Weapons by Bartosz Kontny
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne, 2024
The paper presents a stray find of an axe head from the Przeworsk culture settlement at Janowiec.... more The paper presents a stray find of an axe head from the Przeworsk culture settlement at Janowiec. It is a medium weight head attributed to subgroup II.2 after B. Kontny (2018), dated generally to the Roman Period (Phases B2-C1a). Its shape does not allow the function to be determined univocally. Most probably it was a multifunc-tional tool. The aforementioned axes were used mainly in the Balt milieu, but they were also known but rather not used as weapons in the Przeworsk culture. Single finds from northern Europe may be explained by the participation of the Balt warriors in the military events at these areas. One may consider the possibility that the axes and some other parts of the military equipment became commonly used thanks to multiethnic military expeditions and the migrations with a military background connected, among other things, with the crisis of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century.
Znad Odry nad Ren? Rozważania na temat schyłku grupy lubuskiej w świetle znalezisk uzbrojenia, 2024
From the Oder to the Rhine? Reflections on the decline of the
Lubusz group in light of weapon fin... more From the Oder to the Rhine? Reflections on the decline of the
Lubusz group in light of weapon finds.
The article discusses military artifacts from the final stage of the Lubusz
group. This collection includes polearm heads, swords, scabbard elements, shield fittings, and spurs, originating from burial sites and water sacrificial sites. The artifacts are dated to the subphase C1b of the Roman influence period, a time when many weapon specimens were still known; the latest even date to phase C2 (Falkenberg, likely from the late segment of this phase). In the subphase C1b in the Lower Oder region, there was a significant cultural change in terms of armament.
Instead of the very distinct Przeworsk model (with few supposed Elbe
or Scandinavian elements, reflected in the making of some items from copper alloys), a Northern European pattern was introduced. This phenomenon might have started earlier, but considering the scant number of findings, it had not yet played a significant role. This is exemplified primarily by numerous forms of polearm heads, but also swords (see the distribution of the Vimose-Illerup type, the sword scabbard shoe from Lubanowo) and some shield elements (the copper alloy boss from Hohenselchow, the umbo with a hole – possibly for spike attachment – from Battin), and also the type Leuna A spur from Meichow (in this case, an Elbe influence is also conceivable). The chronology indicates that these artifacts were left by the Lubusz group population, not the Dębczyn group. According to Henryk Machajewski, the latter emerged from the late subphase C1a, with its earliest traces visible from the Randow basin west of the Oder to the Parsęta and Radew basins in the east. Hence, the departure from the previous armament model occurred simultaneously with a cultural shift associated with the emergence of a new cultural unit representing elements of the Post-Wielbark, Elbe, and Scandinavian cultures. In the Dębczyn group, pole weapons are almost unknown as they were not placed in graves. Therefore, despite the proximity to the settlements of the Dębczyn population, it is hard to assume that numerous late graves with weapons should be connected with them. This is also supported by the fact that graves with weapons are found in necropolises continuously used since the early Roman period by the Lubusz group population.
This applies to sacrificial sites as well, such as Pasewalk and Lubanowo, where weapons from phases B and C1 are found. The cultural shift is thus expressed, among other things, in the abandonment of previously used necropolises and – as it can be assumed based on the current state of knowledge – also sacrificial water sites. It should be remembered that the state of recognition of the latter is merely fragmentary.
The analogies indicated in the text (Przeworsk and Scandinavian type arrowheads from the Harzhorn battlefield in 236 AD; Rhenish findings: the arrowhead from Bleibeskopf, arrowheads from the destruction layers of the auxiliary military camp in Pfünz in Bavaria, destroyed by the Alamanni in 233 AD; a Northern European type arrowhead from the treasure in the old Rhine bed in Neupotz, associated with the Alamanni breaking through the Agri Decumates limes in 259/260 AD) suggest that we are dealing with a series of evidence of the involvement of the Central and Northern European Barbaricum populations in attacks on the Rhine border, but also in events whose archaeological trace is the battle at Harzhorn. All this seems to testify to far-reaching expeditions and population movements, with the formation process of a new tribal federation – the Alamanni – in the south-western part of the so-called Free Germania in the background. This includes special occasions acting like a magnet for warriors craving distinction, such as the presence of the Roman army in Barbaricum (casus Harzhorn). It is very possible that warriors from the Baltic basin, including the Lubusz group, participated in this process, which is related to its decline. A by-product of these phenomena may be the formation of the Luboszyce culture, especially the emergence of Northern European features, the appearance of Scandinavian elements in the Dębczyn group, and also the atypical grave from Niekursko from phase C2. These phenomena suggest that military migrations to the south and west were multi-stage and involved warriors from different parts of the barbarian world. If we add the snowball mechanism (i.e., the joining of warriors from different tribes to migrating groups, making the group grow in size and strength, acquiring a multi-ethnic character), it becomes easier to understand the difficulties in identifying the homeland of the Alamanni: simply, there wasn’t one, or rather, there were many. Among them, the Lower Oder region seems probable.
"Prakalbinta priešistorė/ Unveiling prehistory"., 2024
The paper presents a long-handled knife found in Lake Lubanowo (NW Poland) during an archaeologic... more The paper presents a long-handled knife found in Lake Lubanowo (NW Poland) during an archaeological survey by underwater archaeologists from the University of Warsaw. The site has been the subject of studies since 2014. Numerous items, specifically weapons and tools dated to the Early Roman Period and Phase C1, but also to the Middle Ages, have been documented here. Roman Period finds are interpreted as being the result of a few war booty offerings by the population of the local cultural unit, the Lubusz Group. One of the latest Roman Period finds is the knife, dating probably from Subphase C1b. It should be considered a piece of warrior's equipment, but not a weapon per se. Similar forms are known in Scandinavia (both in war booty offerings and in grave equipment), in Luboszyce Culture, and in Germany up to the river rhine, which suggests a connection with military action/migration to the south and west involving warriors from different parts of the Barbarian world, i.e. the Lubusz Group.
