Agata Haluszko
University of Wroclaw, Institute of Archaeology, Graduate Student
- Human Remains (Anthropology), Paleopathology, Cremation, Human Osteology, Osteoarchaeology, Juvenile and Infant Osteology, and 18 morePhisical anthropology, Osteology (Anthropology), Anthropology, Cremated Human Bones, Cremation cemeteries, Cremation as a funeral practices, Forensic Anthropology, Archaeology, Archeologia, Violence (Anthropology), Evolutionary Psychology, Neolithic Archaeology, Computed Tomography, X-ray imaging, Paleodiet, Migration Studies, Stable Isotope Analysis, and Burned Bonesedit
Research Interests:
The research was carried out at the cremation cemetery of the Lusatian culture in Wtórek, Ostrów Wielkopolski district, Wielkopolska province, Poland. Contrary to the so-far-studied topics related to the CT imaging of burnt bones and... more
The research was carried out at the cremation cemetery of the Lusatian culture in Wtórek, Ostrów Wielkopolski district, Wielkopolska province, Poland. Contrary to the so-far-studied topics related to the CT imaging of burnt bones and their virtual exploration, we concentrated on the analysis of the structures formed by the soil fauna activity in the fills of urns and additional vessels, and reconstruction of the dynamics of the ecosystem variability within the cemetery area based on thereof. We also demonstrated the impact of macrofaunal activity on stratigraphy and bone fragmentation. From the total of 222 excavated burials in 18 urns and one additional vessel, the remains of macrofauna or its bioturbation activity were identified. Out of 19 vessels subjected to CT examinations, traces of macrofaunal activity were demonstrated in 13: in five vessels animal bioturbative activity was not observed and in one, observations was impossible (due to significant metal-related artifacts). In two vessels both macrofaunal remains and traces of activity were identified. Discovered bioturbations were associated with specific species or genera. Nests or their parts of the genus Geotrupes sp. beetles were the most frequently observed traces of macrofaunal activity. Tunnels and aestivation chambers of earthworms and chambers of the genus Harpalus sp. beetles filled with Setaria sp. caryopses were discovered. The chitinous parts of other insects and the humerus bones of the vole of the genus Microtus sp. were also identified. It was shown, especially due to the non-destructive method, that rodents activity had the most destructive effect on the bone stratigraphy as well as on the movement and fragmentation of the burnt bones. The chances of visualizing bioturbations decreased with time since their creation. The process of disappearance of traces of macrofaunal activity concerned both traces of rodent activity and nests set up by Geotrupes sp. and other species.
Research Interests: Entomology, Archaeology, Computed Tomography, Archaeological Method & Theory, Taphonomy, and 7 moreEarly Iron Age, Cremation, Late Bronze Age, Interested in cremation and inhumation of funerary rituals of the past., Studying funerary rituals about inhumation and cremation., Cremation as a funeral practices, and X ray Computed Tomography
Research of cremated human remains are limited by severe analytical constraints. Estimation of basic anthropological parameters such as sex of individuals or their age at death is often uncertain. A method for assessing the sex of... more
Research of cremated human remains are limited by severe analytical constraints. Estimation of basic anthropological parameters such as sex of individuals or their age at death is often uncertain. A method for assessing the sex of cremated individuals measures the lateral angle of the petrous part (PP) of the temporal bone, known as the lateral angle (LA) method. In the cemetery of the Lusatian culture in Czernikowice (51.317389°N, 15.871469°E), 6 well-preserved PP were identified. The analyzed PP belonged to 6 different individuals: 3 adults and 3 children. Based on standard anthropological methods, sex was estimated for adults individuals: 2 males and 1 female. The identified PP served as the basis for application of the LA method. The bones were scanned by computed tomography (CT) and the tomographic imaging allowed measurement of the lateral angle. The absolute values of intra-observer errors did not exceed 1°. Relative technical errors of measurements (rTEM) fell in the range below 5%, which is indicative of their high precision. Individuals for which the LA value was greater than or equal to 45.0° were qualified as females and those for which it was less than 45.0°-as males. The LA values for female individuals ranged from 48.0 to 49.1°, (average 48.5±0.78°, median 48.4°) and for male individuals were in the range of 24.9-37.5° (average 33.4±5.80°, median 35.5°). The absolute difference between the average values for female and male individuals was considerable (15.1°) and statistically significant (p < 0.001). The LA method provides good reliability of measurements when it comes to this analysis with regard to cremated osteological material, and the use of non-invasive CT enhances its value in the context of archaeological remains. However, its capability for sexing subadult individuals should be approached with caution and requires further research.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Archaeological Soil Micromorphology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeological Geophysics, and 11 moreNeolithic Europe, Neolithic, Archaebotany, Micromorphology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic enclosures, Hillforts and Enclosures, Central European Neolithic, Causewayed Enclosures, Prehistoric Ditched Enclosures, Neolithic enclosures, and Jordanów culture
Uniparentally-inherited markers on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome (NRY), have been used for the past 30 years to investigate the history of humans from a maternal and paternal perspective.... more
Uniparentally-inherited markers on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome (NRY), have been used for the past 30 years to investigate the history of humans from a maternal and paternal perspective. Researchers have preferred mtDNA due to its abundance in the cells, and comparatively high substitution rate. Conversely, the NRY is less susceptible to back mutations and saturation, and is potentially more informative than mtDNA owing to its longer sequence length. However, due to comparatively poor NRY coverage via shotgun sequencing, and the relatively low and biased representation of Y-chromosome variants on capture assays such as the
Research Interests:
In this research, sampling optimisation and modelling based thereon follow from the assumption that each human skeleton can be treated as a set of heterochronous carbon reservoirs capable of supplying at least an elementary sequence... more
In this research, sampling optimisation and modelling based thereon follow from the assumption that each human skeleton can be treated as a set of heterochronous carbon reservoirs capable of supplying at least an elementary sequence consisting of two 14C dates corresponding to the moment of birth (otic capsule) and that of demise (ribs), as well as an anthropologically defined lag between them. Two case studies demonstrate that the approach can raise the precision of 14C dates related to the death of the individuals. The benefits and main issues of this sampling strategy as well as the involved bioarchaeological conflict potential are taken under discussion.
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Research Interests:
The paper presents the results of two grave exca- vations from the Magnice region in southwestern Poland. Both graves belong to the Corded Ware cultural tradition and provide evidence for two completely different ways of burying the dead... more
The paper presents the results of two grave exca-
vations from the Magnice region in southwestern Poland.
Both graves belong to the Corded Ware cultural tradition
and provide evidence for two completely different ways
of burying the dead practised by the same archaeological
„culture“ over a similar time period. The differences are in grave construction and selection of grave goods, demonstrating a variety
of attitudes towards the burial process. We focus on grave construction,
biological condition of discovered human remains and on use-wear observation of lithic grave goods.
