Historie – Otázky – Problémy (History, Issues, Problems), 2019, 11, 1, 52-62, 2019
AN INNOCENT SOUL BECOMES AN ANGEL. CHILDREN'S GRAVES AS A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE EART... more AN INNOCENT SOUL BECOMES AN ANGEL. CHILDREN'S GRAVES AS A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE EARTHLY WORLD AND THE NETHERWORLD Graves of infants and children belong to a specific category of medieval and modern-age burial culture. The relationships between survivors and deceased children have been complex throughout the Christian period presenting, in many respects, an unresolved issue, in which the fundamental Christian rules and the simple emotional relationship of parents to children were in conflict. An expression of this relationship can be seen in a number of written, iconographic, and archaeological sources in past societies and it represents an interesting topic for a widely-focused interdisciplinary study. The graves of newborn infants are one of the few groups that had a privileged position in the cemetery; the only other such category being perhaps people outcast from Christian society. It is on the example of the graves of children that we can observe the transformations of funeral customs and the grave as a means of different systems of communication-between the world of the living and the dead, between the dead, and between the survivors. OPEN ACCESS
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Books by Martin Čechura
Vseruby and its surroudings in the prehistoric and early medieval times (p. 11-19).
Urbanism and building development of Všeruby town (p. 153-156).
Archaeological research at the St. Spirit Church (p. 169-173).
Papers by Martin Čechura
Im Oktober 2021 hat der Mitarbeiter des Westbömischen Museums in Pilsen Herr Patrik Červenka bei einer Detektorprospektion in der Umgebung von Podmokly (Bez. Rokycany) einen bronzenen Ring mit kugeligen Knoten gefunden. Der Fund wurde auf einem südöstlich von der Ortschaft liegendem Feld gemacht, in der Lage „U Jam“. Der Ort befindet sich dicht an der Kante eines kleinen Quellbeckens, aus dem ein namenloser Wasserlauf in Richtung Osten fließt (Abb. 1:2). Nach ungefähr 500 m fließt das Bächlein in Richtung Südosten und mündet in den Bach Vejvanovský potok und nachfolgend in den Zbirožský potok. Der Bronzering wurde auf der Ackerbodenoberfläche gefunden und besteht aus neun Knoten, die zu dreien regelmäßig auf seiner Ober-, Unter- und Außenseite verteilt sind. Sein innerer Durchschnitt ist 19 mm und sein Körper ist von einem ovalförmigen Stäbchen mit den ursprünglichen Maßen 5×4 mm gebildet. Der Ring wiegt 8,27 g. Eine Hälfte des Rings ist in einem sehr guten Zustand mit glatter Oberfläche und lediglich die Knoten sind ein weing abgewetzt, die andere Hälfte ist markant beschädigt und abgewetzt, an einigen Stellen fast den Ring hindurch (Abb. 2, 3). Obwohl an diesem Zustand die postdepositionellen Prozesse ihre Rolle spielen, so ist es wahrscheinlich, dass er den Zustand vor der Archäeologisierung des Rings widerspiegelt und es handelt sich um Spuren der Benutzung – eines Aufhängen des Rings. Das vorgestellte Atefakt ist eindeutig als Knotenring zu identifizieren, hergestellt aus einer Kupferlegierung, höchstwahrscheinlich aus Bronze. Es handelt sich um einen typischen Fund aus dem Zeitalter LT C2–D1, an den wir auf Siedlungen, in Depots und dank der massiven Verbreitung von Metalldetektoren in den vergangenen 30 Jahren auch als Einzelfund antereffen können. Die ursprüngliche Idee der Bildung dieser Ringe können wir vermutlich im Bereich des Vorkommens der Laténekultur zwischen der heutigen Tschechischen Republik und Rumänien suchen, in den letzten Jahren vermehren sich Funde dieser Gegenstände auch auf dem Gebiet Westeuropas. In Zusammenhang mit dem Ring aus Podmokly ist der Fund eines Bronzerädchens mit Knoten und Felgen äußerst interessant, das 2014 bei einer Detektorprospektion in der Nähe der Frühlaténegrabstätte Červená Hora bei Kralovice, bzw. Mariánská entdeckt wurde. Es handelt sich um einen räumlichen kugelförmigen Gegenstand, der durch einen Zentralring gebildet wird, aus dem auf jede Seite vier Arme auslaufen, die an den Enden durch ein Ringlein verbuden sind. Die Oberfläche des Mittelrings und der Arme sind von kleinen kugelförmigen Knoten bedeckt (Abb. 4). Diesen Gegenstand könnten wir als Körbchenanhänger oder La rouelle-cage bezeichnen. Im Gegensatz zu einfachen Knotenringen ist das Vorkommen dieser Gegenstände verhältnismäßig selten. Der Fund eines bronzenen Knotenrings ist ein bedeutender Beleg der Laténebesiedlung in der nördlichen Region von Rokycany, bzw. im Einzugsgebiet des Flusses Berounka. Die Aufbewahrung des Depots an Goldmünzen, die 1771 gefunden wurden (Abb. 1:1), war höchstwahrscheinlich ein einmaliges Ereignis, verbunden mit der Bedeutung des Flusses Berounka als Hauptkommunikationsweg auf/ von Oppidum Stradonice. Der Fund des Bronzerings mit klaren Benutzungsspuren ist eine weitere Bestätigung der Bedeutung des rechten Berounka-Ufers als wichtige Kommunikation der Laténezeit, aber sie kann auch die Anwesenheit einer andauernderen Besiedlung andeuten.
