozbytky všech ekologických skupin a také dřeviny, mezi nimi jehlice smrku ztepilého, jako důsledek lesního hospodářství, a pěstované druhy tabák virginský a mák. Pylový záznam ve svrchní části profilu Jevišovka, která je zřejmě z 18. sto-letí až současnosti, indikuje silně ruderalizovanou vegetaci v intravilánu vesnice. V případě vrtu Únanovka 3 se nejnižší vrstvy datované do 17. století vyznačují přítomností druhů křovin a lesních lemů rostoucích v okolí vodních toků a ruderálních stanovišť. Palynologicky byl ve vrtu Únanovka 3 zachycen nárůst borovice jako důsledek moderního lesnického hospodaření v nejmladším období. Zbytky plžů z profilu Únanovka 3 vypovídají ve spodní fázi (17. století) o prosvětlování prostředí. Střední část profilu obsahuje spíše fragmentární materiál, ve svrchní části profilu se objevují opět vodní a vlhkomilní měkkýši. Abstract To explore the evolution of landscape in the Middle Ages and Modern Times, samples were taken from sedimentary infills in floodplains of the Únanovka and Jevišovka streams for the purpose of macroremains, palynological and malacozoological analyses. According to the data obtained, the Studia Archaeologica Brunensia
Despite the large-scale expansion of Bell Beaker phenomenon, there is a tension between the norma... more Despite the large-scale expansion of Bell Beaker phenomenon, there is a tension between the normative Bell Beaker material culture categories and their local objecti-fication in the form of real artefacts. Stone projectile points provide an opportunity to evaluate how much was the general category of such a point influenced by regional and local factors. The aim of this paper is to explore shape and size variation of Central European Bell Beaker projectile points from Moravia (Czech Republic) to elucidate factors responsible for this variation. The sample consists of 194 projectile points from 54 Central European Bell Beaker sites (2500–2300/2200 BC) distributed in Morava River catchment. The size and shape of projectile points were studied by landmark-based geometric morphometrics and expressed as shape groups, which have been assessed in terms of their spatial distribution, raw material, and reuti-lization. Although several shape categories of points were identified, there is a strong degree of uniformity in the research sample. The dominant shape category (75.4 % of points) was pervasive across geographic space and was not significantly affected either by raw material or reutili-zation. A lower degree of reutilization of points is interpreted as a consequence of a non-utilitarian role of projectile points, which represented a critical component of Bell Beaker mortuary practices.
This paper explores how pottery production was organized at fortified sites of central Europe at ... more This paper explores how pottery production was organized at fortified sites of central Europe at the end of the Early Bronze Age. The organization of pottery production in terms of ethnography-based models was inferred jointly by non-destructive multi-elemental analysis, micropetrography and powder X-ray diffraction. This minimally destructive approach was used to explore the mode of pottery production at the fortified central site Blučina (Moravia, Czech Republic). Archaeometry-based indirect evidence indicates that tableware of a specific shape was produced using a specific technology at the site or in its close vicinity and that coarse ware was brought to the site from elsewhere. The results obtained were complexly evaluated and compared with ethnography-based categorizations to reveal the features of production organization of the Early Bronze Age pottery. Multidimensional analysis classified the production as intensified household labour and work of individual retainers, or nucleated corvée, depending on its scale and intensity.
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.
Článek přináší kompletní katalog dosud
známých zlomků tenkostěnné červené středověké
keramiky, kt... more Článek přináší kompletní katalog dosud známých zlomků tenkostěnné červené středověké keramiky, která se svým výskytem v rámci Plzeňského kraje zřejmě stále omezuje na okr. Klatovy. Hlavním přínosem příspěvku je však zveřejnění zajímavých výsledků petroarcheologické analýzy, která odhalila přítomnost anatasu v červené engobě.
Archaeological and building-historical research carried out during the reconstruction of the sout... more Archaeological and building-historical research carried out during the reconstruction of the south wing of Špilberk Castle in 2011–2012 brought a great deal of new information about the castle’s past. This contribution presents the newly acquired data regarding, in particular, the building and technical ceramics in combination with macroscopic and microscopic samples of the natural building material. Comparison with earlier data will enable the drafting of a hypothetical sequence of the castle’s development from the early Gothic until its baroque reconstruction.
stavebně historický výzkum v rámci rekonstrukce jižního křídla Špilberku v letech 2011–2012 přinesl celou řadu nových poznatků o minulosti hradu. V předkládaném příspěvku využíváme získaná data týkající se zejména stavebně technické keramiky v kombinaci s makroskopickým a mikroskopickým vzorkováním přírodního stavebního materiálu. Po konfrontaci se staršími poznatky nám výsledky umožní sestavit hypotetickou posloupnost vývoje hradu od rané gotiky do barokní přestavby.