We assume funeral patterns were known – learned or sensed – and shared by small local groups. Although a concept of an „idealized grave
model(s)“ must have been part of commonly shared social
and cultural rules, archaeological evidence shows it was
realised in various ways that could be socially negotiated.
vations from the Magnice region in southwestern Poland.
Both graves belong to the Corded Ware cultural tradition
and provide evidence for two completely different ways
of burying the dead practised by the same archaeological
„culture“ over a similar time period. The differences are in grave construction and selection of grave goods, demonstrating a variety
of attitudes towards the burial process. We focus on grave construction,
biological condition of discovered human remains and on use-wear observation of lithic grave goods.
We assume funeral patterns were known – learned or sensed – and shared by small local groups. Although a concept of an „idealized grave
model(s)“ must have been part of commonly shared social
and cultural rules, archaeological evidence shows it was
realised in various ways that could be socially negotiated.
Research Interests:
The population of the Jordanów culture from the Domasław site in the light of anthropological research Anthropological research, which has been conducted on a series of skeletons from Domasław, aimed at recreating the biological state of... more
The population of the Jordanów culture from the Domasław site in the light of anthropological research
Anthropological research, which has been conducted on a series of skeletons from Domasław, aimed at recreating the biological state of the population of the Jordanów culture and comparing it with other Danube groups. Due t the lack of larger series of anthropological materials from the epi-Lengyel sites, which are culturally and geographically nearest to the burial ground in Domasław, the main comparisons were made based on the large skeletal series from burial grounds of the Brześć Kujawski culture. For the majority of the examined skeletons, it was possible to determine the sex and age at death, as well as to make craniometric and postcranial skeletons measurements. Musculoskeletal stress markers (MSM) and various symptoms of palaeopathology have been also observed (Table 1). 6 females (12 867, 12 896, 12 898, 13 111, 13 124, 13 125) and 7 males (12 862, 12 897, 13 109, 13 120,
13 123, 13 131, 13 132) have been determined. For the rest of individuals it was impossible to determine their sex. In the case of 20 individuals, it was possible to determine the precise age at the time, only one individual has been assigned to the general age category: “adult” (13 352). In the age structure of the skeletal series from Domasław, a large group are children, as well as individuals who died at the age of Juvenis (Table 1). On the basis of craniometric measurements, the average cranial ratio between the width and length was calculated, which amounts to 72.7 and despite the gender differences (♂ = 70.5; ♀ = 74.9), it allows to classify individuals in the examined population as long-headed (dolichocranius). Average rates between the width and length characterized the examined skulls as tall and narrow, and male
skulls are significantly higher than female ones. Sexual dimorphism of the examined population occurred in all parts of the skeleton, mainly in the characteristics determining the size and shape of bones. The methods used for determining intravital body height depict a clear sexual dimorphism of this feature. The estimated average body height for males was 164.5 cm / 163.0 cm (Table 5) and 151.3 cm / 152.2 cm for females. Both the difference of arithmetic means and the sexual dimorphism index (WSPD) itself are high. Therefore, even taking into account ecosensitivity of males, it can be concluded that the biological condition of the population of the Jordanów culture from Domasław was good, and the development of individuals was conducted in optimal environmental conditions. In addition, significant sex differences have been observed in the population of the Jordanów culture from Domasław, which may result from the greater mobility of men, and also from their different social functions, translating into daily activities. Non-metric features of postcranial skeleton were most strongly represented by the characteistics associated with squatting position and were up 87.5%. The population from Domasław was characterized by MSM, most often at the humeri, with the predominance of enlarged muscle attachments in the case of women. Among all adults, in 5 cases pathological changes of vertebrae have been found. It should be assumed that the proportion of individuals with the degenerative changes in the spine was much higher, and the underestimation stems from the conservation status which makes the analysis impossible. Vertebral pathologies were connected with the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine. In the case of 1 individual dystrophic changes of the vertebrae C3 and C4 have been found. Other degenerative changes were related to the occurrence of the Schmorl’s nodes on the lumbar vertebral bodies. Most of the degenerative changes in the spine concerned young individuals aged 16 to 30 years (Juvenis, Adultus). The most numerous complex of the features of this type was diagnosed in the case of a woman from the grave 13 125. She was diagnosed, apart from osteochondrosis of vertebral bodies C3-C7, with osteoarthritis of articular surfaces of articular processes and adhesion of articular surfaces of articular processes of two cervical vertebrae (C3 + C4). Another group of diseases were diseases resulting from nutritional deficiencies, which are considered to be the result of physiological stresses, formed in childhood. Cribra orbitalia, humeral cribra, and femoral cribra are indicators that determine the state of health or even of malnutrition, but also they may be a consequence of zoonoses and various childhood diseases. Harris lines are considered to be a non-specific indicator of stress of the growth period, but also a certain kind of individual feature resulting from the accelerated growth in the pubertal period. They were observed in 3 individuals representing 14.3% of the examined population. Their distal position relative to the central part of the shaft suggests the late origin of them. As expected, most of deficiency diseases occurred in young individuals, but the lack of bones of children probably reduces the intensity of this phenomenon. Usually, enamel hypoplasia is a commonly observed pathology, but at the burial ground in Damasław it has been found only in 2 individuals. Dental caries is another prevalent disease, but similarly it has been found only in 1 woman, in the form of antemortem cavities of two teeth. In most individuals, the presence of a strong abrasion of tooth crowns has been discovered, inadequate to their age at the time of death. On the one hand it may reflect abrasive properties of food, but non-masticatory use is also conceivable. Atrophy of the alveolar process has been observed equally often, much more frequently in women than in men, as well as dental tartar. Injuries constituted a significant group of palaeopathology of the discussed population (23.8%). They were mainly perimortem injuries of skulls, but in one case a perimortem fracture of the left shankbone has been observed (13 132). Injures caused by sharp-edged tools have been diagnosed on skulls of 3 women (12 867, 13 111, 13 125). They were similarly placed on each of the skulls, but incomplete bones do not allow to reconstruct a complete picture of the extent of the damage.