The Archaeology of War. Studies on Weapons of Barbarian Europe in the Roman and Migration Period, 2024
From graves to settlements, and from the battlefield to underwater sacrificial sites, weapons dat... more From graves to settlements, and from the battlefield to underwater sacrificial sites, weapons dating to the Roman and Migration Period have long been found in an array of contexts throughout the region that forms modern-day Poland. This volume for the first time aims to draw together research into these finds, gathered throughout the author’s career, in a synthetic approach that sees discoveries of swords and other armaments analysed against a broad, comparative background. The work begins with a focus on votive deposits from lakes, here used as a lens for addressing questions about military strategy and war ritual more generally, before moving on to explore the weapons and warriors of the Przeworsk and Wielbark Cultures, as well as shedding light on the lives of the Balts. Finally, an in-depth analysis is made of shields from the protohistoric period, exploring the genesis and variability of the forms taken by this protective weapon. Through this approach, this richly illustrated volume sheds new light not only on the typology and chronology of weaponry from the Roman and Migration Periods, but also on the symbolism and functionality that these arms held.
Inventory, offerings and rituals in the pre-Christian temples and sacred places of continental Europe and Mediterranean area (7th c. BC-2nd c. AD) : proceedings of the 3rd International Colloquium "Iron Age Sanctuaries and Cult Places at the Thracians and their Neighbours" : Alun (Romania), 16t..., 2023
Since 2014 the team from the University of Warsaw has
been conducting an underwater survey in La... more Since 2014 the team from the University of Warsaw has
been conducting an underwater survey in Lake Lubanowo in Western
Pomerania. It unveiled traces of a three-millennium-long human activity,
including i.a. an Iron Age logboat, a Roman Period war-booty offering,
Medieval deposits, a copper cauldron from ca AD 1600, private stamp of
a Prussian general from the early nineteenth century. During underwater
research weapons, tools, and horse harness elements were found dated
mainly to the Roman Period; some of them bear traces of ritual destruction.
The parallels to weapons may be pointed out namely in Central Europe and,
to some extent, in Scandinavia. The site should be attributed to sacrificial
military deposits, known generally from northern Europe, but until
recently unknown to the south of the Baltic Sea. Its extraordinary character
is manifested by the fact that the site is still in its ‘lake stage’, not a bog,
into which ancient lakes have evolved due to the process of eutrophication.
Most probably the site was used by local inhabitants, i.e. the people of
the Lubusz group, in the 1st until the early 3rd c. AD but at least some of
deposited weapons may be linked to the neighbouring cultural groups. The
author presents first conclusions concerning the character of the deposit.
PRAHISTORIA POLSKI STOPAMI WYDEPTANA. Studia poświęcone Doktorowi Adamowi Walusiowi, 2021
The article presents theoretical considerations on the model of weaponry in the West Balt Barrow ... more The article presents theoretical considerations on the model of weaponry in the West Balt Barrow Culture. In the absence of sources (especially protective weapons), the author abundantly uses analogies drawn from the Lusatian and Pomeranian cultures, but also northern Europe and other areas. The obtained image shows warriors not specialising in the military, as manifested by the lack of evidence that metal protective weapons were used (shields, helmets, armour, greaves), and a negligible number of swords and decorative elements of the horse tack. The lack of elite formations does not, theoretically, exclude the possibility of a military ‘career’ in distant regions, but – if at all present – this phenomenon was marginal (perhaps only a few swords came here in such a way). Instead, we are dealing with not highly sophisticated weapons, which could be used both in combat and hunting (clubs and spears, possibly bow and arrows) or on a farm (socketed axes, knobbed shaft-hole axe, perhaps also stone or antler hatchets). Men were probably occasional warriors, and being a part of this “after-hour professional group” was not reflected in the funeral rites. It does not mean, however, that we are dealing with peaceful communities. It is contradicted by grid lake-settlements inhabited all year and land settlements, both of a defensive type. Their significant number indicates the existence of a permanent threat, and – in the face of the lack of mastery of the art of siege – these fortifications were sufficiently effective if the appropriate number of defenders and supplies was gathered. It should be assumed that the source of the threat was not necessarily invaders from distant lands, rather internal conflicts between groups forming settlement clusters were dominating, as shown by analogies taken from cultural anthropology. It seems possible that such communities should be classified as type B societies, according to the K.F. Otterbein. They were characterized by an insignificant role of warriors’ brotherhoods; the military organization was in the form of local militias held together by belonging to a settlement rather than a family. In such structures, all men capable of carrying weapons were obliged to defend the village and, if retaliation was necessary (it could be decided by the council or the head of the settlement), it was expected that in such endeavour primarily young people competent in combat would participate. However, the lack of professional war structures did not exclude military activity: ramps, ambushes, attacks just before dawn and rarely clashes without tactics, saving women and children, sometimes taking slaves to be sold in more centralized political systems – these are the basic features of the military organization of such societies. Which of these should be indicated in the West Balt Barrow Culture remains unknown, but the general characteristics seem consistent with archaeological observations.
PALAMEDES, 2019
Degree of recognition of the armament models in Barbaricum allows not only to identify certain cu... more Degree of recognition of the armament models in Barbaricum allows not only to identify certain cultural areas but also to capture the ordinary findings not exactly matching the indigenous pattern. Their interpretation, although burdened with uncertainty, allows depicting the phenomena on the detailed dynamic level, i.e. not as a manifestation of the cultural processes but a phenomenon of a limited scale or relating to small groups of warriors. Author discusses particular finds from different parts of European Barbaricum, i.a. a Celtic grave from Ciumeşti in Romania, a warrior cemetery from the 1 st c. BC in Mutin on the River Seym, 1 st /2 nd c. AD double grave from Káloz in Pannonia, 2 nd c. AD necropolis in Kariv (western Ukraine), Sudovian Culture grave from Szwajcaria by Suwałki, barrow 2 (early 3 rd c. AD) and late antique necropolis at Čatyr Dag in Crimea. Basing on the chosen archaeological examples from different parts of the Iron Age Europe a mobility of a military character-practice mentioned in the written and ethnographic sources-is exemplified.