Prof. Dr. Bohuslav Horák, DrSc. (1881–1960), was a prominent figure in the Czech historical sciences, specifically history, historical geography, historical ethnology and history of geography. He founded and headed several scientific departments, primarily at Masaryk University in Brno, where he was habilitated in 1927 and where he served as a Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy from 1938 to 1939, and later at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, where he founded and headed the Cabinet for Historical Geography. However, 16 tis little known that he began his scientific career as a prehistorian and archaeologist. During his time as a professor at the Gymnasium in Pilsen, he worked closely with the Municipal Historical Museum in Pilsen, for which he undertook and directed several archaeological excavations. Among the most important are three seasons of archaeological work at the early medieval Přemyslid stronghold of Hůrka in Starý Plzenec in 1906, 1907 and 1909. Among the most important results were the uncovering of two early medieval churches: the Church of St. Lawrence on the acropolis and the Church of St. Cross on the eastern front of the castle. He also explored the remains of a 15th century building and found a number of medieval stove-tiles. In 1911, he carried out another archaeological excavation at the Hradiště hillfort, which he dated to the Late Bronze Age and the Hallstatt Age. The results of his excavations, which were of a very high standard for that time, are still valid today. In addition to field excavations, Bohuslav Horák also worked on the processing of archaeological finds stored in museum collections, especially the well-known depot from Plzeň-Jíkalka. In cooperation with Fridolín Macháček, he organized a unique archaeological course for volunteer collaborators, which had and still has no analogue in the Czech lands. Despite his relatively short life, Bohuslav Horák left a significant mark on Czech archaeology at the beginning of the 20th century and ranked among the most important representatives of his field. It is perhaps a loss for archaeology, but certainly a gain for other disciplines, that after his departure from Pilsen he began to focus on other scientific topics.
Pollen profiles of peatlands are key for modeling forest ecosystems in the surrounding landscape, because according to them we can obtain information about the development of pine-oak forests, the spread of forest-free landscape influenced by man and about the species representation of selected agricultural crops. This work focuses on changes in the composition of plant communities in connection with human activity in the studied localities in archaeological contexts.
The Merklín forest hollow originated in a spring during the Atlantic period (the oldest radiocarbon date comes from 5440 ± 25 BP). From the beginning, the pollen profile captures the development of alder (Alnus glutinosa) with ferns. The wetland environment is represented by buttercup pollen (Caltha palustris) and algae (Botryococcus). The pollen diagram shows a cyclic overgrowth of alder trees, which alternates with probably human disturbances of several prehistoric cultures, which have lived in the area since the Neolithic period and especially in the Bronze Age. According to the pollen record, the settlement of the Bronze Age is demonstrated by slash and burn, and continuous agriculture according to the pollen of cultivated crops. Pine oak groves developed in the area. The amount of fir pollen grains (Abies alba) indicates its local occurrence and spread probably always after leaving the site by human prospectors, pastoralists or farmers. The upper part of the pollen diagram shows a very depleted pollen spectrum with a predominance of sedges (Cyperaceae) and grasses (Poaceae), as a result of intensive forest fires since the Middle Ages. Extensive fires of Merklín in the 17th century are probably also recorded in the pollen diagram.
The Hůrky peat bog originated in the Subboreal period before 4.5 thousand. years (the oldest radiocarbon date is 4455 ± 30 BP). Spruce forests dominated from the beginning of the Older Subboreal. In the period of the Younger Subboreal 4,000 years ago, the alder karst spreads even more on the peat bog, culminating in this period. The decline of spruce and the spread of acidophilous pine –oak forests with a predominance of pine trees are widely spread in this period. A number of anthropogenic, mainly grazing, indicators were recognized (Plantago lanceolata), corresponding to the intensive prehistoric settlement of the Hallstatt period. In the period of the Older Subatlantic before 2.5 thousand fir disseminated elsewhere, but mainly acidophilous oak forest with a predominance of pine, which have remained here since the Younger Subboreal. Settlement with cereal agriculture has been recorded here since the early Middle Ages.
The Plzeň - Kamenný rybník peat bog originated at the end of the Boreal period and at the beginning of the Atlantic (8560 ± 30 BP). At the beginning of the Atlantic, there is striking also an increase in the findings of microscopic charcolas, probably in connection with fire activity. Also surprising is the repeated presence of pollen from plant species requiring disturbed sites, which often indicate the presence of humans at the site. We interpret this as an indication of the intensive settlement of Mesolithic society. In the period of about 6,000 years ago, the intensity of fire activity decreased and woody species characteristic of the climatic optimum began to appear, massively oak, spruce and fir, into which beech gradually penetrated. In the period of the Subboreal, in the period of 4000 years ago, alder culminates on the peat bog, spruce decreases and acidophilous beech forest with fir spread. Indicators of eutrophic beech forests of linden and elm decrease. In the period of the Older Subatlantic 2,500 years ago, the proportion of acidophilous beech forest with spruce increased, which could have been transformed into acidophilous oak forest in drier places. The period from the Early Middle Ages is characterized by increased fire activity similar to that in the past in the Mesolithic, due to the increase in the share of pine and the decrease of more demanding tree species.