Anthropological research, which has been conducted on a series of skeletons from Domasław, aimed at recreating the biological state of the population of the Jordanów culture and comparing it with other Danube groups. Due t the lack of larger series of anthropological materials from the epi-Lengyel sites, which are culturally and geographically nearest to the burial ground in Domasław, the main comparisons were made based on the large skeletal series from burial grounds of the Brześć Kujawski culture. For the majority of the examined skeletons, it was possible to determine the sex and age at death, as well as to make craniometric and postcranial skeletons measurements. Musculoskeletal stress markers (MSM) and various symptoms of palaeopathology have been also observed (Table 1). 6 females (12 867, 12 896, 12 898, 13 111, 13 124, 13 125) and 7 males (12 862, 12 897, 13 109, 13 120,
13 123, 13 131, 13 132) have been determined. For the rest of individuals it was impossible to determine their sex. In the case of 20 individuals, it was possible to determine the precise age at the time, only one individual has been assigned to the general age category: “adult” (13 352). In the age structure of the skeletal series from Domasław, a large group are children, as well as individuals who died at the age of Juvenis (Table 1). On the basis of craniometric measurements, the average cranial ratio between the width and length was calculated, which amounts to 72.7 and despite the gender differences (♂ = 70.5; ♀ = 74.9), it allows to classify individuals in the examined population as long-headed (dolichocranius). Average rates between the width and length characterized the examined skulls as tall and narrow, and male
skulls are significantly higher than female ones. Sexual dimorphism of the examined population occurred in all parts of the skeleton, mainly in the characteristics determining the size and shape of bones. The methods used for determining intravital body height depict a clear sexual dimorphism of this feature. The estimated average body height for males was 164.5 cm / 163.0 cm (Table 5) and 151.3 cm / 152.2 cm for females. Both the difference of arithmetic means and the sexual dimorphism index (WSPD) itself are high. Therefore, even taking into account ecosensitivity of males, it can be concluded that the biological condition of the population of the Jordanów culture from Domasław was good, and the development of individuals was conducted in optimal environmental conditions. In addition, significant sex differences have been observed in the population of the Jordanów culture from Domasław, which may result from the greater mobility of men, and also from their different social functions, translating into daily activities. Non-metric features of postcranial skeleton were most strongly represented by the characteistics associated with squatting position and were up 87.5%. The population from Domasław was characterized by MSM, most often at the humeri, with the predominance of enlarged muscle attachments in the case of women. Among all adults, in 5 cases pathological changes of vertebrae have been found. It should be assumed that the proportion of individuals with the degenerative changes in the spine was much higher, and the underestimation stems from the conservation status which makes the analysis impossible. Vertebral pathologies were connected with the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine. In the case of 1 individual dystrophic changes of the vertebrae C3 and C4 have been found. Other degenerative changes were related to the occurrence of the Schmorl’s nodes on the lumbar vertebral bodies. Most of the degenerative changes in the spine concerned young individuals aged 16 to 30 years (Juvenis, Adultus). The most numerous complex of the features of this type was diagnosed in the case of a woman from the grave 13 125. She was diagnosed, apart from osteochondrosis of vertebral bodies C3-C7, with osteoarthritis of articular surfaces of articular processes and adhesion of articular surfaces of articular processes of two cervical vertebrae (C3 + C4). Another group of diseases were diseases resulting from nutritional deficiencies, which are considered to be the result of physiological stresses, formed in childhood. Cribra orbitalia, humeral cribra, and femoral cribra are indicators that determine the state of health or even of malnutrition, but also they may be a consequence of zoonoses and various childhood diseases. Harris lines are considered to be a non-specific indicator of stress of the growth period, but also a certain kind of individual feature resulting from the accelerated growth in the pubertal period. They were observed in 3 individuals representing 14.3% of the examined population. Their distal position relative to the central part of the shaft suggests the late origin of them. As expected, most of deficiency diseases occurred in young individuals, but the lack of bones of children probably reduces the intensity of this phenomenon. Usually, enamel hypoplasia is a commonly observed pathology, but at the burial ground in Damasław it has been found only in 2 individuals. Dental caries is another prevalent disease, but similarly it has been found only in 1 woman, in the form of antemortem cavities of two teeth. In most individuals, the presence of a strong abrasion of tooth crowns has been discovered, inadequate to their age at the time of death. On the one hand it may reflect abrasive properties of food, but non-masticatory use is also conceivable. Atrophy of the alveolar process has been observed equally often, much more frequently in women than in men, as well as dental tartar. Injuries constituted a significant group of palaeopathology of the discussed population (23.8%). They were mainly perimortem injuries of skulls, but in one case a perimortem fracture of the left shankbone has been observed (13 132). Injures caused by sharp-edged tools have been diagnosed on skulls of 3 women (12 867, 13 111, 13 125). They were similarly placed on each of the skulls, but incomplete bones do not allow to reconstruct a complete picture of the extent of the damage.
Research Interests:
Human remains from two Lusatian culture cremation burials (13 and 15) discovered during archaeological fieldwork at the Kotowice 1 site (county Trzebnica), were handed over for physical anthropology analyses. A CT scan of the urn from... more
Human remains from two Lusatian culture cremation burials (13 and 15) discovered during archaeological fieldwork at the Kotowice 1 site (county Trzebnica), were handed over for physical anthropology analyses. A CT scan of the urn from grave 15 was performed and the vessel’s infill was explored based on the acquired images. A micromorphological sample was taken from the layer containing burnt skeletal material. The paper presents the results of the conducted studies and shows the potential of the chosen procedure, involving non-invasive imaging, meticulous exploration of the urn contents and micromorphology, for research on prehistoric funeral practices.
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Research Interests:
Rekonstrukcja ciałopalnego obrządku pogrzebowego jest jednym z obszarów badawczych, który stwarza możliwości do wykorzystania nieinwazyjnych metod prospekcyjnych. Eksploracja pradziejowych urn, zwykle obarczona jest brakiem dokładnej... more
Rekonstrukcja ciałopalnego obrządku pogrzebowego jest jednym z obszarów badawczych, który stwarza możliwości do wykorzystania nieinwazyjnych metod prospekcyjnych. Eksploracja pradziejowych urn, zwykle obarczona jest brakiem dokładnej wiedzy dotyczącej budowy i struktury ich wnętrza. Z kolei badanie popielnic za pomocą usuwania kolejnych warstw mechanicznych nie pozwala na opisanie warunków jakim podlegały kości na różnych etapach kształtowania wypełniska. Dlatego też wykorzystanie tomografii komputerowej podczas przed-eksploracyjnych analiz antropologicznych ma fundamentalne znaczenie, dostarczając informacji na temat układu kości oraz innych artefaktów w urnie, sekwencji stratygraficznej jego wypełniska, oraz stanu zachowania naczynia. Posłużenie się tomografią komputerową w prezentowanych badaniach, jest rodzajem użycia prospekcji nieinwazyjnej w ograniczonej, zamkniętej przestrzeni.
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In 2010 archeological research was carried out on Kościelny square (situated near Wałbrzych’s centre), where two churches are based one Catholic and another Protestant. A single burial body deposited in a wooden coffin was discovered.... more
In 2010 archeological research was carried out on Kościelny square (situated near Wałbrzych’s centre), where two churches are based one Catholic and another Protestant. A single burial body deposited in a wooden coffin was discovered. During the exploration of the skeleton pieces of fabric were found, the remians of the burial clothes. Based on the embroidery ornate and buttons preserved, it is assumed that the dead man was dressed in justacorps (a kind of long, male suit without flange) during the funeral ceremony. One of the most interesting pieces of clothing was a hat - tricorn made of black felt, whose edges were originally folded upward into the shape of a triangle. The anthropological analysis showed that the male aged between 20-29, of a hieght up to 170 cm was buried on Kościelny square in Walbrzych. The man’s characteristic feature was his jaw which set forward in relation to the upper jaw. On the basis on the pieces of clothing and the hat, it can be assumed that burial in a coffin on Kościelny square in Walbrzych took place in the 2nd half of the 18th or at the beginning of the 19th century.