The eastern part of central Europe underwent dynamic socioeconomic development at the end of the ... more The eastern part of central Europe underwent dynamic socioeconomic development at the end of the Early Bronze Age, accompanied by qualitative changes in material culture. The technological transformation is most visible on the most accessible and most frequent evidential sources of this period: potsherds. This transformation in vessel morphology made it possible to identify the Věteřov group (Stuchlík 1984), which is found most often in Moravia at the end of the Early Bronze Age and its transition to the Middle Bronze Age. The pottery of the given period in Moravia is characterised by typical and easily identifiable forms with a quality surface treatment and decorative elements. A similar situation is also found in the surrounding areas. Based on the amount and quality of pottery at the end of the Early Bronze Age, a high level of pottery and its establishment as a separate craft branch is traditionally assumed (Furmánek – Veliačik – Vladár 1991; Neustupný a kol. 1960, 210; Ondráček – Stuchlíková 1988, 28; Stuchlíková 1993, 270; Tihelka 1960, 30; Točík 1964, 21). Likewise associated with the possible professionalization of pottery production is the origin of the products, which provides important testimony on the organisation of production and the economic relationships with the regional settlement structure. This study evaluates a selected segment of pottery production from the lowland Věteřov group settlement in Hulín-Pravčice, based on the analyses of forty-nine pottery samples from four sunken features. The methodology was focused on determining the technological and material characteristics using a combination of a macroscopic investigation along with a micropetrographic analysis of thin sections, and X-ray fluorescence. This hierarchy of methods makes it possible to define the variability of production, to classify it into production groups and to separate specimens with differing origins. It was determined that local loessic and alluvial materials, or their combinations, were used to make the pottery. Naturally, it must be pointed out that it is difficult to divide the samples into production groups based on micropetrography and phase composition. This is caused by a location near the Morava River valley, the vast territory of which is also reflected in the composition of the pottery. In this geological environment it is difficult, and in the case of very fine-grain material virtually impossible, to determine the precise provenance of the pottery. The certain chemical difference in the specimens of micropetrographic group D2 (bowls and amphorae) and a specimen from a jar from which a section was not obtained suggests that these artefacts could have been manufactured at a different site. The granularity and phase composition of certain specimens (group A) do not rule out the possibility of the intentional addition of a sandy temper to the ceramic fabric. The material is always homogeneous or well-homogenised, and the addition of grog was not recorded. Evidence of manufacturing techniques was evaluated mostly macroscopically and shows that bowl-shaped forms have a significantly high representation of attributes corresponding to coiling or pinching techniques, whereas multiple types of techniques come into consideration with other pottery forms. Smoothing was the most common surface treatment on bowls, burnishing in the case of pots, cups and amphorae. On the other hand, surface roughening is typical for larger pots, pointing to a practical function for these vessels. The surface of three vessels is decorated with encrustation made of burnt and ground bone, and the surface of one vessel was covered with a white carbonate coating. The spectrum of determined firing temperatures and atmospheres does not show signs of standardisation and appears to have been highly varied. There are a wide range of possibilities, from open and pit firings to those in earth-mound kilns, and not even single-chamber furnaces can be ruled out, despite the fact that their atmosphere or temperature does not correlate with the composition or type of vessels. Noteworthy is a specimen influenced by a temperature above 1200 °C, which could be evidence of the presence of pyrotechnology producing such high temperatures, or a fire at the settlement. The studied ceramic artefacts have a high degree of technological variability with respect to their raw materials, production technique and firing. Hence, no signs of standardisation (after Eerkens –Bettinger 2001) were differentiated on the technological level in the entire spectrum of evaluated pottery vessels with respect to efforts to produce artefacts that would reveal the same production technology, morphology, optical qualities, etc. This observation naturally does not apply in cases of the formal spectrum of vessels and their surface treatment, which has led scholars to assume the existence of the professional production of pottery (Furmánek – Veliačik – Vladár 1991; Neustupný a kol. 1960, 210; Ondráček – Stuchlíková 1988, 28; Stuchlíková 1993, 270; Tihelka 1960, 30; Točík 1964, 21). Here it is possible to consider the contrast between high technological variability representing various production traditions within a single settlement and attempts at a certain standardisation of appear-ance reflecting the identity of artisans and manifesting itself in the uniformity of forms and surface
treatment. A somewhat different trend was identified in the case of bowl-shaped vessels, which are characterised by specific technological and material standardisation as well as by a higher representation of imports and the use of a specific raw material (fine-grain material). This can hypothetically be explained by the higher degree of the individual specialisation of their producers and/or a special
role served by these forms of vessels.
Floodplain sediments of the Únanovka Stream’s catchment were investigated utilizing the methods o... more Floodplain sediments of the Únanovka Stream’s catchment were investigated utilizing the methods of sedimentology and paleoecology. The development of human settlements in the stream catchment and dating from the Prehistoric through the Medieval, have been compared with floodplain evolution. Paleoecological data were obtained from the pollen record and plant macroremains. Bulk samples of the sediments were analyzed for phosphates, magnetic susceptibility, and grain size; macroremains were dated using the radiocarbon method. Floodplain structure were explored by combination of geophysical methods and drilling. The floodplain base was formed during the beginning of the Neolithic, where a sandy, organic silt layer was formed upon a sandy gravel basement, under a deciduous forest environment. From approximately the late neolithic, when a silty loam sediment started accumulation, direct paleoecological evidence of agriculture has been recorded. Since the beginning of the Middle Ages, the dominant vegetation was of a ruderal character, with Alder. From the High Middle Ages, the processes of accumulation and erosion in the neighboring region accelerated.
Ceramic evidence from archaeological sites offers many opportunities to explore the technological... more Ceramic evidence from archaeological sites offers many opportunities to explore the technological and social behaviour of prehistoric communities. Results related to inter and intra site ceramic variability in technology, provenance, decoration and shapes indirectly reflect the social and natural environment of the producers of prehistoric pottery and consumers as well as the role of pottery in society. The aim of this paper is the evaluation of how these approaches were reflected by scientific analyses of prehistoric pottery in the area of the former Czechoslovakia from the 1920s to the present. Scientific analyses of pottery in Czechoslovakia intensified in the 1970s. In the 1980s, analyses focussed mostly on specific issues, which reflect the high variability of methods used. Technological experiments were carried out mostly in the 1990s and later. In the second half of the 1990s, the role of pottery origin became more strongly emphasised. However, some investigations with social and economic inferences were also carried out. Despite the long tradition of interest in the scientific analysis of pottery and the high level of analytical methods currently used in the Czech Republic, there is still a lack of studies dealing with either the social or cultural questions, or the functionality of pottery.
The white inlayed decorations represent a distinctive phenomenon of prehistoric Europe, and are k... more The white inlayed decorations represent a distinctive phenomenon of prehistoric Europe, and are known to have been produced in diverse areas since the Neolithic. This paper reveals how the raw materials were gathered and utilized, as well as the complex technological processes of the inlay decorations, from the period of their widest production and use. A large set of shards of Late Copper Age Bell Beakers and Early Bronze Age vessels from Moravia (Czech Republic) were examined, with a focus on material analyses of the white inlay decorations. Based on x-ray diffraction analyses, five technology groups were defined: kaolin, bone material, carbonates, gypsum plaster, and mixtures of some of those materials. The gypsum plaster inlay represents the oldest evidence of gypsum production and application in Central Europe. The results indicate both regional and chronological aspects in the selection of the raw materials. In contrast to the bone and gypsum, the kaolin inlay was not thermally treated. Based on the physical properties of bones and the crystallinity of bone hydroxylapatite, it can be presumed that the encrusting slurry was prepared out of fired bones. These facts prove a knowledge of the different properties of the individual raw materials; hence, the need for different production chains.
