This article characterizes the structure of the Cucuteni–Trypillia site Kisnytsia, which is locat... more This article characterizes the structure of the Cucuteni–Trypillia site Kisnytsia, which is located in the left basin of the Dnister River Valley in modern Ukraine. The territory of the site was settled twice during the Copper Age: during the CI and CII stages of the Trypillia culture. To determine an internal layout of the site, field research was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, detailed fieldwalking was carried out using hand-held GPS equipment, and in the second, a magnetic survey was carried out. Also, a test excavation was conducted at the site to determine its chronology and to check the magnetic survey results.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Dec 17, 2023
Correction for “Isotopes prove advanced, integral crop production, and stockbreeding strategies n... more Correction for “Isotopes prove advanced, integral crop production, and stockbreeding strategies nourished Trypillia mega-populations,” by Frank Schlütz, Robert Hofmann, Marta dal Corso, Galyna Pashkevych, Stefan Dreibrodt, Mila Shatilo, Andreea Terna, Katharina Fuchs, Mykhailo Videiko, Vitalii Rud, Johannes Müller, and Wiebke Kirleis, published December 18, 2023; 10.1073/pnas.2312962120 (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 120, e2312962120).
This article discusses the absolute chronology of burials from the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC disco... more This article discusses the absolute chronology of burials from the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC discovered under the mounds of three barrows in the Kordyshiv cemetery in western Ukraine. Its aim is to create a chronological model of the burials by modeling 27 AMS 14 C dates obtained from 21 individuals buried in single and collective graves. Dietary analysis of stable carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotope values are presented. The Bayesian modeling of the 14 C dates from the three Kordyshiv barrows revealed the extremely important role of these monuments as longterm objects used for ritual purposes. At the end of the 3rd millennium BC, the epi-Corded Ware Culture (epi-CWC) community erected a mound over the central burial in Barrow 2, then interred the graves of three additional deceased. After several hundred years Barrow 2 was reused by Komarów Culture (KC) communities from the Middle Bronze Age (MBA) who interred their deceased in the existing mound. The oldest monument with MBA burials was Barrow 3, in which the dead were buried in a two-stage sequence before and after the mid-2nd millennium BC. The youngest dated grave was Burial 1 in Barrow 1, comprising a collective burial that was interred between 1400 and 1200 BC. The additional analyses of carbon and nitrogen isotopes show significant differences in the diet of epi-CWC individuals buried in Barrow 2 from the individuals representing the KC.
The following article presents the archaeological revaluation of the Middle Bronze Age Komarów cu... more The following article presents the archaeological revaluation of the Middle Bronze Age Komarów culture cemetery of Pidhoroddya in Western Ukraine in the Pre-Carpathian region. By examining scarce archival information from the pre-Second World War period, the Polish-Ukrainian research team brought to light evidence of a vast cemetery complex in Pidhoroddya, consisting of 39 barrows. The applied combination of archaeological survey, drilling, and magnetometry prospection revealed aspects of the spatial arrangement of the Komarów culture necropolis, as well as details of the funeral architecture, which allowed associating the burial mounds with the known canon of Komarów culture rites. This study presents the results of the archival research, followed by non-invasive survey, and their potential for revaluating the present state of knowledge regarding this barrow cemetery.
Kirleis, W., Dal Corso, M., Pashkevyech, G., Schlütz, F., Hofmann, R., Terna, A., Dreibrodt, S., ... more Kirleis, W., Dal Corso, M., Pashkevyech, G., Schlütz, F., Hofmann, R., Terna, A., Dreibrodt, S., Rud, V., Videiko, M. Y. and Müller, J. (2023) 'A complex subsistence regime revealed for Cucuteni-Trypillia sites in Chalcolithic eastern Europe based on new and old macrobotanical data' Vegetation History and Archaeobotany 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00334-023-00936-y
We present a comprehensive data-based characterization of the subsistence economy of Chalcolithic Cucuteni-Trypillia societies (CTS) on the Moldovian and Suceava plateaus and the Podolian and the Dnieper uplands. This study is based on a quantitative evaluation of archaeobotanical samples from 34 settlement sites, with a focus on Trypillia mega-sites and on stable isotopic analysis of ancient crop residues. The isotopic analysis allows us to identify specific cultivation strategies, which show a close relationship with animal husbandry for manure. We describe the economy of the Trypillia mega-sites as having been based on an elaborate agricultural system, in which the inhabitants knew how to grow crops that could withstand the ecological constraints of growth, especially along the forest steppe ecotone. We also argue that the agglomeration of greater population densities at these mega-sites contributed to landscape change from woodland and forest to open grassland and steppe. Following on from this, we suggest that cultivation practices of the CTS were important in the establishment of the present-day cultural steppe in this region.