Journal of Roman Military Equipment Studies, 2020
The current state of research allows stating that the idea of sacrificial lake/bog sites is in no... more The current state of research allows stating that the idea of sacrificial lake/bog sites is in no way limited to northern Europe. To the south of the Baltic Sea one can name lake sites (some of them evolved into bogs – like Czaszkowo – or were dried – like Wólka; some have preserved as lakes – Lubanowo, probably Krępsk), numerous bog sites, depots in the vicinity of certain rivers (Czarnków, Stare Dłusko, maybe Żarnowiec) and, in the end, riverine sites (appearing at least in two horizons). They were surely more numerous than it is known at this moment. The underrepresentation results from the general lack of long-lasting and systematic underwater surveys. Another important factor stems from the fact that a great majority of the lakes in the European Lowland is covered in their littoral zone by organic sediments, at least 0.5–1.0 m thick. This significantly limits the use of metal detectors even in case of large-sized items buried beneath. Lake Lubanowo presents itself unique as its bottom is solid (sandy-stony-clayish) in the vicinity of the shore. Only future archaeological studies may lead to an answer whether the swords found in rivers are overrated in their number or other categories of weapons were thrown into the flowing waters as well, and what regularities may be traced in the sacrificial activity characteristic for the lake sites in certain periods. Also the phenomenon of depots should be studied in detail, as it seems as the least recognized one. Only after the thorough research one may try to connect such sites with the supra-regional phenomena like the Marcomannic Wars or
the Crisis of the Third Century. Therefore – let’s dive!
Różne oblicza archeologii Pamięci Jana Jaskanisa, 2021
The apex of the hypothetical? On the reconstruction of Sudovian shields
In an attempt to reconst... more The apex of the hypothetical? On the reconstruction of Sudovian shields
In an attempt to reconstruct the shape of shields, the paper analyses the Sudovian Culture inhumation graves with weapons (Figs. 1, 2) that contained shield elements. A repetitiveness in the placement of shield bosses has been observed; they have been found in the vicinity of legs, e.g., at the knees, usually with a minimal shi towards one of them, at the mid-length of femurs, or at the le hip (Fig. 2). The fittings were oriented with the dome upwards, which means that the shield was placed in front of the warrior. Judging by the imprint of a fabric on the shield grip from barrow 25 at Osowa, Suwałki District, it seems that the shields were placed directly on the deceased (on his clothes). None of the cases indicate that the hands of the deceased rested on the upper edge of the shield. The shields were elongated (considering Balt specimens, probably roughly rectangular, sometimes with slightly arched sides – Fig. 3:1–4), and their lengths ranged from 0.6 to 1.1 m; their widths are more difficult to estimate (probably 0.3–0.6 m). Individual preferences may account for the differences in dimensions. Shields made entirely of organic materials, including specimens with wooden shield bosses with short, blunt spikes (Fig. 4) as well as – purely hypothetically – specimens without shield bosses, with a pair of bands for the forearm and palm, played an important role. A reconstruction of the appearance of a Sudovian warrior is shown in Fig. 5.
B. Kontny (ed.), Wojna w pradziejach i średniowieczu, ŚWIATOWIT Supplement Series B: Barbaricum 13, 2021
The Migration Period between the Oder and the Vistula (2 vols), 2020
The paper presents new finds of the Roman military equipment and Migration-period militaria from ... more The paper presents new finds of the Roman military equipment and Migration-period militaria from Kujawy (central Poland). The former group embraces appliques, mounts and decorations of Roman horse harness and soldiers' attire, e.g. phallic and vulva-shaped pendants, shell-shaped fittings, belt buckles, apron studs, scabbard chape and beneficiarius emblem. They are dated from the 1st until the 5th c. but their majority come from the 3rd c.; one may explain it by the Roman recruitment of the barbarian warriors during the time of the Gallic Empire (Imperium Galliarum). For the the other periods other explanations may be used.
Set of Migration Period military equipment is presented as well. It proves long duration of the (post) Przeworsk-culture martial structures into the 5th and 6th c. regardless general depopulation of the Central European Barbaricum.
Acta Archaeologica Carpathica, 2019
The author presents the movements of the Przeworsk culture warriors basing on written and archaeo... more The author presents the movements of the Przeworsk culture warriors basing on written and archaeological sources but utilizes also the results of anthropological research. The warriors participated in military enterprises, viz. the raids but also more important ventures aimed at different areas (i.a. to the north-Vimose on Funen, and southeast -Čatyr Dag on Crimean Peninsula). Anthropological studies suggest that what was important for them was not the permanent direction, but tantalizing goals accomplishable in a military way. Possibly the warriors participated in retinues, also multi-ethnical ones, as described by Tacitus. It seems possible that the Przeworsk culture warriors occasionally collaborated with the Balts, but also the Wielbark culture warriors. Whether they occupied a privileged position among the Barbarians is still uncertain, but the Przeworsk culture forms of weapons imported and imitated in neighbouring cultures seem to suggest that for a long time they were treated as 'role model' warriors. The loss of their leading military impact in the Younger Roman Period should be linked with the increasing position of the Scandinavians with their well-equipped and stratified armies, probably fighting in the battle order. Written sources and weapons appearing as elements of grave furnishing, although not so frequent due to changes in the burial rite, suggest that it did not erase Przeworsk culture zealots from the military sphere. Detailed studies of sacrificial bog/watery sites, found in the territory of Poland, Scandinavia, and maybe also Lithuania and Latvia, have allowed finding further evidences of distant warlike expeditions.
