Following the so-called material turn, in archaeology much attention is devoted to the affective response to objects, the physical affordances of items, or the agency of materials on one another.... Show moreFollowing the so-called material turn, in archaeology much attention is devoted to the affective response to objects, the physical affordances of items, or the agency of materials on one another. However, such aspects have been partially overlooked in experimental use wear research. Issues surrounding contact material selection and its degree of representativity against the larger archaeological sample are some of the problems that a well-considered approach in experimental archaeology and wear analysis should take into account. These problems are inherently linked with the discussion over controlled lab experiments vs actualistic layouts: one of the most contentious debates in experimental archaeology. More broadly, these issues are further tied to the crisis of confidence in experimental results and issues such as replicability and reproducibility. These concerns are even more significant in research attempting to simulate and investigate combat wear traces, where these problems also intertwine with the challenges that these layouts pose in terms of best practices to follow to ensure ethics and sustainability. In this paper, the methodological framework implemented in two experimental campaigns studying prehistoric bronze weaponry is discussed. The examples are then used to illustrate some of the challenges in these types of set-ups and to provide discussion points regarding potential solutions. In addition, steps to take in order to increase confidence in the interpretation of experimental results are proposed. While replication of experimental results is paramount, it is also necessary to reduce the ambiguity of experimental results. Show less
Weaponry is one of the most widespread categories of metalwork from the European Bronze Age. Different lines of evidence point out that violent encounters and martial values played a significant... Show moreWeaponry is one of the most widespread categories of metalwork from the European Bronze Age. Different lines of evidence point out that violent encounters and martial values played a significant role both in communities' lives and ideology. Hence, reconstructing the practices surrounding Bronze Age weaponry is pivotal for the understanding of many aspects of coeval societies. Nevertheless, the study of the functionality and use-life of such items has developed rather late compared to other categories of objects (e.g. flint implements). Currently, experimental archaeology and use-wear analysis concerning metalwork are facing the challenge of leaving the stage of ‘infancy’ to become fully developed fields of study. This paper aims at contributing to such a development by illustrating the potential and the results of an experimental framework for the investigation of combat with bronze weaponry (swords in this paper) which offers a viable compromise between actualism and variable control. We provide an in-depth account of the results by describing both the morphology and the formation mechanics of the features obtained supported by extensive photographic documentation. Furthermore, we discuss our observations regarding the relationship between specific combat movements and the type of marks produced on weapons. Finally, the results of a pilot use-wear study on Bronze Age swords are presented in order to assess the validity of our approach. Show less
One of the biggest challenges for students of the European Bronze Age is to understand the reason behind the massive deposition of large amounts of recyclable metal in non‐metalliferous regions....Show moreOne of the biggest challenges for students of the European Bronze Age is to understand the reason behind the massive deposition of large amounts of recyclable metal in non‐metalliferous regions. Such depositions are particularly puzzling when material was buried in a manner which directly seems to denote trade itself, in so‐called ‘trade hoards’. Based on observations on a recent find of such a hoard, in Hoogeloon (NL), we move to an overview of Bronze Age metalwork economy in general and the deposition of trade stock in particular. We argue that Middle Bronze Age metalwork circulation in North‐west Europe may be understood as an aes formatum system, with the serially produced axes in hoards displaying a koiné having a particular social evaluation: a ‘brand’. We suggest that objects were selected by brands for their deposition in the landscape and that this ‘ritual’ act was integral to the ‘practical’ economy of circulation . Show less
