The study of migration is essential for understanding the earliest phases of the Roman period in the Lower Rhine delta. This paper applies an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, combining... Show moreThe study of migration is essential for understanding the earliest phases of the Roman period in the Lower Rhine delta. This paper applies an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, combining and comparing historical, archaeological and science-based evidence and methodologies, allowing a more detailed reconstruction of immigration during this period. Our study suggests that various groups migrated to our region, probably over a longer period of time, originating from different regions and arriving in a land with a (probably limited) residual population. This marked and varied immigration should be understood in the context of Roman frontier policy and the (ethnic) recruitment of Germanic groups by the Roman military. Show less
Groot, B.G. de; Braekmans, D.; Fernández-Götz, M.; Hansen, L.; Stegmaier, G.; Krausse, D. 2023
This paper addresses technological dynamics revealed through raw material analyses of Late Hallstatt (seventh-fifth centuries BCE) ceramics from the famous Heuneburg site (Herbertingen-Hundersingen... Show moreThis paper addresses technological dynamics revealed through raw material analyses of Late Hallstatt (seventh-fifth centuries BCE) ceramics from the famous Heuneburg site (Herbertingen-Hundersingen, SW Germany). The study combines, for the first time, separate sets of thin-sections produced over the last 50 years in order to provide a comprehensive and consolidated characterisation of technological changes in ceramic production taking place at the site during the Hallstatt phases D1 to D3. It provides significant new insights into the relation between raw material procurement and preparation, on the one hand, and changes in ceramic typology and production methods, on the other hand (i.e. the introduction of the potter's wheel). The results reveal a shift from a broad spectrum of fabrics tempered with grog, sand or crushed calcite in phase Hallstatt D1, to the increasing use of non-calcareous, grog or sand-tempered fabrics. The new wheel-turned pottery (appearing from phase Hallstatt D3) is exclusively produced using a non-calcareous clay, often tempered with fine sand, indicating a specialisation in raw material selection alongside the introduction of novel shaping techniques. Evidence of continuity between the fabrics used in phase Hallstatt D1 and the new wheel-turned pottery suggests craft specialists drew upon established technological knowledge to integrate the potter's wheel. The adoption of the potter's wheel was likely also stimulated by the increased demand for new vessels to accommodate the consumption of fermented drinks such as grape wine, fruit wine or beer. Show less
Since 1996, a team from Leiden University, under the direction of Dr. Karel Innemée, carries out archaeological fieldwork in the Wadi al-Natrun, at a site north of the Monastery of Virgin Mary of... Show moreSince 1996, a team from Leiden University, under the direction of Dr. Karel Innemée, carries out archaeological fieldwork in the Wadi al-Natrun, at a site north of the Monastery of Virgin Mary of Baramūs. The systematic excavations have brought to light traces of a twin monastic compound including a central church, a square building and parts of the living quarters of the monks. The pottery dating to the period from the fourth until the ninth century is discussed in the PhD thesis entitled: Pots for Monks. Ceramics and Life in the Old Monastery of Baramūs in the Wādī al-Naṭrūn, Egypt (4th – 9th c.). This research may be regarded as a contribution to the study of Lower Egyptian monasticism, focusing on a particular, earthly, aspect of this movement: the material culture. The various ceramic types found in the site are presented and analysed in an effort to follow the activities taken place in the site during a period of five centuries. The importance of this study lies to the fact that for the first time a ceramic assemblage from a site in the Wādī al-Naṭrūn is published. Hopefully, it inaugurates a series of more elaborate and better reports on ceramic finds that the future fieldwork in the region will bring to light. Show less