This paper will discuss the so-called ‘other stone industry’ from Tell Arbid Abyad (Upper Khabur ... more This paper will discuss the so-called ‘other stone industry’ from Tell Arbid Abyad (Upper Khabur Basin, north east Syria). It concerns the excavations of a Czech project under the direction of Inna Mateiciucová, which is joined to the Syrian-Polish Archaeological Expedition working at Tell Arbid. The excavation found Late Neolithic settlement activity from the beginning of the 6th millennium BC. No natural sources of compact rocks exist on the site and in its neighbourhood. Every find of stone from archaeological contexts therefore had to be imported to the site. The prevalent limestones (72.3 %) are represented by angular chips and pebbles. They are present as 0.14 % of the total recognised artefacts. Basalts (21.9 %) are the dominant material within the recognized artefacts (82.69 %). We have supposed the limestone chips originate from an alluvial fan because, according to the geomorphological map, its southern margin is roughly 10 km to the north of the archaeological site. The limestone raw material can therefore be classified as local. Four potential sources for the basalt artefacts are possible: the Hemma plateau and Kawkab volcano to the south and west, a projection from the Karacadağ in the north west and another basalt plateau near the Tigrid in the east. According to chemical analyses of the basalt sources, the rocks are classified as alkali basalts, trachy basalts and foidites. Our analysed basalt artefacts most correspond to alkaline basalt from the Hemma plateau.
Investigations of a Bell Beaker grave were conducted at Těšetice-Kyjovice in Moravia, and include... more Investigations of a Bell Beaker grave were conducted at Těšetice-Kyjovice in Moravia, and included a trial of a geochemical phosphate analysis and Brongers method for detecting decomposed wood. The grave was well-equipped, comprising a chamber, skeleton and surrounded by a trough. The aim of this paper is to provide an interpretation of anthropogenic phosphates in the grave, their relation to the skeleton, a description of an application of Brongers method and comments on the outcomes. Through the use of the GIS approach, the eochemical methods have a more logical structure which improves burial rite research. The authors are of the opinion that the body was deposited into the grave chamber before soft tissue decomposition due to phosphate accumulation recognized under the skeleton. A second accumulation of phosphates is in all probability related to organic grave goods. Brongers method identified the features at the 40 cm level and provided a more complete picture of the features identified at 110 cm and 140 cm. The features recorded are thought to be the remains of a wood structure along the chamber wall, a divider wall or a top cover. The authors tested this method, which had only been sporadically used in the Czech Republic. The geochemical approach provided relevant results for a thorough interpretation of an archaeological context which is not recognizable through the naked eye.
Pedogeochemical analyses could provide additional information to address various archaeological q... more Pedogeochemical analyses could provide additional information to address various archaeological questions. This can be effectively demonstrated by soil phosphate analysis which was used to explore the diversity in funerary rites of prehistoric societies. This investigation aims to illustrate potential options, limitations and perspectives of systematic pedogeochemical sampling of prehistoric graves with circular ditches from selected sites. It is possible to distinguish three categories of grave finds on the basis of macroscopic attributes: a grave pit without skeleton, a complete skeleton, and a disarticulated skeleton or incomplete skeleton. Specific interpretations may be correctly assigned to burial categories only after a synthesis of archaeological, anthropological, taphonomic and geochemical observations. That is why it is necessary to precisely document the archaeological situation: distinguish individual contexts, accurately note positions and degrees of preservation of skeleton remains, and conduct systematic soil sampling (Duday and Guillon 2006; Dupras et al., 2006; Hunter and Cox 2005; Holliday 2004, White and Folkens 2005). Samples from three graves from the Hodonice site represent one possible application of the method, even during rescue excavation
ARCHEOLOGICKÉ PROSPEKCE A NEDESTRUKTIVNÍ ARCHEOLOGIE v Jihočeském kraji, kraji Vysočina, Jihomoravském kraji a v Dolním Rakousku Sborník z konference, Jindřichův Hradec 6. 3. – 7. 3. 2013, 159-165., 2013
The dominant feature of the South Moravian village Březník (district Třebíč) is the Roman Catholi... more The dominant feature of the South Moravian village Březník (district Třebíč) is the Roman Catholic parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Its Romanesque tower and nave are dated to the 2nd half of the 12th century but the Gothic cross wing, sacristy
and choir to 2nd half of the 15th century (Dufka – Richter 1934; summary of the opinions in Kovář et al. in press). The galleried church was built in a dominant top hill position of the municipal urban area, which (together with some early modern written sources) suggests the existence of a medieval manor house in its vicinity. The keep of the local nobility is historically documented
since the 13th to 16th century, however it disappeared without any trace and it lacks in recent summary casteollogical works from Moravia (Plaček 2001).
Anthropogenic activities on the church hill reach according to current knowledge into time before the foundation of the Muzeum brozura.indd 164 19.12.13 13:10 165 medieval church. The isolated fragments of prehistoric pottery mixed up with modern material were found during the reconstruction works (e. g. Vokáč 2007, 7–10). Due to low information value of these fragments, we may just consider only the preliminarily dating of local activities into the Neolithic and Eneolithic period.
The beginning of a new field research was initiated due to destruction of embankment at the western wall of the cemetery. The combined study of written sources, interview with local respondents and detailed surface survey was able to identify the part of the land west of the parish church, which was intact even with the original ground level. The evaluation of current researches and
views on the development of the church and localization fortress in Březník was provided (Kovář et al. in press, 205–210). The archaeological collections (the Museum of the Vysočina in Třebíč) were examined. Collections contained wheel-pressed graphite pottery fragments dated to the 1st half of 13th century. The study of available archive materials provides the discovery of still
unpublished analysis of church building material written by J. Dvořák. Geographic information systems have been used during the
first phase of the research for evaluation of data set gained by measuring of the total station and GPS, and the creation of digital plans examined in the parish plot georeferenced grid S-JTSK (Fig. 1). Via ArcGIS and Surfer the digital elevation model was created (Fig. 2–3), that identified a partly disappeared field anomaly, which spread under a recent embankment and early modern
period cemetery wall. The observed irregularity in the western part of the parish land could indicate the presence of residues of defunct buildings (Kovář et al. in press), but this hypothesis had to be tested by the other independent data sets. In the second phase of the research of church hill, research team investigated the parish area by application of the
geoarchaeological and geophysical research. The manual soil probe, accuratelly hollow-core drill, was used, (3 cm diameter;
Fig. 4). The transect of the geomorphologic anomaly observed by geodetic measurements was made (Fig. 6) and the probes were
georeferenced using the precise GPS Trimble GeoExplorer 6000 GeoXH (TerraSync software).