Kultura przeworska Procesy przemian i kontakty zewnętrzne, ed. K. Kot-Legieć et al., Łódź, 2019
The paper summarizes the knowledge concerning the weaponry of the Przeworsk culture and neighbou... more The paper summarizes the knowledge concerning the weaponry of the Przeworsk culture and neighbouring cultural units in the Roman Period (the Bogaczewo culture, Sudovian culture, Wielbark culture and other areas). It shows an impact of the Przeworsk culture model on the surrounding cultural milieus in the Early Roman Period and in the beginning of the Younger Roman Period. Later on a permeation of the north European patterns is noticeable and the Przeworsk model of the military equipment evidently became less attractive at that time. Explanation for the diffusion of the Przeworsk culture and Scandinavian models lays in their attractiveness and the participation in joint military actions (multi-ethnical retinues). It helped in adoption of the foreign elements of the military equipment, treated as useful souvenirs from these expeditions and becoming a good pattern for imitation.
Światowit • LVII •, 2018
A copper alloy chape was found by chance by a detectorist at Silna-several kilometers to the east... more A copper alloy chape was found by chance by a detectorist at Silna-several kilometers to the east of Międzyrzecz. It is a unipartite form with an openwork crescent decoration on the front side fastened to the scabbard with the use of a nail. One should attribute the item to the Roman type Novaesium, dated to the late 2 nd century and the first half of the 3 rd century. Outside the Roman limes, it was popular in the Elbe Circle as well as the Isle of Funen and the Jutland Peninsula during Subphases C1a and C1b. Some of the chapes of the said type (specifically the multipartite specimens) may be treated as barbarian replicas of Roman originals. However, it is not the case for the finding from Międzyrzecz. It is the second find of this type from the territory of Poland. It should be associated with the Wielbark Culture, which was situated in the Międzyrzecz region in the beginning of the Early Roman Period. It makes the finding very intriguing, as this cultural unit is characterised by the lack of weapons among the grave goods; therefore, the one in question sheds some light on the problem of armament in the Wielbark Culture.
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne 71, 2019
This paper presents the trilobate arrowhead of Sarmatian origin found in 2014 in Podlesie, Oleśni... more This paper presents the trilobate arrowhead of Sarmatian origin found in 2014 in Podlesie, Oleśnica district, site 6
by the expedition of the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, conducted under the guidance of
Artur Grabarek. It was found in a Przeworsk culture grave (feature 109) together with weapons, tools, pottery
and costume elements (i.a. brooch Almgren 236c). It is dated to the beginning of Phase B1, i.e. much earlier than
the chronology of such arrowheads from the territory of Poland assumed earlier. Similar items from the
Przeworsk culture and the Bogaczewo culture are mentioned. The find is discussed within the context of
Germanic-Sarmatian contacts at the turn of the eras and slightly later.
Interacting Barbarians Contacts, Exchange and Migrations in the First Millennium AD, ed. A. Cieśliński, B. Kontny, Neue Studien zur Sachsenforschung 9, Warsaw, 2019
Bibliografische Information der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek: Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek ver... more Bibliografische Information der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek: Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliografie; detaillierte bibliografische Daten sind im Internet über http://dnb.d-nb.de abrufbar.
Catalogue/Katalog, 2016
Catalogue of finds from the Roman Period and Medieval finds from the sacrificial site at Lake Lub... more Catalogue of finds from the Roman Period and Medieval finds from the sacrificial site at Lake Lubanowo, NW Poland
Starożytne miejsce ofiarne w jeziorze w Lubanowie (d. Herrn-See) na Pomorzu Zachodnim. Ancient Sacrificial Place in the Lake in Lubanowo (former Herrn-See) in West Pomerania, 2016
in Starożytne miejsce ofiarne w jeziorze w Lubanowie (d. Herrn-See) na Pomorzu Zachodnim. Ancien... more in Starożytne miejsce ofiarne w jeziorze w Lubanowie (d. Herrn-See) na Pomorzu Zachodnim. Ancient Sacrificial Place in the Lake in Lubanowo (former Herrn-See) in West Pomerania, ed. Tomasz Nowakiewicz, Warszawa 2016. Fundacja Przyjaciół Instytutu Archeologii UW, Instytut Archeologii UW
Starożytne miejsce ofiarne w jeziorze w Lubanowie (d. Herrn-See) na Pomorzu Zachodnim Ancient Sacrificial Place in the Lake in Lubanowo (former Herrn-See) in West Pomerania, 2016
Miejsce ofiarne w Lubanowie na tle podobnych stanowisk z europejskiego Barbaricum A Sacrificial S... more Miejsce ofiarne w Lubanowie na tle podobnych stanowisk z europejskiego Barbaricum A Sacrificial Site in Lubanowo in Comparison with Similar Sites from the European Barbaricum 285 | ELEMENTS OF RITUAL AND NOTES ON CHRONOLOGY | Almost all items found in the lake in Lubanowo are corroded 1 , which can be explained by the fact that they lay in water environment at a relatively small depth (2-5 m), in the epilimnion layer. The described lake is dimictic, so oxygen probably reaches even the deeper zones of the lake basin periodically, but in the epilimnion layer, its presence is almost permanent (apart from the winter stagnation and the accompanying ice cap or from seasons of oxygen depletion). Such conditions facilitate corrosion, although due to the lack of acidification of the water body, in the case of the analysed finds, it was not entirely destructive. But the corrosion processes clearly caused the poorer state of preservation of the thinnest parts of artefacts, which 1| The only non-corroded find is Head no. cat.: II.1. | ELEMENTY RYTUAŁU I UWAGI NA TEMAT CHRONOLOGII | Niemal wszystkie przedmioty znalezione w lubanowskim jeziorze są skorodowane 1 , co należy tłumaczyć przebywaniem w środowisku wodnym na stosunkowo niewielkich głębokościach (2-5 m), w warstwie epilimnionu. Opisywany zbiornik jest dimiktyczny, więc jakkolwiek okresowo tlen dociera zapewne także do głębszych stref misy jeziornej, to w warstwie epilimnionu jego obecność jest nieomal permanentna (z wyjątkiem stagnacji zimowej i towarzyszącemu jej wytworzeniu się pokrywy lodowej lub ewentualnie okresów przyduchy). Są to warunki sprzyjające korozji, choć brak zakwaszenia zbiornika powoduje, że w przypadku analizowanych znalezisk nie miała ona charakteru zupełnie destrukcyjnego. Procesy korozyjne wyraźnie wpłynęły natomiast na gorszy stan zachowania najcień-1|| Wśród niedotkniętych tym procesem znalezisk wymienić można w zasadzie tylko grot nr kat.: II.1.