We present a comprehensive data-based characterization of the subsistence economy of Chalcolithic... more We present a comprehensive data-based characterization of the subsistence economy of Chalcolithic Cucuteni–Trypillia societies (CTS) on the Moldovian and Suceava plateaus and the Podolian and the Dnieper uplands. This study is based on a quantitative evaluation of archaeobotanical samples from 34 settlement sites, with a focus on Trypillia mega-sites and on stable isotopic analysis of ancient crop residues. The isotopic analysis allows us to identify specific cultivation strategies, which show a close relationship with animal husbandry for manure. We describe the economy of the Trypillia mega-sites as having been based on an elaborate agricultural system, in which the inhabitants knew how to grow crops that could withstand the ecological constraints of growth, especially along the forest steppe ecotone. We also argue that the agglomeration of greater population densities at these mega-sites contributed to landscape change from woodland and forest to open grassland and steppe. Follow...
This article discusses two cases of so-called double barrows from the Middle Bronze
Age Komarow ... more This article discusses two cases of so-called double barrows from the Middle Bronze Age Komarow culture cemetery in Bukivna, in the Upper Dniester Basin (Ukraine), in order to demonstrate the potential of incorporating geophysical image analysis, excavations and sedimentological studies towards identifying subterranean funerary architecture. The magnetometer prospection of the Bukivna necropolis revealed the presence of a specific dipolar anomaly within the extent of a double barrow. The excavations uncovered burnt wooden-clay constructions related to mortuary houses. The sedimentological samples collected from the features below the mound provided data for the increased ferrous content. Another double barrow located in the Pidhoroddia cemetery was prospected by means of magnetometry, which did not reveal any similar anomaly within the magnetometry plan, thus providing evidence for a possible lack of discussed mortuary structure.
In the area of Western Ukraine, some aspects of mound (barrow) chronology might be resolved by us... more In the area of Western Ukraine, some aspects of mound (barrow) chronology might be resolved by using non-or minimally invasive archaeological prospection. As the cemeteries usually comprise two temporal units-the Late Neolithic Corded Ware Culture (third millennium BC) and Middle Bronze Age Komar ow culture (second millennium BC)-by referring to particular funerary rites Komar ow culture and their magnetic reflection, they can be distinguished by means of magnetometry survey supported with verification drilling. Recognition of the internal structure of the cemeteries is essential when confronted with their vast occurrence in Western Ukraine and also the morphological similarity of mounds. However, due to the great diversity in known grave architecture of the Komar ow culture, it is essential to stress that the methodological approach presented here applies only to the specific construction type of burnt wooden and clay structures, which rarely appear in Corded Ware Culture funerary practices. In addition to excavation, the applied methods provided preliminary information on the cultural affiliation and time of the construction of two mounds in Myluvannia in the pre-excavation stage of research.
This article characterizes the structure of the Cucuteni–Trypillia site Kisnytsia, which is locat... more This article characterizes the structure of the Cucuteni–Trypillia site Kisnytsia, which is located in the left basin of the Dnister River Valley in modern Ukraine. The territory of the site was settled twice during the Copper Age: during the CI and CII stages of the Trypillia culture. To determine an internal layout of the site, field research was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, detailed fieldwalking was carried out using hand-held GPS equipment, and in the second, a magnetic survey was carried out. Also, a test excavation was conducted at the site to determine its chronology and to check the magnetic survey results.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Dec 17, 2023
Correction for “Isotopes prove advanced, integral crop production, and stockbreeding strategies n... more Correction for “Isotopes prove advanced, integral crop production, and stockbreeding strategies nourished Trypillia mega-populations,” by Frank Schlütz, Robert Hofmann, Marta dal Corso, Galyna Pashkevych, Stefan Dreibrodt, Mila Shatilo, Andreea Terna, Katharina Fuchs, Mykhailo Videiko, Vitalii Rud, Johannes Müller, and Wiebke Kirleis, published December 18, 2023; 10.1073/pnas.2312962120 (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 120, e2312962120).