For the purposes of geophysical prospecting (Fig. 5) an area of 20 x 7 m was delineated. Because of predicted stone structures the resistive geoelectrical method, namely the method of symmetrical resistance profiling (SRP), was applied. For the field application of this method there have been used the resistive equipment SAS 1000 (ABEM Instrument, Sweden). Due to the nature
of the investigated area, Wenner electrode arrays with spacing of 50 cm and a similar depth range were chosen, measurement step
was implemented in the network 50 x 50 cm (Fig. 5).
The second stage of applications geoarchaeological and geophysical research tentatively confirmed the earlier hypothesis. Using the series of pedological boreholes (Table 1; Fig. 6) it was reconstructed the complex stratigraphic situation of the parish land outside the southwest corner of the cemetery wall, where earlier contexts under relatively young anthropogenic soil horizons
were identified (Fig. 7). The precise dating have to be subject of further research. It can be assumed that these soil horizons could
be connected to the relicts of medieval and early modern anthropogenic activities. In the stratigraphically oldest context it cannot be resigned on its prehistoric origin which probably belongs into the Neolithic and Eneolithic period. The most important result of this research is the finding of geophysical anomalies which indicates the presence of accumulation
of stones (Fig. 6), which could be attributed to the extinct medieval fortresses.
During the next stage of the research, it seems to be necessary to refine the stratigraphic position location, its genesis and dating of each of identified contexts as well as geophysical survey anomalies which were discovered by the prospection. These problems can be solved by the form of more detailed nondestructive or less destructive geoarchaeological and geophysical methods, which
could be supplemented by methods of absolute dating.
Data set obtained by the first two phases of the research is of that importance, that it should be considered the effective application of site excavation method in the following research phase.
Cezavy hillfort by the village of Blučina is dated to the 16th century BC and it was an important... more Cezavy hillfort by the village of Blučina is dated to the 16th century BC and it was an important economical and social centre of the region. Archaeological evidence shows relatively high grade of social complexity which is ilustrated also by the existence of fortification. Specialised non-agricultural production like metalurgy, bone tools manufacturing and high quality pottery production are supposed in the site. Active participating in a long-distance trade exchange is presumed, because the site is situated on the confluence of the rivers Svratka and Litava. These assumptions form the base of the preliminary model, which preceded petroarchaeological ceramic analysis. So, the main goals of this investigation are:
1. distinguishing of local and imported pottery; 2. estimation of local and imported pottery ratio; 3. provenance determination of the imports; 4. evaluation of archaeological typology of ceramic types and provenance groups relation ; 5. ceramic fabric groups definition; 6. ceramic fabric groups and archaeological typology of ceramic types comparision; 7. discovering signs of the professional or home pottery manufacturing.
Used methods included classical macroscopic description, matrix grouping by refiring, experimental application of handle XRF spectrometer and mainly analyses of thin sections. The imported ceramic ratio of the investigated collection is approximately 10 % (two samples from twenty random samples). One sample with andesite chips could originate from the West Carpathians and next one with clasts of amfibole diorite originated probably from the Dolní Kounice area (more than 15 kilometers from the site), where is registrated another hillfort of the Věteřov culture. The XRF spectrometry shows unusual zirconium and barium ratio in a ceramic fragment with engraved pattern and a pitcher with imprinted circles. These selected findings could represent imports also. The imported pottery is constituted by fine ware (except amfibole diorite fabric sample). Seven fabric groups were determined, but just two represent fine ware. Professional production is not supposed in the case of coarse ware according to high variability of it. Further analysed samples are necessary to make our assumptions more precise.
The archaeological research located in SSE part of Bronze age hillfort foothill situated in Cezav... more The archaeological research located in SSE part of Bronze age hillfort foothill situated in Cezavy by Blučina (in 1990) verified the existence of Holocene sediments in the depression which was interpreted as a former lake area (space between Cezavy and Nové Hory near Blučina). The existence of the small lake is known from references and old maps. It is small basin without drainage, which was formed probably by colluvial processes. Sedimentary infilling contained findings dated to the Middle Danubian urn field culture, so the sedimentary aggradation should be dated at least to Bronze Age. Sequence of seven boreholes (V1-V7) and one trench (V0) were held to clarified the origin of sediment, its stratigraphy and paleoecological characteristics including evidence of human impact. Trench V0 was sampled in 10 cm sequence in the depth of 200 to 395 cm. Colour and sedimentary textures were determined in the field. Micromorphological samples were taken from depths 265 and 365 cm. Loss on ignition (LOI) was measured at 550 °C and 950 °C (to estimate the organic matter and carbonate content). Pollen quality and quantity in the samples was analytically insignificant. Each 10 cm of studied section was analysed to malacozoological content. Two shells of water snails (from horizons in the depth of 390 and 330 cm) were chosen for radiocarbon dating (Poznan Radiocarbon Laboratory). The stratigraphic situation of the trench V0 is following: The lowest detected layer is formed by brownish and greyish black silt loam (the depth 530 cm to the depth of 260-220 cm under surface). Above this horizon was described the horizon of greyish silt clay loam (from the depth of 260-220 cm to topsoil). This deposit passes into sandy silt loam onwards to the slope of hillfort. The organic matter content is uprising from the depth of 370 to 300 cm and decreasing from the depth of 300 to 200 cm. It could be explained by the presence or absence of the clastic fraction, biomass sedimentation ratio and deposit speed changes. Lost on ignition measured in 950 °C (corresponds generally to carbonates) is showing different trends against the varioations in the organic matter content. The enhancement of this value is obviously related to the carbonate clays erosion from the nearby slopes. Litological change in the depth of 260 cm is related to the continuing decrease of organic matter and the increase of the carbonate content. There is documented in the depth of 265 cm the change of fine-grained silt clay phases with coarse-grained events by the thin section study, which indicates quick deposition periods in water environment. The presence of microcharcoal and rare small channels features indicates the human activity and bioturbation in relativelly dry periods. Thin section taken from the depth of 365 cm includes the combination of subrounded blocky and channel structures. It could be sign of repeated phases drying and wetting connected with the swamp and herbal vegetation environment. The malacological analyses correlate with the other analyses. Two horizons, rich of water snails (species Gyraulus crista, Gyraulus laevis, Radix ovata, Planorbis planorbis) were described. The first horizon (in the depth of 390 cm) is dated to the age of 1630±60 BC, second horizon located below (in the depth of 330 cm) is dated to the age of 640±20 AD. It signifies recurring presence of the water environment in the basin. The most important archaeological implication of the research is the fact that the early Bronze Age period seems to be rich in water environment signs, while sediments from the Middle to the Late Bronze Age indicate relatively dryer environment. It corresponds to the absence of Early Bronze Age features and the presence of the Middle Danubian urn fileds culture findings in the basin.