GO FOR AMBER! ROMAN TRACE IN A DiSTANT LAND
OR ONCE MORE ABOUT OLD FiNDS FROM FORMER ILISCHKEN
Ro... more GO FOR AMBER! ROMAN TRACE IN A DiSTANT LAND
OR ONCE MORE ABOUT OLD FiNDS FROM FORMER ILISCHKEN
Roman pugio from former Ilischken, Kr. Wehlau is one of the most famous artifacts discovered in the area of the Dollkeim-Kovrovo Culture. Thanks to archival sources it has been possible to establish new data concerning that find as well as some other artifacts from Ilischken.
Uploads
Weapons by Bartosz Kontny
Lubusz group in light of weapon finds.
The article discusses military artifacts from the final stage of the Lubusz
group. This collection includes polearm heads, swords, scabbard elements, shield fittings, and spurs, originating from burial sites and water sacrificial sites. The artifacts are dated to the subphase C1b of the Roman influence period, a time when many weapon specimens were still known; the latest even date to phase C2 (Falkenberg, likely from the late segment of this phase). In the subphase C1b in the Lower Oder region, there was a significant cultural change in terms of armament.
Instead of the very distinct Przeworsk model (with few supposed Elbe
or Scandinavian elements, reflected in the making of some items from copper alloys), a Northern European pattern was introduced. This phenomenon might have started earlier, but considering the scant number of findings, it had not yet played a significant role. This is exemplified primarily by numerous forms of polearm heads, but also swords (see the distribution of the Vimose-Illerup type, the sword scabbard shoe from Lubanowo) and some shield elements (the copper alloy boss from Hohenselchow, the umbo with a hole – possibly for spike attachment – from Battin), and also the type Leuna A spur from Meichow (in this case, an Elbe influence is also conceivable). The chronology indicates that these artifacts were left by the Lubusz group population, not the Dębczyn group. According to Henryk Machajewski, the latter emerged from the late subphase C1a, with its earliest traces visible from the Randow basin west of the Oder to the Parsęta and Radew basins in the east. Hence, the departure from the previous armament model occurred simultaneously with a cultural shift associated with the emergence of a new cultural unit representing elements of the Post-Wielbark, Elbe, and Scandinavian cultures. In the Dębczyn group, pole weapons are almost unknown as they were not placed in graves. Therefore, despite the proximity to the settlements of the Dębczyn population, it is hard to assume that numerous late graves with weapons should be connected with them. This is also supported by the fact that graves with weapons are found in necropolises continuously used since the early Roman period by the Lubusz group population.
This applies to sacrificial sites as well, such as Pasewalk and Lubanowo, where weapons from phases B and C1 are found. The cultural shift is thus expressed, among other things, in the abandonment of previously used necropolises and – as it can be assumed based on the current state of knowledge – also sacrificial water sites. It should be remembered that the state of recognition of the latter is merely fragmentary.
The analogies indicated in the text (Przeworsk and Scandinavian type arrowheads from the Harzhorn battlefield in 236 AD; Rhenish findings: the arrowhead from Bleibeskopf, arrowheads from the destruction layers of the auxiliary military camp in Pfünz in Bavaria, destroyed by the Alamanni in 233 AD; a Northern European type arrowhead from the treasure in the old Rhine bed in Neupotz, associated with the Alamanni breaking through the Agri Decumates limes in 259/260 AD) suggest that we are dealing with a series of evidence of the involvement of the Central and Northern European Barbaricum populations in attacks on the Rhine border, but also in events whose archaeological trace is the battle at Harzhorn. All this seems to testify to far-reaching expeditions and population movements, with the formation process of a new tribal federation – the Alamanni – in the south-western part of the so-called Free Germania in the background. This includes special occasions acting like a magnet for warriors craving distinction, such as the presence of the Roman army in Barbaricum (casus Harzhorn). It is very possible that warriors from the Baltic basin, including the Lubusz group, participated in this process, which is related to its decline. A by-product of these phenomena may be the formation of the Luboszyce culture, especially the emergence of Northern European features, the appearance of Scandinavian elements in the Dębczyn group, and also the atypical grave from Niekursko from phase C2. These phenomena suggest that military migrations to the south and west were multi-stage and involved warriors from different parts of the barbarian world. If we add the snowball mechanism (i.e., the joining of warriors from different tribes to migrating groups, making the group grow in size and strength, acquiring a multi-ethnic character), it becomes easier to understand the difficulties in identifying the homeland of the Alamanni: simply, there wasn’t one, or rather, there were many. Among them, the Lower Oder region seems probable.
been conducting an underwater survey in Lake Lubanowo in Western
Pomerania. It unveiled traces of a three-millennium-long human activity,
including i.a. an Iron Age logboat, a Roman Period war-booty offering,
Medieval deposits, a copper cauldron from ca AD 1600, private stamp of
a Prussian general from the early nineteenth century. During underwater
research weapons, tools, and horse harness elements were found dated
mainly to the Roman Period; some of them bear traces of ritual destruction.
The parallels to weapons may be pointed out namely in Central Europe and,
to some extent, in Scandinavia. The site should be attributed to sacrificial
military deposits, known generally from northern Europe, but until
recently unknown to the south of the Baltic Sea. Its extraordinary character
is manifested by the fact that the site is still in its ‘lake stage’, not a bog,
into which ancient lakes have evolved due to the process of eutrophication.