This article discusses the absolute chronology of burials from the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC disco... more This article discusses the absolute chronology of burials from the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC discovered under the mounds of three barrows in the Kordyshiv cemetery in western Ukraine. Its aim is to create a chronological model of the burials by modeling 27 AMS 14 C dates obtained from 21 individuals buried in single and collective graves. Dietary analysis of stable carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotope values are presented. The Bayesian modeling of the 14 C dates from the three Kordyshiv barrows revealed the extremely important role of these monuments as longterm objects used for ritual purposes. At the end of the 3rd millennium BC, the epi-Corded Ware Culture (epi-CWC) community erected a mound over the central burial in Barrow 2, then interred the graves of three additional deceased. After several hundred years Barrow 2 was reused by Komarów Culture (KC) communities from the Middle Bronze Age (MBA) who interred their deceased in the existing mound. The oldest monument with MBA burials was Barrow 3, in which the dead were buried in a two-stage sequence before and after the mid-2nd millennium BC. The youngest dated grave was Burial 1 in Barrow 1, comprising a collective burial that was interred between 1400 and 1200 BC. The additional analyses of carbon and nitrogen isotopes show significant differences in the diet of epi-CWC individuals buried in Barrow 2 from the individuals representing the KC.
The following article presents the archaeological revaluation of the Middle Bronze Age Komarów cu... more The following article presents the archaeological revaluation of the Middle Bronze Age Komarów culture cemetery of Pidhoroddya in Western Ukraine in the Pre-Carpathian region. By examining scarce archival information from the pre-Second World War period, the Polish-Ukrainian research team brought to light evidence of a vast cemetery complex in Pidhoroddya, consisting of 39 barrows. The applied combination of archaeological survey, drilling, and magnetometry prospection revealed aspects of the spatial arrangement of the Komarów culture necropolis, as well as details of the funeral architecture, which allowed associating the burial mounds with the known canon of Komarów culture rites. This study presents the results of the archival research, followed by non-invasive survey, and their potential for revaluating the present state of knowledge regarding this barrow cemetery.
Kirleis, W., Dal Corso, M., Pashkevyech, G., Schlütz, F., Hofmann, R., Terna, A., Dreibrodt, S., ... more Kirleis, W., Dal Corso, M., Pashkevyech, G., Schlütz, F., Hofmann, R., Terna, A., Dreibrodt, S., Rud, V., Videiko, M. Y. and Müller, J. (2023) 'A complex subsistence regime revealed for Cucuteni-Trypillia sites in Chalcolithic eastern Europe based on new and old macrobotanical data' Vegetation History and Archaeobotany 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00334-023-00936-y
We present a comprehensive data-based characterization of the subsistence economy of Chalcolithic Cucuteni-Trypillia societies (CTS) on the Moldovian and Suceava plateaus and the Podolian and the Dnieper uplands. This study is based on a quantitative evaluation of archaeobotanical samples from 34 settlement sites, with a focus on Trypillia mega-sites and on stable isotopic analysis of ancient crop residues. The isotopic analysis allows us to identify specific cultivation strategies, which show a close relationship with animal husbandry for manure. We describe the economy of the Trypillia mega-sites as having been based on an elaborate agricultural system, in which the inhabitants knew how to grow crops that could withstand the ecological constraints of growth, especially along the forest steppe ecotone. We also argue that the agglomeration of greater population densities at these mega-sites contributed to landscape change from woodland and forest to open grassland and steppe. Following on from this, we suggest that cultivation practices of the CTS were important in the establishment of the present-day cultural steppe in this region.
We present a comprehensive data-based characterization of the subsistence economy of Chalcolithic... more We present a comprehensive data-based characterization of the subsistence economy of Chalcolithic Cucuteni–Trypillia societies (CTS) on the Moldovian and Suceava plateaus and the Podolian and the Dnieper uplands. This study is based on a quantitative evaluation of archaeobotanical samples from 34 settlement sites, with a focus on Trypillia mega-sites and on stable isotopic analysis of ancient crop residues. The isotopic analysis allows us to identify specific cultivation strategies, which show a close relationship with animal husbandry for manure. We describe the economy of the Trypillia mega-sites as having been based on an elaborate agricultural system, in which the inhabitants knew how to grow crops that could withstand the ecological constraints of growth, especially along the forest steppe ecotone. We also argue that the agglomeration of greater population densities at these mega-sites contributed to landscape change from woodland and forest to open grassland and steppe. Follow...