The poster represents investigation of so called other lithic industry from Tell Arbid Abyad (Upp... more The poster represents investigation of so called other lithic industry from Tell Arbid Abyad (Upper Khabur Basin in NE Syria). It concerns excavations of the Czech project under the direction of Inna Mateiciucová joined to the Syrian-Polish Archaeological Expedition to Tell Arbid. The excavation detected Late Neolithic settlement activity from the beginning of the 6th millennium BC. No natural sources of compact rocks exist on the site and in its neighbourhood. So, every find of stone from archaeological context had to be imported to the site. The prevalent limestones (72,3 %) are represented by angular chips and pebbles. They participate on recognized artefacts only in 0,14 %. Basalts (21,9 %) are dominant material of recognized artefacts (82,69%).
We suppose the dominant limestone chips originate especially from alluvial fan because its southern margin is after the geomorphological map roughly 10 km to the north from the archaeological site. Pebbles of limestone were collected probably from wadi sediments. The limestone raw material can be classified as the local one. On the other hand, four potential sources for the basalt artefacts are possible: the Hemma plateau and Kawkab volcano in the southwest to west, a projection from the Karacadağ in the northwest and a basalt occurrence near the Tigrid in the east. According to chemical analyses of the basalt sources plotted in the TAS diagram, the rocks are classified as basalts, trachybasalts and foidites. Our analysed basalt artefacts correspond to alkaline basalt similarly as basalts from the Hemma plateau.
More than fifteen sites of either confirmed or conjectured urban status existed between the 6th a... more More than fifteen sites of either confirmed or conjectured urban status existed between the 6th and 19th centuries in the particular region of northeastern Mesopotamia, bounded by the rivers Great Zāb, Little Zāb and Tigris. This present study concentrates on the investigation of this urban network. The archaeological substance of the deserted sites is mostly very well preserved in the relief of the arid steppe environment and can be excellently identified in satellite images of several types. The archaeological investigation of these settlements, augmented by a revised historical topography, offers a unique opportunity for the holistic study of the diversity, temporal dynamics and mutual relationships within the urban network that developed in the hinterland of Baghdad and Samarra, the two largest super-centres of the Old World.
This collective monograph puts together archaeological and historical data available for the individual sites, including analyses of pottery obtained by surface survey. The materially rich final report of the three-year project is supplemented by an interpretative chapter that focuses on detailed topographical comparisons of the sites, their landscape contexts, and the dynamics of the urban system within the framework of studies on Near-Eastern Islamic-period cities.
Práce je zaměřena na kompletní zpracování dvou geograficky i časově vzájemně blízkých lokalit: op... more Práce je zaměřena na kompletní zpracování dvou geograficky i časově vzájemně blízkých lokalit: opevněného výšinného sídliště Krhov "Malý Chlum" s osídlením v pozdní době bronzové a v době halštatské a nížinného sídliště Obora "Pod Chlumem" s doklady kovovýroby v mladším a pozdním halštatu. Hlavní důraz byl kladen na zpracování archeologického materiálu z těchto lokalit. Na základě rozboru keramiky byly stanoveny jednotlivé sídelní horizonty. Zpracovávané lokality jsou v závěru práce zařazeny do kontextu pozdně bronzového a halštatského osídlení Malé Hané./Text presents an overall evaluation of two important archeological sites that are close to each other both in terms of geography and time. One is a fortified hilltop settlement Krhov "Malý Chlum" with settlement from the Late Bronze Age and Hallstatt period, the other is a lowland settlement Obora "Pod Chlumem" with pieces of evidence of metal works from young and late Hallstatt period. This paper mainly focuses on processing archaeological material from these sites. Following an analysis of this ceramic material, several phases of settlement were defined. In conclusion, both sites are assessed in the context of Malá Haná settlements of the Late Bronze Age and Hallstatt period.
Kazdová, E. - Kuča, M. - Šabatová, K. - Trampota, F. - E. - Prokeš, L. - Hložek, M. - Kolář, J. -... more Kazdová, E. - Kuča, M. - Šabatová, K. - Trampota, F. - E. - Prokeš, L. - Hložek, M. - Kolář, J. - Petřík, J. 2011: Kyjovice (okr. Znojmo) Sutny. Přehled výzkumů 52, 1, 180-182.
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marks on their bottoms. By means of an analysis of a sample group from two assumed pottery workshops
from the ‘U Víta’ site in Staré Město (Uherské Hradiště district), the benefits of the method of photogrammetric
documentation are illustrated and records from the virtual environment are subsequently compared.
The possibilities for the virtual comparison of archaeological material are tested not only on traditionally
evaluated marks with relief symbols, but also on heretofore neglected axis imprints (technical marks) as well
as some other additional unintentional imprints. Based in the obtained results, the work then considers
the possible level of production organisation at both of the studied workshops.
známých zlomků tenkostěnné červené středověké
keramiky, která se svým výskytem v rámci Plzeňského
kraje zřejmě stále omezuje na okr. Klatovy.