The Mesolithic settlement, which we have recovered only with Kamenný rybník, is characterized by the light pine-oak forest, the spread of cranberries and by slash and burn (findings of the Pteridium aquilinum and the amount of microscopic charcoal). In the Neolithic pine declined and oak and spruce expanded. Among the anthropogenic indicators, there are various species of the Cichoridaceae, Chenopodium and Rumex recorded, as well as a number of spores of the common bracken, again proving fire activity. The Old Eneolithic is not represented at all in pollen anthropogenic indicators, which corresponds to the archaeological findings on population decline in the Pilsen Basin. At this time, the region is afforested mainly by oak and spruce. The settlement during the Middle Eneolithic by the Cham culture can be traced according to the deforestation of the landscape in the localities Kamenný rybník and Merklín and according to anthropogenic indicators of species of the family Cichoriodae, Ranunculaceae (Ranunculus acris), sorrel and nettle (Urtica) and by common bracken.
The immigration of the Bronze Age population in the Merklín locality is indicated by anthropogenic indicators of plantain (Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major) and the first cereals (Triticum). Deforestation is evidenced by the compact spread of the commom bracken. In the Late Bronze Age, there is extensive corn growing and cattle farming, the grazing of which is documented by the lanceolate plantain, the larger plantain, the trampled path, indicated by the knotweed (Polygonum aviculare). During the Hallstatt and La Tène period, the anthropogenic indicators are declining, but they are not disappearing completely, crops and grazing have been documented, and two new types of barley (Hordeum) and hemp (Cannabis sativa) crops are emerging. According to radiocarbon dating, the Roman and the Migration periods correspond mainly to cannabis. Crop farming occurs very sporadically. With the arrival of the Slavs, all available cereal began to be grown, and hemp probably plays an important role. In the early Middle Ages, intensive corn growing (Triticum, Secale, Hordeum with Centaurea cyanus) and various forms of pastoralism (Juniperus communis, Rumex) predominated. A new crop of the Early Middle Ages becomes buckwheat (Fagopyrum).
The development of the landscape cover read by means of pollen profiles from three localities in the Pilsen Basin corresponds to archaeological sources. The three localities show a similar development, yet each has its own specifics. The combination of palynological and archaeological data yielded a number of important findings. At the Kamenný rybník locality, it was possible to palynologically capture a probably significant settlement during the Mesolithic period. The share of non-tree pollen showing the rate of deforestation of the landscape here reaches up to about 30% in the period of about 6,500 - 7,500 BC.Such values are not subsequently recorded here throughout prehistoric times and appear only with the High Medieval colonization. During agricultural prehistory, the rate of settlement and the impact of the studied sites by humans is relatively low. Poor sandy soils and peat waterlogged areas were apparently not as populated as the archaeological evidence in the surrounding landscape shows.
Today's acidophious pine-oak forest, typical of the region, which are relatively poor in nutrients, probably developed due to human settlement. It seems that the proportion of pine to oak in pollen and the proportion of pollen of pine oak forest (Pinus, Quercus, Vaccinium, Calluna) rather corresponds to the presence of pollen indicators of human influence. Thus, rather than being a relict taiga from the Late Glacial repressed by humans, in the case of the Pilsen region it seems that these are forests depleted during periods of human management. However, a more precise solution to these issues remains a question for further comprehensive research.
An early medieval silver denier of the West Frankish King and Emperor Charles II the Bald (843–877) was found during a metal detector survey of a wellknown polycultural site with remnants of settlements from the Neolithic to the High Middle Ages Periods. Despite small traces of corrosion, the coin is perfectly preserved and was probably never in circulation. The denier is the eighth known find of a Carolingian coin in Bohemia, and the first specimen found in the Pilsen Region. The importance of the site is given mainly by its location on the Regensburg route, which provided the main connection between Bohemia and Bavaria. The importance of this route is underlined by the location of the customhouse with the church of St. Jakub in Domažlice, and especially the Benedictine mission cell in Cham, similar to the findings of Carolingian coins in Bavaria.
Der Beitrag befasst sich mit neuen Funden von Schwert-Scheidenortbändern aus Westböhmen und ergänzt und erweitert die vorhergehende Studie aus dem Jahr 2017. Es wurden 4 Scheidenortbänder dokumentiert. Drei Exemplare sind aus Bronze, einer aus Eisen gefertigt. Alle Ortbänder gehören zum sog. U–Typ, der überwiegend im Raum Westeuropas, bzw. in südwestlichen Teilen Deutschlands vorkommt. Der Chronologie dieses Ortbandtyps fehlt es vorläufig an einer zuverlässigen Stütze, auf Grund eines stratifizierten Fundes aus Kelheim werden sie ins 11. bis zum Beginn des 12. Jhs. datiert. Es ist aber möglich, dass die chronologische Zeitspanne dieser Funde in Wirklichkeit breiter ist.
1. Bezemín, Bez. Tachov. Bronzenes gegossenes Ortband des U–Typs, verziert durch ein Durchbruchmotiv. Typ Koch 5, Krabath 250.
2. Pozorka, Bez. Tachov. Lage Žďár. Bronzenes gegossenes Ortband des U–Typs, verziert durch ein Durchbruchmotiv, Typ Koch 2, Krabath 220.
3. Kladruby, Bez. Tachov. Fragment eines gegossenen masiven Bronzebeschlags des U–Typs, Typ Koch 1B, Krabath 210.
4. Pňovany, Bez. Plzeň–sever. Lage Blahoutský les. Eisenbeschlag des U–Typs. Typ Koch 1B, Krabath 210.
Das Zunehmen der Anzahl der bekannten Exemplare ermöglicht eine schrittweise Modifizierung der erreichbaren Typologie. Im Beitrag wurde eine Regelung des Koch–Typs 5, bzw. seine Aufteilung in 3 Untertypen, ausgeführt:
1. Die Grundausführung, ein Motiv mit zwei seitlichen Ovalen und einem unteren Tropfen. Die obere Kante ist durch eine keilförmige bis rautenförmige Auskragung beendet.