This article discusses two cases of so-called double barrows from the Middle Bronze
Age Komarow ... more This article discusses two cases of so-called double barrows from the Middle Bronze Age Komarow culture cemetery in Bukivna, in the Upper Dniester Basin (Ukraine), in order to demonstrate the potential of incorporating geophysical image analysis, excavations and sedimentological studies towards identifying subterranean funerary architecture. The magnetometer prospection of the Bukivna necropolis revealed the presence of a specific dipolar anomaly within the extent of a double barrow. The excavations uncovered burnt wooden-clay constructions related to mortuary houses. The sedimentological samples collected from the features below the mound provided data for the increased ferrous content. Another double barrow located in the Pidhoroddia cemetery was prospected by means of magnetometry, which did not reveal any similar anomaly within the magnetometry plan, thus providing evidence for a possible lack of discussed mortuary structure.
In the area of Western Ukraine, some aspects of mound (barrow) chronology might be resolved by us... more In the area of Western Ukraine, some aspects of mound (barrow) chronology might be resolved by using non-or minimally invasive archaeological prospection. As the cemeteries usually comprise two temporal units-the Late Neolithic Corded Ware Culture (third millennium BC) and Middle Bronze Age Komar ow culture (second millennium BC)-by referring to particular funerary rites Komar ow culture and their magnetic reflection, they can be distinguished by means of magnetometry survey supported with verification drilling. Recognition of the internal structure of the cemeteries is essential when confronted with their vast occurrence in Western Ukraine and also the morphological similarity of mounds. However, due to the great diversity in known grave architecture of the Komar ow culture, it is essential to stress that the methodological approach presented here applies only to the specific construction type of burnt wooden and clay structures, which rarely appear in Corded Ware Culture funerary practices. In addition to excavation, the applied methods provided preliminary information on the cultural affiliation and time of the construction of two mounds in Myluvannia in the pre-excavation stage of research.
During extensive field work, different aspects of the large Tripolye settlement Stolniceni I in n... more During extensive field work, different aspects of the large Tripolye settlement Stolniceni I in northwest Moldova were investigated by an international team. These investigations allow a reassessment of these population agglomerations from the first half of the 4th millennium BCE in Moldova and their comparison with more eastern Tripolye sites. The investigations carried out in 2017 included the completion of the archaeo-magnetic survey of the settlement and the targeted archaeological excavations of various types of contexts. Besides the investigation of a ditch enclosing the site and test trenches in different parts of the settlement, the excavations focused mainly on two areas in the north of the settlement: On the one hand, excavations were carried out in a pottery production complex, including the uncovering of a pottery kiln, several pits and a dwelling. On the other hand, one specific ‘ash-mound-like’ anomaly was investigated which are arranged in regular intervals at the per...
Numerous new 14C data from different Tripolye settlements enable settlement-related analyses on h... more Numerous new 14C data from different Tripolye settlements enable settlement-related analyses on house, village and town biographies as well as information on the relationship of different Tripolye regions to each other. The results are correlated with archaeological data, primarily stratigraphy and typology of pottery, and the presence of imports. A reassessment of e.g. the data from Maidanestke, Nebelivka and Talianky informs about demographic and cultural processes
The article presents the preliminary results of
archaeological fieldwork on the right bank of riv... more The article presents the preliminary results of archaeological fieldwork on the right bank of riv. Sinukha (Novoarkhangelskiy district Kirovohrad region), including information of four new sites of Tripillya culture.
In 2014 two neighboring buildings, such called probable structures, from outer circuit in the Sou... more In 2014 two neighboring buildings, such called probable structures, from outer circuit in the South East part of the settlement were excavated. Cultural layer included small number of burnt clay fragments with plant admixture, pottery scatters and huge amount of shreds. Remains of platform were found in each structure.
D. Mischka, K. Mischka, C. Preoteasa (eds.). 2016. Beyond excavation. Geophysics, aerial photography and the use of drones in Eastern and South-East European archaeology. Piatra-Neamț, 18-22
Published in the abstracts of the XXVI Scientific Session of the National Museum of History of Mo... more Published in the abstracts of the XXVI Scientific Session of the National Museum of History of Moldova
co-authored with Knut Rassmann, Mariana Vasilache, Mariana Sirbu, Vitalii Rud, Kai Radloff, Andreea Vornicu-Terna
The article presents the preliminary results of research by a Polish-Ukrainian team who in 2018-2... more The article presents the preliminary results of research by a Polish-Ukrainian team who in 2018-2023 worked on the project of comprehensive exploration of barrows situated in the forest-steppe between the Southern Bug and Dniester in modern Ukraine. There, two major stages of erecting and using barrows were distinguished for the 3rd and 1st millennia BC. Two barrows discussed herein, explored as part of the project, were erected in the second stage. Barrow 3 in Ivanivtsi-Antonivka can be dated to the second half of the 10th – first half of the 8th century BC, whereas Barrow 6 in Sloboda Noskovetska to the late 8th – early 7th century BC. The older one was erected and then used by communities related to the early period of the Chornolis culture. The younger one is at present one of the main pre-Scythian complexes of eastern Podillia. The multi-component set of artefacts deposited under its mound represents a mixture of the Chornolis culture, Basarabi-Şoldăneşti influences and impact of early steppe nomads (Cimmerians?). It illustrates well a complex cultural mosaic found in the forest-steppe between the Southern Bug and Dniester rivers.