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Human skeletal remains from the fill of the well in the vicinity of the crypt located in the Bernardine monastery in Jawor Anthropological analysis was carried out on the skeletal remains from the fill of a crypt located in the... more
Human skeletal remains from the fill of the well in the vicinity of the crypt located in the Bernardine monastery in Jawor
Anthropological analysis was carried out on the skeletal remains from the fill of a crypt located in the Bernardine monastery in Jawor. Among all the bones subjected to the anthropological study, 2 male individuals in the maturus age-at-death were distinguished. Post mortem lytic lesions were identified on the bones, which are most probably the effect of the activity of insects feeding on the drying or already skeletonised remains. The microscopic images as well as the images obtained with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) seem to confirm that assumption. Moreover, paleopathologies (ante mortem tooth loss, tartar, osteoarthritis, periostitis), musculoskeletal stress markers (MSM; enlarged muscle insertions of the humerus, tibia, fibula and coxae; ossified ligaments of fibula and tibia) and epigenetic traits of the individuals were described. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis determined the approximate diet of the individuals. Carbon and nitrogen ratios were measured, both for humans (2 teeth samples, 2 samples from the postcranial skeleton) as well as for animals (3 samples). The results indicate a significant share of freshwater and partly marine food in the diet of both individuals.
Anthropological analysis was carried out on the skeletal remains from the fill of a crypt located in the Bernardine monastery in Jawor. Among all the bones subjected to the anthropological study, 2 male individuals in the maturus age-at-death were distinguished. Post mortem lytic lesions were identified on the bones, which are most probably the effect of the activity of insects feeding on the drying or already skeletonised remains. The microscopic images as well as the images obtained with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) seem to confirm that assumption. Moreover, paleopathologies (ante mortem tooth loss, tartar, osteoarthritis, periostitis), musculoskeletal stress markers (MSM; enlarged muscle insertions of the humerus, tibia, fibula and coxae; ossified ligaments of fibula and tibia) and epigenetic traits of the individuals were described. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis determined the approximate diet of the individuals. Carbon and nitrogen ratios were measured, both for humans (2 teeth samples, 2 samples from the postcranial skeleton) as well as for animals (3 samples). The results indicate a significant share of freshwater and partly marine food in the diet of both individuals.
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Archaeological excavation made at Bilshivci in the years 2006–2011 was of sondage type, connected with construction works of destroyed monastery and covered 16 archaeological trenches. In spite of its limited spatial extend the... more
Archaeological excavation made at Bilshivci in the years 2006–2011 was of sondage type, connected with construction works of destroyed monastery and covered 16 archaeological trenches. In spite of its limited spatial extend the investigation revealed evidence on several occupation
episodes of different character, much greater than was suggested by the archive record. Next to relics of prehistoric to modern occupation the findings including an extensive cemetery and possible buildings which apparently pre-dated the construction of the existing 18th century Baroque church and monastery. The oldest occupation phase is associated with the Upper Paleolithic settlement, probably of the Gravettian culture. More numerous traces of settlement may be linked to the communities of the Tripolye culture. The excavation revealed relics of v-shaped ditch, confirmed the existence of an enclosure of this culture. Later stages of settlement are indicated by the Bronze Age and Iron Age findings. Occupation during the medieval period is confirmed by a small number of redeposited pottery and relics of one pit. In almost all trenches post-medieval graves were discovered. The remains of the cemetery were associated with subsequent churches built on the hill. Very interesting are the relics of the architecture preceding the formation of the present church and monastery. The foundations discovered in the nave of the present church are probably the remains of the older church choir.
episodes of different character, much greater than was suggested by the archive record. Next to relics of prehistoric to modern occupation the findings including an extensive cemetery and possible buildings which apparently pre-dated the construction of the existing 18th century Baroque church and monastery. The oldest occupation phase is associated with the Upper Paleolithic settlement, probably of the Gravettian culture. More numerous traces of settlement may be linked to the communities of the Tripolye culture. The excavation revealed relics of v-shaped ditch, confirmed the existence of an enclosure of this culture. Later stages of settlement are indicated by the Bronze Age and Iron Age findings. Occupation during the medieval period is confirmed by a small number of redeposited pottery and relics of one pit. In almost all trenches post-medieval graves were discovered. The remains of the cemetery were associated with subsequent churches built on the hill. Very interesting are the relics of the architecture preceding the formation of the present church and monastery. The foundations discovered in the nave of the present church are probably the remains of the older church choir.
Research Interests:
One of the largest concentrations of Bell Beaker Culture sites in Poland can be found in Upper Silesia, a region located in the foreground of the Moravian Gate, which was one of the most important communication arteries connecting... more
One of the largest concentrations of Bell Beaker Culture sites in Poland can be found in Upper Silesia, a region located in the foreground of the Moravian Gate, which was one of the most important communication arteries connecting Northern and Southern Europe. In the majority of cases, including the largest currently known cemetery at Pietrowice Wielkie (voi. Silesia), these sites were discovered by accident in the pre-1945 period. Only a few Bell Beaker Culture sites have been recorded in the post-World War period. New data of an exceptional character were obtained during large-scale rescue excavations conducted at the site of Kornice 33, commune Pietrowice Wielkie. This research resulted in the uncovering of an unique settlement complex, which comprised a settlement and a neighbouring cemetery. The paper presents a preliminary report and first results of specialist analyses.
Research Interests: Anthropology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Bell Beakers (Archaeology), and 7 moreDeath and Burial (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Neolithic, Archaeology of death and burial, Bell Beaker Culture, Bell Beaker Phenomenon, and Burial rites of the Corded Ware and the Bell Beaker Cultures in Central Europe
Anthropological analysis was conducted by means of standard methods and included one skeleton of Lengyel culture. The analysis was determined sex, age-at-death, stature, postcranial nonmetric traits and paleopathological lesions. Skeletal... more
Anthropological analysis was conducted by means of standard methods and included one skeleton of Lengyel culture. The analysis was determined sex, age-at-death, stature, postcranial
nonmetric traits and paleopathological lesions. Skeletal human remains had been identified as a female 32-38-year-old of stature 151-159 cm.
nonmetric traits and paleopathological lesions. Skeletal human remains had been identified as a female 32-38-year-old of stature 151-159 cm.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The site near Dobkowice (Lower Silesia) was discovered by accident in 1971. Archaeological excavations carried out in 1972 and 1979 to 1981 have revealed 16 features; among them various kinds of pits, the remains of a ditch, and 4... more
The site near Dobkowice (Lower Silesia) was discovered by accident in 1971. Archaeological excavations
carried out in 1972 and 1979 to 1981 have revealed 16 features; among them various kinds of pits, the remains of
a ditch, and 4 burials related to the Jordanów culture. In 2012, interdisciplinary investigations were performed on site.