This chapter deals with plant remains retrieved during the excavation of traces left by the Bronze, Iron and Roman Age farming societies in Oss-North. Its two parts are not really related except... Show moreThis chapter deals with plant remains retrieved during the excavation of traces left by the Bronze, Iron and Roman Age farming societies in Oss-North. Its two parts are not really related except for the fact that the questions posed are tackled by using archaeobotanical methods. Subchapter 8.1 discusses the vegetation on the farmyards, subchapter 8.2 concerns the crops grown by the farmers. Show less
Losse vondsten worden vaak verwaarloosd in onderzoek naar deposities in de bronstijd, aangezien hun context vaak onduidelijk of zelfs helemaal onbekend is. Er wordt vaak aangenomen dat losse... Show moreLosse vondsten worden vaak verwaarloosd in onderzoek naar deposities in de bronstijd, aangezien hun context vaak onduidelijk of zelfs helemaal onbekend is. Er wordt vaak aangenomen dat losse vondsten oorspronkelijk afkomstig zijn uit meervoudige depots, graven of nederzettingen. Maar behoren ze echt oorspronkelijk tot andere contexten, of vormen ze een autonome contextcategorie die meer aandacht verdient? De groep van losse vondsten is een enorm grote groep, en heeft dus zeker potentieel om inzicht te bieden in selectieve depositiepraktijken in de bronstijd. Dit paper beargumenteert dat losse vondsten van grote archeologische waarde zijn, en focust daarbij op vondsten uit de Rijnregio en NoordwestEuropa. Op basis van de beschikbare contextinformatie stelt dit paper een preciezere defi niëring en categorisatie van verschillende soorten losse vondsten voor om tot een groter inzicht in deze groep vondsten te komen. Daarbij wordt er onderscheid gemaakt tussen losse vondsten met en zonder contextinformatie. Vervolgens is het mogelijk om, door middel van systematische vergelijkingen van de verspreiding en de biografi eën van de verschillende categorieën van losse vondsten, te onderzoeken of losse vondsten zonder contextinformatie een patroon laten zien. Op deze manier kunnen we het archeologische potentieel van losse vondsten ten volle benutten. Show less
Het oostelijk deel van West-Friesland was in de midden- en late bronstijd (ca. 1600-800 v. Chr.) een dichtbevolkt gebied met vele boerendorpjes. Door de goede conserveringsomstandigheden is de... Show moreHet oostelijk deel van West-Friesland was in de midden- en late bronstijd (ca. 1600-800 v. Chr.) een dichtbevolkt gebied met vele boerendorpjes. Door de goede conserveringsomstandigheden is de regio een schatkamer van de overblijfselen uit die tijd. In deze studie zijn oude opgravingsgegevens uitgewerkt en vertaald naar nieuwe inzichten in de inrichting en ontwikkeling van dit indrukwekkende prehistorische cultuurlandschap. Een van de opvallende resultaten van dit onderzoek is dat de nederzettingsterreinen vaak vele generaties bewoond zijn, maar tegelijkertijd een dynamisch karakter hebben. Continuïteit was er op locaties waar een huisplaats is ingericht: nieuwe boerderijen werden vaak generaties lang op dezelfde plaats als de voorgangers gebouwd. Maar we zien ook dat huisplaatsen die generaties lang bewoond zijn geweest, op een zeker moment werden opgegeven en een andere functie krijgen. Door de lange bewoningsduur van terreinen en goede conservering en herkenbaarheid van grondsporen, zijn de Westfriese vindplaatsen bij uitstek geschikt om deze dynamiek in beeld te brengen. Veel beter dan elders in Nederland is het mogelijk inzicht te krijgen in de keuzes die men in de bronstijd heeft gemaakt bij de inrichting van het landschap. Dat maakt deze studie een ijkpunt voor bronstijdonderzoek in Nederland, maar ook in Noordwest-Europa. Show less
Although hillforts, ritual sites and burial mounds have been in existence in various regions, the German Central Uplands have largely been considered void of rural occupation during the Bronze and... Show moreAlthough hillforts, ritual sites and burial mounds have been in existence in various regions, the German Central Uplands have largely been considered void of rural occupation during the Bronze and Iron Ages (approx. 2100-30 BC). The presence of these sites, combined with mounting evidence from geoarchives of human impact on the landscape since the Neolithic, has led us to investigate the settlement and landscape history of the Northern Franconian Jura in Bavaria as a model region for studying human activity in and impact on the German Central Uplands during the Metal Ages.In this article, we present the first results of an interdisciplinary study of the Weismain river catchment undertaken since 2013. A combination of geoarchaeological and archaeological, on-site and off-site, field and lab investigations at both valley and plateau sites revealed evidence of human land use and settlement from the 16th century BC (Middle Bronze Age) onwards, with further emerging evidence of changing vegetation, land-use strategies and settlement preferences until the end of the Iron Age. While research is still ongoing, it may be concluded that in the study region, and possibly other parts of the German Central Uplands, land use had begun earlier and was more intense and varied than previously thought. Show less