Most probably the site was used by local inhabitants, i.e. the people of
the Lubusz group, in the 1st until the early 3rd c. AD but at least some of
deposited weapons may be linked to the neighbouring cultural groups. The
author presents first conclusions concerning the character of the deposit.
the Crisis of the Third Century. Therefore – let’s dive!
In an attempt to reconstruct the shape of shields, the paper analyses the Sudovian Culture inhumation graves with weapons (Figs. 1, 2) that contained shield elements. A repetitiveness in the placement of shield bosses has been observed; they have been found in the vicinity of legs, e.g., at the knees, usually with a minimal shi towards one of them, at the mid-length of femurs, or at the le hip (Fig. 2). The fittings were oriented with the dome upwards, which means that the shield was placed in front of the warrior. Judging by the imprint of a fabric on the shield grip from barrow 25 at Osowa, Suwałki District, it seems that the shields were placed directly on the deceased (on his clothes). None of the cases indicate that the hands of the deceased rested on the upper edge of the shield. The shields were elongated (considering Balt specimens, probably roughly rectangular, sometimes with slightly arched sides – Fig. 3:1–4), and their lengths ranged from 0.6 to 1.1 m; their widths are more difficult to estimate (probably 0.3–0.6 m). Individual preferences may account for the differences in dimensions. Shields made entirely of organic materials, including specimens with wooden shield bosses with short, blunt spikes (Fig. 4) as well as – purely hypothetically – specimens without shield bosses, with a pair of bands for the forearm and palm, played an important role. A reconstruction of the appearance of a Sudovian warrior is shown in Fig. 5.
Set of Migration Period military equipment is presented as well. It proves long duration of the (post) Przeworsk-culture martial structures into the 5th and 6th c. regardless general depopulation of the Central European Barbaricum.
by the expedition of the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, conducted under the guidance of
Artur Grabarek. It was found in a Przeworsk culture grave (feature 109) together with weapons, tools, pottery
and costume elements (i.a. brooch Almgren 236c). It is dated to the beginning of Phase B1, i.e. much earlier than
the chronology of such arrowheads from the territory of Poland assumed earlier. Similar items from the
Przeworsk culture and the Bogaczewo culture are mentioned. The find is discussed within the context of
Germanic-Sarmatian contacts at the turn of the eras and slightly later.
OR ONCE MORE ABOUT OLD FiNDS FROM FORMER ILISCHKEN
Roman pugio from former Ilischken, Kr. Wehlau is one of the most famous artifacts discovered in the area of the Dollkeim-Kovrovo Culture. Thanks to archival sources it has been possible to establish new data concerning that find as well as some other artifacts from Ilischken.
Lubusz group in light of weapon finds.
The article discusses military artifacts from the final stage of the Lubusz
group. This collection includes polearm heads, swords, scabbard elements, shield fittings, and spurs, originating from burial sites and water sacrificial sites. The artifacts are dated to the subphase C1b of the Roman influence period, a time when many weapon specimens were still known; the latest even date to phase C2 (Falkenberg, likely from the late segment of this phase). In the subphase C1b in the Lower Oder region, there was a significant cultural change in terms of armament.
Instead of the very distinct Przeworsk model (with few supposed Elbe
or Scandinavian elements, reflected in the making of some items from copper alloys), a Northern European pattern was introduced. This phenomenon might have started earlier, but considering the scant number of findings, it had not yet played a significant role. This is exemplified primarily by numerous forms of polearm heads, but also swords (see the distribution of the Vimose-Illerup type, the sword scabbard shoe from Lubanowo) and some shield elements (the copper alloy boss from Hohenselchow, the umbo with a hole – possibly for spike attachment – from Battin), and also the type Leuna A spur from Meichow (in this case, an Elbe influence is also conceivable). The chronology indicates that these artifacts were left by the Lubusz group population, not the Dębczyn group. According to Henryk Machajewski, the latter emerged from the late subphase C1a, with its earliest traces visible from the Randow basin west of the Oder to the Parsęta and Radew basins in the east. Hence, the departure from the previous armament model occurred simultaneously with a cultural shift associated with the emergence of a new cultural unit representing elements of the Post-Wielbark, Elbe, and Scandinavian cultures. In the Dębczyn group, pole weapons are almost unknown as they were not placed in graves. Therefore, despite the proximity to the settlements of the Dębczyn population, it is hard to assume that numerous late graves with weapons should be connected with them. This is also supported by the fact that graves with weapons are found in necropolises continuously used since the early Roman period by the Lubusz group population.
This applies to sacrificial sites as well, such as Pasewalk and Lubanowo, where weapons from phases B and C1 are found. The cultural shift is thus expressed, among other things, in the abandonment of previously used necropolises and – as it can be assumed based on the current state of knowledge – also sacrificial water sites. It should be remembered that the state of recognition of the latter is merely fragmentary.
The analogies indicated in the text (Przeworsk and Scandinavian type arrowheads from the Harzhorn battlefield in 236 AD; Rhenish findings: the arrowhead from Bleibeskopf, arrowheads from the destruction layers of the auxiliary military camp in Pfünz in Bavaria, destroyed by the Alamanni in 233 AD; a Northern European type arrowhead from the treasure in the old Rhine bed in Neupotz, associated with the Alamanni breaking through the Agri Decumates limes in 259/260 AD) suggest that we are dealing with a series of evidence of the involvement of the Central and Northern European Barbaricum populations in attacks on the Rhine border, but also in events whose archaeological trace is the battle at Harzhorn. All this seems to testify to far-reaching expeditions and population movements, with the formation process of a new tribal federation – the Alamanni – in the south-western part of the so-called Free Germania in the background. This includes special occasions acting like a magnet for warriors craving distinction, such as the presence of the Roman army in Barbaricum (casus Harzhorn). It is very possible that warriors from the Baltic basin, including the Lubusz group, participated in this process, which is related to its decline. A by-product of these phenomena may be the formation of the Luboszyce culture, especially the emergence of Northern European features, the appearance of Scandinavian elements in the Dębczyn group, and also the atypical grave from Niekursko from phase C2. These phenomena suggest that military migrations to the south and west were multi-stage and involved warriors from different parts of the barbarian world. If we add the snowball mechanism (i.e., the joining of warriors from different tribes to migrating groups, making the group grow in size and strength, acquiring a multi-ethnic character), it becomes easier to understand the difficulties in identifying the homeland of the Alamanni: simply, there wasn’t one, or rather, there were many. Among them, the Lower Oder region seems probable.