The main research goals were the confirmation of the existence of an enclosure, a re-evaluation of the absolute chronology
of the site (by radiocarbon dating) and obtaining sample material for laboratory analyses: archaeobotanical,
geoarchaeological (e.g. soil/sediment micromorphology) and osteological. In order to ensure a solid research framework
a three-step procedure has been adopted: 1) geophysical prospection with a magnetometer, which revealed a number of
anomalies indicating the presence of archaeological features, including a double ditched enclosure; 2) excavations in
designated areas, which confirmed the presence of ditches and their chronological association with the Jordanów culture;
revealed a burial in one of the ditch sections and enabled the collection of sample material; 3) laboratory analyses
(currently in progress): archaeobotanical, geoarchaeological, osteological, DNA and stable isotope analyses of the
discovered human remains and radiocarbon dating. Such an approach to site investigation permits the examination of
the archaeological record (also on the microscopic scale) and acquisition of new data, while doing limited damage to
the archaeological substance. The chosen analytical techniques will hopefully deliver new information, which will enable
a better understanding of chronology, land use patterns, and the function of enclosures in Neolithic Lower Silesia. The
aim of this paper is to present this procedure "in action" and discuss the preliminary research results.
carried out in 1972 and 1979 to 1981 have revealed 16 features; among them various kinds of pits, the remains of
a ditch, and 4 burials related to the Jordanów culture. In 2012, interdisciplinary investigations were performed on site.
The main research goals were the confirmation of the existence of an enclosure, a re-evaluation of the absolute chronology
of the site (by radiocarbon dating) and obtaining sample material for laboratory analyses: archaeobotanical,
geoarchaeological (e.g. soil/sediment micromorphology) and osteological. In order to ensure a solid research framework
a three-step procedure has been adopted: 1) geophysical prospection with a magnetometer, which revealed a number of
anomalies indicating the presence of archaeological features, including a double ditched enclosure; 2) excavations in
designated areas, which confirmed the presence of ditches and their chronological association with the Jordanów culture;
revealed a burial in one of the ditch sections and enabled the collection of sample material; 3) laboratory analyses
(currently in progress): archaeobotanical, geoarchaeological, osteological, DNA and stable isotope analyses of the
discovered human remains and radiocarbon dating. Such an approach to site investigation permits the examination of
the archaeological record (also on the microscopic scale) and acquisition of new data, while doing limited damage to
the archaeological substance. The chosen analytical techniques will hopefully deliver new information, which will enable
a better understanding of chronology, land use patterns, and the function of enclosures in Neolithic Lower Silesia. The
aim of this paper is to present this procedure "in action" and discuss the preliminary research results.
Research Interests: Archaeological Soil Micromorphology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeological Geophysics, and 10 moreNeolithic Europe, Neolithic, Archaebotany, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Micromorphology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic enclosures, Hillforts and Enclosures, Causewayed Enclosures, Prehistoric Ditched Enclosures, and Neolithic enclosures
The paper reports on the analysis of an osteological sample from cremation graves of Lusatian culture recovered at Stobrawa site 25D, distr. Opole. The rescue excavation covered an area of ca. 800 m2 and uncovered 81 graves and three... more
The paper reports on the analysis of an osteological sample from cremation graves of Lusatian culture recovered at Stobrawa site 25D, distr. Opole. The rescue excavation covered an area of ca. 800 m2 and uncovered 81 graves and three shallow settlement pits dated to Bronze Age IV-V and older Hallstatt Period. Skeletal remains submitted for osteological analysis came from 43 graves. The analysis was carried out to ascertain cremation efficiency, total weight of the bone, number of individuals to an urn, age and sex of the individuals, approximate body height, presence of animal bone. Most urns held skeletal remains that were completely oxidised (88.4 %; 40, 4/50, 50). Except for skeletal remains from two urns (graves nos.: 39, 53; 4.7%) all other vessels held uniformly cremated bone. The two exceptions presumably result from the construction of the pyre providing some insight on the features of the burial rite practiced by the investigated population. How the body was handled after cremation is intimated also by the quantity of skeletal remains deposited inside the urns. Their largest quantity was found in grave no. 10 – 1855.35g, the smallest – 2.45g - in one of the vessels from double grave no. 77. There were 39 single (90.7%) and 4 double burials (nos.: 52, 53, 64, 69). Closer age determination could be made for 16 burials (30.8%): two individuals were qualified as category infans I, one as category infans I/II, four as infans II, two as iuvenis, two as adultus, four as adultus/maturus, and one as category maturus. For 15 cases, owing to their preservation status, only a broad classification was used in which the individuals were described as “adult” (13 individuals) and “child” (2 individuals). In 19 cases assessment of bone age was not possible. Six male (11.5) and five female individuals were identified. In other cases sex determination was not possible (78.8%). In four cases (7.7%) estimation of approximate body height could be made - for individuals from graves 4, 29?/64?, 65 and 69.
Research Interests:
Analizie antropologicznej poddano materiał kostny pochodzący ze stanowiska Grzybiany, pow. legnicki, stan. 3. Łącznie analizie antropologicznej poddano siedem fragmentów kości ludzkich. W ramach przeprowadzonej analizy określono płeć i... more
Analizie antropologicznej poddano materiał kostny pochodzący ze stanowiska Grzybiany, pow. legnicki, stan. 3. Łącznie analizie antropologicznej poddano siedem fragmentów kości ludzkich. W ramach przeprowadzonej analizy określono płeć i wiek w chwili śmierci oraz zidentyfikowano zmiany patologiczne zachowane na kościach. Płeć określono na podstawie cech niemetrycznych kości czaszki, szczególnie żuchwy oraz obliterację szwów czaszkowych. Określono płeć dwóch osobników jako męską i jednego jako żeńską. Wiek w chwili śmierci określono na podstawie stanu zachowanego uzębienia, stopnia starcia koron zębowych oraz obliterację szwów czaszkowych. Oceniono wiek w chwili śmierci dwóch osobników jako adultus oraz jednego jako maturus.
Zdiagnozowano zmiany próchnicze i paradontopatyczne na trzonie żuchwy osobnika płci żeńskiej w wieku maturus. Zaobserwowano hypoplazję szkliwa u osobnika płci męskiej w wieku adultus. Na żuchwie tego osobnika rozpoznano także wieloodłamowe złamanie z przemieszczeniem powstałe peri mortem, a także ślady po dekapitacji. W przypadku dwóch innych fragmentów żuchw prawdopodobnie mamy również do czynienia ze złamaniami kości powstałymi peri mortem. Ponadto na kości ciemieniowej innego osobnika zaobserwowano ślady działalności ognia. W miejscu szwu strzałkowego zaobserwowano wyraźną zmianę koloru ciągnąca się przez całą długość krawędzi. Przebieg zaczernienia i jego półkolisty charakter świadczą o urazie w tył głowy.