Graven en bronsdepots uit de periode van het late neolithicum tot en met het begin van de midden-bronstijd (2850-1500 voor Christus) kennen we goed. De vraag die in dit artikel centraal staat, is... Show moreGraven en bronsdepots uit de periode van het late neolithicum tot en met het begin van de midden-bronstijd (2850-1500 voor Christus) kennen we goed. De vraag die in dit artikel centraal staat, is of de contractarcheologie dit beeld heeft bevestigd, of dat grootschalige opgravingen in ‘Malta-context’ andere soorten bewijs hebben opgeleverd. Zijn we in staat geweest huizen uit deze perioden te ontdekken, of nederzettingen? Zijn deze vergelijkbaar voor alle regio’s of zijn er regionale verschillen? Hebben we indicaties voor sociale gelaagdheid, voor migraties? Uit een recent verschenen synthese blijkt dat vooral nederzettingsgegevens onze perceptie van de periode hebben veranderd. Het traditionele beeld gebaseerd op grafgegevens moet volledig worden aangepast. Show less
Large scale excavations of Bronze Age settlement sites were carried out during the period of land consolidation projects resulting in a convincing model for the Bronze Age habitation of West... Show moreLarge scale excavations of Bronze Age settlement sites were carried out during the period of land consolidation projects resulting in a convincing model for the Bronze Age habitation of West-Frisia. This model envisaged settlement sites situated on creek ridges in an open almost treeless landscape. After a sudden change in climate c. 800 cal BC parts of the landscape were inundated, peat bogs developed and West-Frisia was abandoned by man. It was widely believed that this densely inhabited Bronze Age landscape was almost completely destroyed during the land consolidation projects. At the start of this century, however, it turned out that well preserved Bronze Age settlement sites still exist in West-Frisia. These sites were not only well-preserved but also situated at unexpected locations. In this thesis the palaeogegraphy is described at three scale levels. Based on an analysis of excavation results and environmental proxy data, a new model for the development of the landscape and habitation of West-Frisia during the Bronze Age emerges. For the construction of the palaeogeographical maps of Westwoud, a new approach is used, based on, amongst others, macro botanical remains. The thesis concludes with an alternative strategy for the prospection of Bronze Age sites in West-Frisia. Show less
The thousands of Bronze Age burial mounds of northwestern Europe often have complex histories, with multiple construction phases and secondary burials added to these mounds. It can be difficult to... Show moreThe thousands of Bronze Age burial mounds of northwestern Europe often have complex histories, with multiple construction phases and secondary burials added to these mounds. It can be difficult to understand the dynamic nature of these events and the ebb and flow of activities in these monumental funerary landscapes. This article presents chronological models of five Bronze Age barrows from two sites. A total of 41 radiocarbon-dated cremation burials were fitted into several chronological sequences. The results from the chronological models at both sites suggest that the creation of a burial mound was just one event within a much longer funerary history. For both sites, there are indications that the deceased were buried in flat graves decades and sometimes more than a century prior to any monument construction. Once in place, the barrows were then used as a repository for the dead for decades afterwards. At the same time, a comparison of the models suggests that funerary events at both sites were punctuated. At one site, several barrows were in use simultaneously, at the other, barrows seem to be each other’s successor. The models provide evidence for both protracted histories as well as punctuated events. Show less
Halverwege de jaren zestig van de vorige eeuw begonnen archeolo- gen met een grootschalig nederzettingsonderzoek ten zuiden van de Streekweg in Hoogkarspel. Op enkele percelen werd de bovengrond... Show moreHalverwege de jaren zestig van de vorige eeuw begonnen archeolo- gen met een grootschalig nederzettingsonderzoek ten zuiden van de Streekweg in Hoogkarspel. Op enkele percelen werd de bovengrond verwijderd en in de gegraven werkputten kwamen duizenden sporen en vondsten uit de bronstijd (ca. 1500-800 voor Chr.) aan het licht. In 1979 werd een laatste perceel onderzocht en toen was het lange tijd stil. Totdat archeologen in november 2014 pal naast de oude werkputten nieuwe ontdekkingen deden. In dit artikel wordt een kort overzicht gepresenteerd van al dit archeologisch onderzoek, ‘Hoogkarspel-Tol- huis’ geheten. Een uitgebreide publicatie van de opgravingsresulta- ten wordt eind 2015 verwacht. Show less
In dit artikel wordt een kort overzicht gegeven van de resultaten van het grootschalig onderzoek dat is uitgevoerd in het kader van de aanleg van de N23-Westfrisiaweg.