2. Der untere Tropfen ist durch ein vertikales Band ergänzt, die obere Kante ist durch eine durch zwei Bänder begrenzte Raute beendet, die aus den Gipfeln der seitlichen Ovale heraustreten.
3. Der untere Tropfen ist durch ein Baumblatt ersetzt, weitere zwei Blätter befinden sich innerhalb der seitlichen Ovale. Die innere Zeichnung der Blätter ist geritzt oder getrieben.
The skeleton was stored in a rectangular grave pit. Its original depth could not be determined because its upper part was destroyed by later landscaping. Some visible remains of wooden structures, either from the coffin, or grave pit timbering, is clearly preserved in the grave pit. There were several medium-sized stones in the backfill of the grave pit, but it is possible that their position is the result of younger interventions. Significant adverse soil conditions caused complete digestion of bones, sometimes only vague impressions are preserved, particularly in areas of lower limbs. Only four teeths (molar crowns), colored in green copper oxides, have been found in the area of the skull. According to the remains of bones and position of funerary furnition, the orientation of body head to SSE could be reliably determined. Anthropological analysis estimated the age of the deceased at the age of 12 ± 30 months. The sex was determined by the tomb equipment as female.
1. A vase-shape ceramic vessel, with the with a sharp plastic rib on the shoulder, with indented bottom, made on pottery wheel, height 163 mm. The vessel was placed at the head of the deceased (Fig. 6:3). 2. Bronze torque. with wide buffer-shaped) ends, decorated with the pearls rolling at the bottom, diameter 150 mm, thickness of the wire 7 mm; it was placed in function position on the neck (Fig. 6:5). 3. Bronze brooch of Münsingen type, coil spring 3+?, the body of bow is decorated with grooves, the round foot with preserved thorn, decorative plate is missing; placed in the neck area, in the middle of the torque (Fig. 6:2). 4. Bronze brooch of Münsingen type, coil spring 3+3, body of bowl without decoration, the round foot with break off thorn, decorative plate is missing; found in breast area (Fig. 6:1). 5. Bronze bracelet from wire decorated with pearl rolling around all perimeter, with seal ends, diameter 63 mm; found in left wrist area (Fig. 6:4). 6. Fragments of anklet from S-coiled wire, 3 mm wide, decorated with grooves; placed in ankles area (Fig. 6:6). 7. Fragment of unidentified bronze object (possible part of pin); in the upper left area of the body.
The findings composition suggest that high status woman there was buried. According the preliminary assesment the grave is dated to the Lt B1b-c period. The Kralovice grave can be characterized as a single grave, not as part of a larger necropolis. Although it can not be excluded that other graves could be destroyed by the construction of the buildings, it is unlikely that the bones and any findings could escape attention. Also important is the orientation of the grave. In the western half of Europe prevails body orientation to head north. Graves with the opposite position (head to south) are often considered to be extraordinary. Sometimes funerals are interpreted as foreigners or immigrants.
The analogy to the jewelry are from north-eastern France and Rheinland area and they are differ from tomb equipment from northwestern and central Bohemia and southern Bavaria. Tomb probably demonstrates proof the penetration of the Celts to the West Bohemia. For some reason, however, the permanent settlement strating in the later La Tène period (Lt C-D). The question remains for further research is the relationship of this finding to numerous settlements and burial sites from Lt A period, which represent the end of the continuous settlement of the people of the Bronze Age and Hallstatt period.
Vseruby and its surroudings in the prehistoric and early medieval times (p. 11-19).
Urbanism and building development of Všeruby town (p. 153-156).
Archaeological research at the St. Spirit Church (p. 169-173).