The primary objective of the investigation of the handmade pottery from Oss-Ussen was the composition of a detailed type-chronology of the locally produced pottery, preferably applicable to a... Show moreThe primary objective of the investigation of the handmade pottery from Oss-Ussen was the composition of a detailed type-chronology of the locally produced pottery, preferably applicable to a wider area than the Maaskant region. On basis of pottery assemblages from pits, wells etc. fourteen pottery phases have been defined (A2-N). They cover almost a millennium, starting around the beginning of the Early Iron Age (800 BC). For sixteen variables, mainly concerning morphology and decoration, developments in type-frequencies are presented in diagrams. The secondary analysis of the technological characteristics of this local ware did not reveal any significant differences between fine and coarse ware, considering both clay texture and temper. Another secondary study has been devoted to a rather large group of non-local handmade pottery, coming from the western coastal zone, in most cases probably containing seasalt (briquetage vessels). Its provenance has been established by combining diatom analyses and morphological characteristics. Moreover, shifts in supply routes are indicated on basis of chemical analyses (XRF). These may partly explain the changes in morphological types found in settlement sites in the hinterland. Show less
Despite elaborate scholarly attention, the necropolis of Assiut, capital of the 13th Upper Egyptian Nome, has never been properly surveyed. Several of the major excavations, mainly undertaken in... Show moreDespite elaborate scholarly attention, the necropolis of Assiut, capital of the 13th Upper Egyptian Nome, has never been properly surveyed. Several of the major excavations, mainly undertaken in the first decades of the last century, still await publication or more detailed edition. These not only include the French excavations by Chassinat and Palanque (1903-1904), but also the work led by Hogarth for the British Museum (1906-1907), and the digs conducted by Schiaparelli (1905, 1908, 1910, 1911-1913). Whereas the historical significance of Assiut during the First Intermediate Period and the Middle Kingdom, and its distinct local style of coffin decoration have long been recognised, the basic requirements for a systematic study of this important site are still absent. The aim of this study is to generate a framework for the social, spatial and chronological development of the necropolis of Assiut, concentrating on the times from the Old Kingdom to the end of the Middle Kingdom. Mainly based on hitherto unpublished material, the available funerary remains are carefully scrutinised to establish a chronological ordering. The approach is multifaceted, among other things using tomb architecture, the morphology of pottery, stone vases, seals, coffin decoration (choice of decoration patterns, textual content, epigraphic and palaeographic features), and their spatial distribution. Their combined analysis results in four distinct (chronological) phases in the funerary culture at Assiut: Late Old Kingdom, First Intermediate Period, Early Middle Kingdom and Advanced - Late Middle Kingdom. The remains and features of each of these phases are discussed, and used as a means to put the history of Assiut into better perspective.A brief survey of contents:Chapter 1 - Introduction, Aims and methodsChapter 2 - Compiles a map of the Necropolis and the tombs of its mayors/nomarchs. With regard to the latter, 7 new candidates are put forward, resulting in a reconsideration of the chronology of the Siutian mayors and nomarchs.Chapter 3 - A full survey of the excavations conducted, their location(s) in the field, results, and problems in analysing the available material and reports.Chapter 4 - Survey of Late Old Kingdom burial grounds identified at AssiutChapter 5 - Survey of First Intermediate Period burial grounds identified at AssiutChapter 6 - Survey of Early Middle Kingdom burial grounds identified at Assiut (I)Chapter 7 - Survey of Early Middle Kingdom burial grounds identified at Assiut (II)Chapter 8 - Survey of Advanced - Late Middle Kingdom burial grounds identified at AssiutChapter 9 - Conclusions Show less
The book offers a detailed presentation of the ceramic sequence excavated at Tell Sabi Abyad, a late Neolithic archaeological site in northern Syria. This sequence documents the transformation from... Show moreThe book offers a detailed presentation of the ceramic sequence excavated at Tell Sabi Abyad, a late Neolithic archaeological site in northern Syria. This sequence documents the transformation from a Pre-Halaf ceramic assemblage to an Early Halaf ceramic assemblage. The author discusses and critiques existing models for explaining the rise of the Halaf pottery style, and offers an alternative based on the twin concepts of emulation and feasting. Show less