Archeologen van ADC ArcheoProjecten en Archol BV voeren vanaf november 2014 diverse archeologische onderzoeken uit ten westen en zuiden van Hoogkarspel. De aanleiding is de aanleg van de N23 ... Show moreArcheologen van ADC ArcheoProjecten en Archol BV voeren vanaf november 2014 diverse archeologische onderzoeken uit ten westen en zuiden van Hoogkarspel. De aanleiding is de aanleg van de N23 (provinciale weg Heerhugowaard-Enkhuizen). Show less
Kothieringer, K.; Lambers, K.; Seregély, T.; Schäfer, A. 2014
This paper describes the results of initial archaeological and geoarchaeological fieldwork in the Northern Franconian Jura between the cities of Bayreuth and Bamberg. Our research aims at the... Show moreThis paper describes the results of initial archaeological and geoarchaeological fieldwork in the Northern Franconian Jura between the cities of Bayreuth and Bamberg. Our research aims at the reconstruction of settlement patterns and strategies of land use during the Metal Ages (Bronze Age and Iron Age) in the catchment area of the river Weismain. The project is designed as a case study for research into the settlement and landscape history of a rural region of the Central German Uplands during the last two millennia before our era. Show less
In de periode 1974-78 hebben archeologen van de Rijksdienst voor het Oudheidkundig Bodemonderzoek (ROB) een grootschalig archeologisch onderzoek uitgevoerd ten noorden van Bovenkarspel. In vijf... Show moreIn de periode 1974-78 hebben archeologen van de Rijksdienst voor het Oudheidkundig Bodemonderzoek (ROB) een grootschalig archeologisch onderzoek uitgevoerd ten noorden van Bovenkarspel. In vijf jaar tijd is een terrein van ongeveer 15 hectare opgegraven en daarbij is een groot deel van een nederzettingsterrein uit de bronstijd (ca. 1500-800 voor Chr.) onderzocht. De opgravingen hebben veel informatie opgeleverd over de gemeenschappen die in de bronstijd het oostelijk deel van Westfriesland woonden. Show less
Barrows, as burial markers, are ubiquitous throughout North-Western Europe. In some regions dense concentrations of monuments form peculiar configurations such as long alignments while in others... Show moreBarrows, as burial markers, are ubiquitous throughout North-Western Europe. In some regions dense concentrations of monuments form peculiar configurations such as long alignments while in others they are spread out extensively, dotting vast areas with hundreds of mounds. These vast barrow landscapes came about through thousands of years of additions by several successive prehistoric and historic communities. Yet little is known about how these landscapes developed and originated. That is what this research set out to do. By unravelling the histories of specific barrow landscapes in the Low Countries, several distinct activity phases of intense barrow construction could be recognised. Each of these phases contributed to how the barrow landscape developed and reveals shifting attitudes to these monuments. By creating new monuments in a specific place and in a particular fashion, prehistoric communities purposefully transformed the form and shape of the barrow landscape. Using several GIS-techniques such as a skyline-analysis, this research is able to demonstrate how each barrow took up a specific (and different) position within such a social landscape. While the majority of the barrows were only visible from relatively close by, specific monuments took up a dominating position, cresting the horizon, being visible from much further away. It is argued in this research that these burial mounds remained important landscape monuments on the purple heathlands. They continued to attract attention, and by their visibility ensured to endure in the collective memory of the communities shaping themselves around these monuments. Show less
This study wants to help Central Italy claim its place in Bronze Age studies and make a crossover between landscape and network approaches in archaeology. It starts from a methodological... Show moreThis study wants to help Central Italy claim its place in Bronze Age studies and make a crossover between landscape and network approaches in archaeology. It starts from a methodological consideration of archaeological synthesis in Bronze Age studies. Approaching landscapes as networks of places, this study advocates a data-rich form of synthesis of Bronze Age trajectories, one that avoids a selective focus on particular places. This data-rich synthesis of the Early Bronze Age in Central Italy takes all types of place making up cultural landscapes and social networks into account, in this case metalwork deposition, burial, cave use and settlement patterns. Following changing relationships between all of these places, network changes are charted and substantiated from the Copper Age to the Middle Bronze Age. What Central Italy offers to Bronze Age studies, is the emergence of metallurgical spheres based on regional copper sources at the transition from copper to bronze metallurgy. Therefore the focus lies on metalwork-related network changes that can be situated in the historical context of late Bell Beaker networks and, subsequently, the introduction of true bronze metallurgy in the form of Vollgriffdolche in the context of Early Bronze Age networks. The latter highlight the integration of distinctive metallurgical spheres into a single, larger Central Italian sphere, in the overall context of network changes at the Early-Middle Bronze Age transition. Early Bronze Age trajectories paved the way for the full integration of Central Italy in supra-regional connectivity in the Middle Bronze Age, fulfilling the condition of possibility of its strategic position between Europe and the Mediterranean. This study wants to help Central Italy claim its place in Bronze Age studies and make a crossover between landscape and network approaches in archaeology. It starts from a methodological consideration of archaeological synthesis in Bronze Age studies. Approaching landscapes as networks of places, this study advocates a data-rich form of synthesis of Bronze Age trajectories, one that avoids a selective focus on particular places. This data-rich synthesis of the Early Bronze Age in Central Italy takes all types of place making up cultural landscapes and social networks into account, in this case metalwork deposition, burial, cave use and settlement patterns. Following changing relationships between all of these places, network changes are charted and substantiated from the Copper Age to the Middle Bronze Age. What Central Italy offers to Bronze Age studies, is the emergence of metallurgical spheres based on regional copper sources at the transition from copper to bronze metallurgy. Therefore the focus lies on metalwork-related network changes that can be situated in the historical context of late Bell Beaker networks and, subsequently, the introduction of true bronze metallurgy in the form of Vollgriffdolche in the context of Early Bronze Age networks. The latter highlight the integration of distinctive metallurgical spheres into a single, larger Central Italian sphere, in the overall context of network changes at the Early-Middle Bronze Age transition. Early Bronze Age trajectories paved the way for the full integration of Central Italy in supra-regional connectivity in the Middle Bronze Age, fulfilling the condition of possibility of its strategic position between Europe and the Mediterranean. Show less