Im Oktober 2021 hat der Mitarbeiter des Westbömischen Museums in Pilsen Herr Patrik Červenka bei einer Detektorprospektion in der Umgebung von Podmokly (Bez. Rokycany) einen bronzenen Ring mit kugeligen Knoten gefunden. Der Fund wurde auf einem südöstlich von der Ortschaft liegendem Feld gemacht, in der Lage „U Jam“. Der Ort befindet sich dicht an der Kante eines kleinen Quellbeckens, aus dem ein namenloser Wasserlauf in Richtung Osten fließt (Abb. 1:2). Nach ungefähr 500 m fließt das Bächlein in Richtung Südosten und mündet in den Bach Vejvanovský potok und nachfolgend in den Zbirožský potok. Der Bronzering wurde auf der Ackerbodenoberfläche gefunden und besteht aus neun Knoten, die zu dreien regelmäßig auf seiner Ober-, Unter- und Außenseite verteilt sind. Sein innerer Durchschnitt ist 19 mm und sein Körper ist von einem ovalförmigen Stäbchen mit den ursprünglichen Maßen 5×4 mm gebildet. Der Ring wiegt 8,27 g. Eine Hälfte des Rings ist in einem sehr guten Zustand mit glatter Oberfläche und lediglich die Knoten sind ein weing abgewetzt, die andere Hälfte ist markant beschädigt und abgewetzt, an einigen Stellen fast den Ring hindurch (Abb. 2, 3). Obwohl an diesem Zustand die postdepositionellen Prozesse ihre Rolle spielen, so ist es wahrscheinlich, dass er den Zustand vor der Archäeologisierung des Rings widerspiegelt und es handelt sich um Spuren der Benutzung – eines Aufhängen des Rings. Das vorgestellte Atefakt ist eindeutig als Knotenring zu identifizieren, hergestellt aus einer Kupferlegierung, höchstwahrscheinlich aus Bronze. Es handelt sich um einen typischen Fund aus dem Zeitalter LT C2–D1, an den wir auf Siedlungen, in Depots und dank der massiven Verbreitung von Metalldetektoren in den vergangenen 30 Jahren auch als Einzelfund antereffen können. Die ursprüngliche Idee der Bildung dieser Ringe können wir vermutlich im Bereich des Vorkommens der Laténekultur zwischen der heutigen Tschechischen Republik und Rumänien suchen, in den letzten Jahren vermehren sich Funde dieser Gegenstände auch auf dem Gebiet Westeuropas. In Zusammenhang mit dem Ring aus Podmokly ist der Fund eines Bronzerädchens mit Knoten und Felgen äußerst interessant, das 2014 bei einer Detektorprospektion in der Nähe der Frühlaténegrabstätte Červená Hora bei Kralovice, bzw. Mariánská entdeckt wurde. Es handelt sich um einen räumlichen kugelförmigen Gegenstand, der durch einen Zentralring gebildet wird, aus dem auf jede Seite vier Arme auslaufen, die an den Enden durch ein Ringlein verbuden sind. Die Oberfläche des Mittelrings und der Arme sind von kleinen kugelförmigen Knoten bedeckt (Abb. 4). Diesen Gegenstand könnten wir als Körbchenanhänger oder La rouelle-cage bezeichnen. Im Gegensatz zu einfachen Knotenringen ist das Vorkommen dieser Gegenstände verhältnismäßig selten. Der Fund eines bronzenen Knotenrings ist ein bedeutender Beleg der Laténebesiedlung in der nördlichen Region von Rokycany, bzw. im Einzugsgebiet des Flusses Berounka. Die Aufbewahrung des Depots an Goldmünzen, die 1771 gefunden wurden (Abb. 1:1), war höchstwahrscheinlich ein einmaliges Ereignis, verbunden mit der Bedeutung des Flusses Berounka als Hauptkommunikationsweg auf/ von Oppidum Stradonice. Der Fund des Bronzerings mit klaren Benutzungsspuren ist eine weitere Bestätigung der Bedeutung des rechten Berounka-Ufers als wichtige Kommunikation der Laténezeit, aber sie kann auch die Anwesenheit einer andauernderen Besiedlung andeuten.
Prof. Dr. Bohuslav Horák, DrSc. (1881–1960), was a prominent figure in the Czech historical sciences, specifically history, historical geography, historical ethnology and history of geography. He founded and headed several scientific departments, primarily at Masaryk University in Brno, where he was habilitated in 1927 and where he served as a Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy from 1938 to 1939, and later at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, where he founded and headed the Cabinet for Historical Geography. However, 16 tis little known that he began his scientific career as a prehistorian and archaeologist. During his time as a professor at the Gymnasium in Pilsen, he worked closely with the Municipal Historical Museum in Pilsen, for which he undertook and directed several archaeological excavations. Among the most important are three seasons of archaeological work at the early medieval Přemyslid stronghold of Hůrka in Starý Plzenec in 1906, 1907 and 1909. Among the most important results were the uncovering of two early medieval churches: the Church of St. Lawrence on the acropolis and the Church of St. Cross on the eastern front of the castle. He also explored the remains of a 15th century building and found a number of medieval stove-tiles. In 1911, he carried out another archaeological excavation at the Hradiště hillfort, which he dated to the Late Bronze Age and the Hallstatt Age. The results of his excavations, which were of a very high standard for that time, are still valid today. In addition to field excavations, Bohuslav Horák also worked on the processing of archaeological finds stored in museum collections, especially the well-known depot from Plzeň-Jíkalka. In cooperation with Fridolín Macháček, he organized a unique archaeological course for volunteer collaborators, which had and still has no analogue in the Czech lands. Despite his relatively short life, Bohuslav Horák left a significant mark on Czech archaeology at the beginning of the 20th century and ranked among the most important representatives of his field. It is perhaps a loss for archaeology, but certainly a gain for other disciplines, that after his departure from Pilsen he began to focus on other scientific topics.
Pollen profiles of peatlands are key for modeling forest ecosystems in the surrounding landscape, because according to them we can obtain information about the development of pine-oak forests, the spread of forest-free landscape influenced by man and about the species representation of selected agricultural crops. This work focuses on changes in the composition of plant communities in connection with human activity in the studied localities in archaeological contexts.
The Merklín forest hollow originated in a spring during the Atlantic period (the oldest radiocarbon date comes from 5440 ± 25 BP). From the beginning, the pollen profile captures the development of alder (Alnus glutinosa) with ferns. The wetland environment is represented by buttercup pollen (Caltha palustris) and algae (Botryococcus). The pollen diagram shows a cyclic overgrowth of alder trees, which alternates with probably human disturbances of several prehistoric cultures, which have lived in the area since the Neolithic period and especially in the Bronze Age. According to the pollen record, the settlement of the Bronze Age is demonstrated by slash and burn, and continuous agriculture according to the pollen of cultivated crops. Pine oak groves developed in the area. The amount of fir pollen grains (Abies alba) indicates its local occurrence and spread probably always after leaving the site by human prospectors, pastoralists or farmers. The upper part of the pollen diagram shows a very depleted pollen spectrum with a predominance of sedges (Cyperaceae) and grasses (Poaceae), as a result of intensive forest fires since the Middle Ages. Extensive fires of Merklín in the 17th century are probably also recorded in the pollen diagram.