Wyniki analizy antropologicznej nie wyjaśniają jednoznacznie powodu obecności kości ludzkich na osadzie kultury łużyckiej w Grzybianach. Wszelkie ślady zaobserwowane na kościach wskazują na wydarzenia z udziałem przemocy. Część obrażeń obserwowanych na kościach mogła mieć miejsce w wyniku nieszczęśliwych wypadków.
Zdiagnozowano zmiany próchnicze i paradontopatyczne na trzonie żuchwy osobnika płci żeńskiej w wieku maturus. Zaobserwowano hypoplazję szkliwa u osobnika płci męskiej w wieku adultus. Na żuchwie tego osobnika rozpoznano także wieloodłamowe złamanie z przemieszczeniem powstałe peri mortem, a także ślady po dekapitacji. W przypadku dwóch innych fragmentów żuchw prawdopodobnie mamy również do czynienia ze złamaniami kości powstałymi peri mortem. Ponadto na kości ciemieniowej innego osobnika zaobserwowano ślady działalności ognia. W miejscu szwu strzałkowego zaobserwowano wyraźną zmianę koloru ciągnąca się przez całą długość krawędzi. Przebieg zaczernienia i jego półkolisty charakter świadczą o urazie w tył głowy.
Wyniki analizy antropologicznej nie wyjaśniają jednoznacznie powodu obecności kości ludzkich na osadzie kultury łużyckiej w Grzybianach. Wszelkie ślady zaobserwowane na kościach wskazują na wydarzenia z udziałem przemocy. Część obrażeń obserwowanych na kościach mogła mieć miejsce w wyniku nieszczęśliwych wypadków.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Anthropology, Violence, Paleopathology, Trauma Studies, and 11 moreBronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Human Remains (Anthropology), Urnfield Culture, Trauma, Decapitation, Antropología, Cut Marks, Lusatian Culture, Human remains in Archaeology, Cut Marks In Human Remains, and Antropologia
Anthropological analysis comprised osteological material from four skeleton graves and one cremated burial grave (exploring the urn with its fill in the case of the latter) with varied degree of bone preservation. The analysis aimed at... more
Anthropological analysis comprised osteological material from four skeleton graves and one cremated burial grave (exploring the urn with its fill in the case of the latter) with varied degree of bone preservation. The analysis aimed at sex determination, age-at-death and identifying pathological and pseudopathological changes displayed by the bones.
For the determination of sex were used the complex sex determination method and non-metric features (intersexual differences) of pelvis and skull bones (Ferembach, Schwidetzky, Stloukal 1979, 1980; Piontek 1999; Stloukal 1999; Ubelaker 1978). The sex in child from pit 314 was used the method based on non-metric features on mandibule proposed by Schutkowski (1993). For the determination of age-at-death, methods were used evaluating the degree of dental eruption based on Ubelaker’s chart (1978; 1989), dental abrasion, degree of ossification skeletal elements and degree of obliteration of cranial sutures (Buikstra, Ubelaker 1994; Hałuszko 2006; Hunger, Leopold 1978). The following age classification system was used (after Kwiatkowska 2005): infans I 0-7 years of age; infans I/II 5-10 years; infans II 7-15 years; juvenis 15-20 years; juvenis/adultus 18-21 years; adultus 20-35 years; adultus/maturus 30-40 years; maturus 35-50 years; maturus/senilis 45-55 years; senilis over 50 years of age. To evaluate the extent of cribra orbitalia, which is the main indicator of population’s emaciation, was applied the three-degree scale proposed by Nathan and Haas (after Steinbock 1976): porotic type, cribrotic type and trabecular type. The second strain indicator, which was marked was Harris line.
The analysis provided the following results: object 314 contained the remains of an 5 - 7 year-old boy witch cribra obitalia in trabecular type and Harris lines; object 1020 contained the remains of an adult male; object 1073 contained the remains of an adultus female (23 - 27 years of age) with cranial pseudopathologies; object 1098 contained the remains of a senilis individual of an undetermined sex; object 1111 (cremated burial grave) contained the remains of an infans I individual (0 - 7 years of age) of undetermined sex.
For the determination of sex were used the complex sex determination method and non-metric features (intersexual differences) of pelvis and skull bones (Ferembach, Schwidetzky, Stloukal 1979, 1980; Piontek 1999; Stloukal 1999; Ubelaker 1978). The sex in child from pit 314 was used the method based on non-metric features on mandibule proposed by Schutkowski (1993). For the determination of age-at-death, methods were used evaluating the degree of dental eruption based on Ubelaker’s chart (1978; 1989), dental abrasion, degree of ossification skeletal elements and degree of obliteration of cranial sutures (Buikstra, Ubelaker 1994; Hałuszko 2006; Hunger, Leopold 1978). The following age classification system was used (after Kwiatkowska 2005): infans I 0-7 years of age; infans I/II 5-10 years; infans II 7-15 years; juvenis 15-20 years; juvenis/adultus 18-21 years; adultus 20-35 years; adultus/maturus 30-40 years; maturus 35-50 years; maturus/senilis 45-55 years; senilis over 50 years of age. To evaluate the extent of cribra orbitalia, which is the main indicator of population’s emaciation, was applied the three-degree scale proposed by Nathan and Haas (after Steinbock 1976): porotic type, cribrotic type and trabecular type. The second strain indicator, which was marked was Harris line.
The analysis provided the following results: object 314 contained the remains of an 5 - 7 year-old boy witch cribra obitalia in trabecular type and Harris lines; object 1020 contained the remains of an adult male; object 1073 contained the remains of an adultus female (23 - 27 years of age) with cranial pseudopathologies; object 1098 contained the remains of a senilis individual of an undetermined sex; object 1111 (cremated burial grave) contained the remains of an infans I individual (0 - 7 years of age) of undetermined sex.
Research Interests:
"The site near Dobkowice (Lower Silesia) was discovered by accident in 1971. Archaeological excavations carried out in 1972 and 1979 to 1981 have revealed 16 features; among them various kinds of pits, the remains of a ditch, and 4... more
"The site near Dobkowice (Lower Silesia) was discovered by accident in 1971. Archaeological excavations carried out in 1972 and 1979 to 1981 have revealed 16 features; among them various kinds of pits, the remains of a ditch, and 4 burials related to the Jordanów culture. In 2012, interdisciplinary investigations were performed on site. The main research goals were the confirmation of the existence of an enclosure, a re-evaluation of the absolute chronology of the site (by radiocarbon dating) and obtaining sample material for laboratory analyses: archaeobotanical, geoarchaeological (e.g. soil/sediment micromorphology) and osteological. In order to ensure a solid research framework a three-step procedure has been adopted: 1) geophysical prospection with a magnetometer, which revealed a number of anomalies indicating the presence of archaeological features, including a double ditched enclosure; 2) excavations in designated areas, which confirmed the presence of ditches and their chronological association with the Jordanów culture; revealed a burial in one of the ditch sections and enabled the collection of sample material; 3) laboratory analyses (currently in progress): archaeobotanical, geoarchaeological, osteological, DNA and stable isotope analyses of the discovered human remains and radiocarbon dating. Such an approach to site investigation permits the examination of the archaeological record (also on the microscopic scale) and acquisition of new data, while doing limited damage to the archaeological substance. The chosen analytical techniques will hopefully deliver new information, which will enable a better understanding of chronology, land use patterns, and the function of enclosures in Neolithic Lower Silesia. The aim of this paper is to present this procedure "in action" and discuss the preliminary research results."