been conducting an underwater survey in Lake Lubanowo in Western
Pomerania. It unveiled traces of a three-millennium-long human activity,
including i.a. an Iron Age logboat, a Roman Period war-booty offering,
Medieval deposits, a copper cauldron from ca AD 1600, private stamp of
a Prussian general from the early nineteenth century. During underwater
research weapons, tools, and horse harness elements were found dated
mainly to the Roman Period; some of them bear traces of ritual destruction.
The parallels to weapons may be pointed out namely in Central Europe and,
to some extent, in Scandinavia. The site should be attributed to sacrificial
military deposits, known generally from northern Europe, but until
recently unknown to the south of the Baltic Sea. Its extraordinary character
is manifested by the fact that the site is still in its ‘lake stage’, not a bog,
into which ancient lakes have evolved due to the process of eutrophication.
Most probably the site was used by local inhabitants, i.e. the people of
the Lubusz group, in the 1st until the early 3rd c. AD but at least some of
deposited weapons may be linked to the neighbouring cultural groups. The
author presents first conclusions concerning the character of the deposit.
the Crisis of the Third Century. Therefore – let’s dive!
In an attempt to reconstruct the shape of shields, the paper analyses the Sudovian Culture inhumation graves with weapons (Figs. 1, 2) that contained shield elements. A repetitiveness in the placement of shield bosses has been observed; they have been found in the vicinity of legs, e.g., at the knees, usually with a minimal shi towards one of them, at the mid-length of femurs, or at the le hip (Fig. 2). The fittings were oriented with the dome upwards, which means that the shield was placed in front of the warrior. Judging by the imprint of a fabric on the shield grip from barrow 25 at Osowa, Suwałki District, it seems that the shields were placed directly on the deceased (on his clothes). None of the cases indicate that the hands of the deceased rested on the upper edge of the shield. The shields were elongated (considering Balt specimens, probably roughly rectangular, sometimes with slightly arched sides – Fig. 3:1–4), and their lengths ranged from 0.6 to 1.1 m; their widths are more difficult to estimate (probably 0.3–0.6 m). Individual preferences may account for the differences in dimensions. Shields made entirely of organic materials, including specimens with wooden shield bosses with short, blunt spikes (Fig. 4) as well as – purely hypothetically – specimens without shield bosses, with a pair of bands for the forearm and palm, played an important role. A reconstruction of the appearance of a Sudovian warrior is shown in Fig. 5.
Set of Migration Period military equipment is presented as well. It proves long duration of the (post) Przeworsk-culture martial structures into the 5th and 6th c. regardless general depopulation of the Central European Barbaricum.
by the expedition of the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, conducted under the guidance of
Artur Grabarek. It was found in a Przeworsk culture grave (feature 109) together with weapons, tools, pottery
and costume elements (i.a. brooch Almgren 236c). It is dated to the beginning of Phase B1, i.e. much earlier than
the chronology of such arrowheads from the territory of Poland assumed earlier. Similar items from the
Przeworsk culture and the Bogaczewo culture are mentioned. The find is discussed within the context of
Germanic-Sarmatian contacts at the turn of the eras and slightly later.
OR ONCE MORE ABOUT OLD FiNDS FROM FORMER ILISCHKEN
Roman pugio from former Ilischken, Kr. Wehlau is one of the most famous artifacts discovered in the area of the Dollkeim-Kovrovo Culture. Thanks to archival sources it has been possible to establish new data concerning that find as well as some other artifacts from Ilischken.
the upper part of the plate (dimensions 1.0 × 1.0 cm); one iron rivet has been preserved in the plate. The third terminal, located at the base of the goad (length 1.1 cm), was hooked upwards, then bent inwards and ended with a point. The base of the goad is extended: the broadening takes the form of a fan-shaped plate on one side (dimensions 2.0 × 1.4 cm), and on the other – two protrusions flanking a hooked terminal, probably broken at
the ends; hole for the goad 0.4 × 0.3 cm, goad is missing. The tape-like bow is a bit asymmetrical, slightly faceted, flat-convex (tape width 0.62 cm). Measurement: distance between arms – 7.5 cm, width – 3.35 cm, height – 3.1 cm, weight – 14 g.
In the light of the XRF analyzes, the spur in question was made of tin-lead bronze, with a copper content of 78.7%, tin 13.5%, zinc 4.1% and lead 1.9%, with a trace content of nickel (table 1).
The discussed specimen of the spur belongs to the Leuna type, variant D according to U. Giesler, i.e. Western-provincial Roman specimens (fig. 5). Discussed artefact was most likely bimetallic, i.e. the unpreserved goad
was made of iron, which is a typical solution used in Roman Leuna spurs.
Such specimens are known primarily from Roman contexts, especially military camps, but also settlements and graves. The chronology of variant D spurs covers a fairly wide period of time, from the second half of the 3rd century to the beginning of the 5th century. Spurs of this type have already been confirmed in Poland (Pełczyska, possibly also Grudziądz-Rządz) but also on Sambian Peninsula and in the territory of Lithuania (fig. 8). Authors discuss similar forms of so called Sambian type (fig. 6), and type Leuna E (fig. 7) appearing in the Barbarian context.