Hlavním přínosem příspěvku je však zveřejnění
zajímavých výsledků petroarcheologické analýzy,
která odhalila přítomnost anatasu v červené
engobě.
stavebně historický výzkum v rámci rekonstrukce jižního křídla Špilberku v letech 2011–2012 přinesl celou řadu nových poznatků o minulosti hradu. V předkládaném příspěvku využíváme získaná data týkající se zejména stavebně technické keramiky v kombinaci s makroskopickým a mikroskopickým vzorkováním přírodního stavebního materiálu. Po konfrontaci se staršími poznatky nám výsledky umožní sestavit hypotetickou posloupnost vývoje hradu od rané gotiky do barokní přestavby.
treatment. A somewhat different trend was identified in the case of bowl-shaped vessels, which are characterised by specific technological and material standardisation as well as by a higher representation of imports and the use of a specific raw material (fine-grain material). This can hypothetically be explained by the higher degree of the individual specialisation of their producers and/or a special
role served by these forms of vessels.
material within the recognized artefacts (82.69 %). We have supposed the limestone chips originate from an alluvial fan because, according to the geomorphological map, its southern margin is roughly 10 km to the north of the archaeological site. The limestone raw material can therefore be classified as local.
Four potential sources for the basalt artefacts are possible: the Hemma plateau and Kawkab volcano to the south and west, a projection from the Karacadağ in the north west and another basalt plateau near the Tigrid in the east. According to chemical
analyses of the basalt sources, the rocks are classified as alkali basalts, trachy basalts and foidites. Our analysed basalt artefacts most correspond to alkaline basalt from the Hemma plateau.
This investigation aims to illustrate potential options, limitations and perspectives of systematic pedogeochemical sampling of prehistoric graves with circular ditches from selected sites. It is possible to distinguish three categories of grave finds on the basis of macroscopic attributes: a grave pit without skeleton, a complete skeleton, and a disarticulated skeleton or incomplete skeleton. Specific interpretations may be correctly assigned to burial categories only after a synthesis of archaeological, anthropological, taphonomic and geochemical observations. That is why it is necessary to precisely document the archaeological situation: distinguish individual contexts, accurately note positions and degrees of preservation of skeleton remains, and conduct systematic soil sampling (Duday and Guillon 2006; Dupras et al., 2006; Hunter and Cox 2005; Holliday 2004, White and Folkens 2005). Samples from three graves from the Hodonice site represent
one possible application of the method, even during rescue excavation
and choir to 2nd half of the 15th century (Dufka – Richter 1934; summary of the opinions in Kovář et al. in press). The galleried church was built in a dominant top hill position of the municipal urban area, which (together with some early modern written sources) suggests the existence of a medieval manor house in its vicinity. The keep of the local nobility is historically documented
since the 13th to 16th century, however it disappeared without any trace and it lacks in recent summary casteollogical works from Moravia (Plaček 2001).
Anthropogenic activities on the church hill reach according to current knowledge into time before the foundation of the Muzeum brozura.indd 164 19.12.13 13:10 165 medieval church. The isolated fragments of prehistoric pottery mixed up with modern material were found during the reconstruction works (e. g. Vokáč 2007, 7–10). Due to low information value of these fragments, we may just consider only the preliminarily dating of local activities into the Neolithic and Eneolithic period.
The beginning of a new field research was initiated due to destruction of embankment at the western wall of the cemetery. The combined study of written sources, interview with local respondents and detailed surface survey was able to identify the part of the land west of the parish church, which was intact even with the original ground level. The evaluation of current researches and
views on the development of the church and localization fortress in Březník was provided (Kovář et al. in press, 205–210). The archaeological collections (the Museum of the Vysočina in Třebíč) were examined. Collections contained wheel-pressed graphite pottery fragments dated to the 1st half of 13th century. The study of available archive materials provides the discovery of still
unpublished analysis of church building material written by J. Dvořák. Geographic information systems have been used during the
first phase of the research for evaluation of data set gained by measuring of the total station and GPS, and the creation of digital plans examined in the parish plot georeferenced grid S-JTSK (Fig. 1). Via ArcGIS and Surfer the digital elevation model was created (Fig. 2–3), that identified a partly disappeared field anomaly, which spread under a recent embankment and early modern
period cemetery wall. The observed irregularity in the western part of the parish land could indicate the presence of residues of defunct buildings (Kovář et al. in press), but this hypothesis had to be tested by the other independent data sets. In the second phase of the research of church hill, research team investigated the parish area by application of the
geoarchaeological and geophysical research. The manual soil probe, accuratelly hollow-core drill, was used, (3 cm diameter;
Fig. 4). The transect of the geomorphologic anomaly observed by geodetic measurements was made (Fig. 6) and the probes were
georeferenced using the precise GPS Trimble GeoExplorer 6000 GeoXH (TerraSync software).
For the purposes of geophysical prospecting (Fig. 5) an area of 20 x 7 m was delineated. Because of predicted stone structures the resistive geoelectrical method, namely the method of symmetrical resistance profiling (SRP), was applied. For the field application of this method there have been used the resistive equipment SAS 1000 (ABEM Instrument, Sweden). Due to the nature
of the investigated area, Wenner electrode arrays with spacing of 50 cm and a similar depth range were chosen, measurement step
was implemented in the network 50 x 50 cm (Fig. 5).
The second stage of applications geoarchaeological and geophysical research tentatively confirmed the earlier hypothesis. Using the series of pedological boreholes (Table 1; Fig. 6) it was reconstructed the complex stratigraphic situation of the parish land outside the southwest corner of the cemetery wall, where earlier contexts under relatively young anthropogenic soil horizons
were identified (Fig. 7). The precise dating have to be subject of further research. It can be assumed that these soil horizons could
be connected to the relicts of medieval and early modern anthropogenic activities. In the stratigraphically oldest context it cannot be resigned on its prehistoric origin which probably belongs into the Neolithic and Eneolithic period. The most important result of this research is the finding of geophysical anomalies which indicates the presence of accumulation
of stones (Fig. 6), which could be attributed to the extinct medieval fortresses.