The Hůrky peat bog originated in the Subboreal period before 4.5 thousand. years (the oldest radiocarbon date is 4455 ± 30 BP). Spruce forests dominated from the beginning of the Older Subboreal. In the period of the Younger Subboreal 4,000 years ago, the alder karst spreads even more on the peat bog, culminating in this period. The decline of spruce and the spread of acidophilous pine –oak forests with a predominance of pine trees are widely spread in this period. A number of anthropogenic, mainly grazing, indicators were recognized (Plantago lanceolata), corresponding to the intensive prehistoric settlement of the Hallstatt period. In the period of the Older Subatlantic before 2.5 thousand fir disseminated elsewhere, but mainly acidophilous oak forest with a predominance of pine, which have remained here since the Younger Subboreal. Settlement with cereal agriculture has been recorded here since the early Middle Ages.
The Plzeň - Kamenný rybník peat bog originated at the end of the Boreal period and at the beginning of the Atlantic (8560 ± 30 BP). At the beginning of the Atlantic, there is striking also an increase in the findings of microscopic charcolas, probably in connection with fire activity. Also surprising is the repeated presence of pollen from plant species requiring disturbed sites, which often indicate the presence of humans at the site. We interpret this as an indication of the intensive settlement of Mesolithic society. In the period of about 6,000 years ago, the intensity of fire activity decreased and woody species characteristic of the climatic optimum began to appear, massively oak, spruce and fir, into which beech gradually penetrated. In the period of the Subboreal, in the period of 4000 years ago, alder culminates on the peat bog, spruce decreases and acidophilous beech forest with fir spread. Indicators of eutrophic beech forests of linden and elm decrease. In the period of the Older Subatlantic 2,500 years ago, the proportion of acidophilous beech forest with spruce increased, which could have been transformed into acidophilous oak forest in drier places. The period from the Early Middle Ages is characterized by increased fire activity similar to that in the past in the Mesolithic, due to the increase in the share of pine and the decrease of more demanding tree species.
The Mesolithic settlement, which we have recovered only with Kamenný rybník, is characterized by the light pine-oak forest, the spread of cranberries and by slash and burn (findings of the Pteridium aquilinum and the amount of microscopic charcoal). In the Neolithic pine declined and oak and spruce expanded. Among the anthropogenic indicators, there are various species of the Cichoridaceae, Chenopodium and Rumex recorded, as well as a number of spores of the common bracken, again proving fire activity. The Old Eneolithic is not represented at all in pollen anthropogenic indicators, which corresponds to the archaeological findings on population decline in the Pilsen Basin. At this time, the region is afforested mainly by oak and spruce. The settlement during the Middle Eneolithic by the Cham culture can be traced according to the deforestation of the landscape in the localities Kamenný rybník and Merklín and according to anthropogenic indicators of species of the family Cichoriodae, Ranunculaceae (Ranunculus acris), sorrel and nettle (Urtica) and by common bracken.
The immigration of the Bronze Age population in the Merklín locality is indicated by anthropogenic indicators of plantain (Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major) and the first cereals (Triticum). Deforestation is evidenced by the compact spread of the commom bracken. In the Late Bronze Age, there is extensive corn growing and cattle farming, the grazing of which is documented by the lanceolate plantain, the larger plantain, the trampled path, indicated by the knotweed (Polygonum aviculare). During the Hallstatt and La Tène period, the anthropogenic indicators are declining, but they are not disappearing completely, crops and grazing have been documented, and two new types of barley (Hordeum) and hemp (Cannabis sativa) crops are emerging. According to radiocarbon dating, the Roman and the Migration periods correspond mainly to cannabis. Crop farming occurs very sporadically. With the arrival of the Slavs, all available cereal began to be grown, and hemp probably plays an important role. In the early Middle Ages, intensive corn growing (Triticum, Secale, Hordeum with Centaurea cyanus) and various forms of pastoralism (Juniperus communis, Rumex) predominated. A new crop of the Early Middle Ages becomes buckwheat (Fagopyrum).
The development of the landscape cover read by means of pollen profiles from three localities in the Pilsen Basin corresponds to archaeological sources. The three localities show a similar development, yet each has its own specifics. The combination of palynological and archaeological data yielded a number of important findings. At the Kamenný rybník locality, it was possible to palynologically capture a probably significant settlement during the Mesolithic period. The share of non-tree pollen showing the rate of deforestation of the landscape here reaches up to about 30% in the period of about 6,500 - 7,500 BC.Such values are not subsequently recorded here throughout prehistoric times and appear only with the High Medieval colonization. During agricultural prehistory, the rate of settlement and the impact of the studied sites by humans is relatively low. Poor sandy soils and peat waterlogged areas were apparently not as populated as the archaeological evidence in the surrounding landscape shows.
Today's acidophious pine-oak forest, typical of the region, which are relatively poor in nutrients, probably developed due to human settlement. It seems that the proportion of pine to oak in pollen and the proportion of pollen of pine oak forest (Pinus, Quercus, Vaccinium, Calluna) rather corresponds to the presence of pollen indicators of human influence. Thus, rather than being a relict taiga from the Late Glacial repressed by humans, in the case of the Pilsen region it seems that these are forests depleted during periods of human management. However, a more precise solution to these issues remains a question for further comprehensive research.