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We present a comprehensive data-based characterization of the subsistence economy of Chalcolithic Cucuteni-Trypillia societies (CTS) on the Moldovian and Suceava plateaus and the Podolian and the Dnieper uplands. This study is based on a quantitative evaluation of archaeobotanical samples from 34 settlement sites, with a focus on Trypillia mega-sites and on stable isotopic analysis of ancient crop residues. The isotopic analysis allows us to identify specific cultivation strategies, which show a close relationship with animal husbandry for manure. We describe the economy of the Trypillia mega-sites as having been based on an elaborate agricultural system, in which the inhabitants knew how to grow crops that could withstand the ecological constraints of growth, especially along the forest steppe ecotone. We also argue that the agglomeration of greater population densities at these mega-sites contributed to landscape change from woodland and forest to open grassland and steppe. Following on from this, we suggest that cultivation practices of the CTS were important in the establishment of the present-day cultural steppe in this region.
Age Komarow culture cemetery in Bukivna, in the Upper Dniester Basin (Ukraine), in
order to demonstrate the potential of incorporating geophysical image analysis, excavations
and sedimentological studies towards identifying subterranean funerary
architecture. The magnetometer prospection of the Bukivna necropolis revealed the
presence of a specific dipolar anomaly within the extent of a double barrow. The
excavations uncovered burnt wooden-clay constructions related to mortuary houses.
The sedimentological samples collected from the features below the mound provided
data for the increased ferrous content. Another double barrow located in the
Pidhoroddia cemetery was prospected by means of magnetometry, which did not
reveal any similar anomaly within the magnetometry plan, thus providing evidence
for a possible lack of discussed mortuary structure.
We present a comprehensive data-based characterization of the subsistence economy of Chalcolithic Cucuteni-Trypillia societies (CTS) on the Moldovian and Suceava plateaus and the Podolian and the Dnieper uplands. This study is based on a quantitative evaluation of archaeobotanical samples from 34 settlement sites, with a focus on Trypillia mega-sites and on stable isotopic analysis of ancient crop residues. The isotopic analysis allows us to identify specific cultivation strategies, which show a close relationship with animal husbandry for manure. We describe the economy of the Trypillia mega-sites as having been based on an elaborate agricultural system, in which the inhabitants knew how to grow crops that could withstand the ecological constraints of growth, especially along the forest steppe ecotone. We also argue that the agglomeration of greater population densities at these mega-sites contributed to landscape change from woodland and forest to open grassland and steppe. Following on from this, we suggest that cultivation practices of the CTS were important in the establishment of the present-day cultural steppe in this region.
Age Komarow culture cemetery in Bukivna, in the Upper Dniester Basin (Ukraine), in
order to demonstrate the potential of incorporating geophysical image analysis, excavations
and sedimentological studies towards identifying subterranean funerary
architecture. The magnetometer prospection of the Bukivna necropolis revealed the
presence of a specific dipolar anomaly within the extent of a double barrow. The
excavations uncovered burnt wooden-clay constructions related to mortuary houses.
The sedimentological samples collected from the features below the mound provided
data for the increased ferrous content. Another double barrow located in the
Pidhoroddia cemetery was prospected by means of magnetometry, which did not
reveal any similar anomaly within the magnetometry plan, thus providing evidence
for a possible lack of discussed mortuary structure.
archaeological fieldwork on the right bank of riv.
Sinukha (Novoarkhangelskiy district Kirovohrad
region), including information of four new sites of
Tripillya culture.
part of the settlement were excavated. Cultural layer
included small number of burnt clay fragments with
plant admixture, pottery scatters and huge amount of
shreds. Remains of platform were found in each
structure.
co-authored with Knut Rassmann, Mariana Vasilache, Mariana Sirbu, Vitalii Rud, Kai Radloff, Andreea Vornicu-Terna