During the next stage of the research, it seems to be necessary to refine the stratigraphic position location, its genesis and dating of each of identified contexts as well as geophysical survey anomalies which were discovered by the prospection. These problems can be solved by the form of more detailed nondestructive or less destructive geoarchaeological and geophysical methods, which
could be supplemented by methods of absolute dating.
Data set obtained by the first two phases of the research is of that importance, that it should be considered the effective application of site excavation method in the following research phase.
marks on their bottoms. By means of an analysis of a sample group from two assumed pottery workshops
from the ‘U Víta’ site in Staré Město (Uherské Hradiště district), the benefits of the method of photogrammetric
documentation are illustrated and records from the virtual environment are subsequently compared.
The possibilities for the virtual comparison of archaeological material are tested not only on traditionally
evaluated marks with relief symbols, but also on heretofore neglected axis imprints (technical marks) as well
as some other additional unintentional imprints. Based in the obtained results, the work then considers
the possible level of production organisation at both of the studied workshops.
známých zlomků tenkostěnné červené středověké
keramiky, která se svým výskytem v rámci Plzeňského
kraje zřejmě stále omezuje na okr. Klatovy.
Hlavním přínosem příspěvku je však zveřejnění
zajímavých výsledků petroarcheologické analýzy,
která odhalila přítomnost anatasu v červené
engobě.
stavebně historický výzkum v rámci rekonstrukce jižního křídla Špilberku v letech 2011–2012 přinesl celou řadu nových poznatků o minulosti hradu. V předkládaném příspěvku využíváme získaná data týkající se zejména stavebně technické keramiky v kombinaci s makroskopickým a mikroskopickým vzorkováním přírodního stavebního materiálu. Po konfrontaci se staršími poznatky nám výsledky umožní sestavit hypotetickou posloupnost vývoje hradu od rané gotiky do barokní přestavby.
treatment. A somewhat different trend was identified in the case of bowl-shaped vessels, which are characterised by specific technological and material standardisation as well as by a higher representation of imports and the use of a specific raw material (fine-grain material). This can hypothetically be explained by the higher degree of the individual specialisation of their producers and/or a special
role served by these forms of vessels.
material within the recognized artefacts (82.69 %). We have supposed the limestone chips originate from an alluvial fan because, according to the geomorphological map, its southern margin is roughly 10 km to the north of the archaeological site. The limestone raw material can therefore be classified as local.
Four potential sources for the basalt artefacts are possible: the Hemma plateau and Kawkab volcano to the south and west, a projection from the Karacadağ in the north west and another basalt plateau near the Tigrid in the east. According to chemical
analyses of the basalt sources, the rocks are classified as alkali basalts, trachy basalts and foidites. Our analysed basalt artefacts most correspond to alkaline basalt from the Hemma plateau.
This investigation aims to illustrate potential options, limitations and perspectives of systematic pedogeochemical sampling of prehistoric graves with circular ditches from selected sites. It is possible to distinguish three categories of grave finds on the basis of macroscopic attributes: a grave pit without skeleton, a complete skeleton, and a disarticulated skeleton or incomplete skeleton. Specific interpretations may be correctly assigned to burial categories only after a synthesis of archaeological, anthropological, taphonomic and geochemical observations. That is why it is necessary to precisely document the archaeological situation: distinguish individual contexts, accurately note positions and degrees of preservation of skeleton remains, and conduct systematic soil sampling (Duday and Guillon 2006; Dupras et al., 2006; Hunter and Cox 2005; Holliday 2004, White and Folkens 2005). Samples from three graves from the Hodonice site represent
one possible application of the method, even during rescue excavation
and choir to 2nd half of the 15th century (Dufka – Richter 1934; summary of the opinions in Kovář et al. in press). The galleried church was built in a dominant top hill position of the municipal urban area, which (together with some early modern written sources) suggests the existence of a medieval manor house in its vicinity. The keep of the local nobility is historically documented
since the 13th to 16th century, however it disappeared without any trace and it lacks in recent summary casteollogical works from Moravia (Plaček 2001).
Anthropogenic activities on the church hill reach according to current knowledge into time before the foundation of the Muzeum brozura.indd 164 19.12.13 13:10 165 medieval church. The isolated fragments of prehistoric pottery mixed up with modern material were found during the reconstruction works (e. g. Vokáč 2007, 7–10). Due to low information value of these fragments, we may just consider only the preliminarily dating of local activities into the Neolithic and Eneolithic period.
The beginning of a new field research was initiated due to destruction of embankment at the western wall of the cemetery. The combined study of written sources, interview with local respondents and detailed surface survey was able to identify the part of the land west of the parish church, which was intact even with the original ground level. The evaluation of current researches and
views on the development of the church and localization fortress in Březník was provided (Kovář et al. in press, 205–210). The archaeological collections (the Museum of the Vysočina in Třebíč) were examined. Collections contained wheel-pressed graphite pottery fragments dated to the 1st half of 13th century. The study of available archive materials provides the discovery of still
unpublished analysis of church building material written by J. Dvořák. Geographic information systems have been used during the
first phase of the research for evaluation of data set gained by measuring of the total station and GPS, and the creation of digital plans examined in the parish plot georeferenced grid S-JTSK (Fig. 1). Via ArcGIS and Surfer the digital elevation model was created (Fig. 2–3), that identified a partly disappeared field anomaly, which spread under a recent embankment and early modern
period cemetery wall. The observed irregularity in the western part of the parish land could indicate the presence of residues of defunct buildings (Kovář et al. in press), but this hypothesis had to be tested by the other independent data sets. In the second phase of the research of church hill, research team investigated the parish area by application of the
geoarchaeological and geophysical research. The manual soil probe, accuratelly hollow-core drill, was used, (3 cm diameter;
Fig. 4). The transect of the geomorphologic anomaly observed by geodetic measurements was made (Fig. 6) and the probes were
georeferenced using the precise GPS Trimble GeoExplorer 6000 GeoXH (TerraSync software).
For the purposes of geophysical prospecting (Fig. 5) an area of 20 x 7 m was delineated. Because of predicted stone structures the resistive geoelectrical method, namely the method of symmetrical resistance profiling (SRP), was applied. For the field application of this method there have been used the resistive equipment SAS 1000 (ABEM Instrument, Sweden). Due to the nature
of the investigated area, Wenner electrode arrays with spacing of 50 cm and a similar depth range were chosen, measurement step
was implemented in the network 50 x 50 cm (Fig. 5).