An early medieval silver denier of the West Frankish King and Emperor Charles II the Bald (843–877) was found during a metal detector survey of a wellknown polycultural site with remnants of settlements from the Neolithic to the High Middle Ages Periods. Despite small traces of corrosion, the coin is perfectly preserved and was probably never in circulation. The denier is the eighth known find of a Carolingian coin in Bohemia, and the first specimen found in the Pilsen Region. The importance of the site is given mainly by its location on the Regensburg route, which provided the main connection between Bohemia and Bavaria. The importance of this route is underlined by the location of the customhouse with the church of St. Jakub in Domažlice, and especially the Benedictine mission cell in Cham, similar to the findings of Carolingian coins in Bavaria.
Der Beitrag befasst sich mit neuen Funden von Schwert-Scheidenortbändern aus Westböhmen und ergänzt und erweitert die vorhergehende Studie aus dem Jahr 2017. Es wurden 4 Scheidenortbänder dokumentiert. Drei Exemplare sind aus Bronze, einer aus Eisen gefertigt. Alle Ortbänder gehören zum sog. U–Typ, der überwiegend im Raum Westeuropas, bzw. in südwestlichen Teilen Deutschlands vorkommt. Der Chronologie dieses Ortbandtyps fehlt es vorläufig an einer zuverlässigen Stütze, auf Grund eines stratifizierten Fundes aus Kelheim werden sie ins 11. bis zum Beginn des 12. Jhs. datiert. Es ist aber möglich, dass die chronologische Zeitspanne dieser Funde in Wirklichkeit breiter ist.
1. Bezemín, Bez. Tachov. Bronzenes gegossenes Ortband des U–Typs, verziert durch ein Durchbruchmotiv. Typ Koch 5, Krabath 250.
2. Pozorka, Bez. Tachov. Lage Žďár. Bronzenes gegossenes Ortband des U–Typs, verziert durch ein Durchbruchmotiv, Typ Koch 2, Krabath 220.
3. Kladruby, Bez. Tachov. Fragment eines gegossenen masiven Bronzebeschlags des U–Typs, Typ Koch 1B, Krabath 210.
4. Pňovany, Bez. Plzeň–sever. Lage Blahoutský les. Eisenbeschlag des U–Typs. Typ Koch 1B, Krabath 210.
Das Zunehmen der Anzahl der bekannten Exemplare ermöglicht eine schrittweise Modifizierung der erreichbaren Typologie. Im Beitrag wurde eine Regelung des Koch–Typs 5, bzw. seine Aufteilung in 3 Untertypen, ausgeführt:
1. Die Grundausführung, ein Motiv mit zwei seitlichen Ovalen und einem unteren Tropfen. Die obere Kante ist durch eine keilförmige bis rautenförmige Auskragung beendet.
2. Der untere Tropfen ist durch ein vertikales Band ergänzt, die obere Kante ist durch eine durch zwei Bänder begrenzte Raute beendet, die aus den Gipfeln der seitlichen Ovale heraustreten.
3. Der untere Tropfen ist durch ein Baumblatt ersetzt, weitere zwei Blätter befinden sich innerhalb der seitlichen Ovale. Die innere Zeichnung der Blätter ist geritzt oder getrieben.
The skeleton was stored in a rectangular grave pit. Its original depth could not be determined because its upper part was destroyed by later landscaping. Some visible remains of wooden structures, either from the coffin, or grave pit timbering, is clearly preserved in the grave pit. There were several medium-sized stones in the backfill of the grave pit, but it is possible that their position is the result of younger interventions. Significant adverse soil conditions caused complete digestion of bones, sometimes only vague impressions are preserved, particularly in areas of lower limbs. Only four teeths (molar crowns), colored in green copper oxides, have been found in the area of the skull. According to the remains of bones and position of funerary furnition, the orientation of body head to SSE could be reliably determined. Anthropological analysis estimated the age of the deceased at the age of 12 ± 30 months. The sex was determined by the tomb equipment as female.
1. A vase-shape ceramic vessel, with the with a sharp plastic rib on the shoulder, with indented bottom, made on pottery wheel, height 163 mm. The vessel was placed at the head of the deceased (Fig. 6:3). 2. Bronze torque. with wide buffer-shaped) ends, decorated with the pearls rolling at the bottom, diameter 150 mm, thickness of the wire 7 mm; it was placed in function position on the neck (Fig. 6:5). 3. Bronze brooch of Münsingen type, coil spring 3+?, the body of bow is decorated with grooves, the round foot with preserved thorn, decorative plate is missing; placed in the neck area, in the middle of the torque (Fig. 6:2). 4. Bronze brooch of Münsingen type, coil spring 3+3, body of bowl without decoration, the round foot with break off thorn, decorative plate is missing; found in breast area (Fig. 6:1). 5. Bronze bracelet from wire decorated with pearl rolling around all perimeter, with seal ends, diameter 63 mm; found in left wrist area (Fig. 6:4). 6. Fragments of anklet from S-coiled wire, 3 mm wide, decorated with grooves; placed in ankles area (Fig. 6:6). 7. Fragment of unidentified bronze object (possible part of pin); in the upper left area of the body.