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Anthropology, Archaeobotany, Archaeological Soil Micromorphology, Neolithic Archaeology, and 9 moreArchaeological Geophysics, Neolithic Europe, Neolithic, Micromorphology, Recent Prehistory Enclosures, Neolithic & Chalcolithic enclosures, Hillforts and Enclosures, Prehistoric Ditched Enclosures, and Neolithic enclosures
Successful fieldwork in a tropical forest requires both a comprehensive preparatory scenario as well as a framework of everyday methods. Dense vegetation impedes navigating the terrain and interpreting the relations between the... more
Successful fieldwork in a tropical forest requires both a comprehensive preparatory scenario as well as a framework of everyday methods. Dense vegetation impedes navigating the terrain and interpreting the relations between the anthropogenic and natural landscapes. Additionally, the forest hampers using accurate measurement systems, such as GNSS and Total Station systems or UAV platforms. It hinders the logistics, effectively limiting the amount of equipment that can be used.
Research Interests:
One of the largest concentrations of Bell Beaker culture sites in Poland can be found in Upper Silesia, a region located at the foreground of the Moravian Gate, which was one of the most important communication arteries connecting... more
One of the largest concentrations of Bell Beaker culture sites in Poland can be found in Upper Silesia, a region located at the foreground of the Moravian Gate, which was one of the most important communication arteries connecting northern and southern Europe. In the majority of cases, including the largest currently known cemetery at Pietrowice Wielkie, these sites were discovered by accident in the pre-1945 period.
After the year 1945, further discoveries of the presence of Bell Beaker communities were rare. New data of an exceptional character, were obtained during large-scale rescue excavations conducted by the Science Foundation "Archaeologia Silesiae" at the site of Kornice 33, commune Pietrowice Wielkie. This research resulted in the uncovering of a unique settlement complex, which comprised a settlement and a neighboring cemetery. The occupational features discovered at Kornice, are the first known relics of a Bell Beaker settlement in southern Poland. The poster presents a preliminary report and results of specialist analyses, viewed in the context of other finds from the same period.
After the year 1945, further discoveries of the presence of Bell Beaker communities were rare. New data of an exceptional character, were obtained during large-scale rescue excavations conducted by the Science Foundation "Archaeologia Silesiae" at the site of Kornice 33, commune Pietrowice Wielkie. This research resulted in the uncovering of a unique settlement complex, which comprised a settlement and a neighboring cemetery. The occupational features discovered at Kornice, are the first known relics of a Bell Beaker settlement in southern Poland. The poster presents a preliminary report and results of specialist analyses, viewed in the context of other finds from the same period.
Research Interests:
Poster przedstawia wstępne wyniki badań eksploracji urn i naczyń przystawnych tzw. „kultury łużyckiej”. Prezentowane rezultaty są efektem wspólnej pracy osób z różnych dziedzin naukowych: radiologów, genetyków, botaników, chemików,... more
Poster przedstawia wstępne wyniki badań eksploracji urn i naczyń przystawnych tzw. „kultury łużyckiej”. Prezentowane rezultaty są efektem wspólnej pracy osób z różnych dziedzin naukowych: radiologów, genetyków, botaników, chemików, antropologów i archeologów. Przy użyciu najnowszych technik badawczych zarówno nieinwazyjnych jak i inwazyjnych możliwe jest nowatorskie spojrzenie na cały przebieg eksploracji naczyń, składających się na zespół grobowy. Głównym celem zaprezentowanego posteru, jest przedstawienie samej procedury badawczej i możliwości, jakie można uzyskać w efekcie jej stosowania. Stwarza ona nowe perspektywy odtwarzania obrządku pogrzebowego. Wykorzystanie najnowszych metod radiologicznych z użyciem wielorzędowego tomografu komputerowego pozwala na zobrazowanie zawartości naczynia i odróżnienie przystawek od popielnic. Na tym etapie widoczne jest ułożenie przepalonych kości, czasami możliwa jest wstępna ocena wieku osobnika oraz ciężaru kości, można określić jednolitość lub jej brak w grubości ścianek naczynia itp. Wszystkie kolejne etapy należą już do metod inwazyjnych począwszy od zabezpieczenia mikrostruktury warstwowej wypełniska naczynia, poprzez standardową eksplorację przez antropologa, ocenę makroszczątków przez botanika, na badaniach genetycznych i chemicznych kończąc.
Research Interests: Computed Tomography, Archaeological Method & Theory, Funerary Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Funeral Practices, and 9 moreUrnfield Culture, Funerary Practices, Late Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, Cremation, Non-destructive techniques of analysis of archaeological art historical materials, CT scanning, Ct, Burned Bones, and Lusatian Culture
Publikacja popularnonaukowa przygotowana w związku z projektem pt. Czernikowice, stan. 2 oraz 4. Opracowanie i publikacja materiałów z cmentarzysk z epoki brązu i wczesnej epoki żelaza (zadanie nr 3686/2019), realizowanym ze środków... more
Publikacja popularnonaukowa przygotowana w związku z projektem pt. Czernikowice, stan. 2 oraz 4. Opracowanie i publikacja materiałów z cmentarzysk z epoki brązu i wczesnej epoki żelaza (zadanie nr 3686/2019), realizowanym ze środków Ministerstwa Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego.
Research Interests:
The book Czernikowice. Cemeteries from the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age is a publication of archaeological findings from two sites in Lower Silesia called Czernikowice 2 and Czernikowice 4 developed and publlished in 2019-2020 thanks to... more
The book Czernikowice. Cemeteries from the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age is a publication of archaeological findings from two sites in Lower Silesia called Czernikowice 2 and Czernikowice 4 developed and publlished in 2019-2020 thanks to the project from the Ministry of the Culture and National Haritage.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The site is unique due to two reasons. One is wet environment which resulted in preservation of organic materials including massive constructions like road pavements and breakwater. The second is long-lasting settlement resulting in thick... more
The site is unique due to two reasons. One is wet environment which resulted in preservation of organic materials including massive constructions like road pavements and breakwater. The second is long-lasting settlement resulting in thick occupational layers, in some parts of the area reaching 2 meters. This enabled observation on changing trends in agriculture and production.
The book contains results of excavations (mostly from 1980s') and further interdisciplinary studies (run over last 2 years), presented in 22 papers in Polish with English summaries.