The second stage of applications geoarchaeological and geophysical research tentatively confirmed the earlier hypothesis. Using the series of pedological boreholes (Table 1; Fig. 6) it was reconstructed the complex stratigraphic situation of the parish land outside the southwest corner of the cemetery wall, where earlier contexts under relatively young anthropogenic soil horizons
were identified (Fig. 7). The precise dating have to be subject of further research. It can be assumed that these soil horizons could
be connected to the relicts of medieval and early modern anthropogenic activities. In the stratigraphically oldest context it cannot be resigned on its prehistoric origin which probably belongs into the Neolithic and Eneolithic period. The most important result of this research is the finding of geophysical anomalies which indicates the presence of accumulation
of stones (Fig. 6), which could be attributed to the extinct medieval fortresses.
During the next stage of the research, it seems to be necessary to refine the stratigraphic position location, its genesis and dating of each of identified contexts as well as geophysical survey anomalies which were discovered by the prospection. These problems can be solved by the form of more detailed nondestructive or less destructive geoarchaeological and geophysical methods, which
could be supplemented by methods of absolute dating.
Data set obtained by the first two phases of the research is of that importance, that it should be considered the effective application of site excavation method in the following research phase.
preliminary model, which preceded petroarchaeological ceramic analysis. So, the main goals of this investigation are:
1. distinguishing of local and imported pottery;
2. estimation of local and imported pottery ratio;
3. provenance determination of the imports;
4. evaluation of archaeological typology of ceramic types and provenance groups relation ;
5. ceramic fabric groups definition;
6. ceramic fabric groups and archaeological typology of ceramic types comparision;
7. discovering signs of the professional or home pottery manufacturing.
Used methods included classical macroscopic description, matrix grouping by refiring, experimental application of handle XRF spectrometer and mainly analyses of thin sections. The imported ceramic ratio of the investigated collection is approximately 10 % (two samples from twenty random samples). One sample with andesite chips could originate from the West Carpathians and next one with clasts of amfibole diorite originated probably from the Dolní Kounice area (more than 15 kilometers from the site), where is registrated another hillfort of the Věteřov culture. The XRF spectrometry shows unusual zirconium and barium ratio in a ceramic fragment with engraved pattern and a pitcher with imprinted circles. These selected findings could represent imports also. The imported pottery is constituted by fine ware (except amfibole diorite fabric sample). Seven fabric groups were determined, but just two represent fine ware. Professional production is not supposed in the case of coarse ware according to high variability of it. Further analysed samples are necessary to make our assumptions more precise.
Trench V0 was sampled in 10 cm sequence in the depth of 200 to 395 cm. Colour and sedimentary textures were determined in the field. Micromorphological samples were taken from depths 265 and 365 cm. Loss on ignition (LOI) was measured at 550 °C and 950 °C (to estimate the organic matter and carbonate content). Pollen quality and quantity in the samples was analytically insignificant. Each 10 cm of studied section was analysed to malacozoological content. Two shells of water snails (from horizons in the depth of 390 and 330 cm) were chosen for radiocarbon dating (Poznan Radiocarbon Laboratory).
The stratigraphic situation of the trench V0 is following: The lowest detected layer is formed by brownish and greyish black silt loam (the depth 530 cm to the depth of 260-220 cm under surface). Above this horizon was described the horizon of greyish silt clay loam (from the depth of 260-220 cm to topsoil). This deposit passes into sandy silt loam onwards to the slope of hillfort.
The organic matter content is uprising from the depth of 370 to 300 cm and decreasing from the depth of 300 to 200 cm. It could be explained by the presence or absence of the clastic fraction, biomass sedimentation ratio and deposit speed changes. Lost on ignition measured in 950 °C (corresponds generally to carbonates) is showing different trends against the varioations in the organic matter content. The enhancement of this value is obviously related to the carbonate clays erosion from the nearby slopes. Litological change in the depth of 260 cm is related to the continuing decrease of organic matter and the increase of the carbonate content. There is documented in the depth of 265 cm the change of fine-grained silt clay phases with coarse-grained events by the thin section study, which indicates quick deposition periods in water environment. The presence of microcharcoal and rare small channels features indicates the human activity and bioturbation in relativelly dry periods. Thin section taken from the depth of 365 cm includes the combination of subrounded blocky and channel structures. It could be sign of repeated phases drying and wetting connected with the swamp and herbal vegetation environment.
The malacological analyses correlate with the other analyses. Two horizons, rich of water snails (species Gyraulus crista, Gyraulus laevis, Radix ovata, Planorbis planorbis) were described. The first horizon (in the depth of 390 cm) is dated to the age of 1630±60 BC, second horizon located below (in the depth of 330 cm) is dated to the age of 640±20 AD. It signifies recurring presence of the water environment in the basin. The most important archaeological implication of the research is the fact that the early Bronze Age period seems to be rich in water environment signs, while sediments from the Middle to the Late Bronze Age indicate relatively dryer environment. It corresponds to the absence of Early Bronze Age features and the presence of the Middle Danubian urn fileds culture findings in the basin.
We suppose the dominant limestone chips originate especially from alluvial fan because its southern margin is after the geomorphological map roughly 10 km to the north from the archaeological site. Pebbles of limestone were collected probably from wadi sediments. The limestone raw material can be classified as the local one. On the other hand, four potential sources for the basalt artefacts are possible: the Hemma plateau and Kawkab volcano in the southwest to west, a projection from the Karacadağ in the northwest and a basalt occurrence near the Tigrid in the east. According to chemical analyses of the basalt sources plotted in the TAS diagram, the rocks are classified as basalts, trachybasalts and foidites. Our analysed basalt artefacts correspond to alkaline basalt similarly as basalts from the Hemma plateau.
This collective monograph puts together archaeological and historical data available for the individual sites, including analyses of pottery obtained by surface survey. The materially rich final report of the three-year project is supplemented by an interpretative chapter that focuses on detailed topographical comparisons of the sites, their landscape contexts, and the dynamics of the urban system within the framework of studies on Near-Eastern Islamic-period cities.