The findings composition suggest that high status woman there was buried. According the preliminary assesment the grave is dated to the Lt B1b-c period. The Kralovice grave can be characterized as a single grave, not as part of a larger necropolis. Although it can not be excluded that other graves could be destroyed by the construction of the buildings, it is unlikely that the bones and any findings could escape attention. Also important is the orientation of the grave. In the western half of Europe prevails body orientation to head north. Graves with the opposite position (head to south) are often considered to be extraordinary. Sometimes funerals are interpreted as foreigners or immigrants.
The analogy to the jewelry are from north-eastern France and Rheinland area and they are differ from tomb equipment from northwestern and central Bohemia and southern Bavaria. Tomb probably demonstrates proof the penetration of the Celts to the West Bohemia. For some reason, however, the permanent settlement strating in the later La Tène period (Lt C-D). The question remains for further research is the relationship of this finding to numerous settlements and burial sites from Lt A period, which represent the end of the continuous settlement of the people of the Bronze Age and Hallstatt period.
Von den Objekten, die man bei der Erforschung der Sakralbauten dokumentiert, sind auch Gräben. Die Erkenntnisse ihrer Bedeutung und Funktion stecken bisher in den Anfangsarbeiten und auch ihre Registration ist sehr unvollständig. In diesem Beitrag sind einige Lokalitäten behandelt, die aufgrund der schriftlichen Quellen, Landkarten, ikonographischen Quellen und durch Landesaufnahme und Luftprospektion dokumentiert wurden. Archäologisch wurden nur vier Gräben erforscht. Der erste von ihnen wurde bei der St. Peter und Paul Kirche in Planá bei Mariánské Lázně (Bez. Tachov) untersucht. Es wurde der obere Teil der inneren Grabenkante festgestellt, ohne einige weitere Angaben zur Datierung dieses Objekts. Der zweite Objekt war im Dorf Koloveč (Bez. Domažlice) untersucht. Bei diesem Graben wurde ein Wassergraben aus dem 15. Jh. festgestellt. Das Graben existierte noch im 19. Jh., aber auf seinem Ende ist es eingegangen. Das dritte Graben war bei der St. Johann Teufer-Kirche in Město Toškov (Bez. Plzeň-Nord). Durch dieses Graben wurde ein Scchnitt durchgeführt. Beim Umbau der Kirche im Jahr 1777 ist dieses sehr wahrscheinlich mittelalterliches Graben verschwunden. Das vierte, kleine Graben war bei der St. Johann Teufer-Kirche in Starý Plzeněc (Bez. Plzen-Süd). Dieses Graben ist im Laufe des 15.-17. Jh. schrittweise eingegangen. Bei den Gräben kann man mehrere Funktionen voraussetzen. Außer der Fortifikationsaufgabe spielte auch wichtige Rolle ihre symbolische Bedeutung der Begrenzung des eingeweihten Friedhofs und des kirchlichen Areals von der übrigen prophanen Welt. Man kann auch voraussetzen, daß der Aufbau der Gräben sollte den Tieren den Zugang zum Friedhof verhindern.
This presentation will show also different elements of the defence, which should be divided to two main groups – active and passive. The first group includes loophole, to the second group belong for example walls and towers with gates or fortress moats. Other components are related to the construction of the church itself as narrow windows, massive walls, bolts in the church doors.
This topic is not very often reflected in the research, although it is crucial for the proper knowledge of all types of the military architecture in the Middle Age in Europe.
Processes associated with human activity at Všeruby site resulted in a wide range of postdepositional changes that affected skeletons. Not only could the extrinsic processes modify human skeleton but also intrinsic processes has to be taken into account in mortuary studies. Here we report the VSEK501 individual from Všeruby who may be used as an example of the influence of the intrinsic factors on decomposition and disarticulation of
human body.
Content:
Round churches represent one of the most important part of the medieval ecclesiastical landscape in Europe. Inspired by the architecture of the Holy Sepulcher and subsequently the imperial chapel in Aachen, this special architectural type has spread especially between the 9th and 13th centuries, but examples are not missing outside this time period. Round churches were built in very different contexts, over time with various functions: baptisteries, court/palace chapels (following the example of Aachen), funerary or cemetery chapels, ossuaries and, most frequently, parish churches (especially in Eastern Europe) – or a combination of the above.
Round churches were built all over Europe, both in territories of eastern and western Christianity, and represent the oldest church-building type in the Carpathian Basin: over 100 buildings being documented as having medieval origins. A lot of examples are known in Saxony, Poland, Bohemia, Moravia, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, too, staying at the beginning of Christianization and religious architecture.
Although much has been written on this subject, there are a number of issues that have not yet been resolved and require a deeper approach. In addition, in the last decades archaeological researches have brought much news on this topic, by discovering new objects and in-depth analysis of the phenomenon, which are not yet inserted in the context.
This session invites a debate on this topic, to explore the complex world of round churches from an archaeological perspective. There are a lot of questions to be answered regarding the circumstances of their life, the chronological and architectural frame, the funerary perspective or the network of building sites. Their sources of inspiration (Western or Eastern origin?), function and role in the process of Christianization may be some of the topics discussed, but any perspective will be welcome, especially a comparative approach at European level.
Main organiser:
Peter Levente Szocs (Romania) 1
Co-organisers:
Daniela Veronica Istrate (Romania) 2
Martin Čechura (Czech Republic) 3
Affiliations:
1. County Museum Satu Mare
2. Vasile Pârvan Institute of Archaeology, Bucharest
3. Museum of West Bohemia