The book contains results of excavations (mostly from 1980s') and further interdisciplinary studies (run over last 2 years), presented in 22 papers in Polish with English summaries.
Research Interests:
The Archaeologiae Silesiae Science Foundation and the Institute of Archaeology, University of Wrocław kindly invite students and graduates of archaeology who possess some experience in archaeological fieldwork, to participate in an... more
The Archaeologiae Silesiae Science Foundation and the Institute of Archaeology, University of Wrocław kindly invite students and graduates of archaeology who possess some
experience in archaeological fieldwork, to participate in an archaeological field school in Pietrowice Wielkie.
The impressive and enigmatic enclosure at Pietrowice Wielkie was identified in 2011 in satellite images. A geomagnetic prospection conducted subsequently revealed its extent and layout. The circular double ditch system was at first interpreted as a Neolithic rondelle site, however fieldwork carried out in 2012 established its Early Bronze Age chronology.
The site is located in Silesia (south‐western Poland), at the foreground of the Moravian Gate, which has been one of the most convenient communication arteries connecting northern and southern Europe since the Palaeolithic. The region is well‐known for its elaboration of the prehistoric cultural landscape. The enclosure is situated on an exposed promontory in the confluence of the Troja and Cyna (Psina) rivers.
During research conducted in 2012 the stratification of both ditches was investigated. Selected storage pits located in the area between the ditches were also studied. Animal bone deposits (e.g. deer and dog) consisting of whole skeletons and large body fragments were discovered at their bottoms, what may suggest a ritual context of their deposition.
The objective of the project is to explore the character of the enclosure – its chronology, function and spatial organization as well as its role in the local settlement network and possible interregional significance.
The field school will take place between the 10th and 28th of August 2015.
experience in archaeological fieldwork, to participate in an archaeological field school in Pietrowice Wielkie.
The impressive and enigmatic enclosure at Pietrowice Wielkie was identified in 2011 in satellite images. A geomagnetic prospection conducted subsequently revealed its extent and layout. The circular double ditch system was at first interpreted as a Neolithic rondelle site, however fieldwork carried out in 2012 established its Early Bronze Age chronology.
The site is located in Silesia (south‐western Poland), at the foreground of the Moravian Gate, which has been one of the most convenient communication arteries connecting northern and southern Europe since the Palaeolithic. The region is well‐known for its elaboration of the prehistoric cultural landscape. The enclosure is situated on an exposed promontory in the confluence of the Troja and Cyna (Psina) rivers.
During research conducted in 2012 the stratification of both ditches was investigated. Selected storage pits located in the area between the ditches were also studied. Animal bone deposits (e.g. deer and dog) consisting of whole skeletons and large body fragments were discovered at their bottoms, what may suggest a ritual context of their deposition.
The objective of the project is to explore the character of the enclosure – its chronology, function and spatial organization as well as its role in the local settlement network and possible interregional significance.
The field school will take place between the 10th and 28th of August 2015.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Monumentalne założenie w Pietrowicach Wielkich (stan. 13, woj. śląskie) zostało zidentyfikowane w 2011 r. dzięki obecności wyróżnika glebowego na jednym z ogólnie dostępnych zobrazowań satelitarnych. Charakteryzuje się ono obecnością... more
Monumentalne założenie w Pietrowicach Wielkich (stan. 13, woj. śląskie) zostało zidentyfikowane w 2011 r. dzięki obecności wyróżnika glebowego na jednym z ogólnie dostępnych zobrazowań satelitarnych. Charakteryzuje się ono obecnością systemu dwóch, koncentrycznych rowów, z których zewnętrzny ma średnicę ok. 155-180 a wewnętrzny ok. 110-120 m. Szerokość fos wynosi w lepiej zachowanej, północnej części obiektu ok. 8-10 m, natomiast w części południowej, która ulega sukcesywnemu niszczeniu w wyników procesów erozyjnych ma ok. 2,5 m. Stanowisko w Pietrowicach Wielkich jest przedmiotem interdyscyplinarnych badań, które w latach 2012-2015 objęły prospekcję geofizyczną, badania wykopaliskowe oraz szeroki wachlarz analiz specjalistycznych. W 2015 r. powiększono zakres prospekcji geomagnetycznej o teren bezpośrednio sąsiadujący z założeniem z rowami. Prospekcja ta pozwoliła na odkrycie szeregu anomalii wskazujących na szerszy zasięg osadnictwa, chociaż jego chronologia i związek w wczesną epoką brązu wymaga dalszych badań. W tym samym roku założono również kolejne wykopy badawcze w centrum założenia oraz w obrębie zachodniego przebiegu rowów. Odkryte materiały zabytkowe oraz seria datowań 14C każą datować założenie na wczesną epokę brązu. Wstępnie jego początek można określić na ok. 1888-1775 BC, a koniec na ok. 1739-1648 BC. Oprócz materiałów z wczesnej epoki brązu zarejestrowano również obecność późniejszego osadnictwa związanego m.in. z kulturą łużycką.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
One of the main objectives is combined interpretation of both archaeological an anthropological data on the example of a cremation cemetery at Wicina in south-west Poland. Wicina is an unique and fascinating site, as it belongs to a... more
One of the main objectives is combined interpretation of both archaeological an anthropological data on the example of a cremation cemetery at Wicina in south-west Poland. Wicina is an unique and fascinating site, as it belongs to a settlement micro region which central location is a famous fortified settlement with excellently preserved massive wooden constructions. The settlement is located ca. 800 m from the cemetery and can be precisely dated with a dendrochronological methods to mid. 8-mid. 6th c. BC. The cemetery itself is well dated to 13-6th c. BC and therefore such a broad chronology allows observations of selected properties (e.g. biological dynamics, burial rites) in the longue durée perspective and basing on a large number of graves. We have thus an opportunity to find out about the biological and cultural properties of the community which buried their dead at the urnfield before and after the fortified settlement was constructed. Such opportunity is unique both on Polish and Central European archaeology. The applied methods belong to various fields including archaeology, anthropology, archaeozoology, genetics and combined data will enable presentation of coherent biological, cultural and social picture of a local group. Basing on results of artefact analyses we want to answer questions about possible object selection before deposition: were the grave goods new or re-used, made of the same raw materials with the use of the same technology? Were they deposited empty or not? This will be answered with data obtained from pottery analyses (physical and petrographic analyses), its possible content (GCMS analyses) and use-wear analyses of metal objects. Spatial analysis on single grave including vessels’ size and position in graves will be carried out. Anthropological research, apart from determination such biological properties as sex and age will be carried out on non-metric tooth crown traits which is a new source of data, while aDNA analyses will display biological relations to other studied populations. The expected result of the project is a presentation a set of scientific procedures in interdisciplinary and multifaceted studies of such complicated sites as cremation urnfields. The cemeteries should be, and they are excavated and studied by specialists from various disciplines, but it is not common to ask mutual questions to work out a comprehensive research perspective.