It seems most likely that it was through barbarian warriors who encountered the Roman army, including those serving in the imperial garrisons, that spurs of this type reached the lands north of Limes. The excavations carried out in 2010–2013 revealed the unique nature of the site in Kraków-Mogiła during the period of Roman influence, related to the settlement of the Przeworsk culture. This also seems to be confirmed by the luxurious artefacts discovered there (e.g. 30 fibulae made of bronze and iron, many keys, buckles, knives, strike a lights, vessels and glass beads, combs and skates made of bones, whetstones, and terra sigillata fragments).
from the territory of Poland
Summary
In the village Janówek, Augustów province (north-eastern Poland) a Roman Period brass spur was found by chance (Fig. 1, 2). It is the first enamelled specimen of that kind found in Poland. It is close to subgroup E5 by J. Ginalski, well known from the Przeworsk culture (iron items), dated to phases B2b –C1a but popular also in the Wielbark culture (copper alloy ones) from B 2/C1–C1a. However they are documented also for the Transcarpathian Ukraine, Volhynia, spotted rarely in the western fringes of the Elbian circle, Bohemia, Slovakia, Lower Austria and – singly – in northern Germany and the isle of Funen. Several spurs of type Ginalski E5 come from the West Balt circle, specifically from the Bogaczewo culture (List 1); here they are dated to B2b–C1a . Sporadically they may be found in Lithuania and in the Dollkeim-Kovrovo culture. Enamelled spurs have been known as yet exclusively from the territories to the east and south-east from NW Poland (Fig. 4). The finds from Janówek may be ascribed to variety IIIae according to O. A. Radyush (Fig. 3). Good parallels come from the region of Ostrovec, obl. (region) Hrodna, Crimean necropolis at Skalistoe III, raj. (district)
Bahčisaraj, or generally from the Ukraine (more slender artefacts), the upper Neman, upper and middle Seym and Psel catchment area.
The chronology of the find from Janówek is not very precise. Among the analogies only the find from Skalistoe III may be dated – to stage
C1b . However, it seems very late when compared to the chronology of its general form, close to type Ginalski E6, not exceeding sub-phase C1a. The appearance of the spur should be linked with the phenomenon of champlevé enamel decoration. Specimens ornamented in that way are known from the E and NE Europe, including the territory of Poland (List 2). It is assumed that they were made both by local and wandering artisans. The analysis of enamel contents as well as execution of the Janówek spur shows traits of the eastern Roman workshops (see the analysis by T. Stawiarska). Therefore it seems that we are dealing with a piece of work of a mobile craftsman well acquainted with the Roman know-how. There is another puzzle, viz. cultural affiliation of the spur in question. The region to the south of Augustów is lacking precise description of the cultural situation in the late 2 nd and early 3 rd century. We seem to be dealing with a mixture of the Bogaczewo and Sudovian culture elements here. One cannot exclude a possible influence of the Goths wandering to the south-east in these times. Maybe they shared the central European model of the spur with the eastern Europeans who embellished it in their own way?
Рассмотрены четыре железные шпоры античного времени из святилища у перевала Гурзуфское Седло, которые относятся к числу редких находок в Северном Причерноморье. Они имеют дугообразную форму с небольшим острым шипом. Две шпоры с загнутыми петлеобразно концами, одна – имеет окончания в виде круглых дужек с круглыми отверстиями, четвертая – с перевитыми плечиками и петлеобразными концами.
Характеристики шпор позволяют отнести их к числу латенских и датировать I в. до н. э.–I в. н. э. Данный тип латенских шпор отличается от находимых на территории Польши, Румынии и Западной Украины. Это позволяет предположить отдельный источник их поступления, не связанный с экспансией кельтов на восток.
Шпоры из святилища у перевала Гурзуфское Седло и многие предметы римского военного снаряжения имеют аналогии в комплексах из Алезии и бывших римских военных лагерей на территории Франции, Великобритании, Австрии, Швейцарии и Германии. Наличие в святилище многочисленных предметов римского военного снаряжения середины I в. до н. э. — I в. н. э. позволяет связать шпоры с этой группой находок и считать их продукцией мастерских Центральной и Западной Европы. Учитывая применение республиканской кавалерией кельтских и латенских предметов вооружения и снаряжения всадника, в том числе шпор, эти находки из святилища у перевала Гурзуфское Седло являются ценным свидетельством военных акций римлян в Северном Причерноморье и контактов населения Горного Крыма с Боспором и Римом на рубеже эр.
a twisted rod with flat endings and a single rivet in one of them. Its function is not obvious. It survived fragmentarily and the most problematic issue connected with it is the lack of an element originally riveted to one of its ends. Another interesting thing in it is the central twisting: such a technical solution accelerates the heat exchange and serves as an equivalent of a radiator. Therefore the most probable explanation is that the item was used in high temperature. There are two possibilities: it was used in direct connection with fire or for cooking. The former idea is supported by the fact that twisting was used in pokers or hearth shovels in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, as well as in the modern times. Support for the latter suggestion is provided by twisted ladles, spits, and tridents used to pick pieces of meat, as well as chains used to suspend cauldrons. Certain parallels may also suggest that it was an instrument used for baking pancakes or crumpets. The item cannot be dated unequivocally, but the author proposes to link it with the Roman Period to which the majority of other finds from that site are connected.
the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, made an underwater survey in the unnamed
lake (formerly Herrn-See) in the village of Lubanowo (formerly Liebenow) in Western Pomerania. During the underwater
research, weapons, tools and horse harness parts (including chain reins) were found. They are dated mainly to the Roman
Period, but also to the Middle Ages. Some items bear traces of ritual destruction. Parallels may be pointed out with weapons
in Przeworsk culture, and to some extent also in Scandinavia. The site should be attributed to sacrificial military deposits. Its
extraordinary character lies in the fact that so far it is the only site of its type which is still in its ‘lake stage’, i.e. not a marsh
or bog. Most probably it was used by local inhabitants, the people of the Lubusz group.
of lake settlements of the microregion of the Orzysz and Wylewy lakes. The expedition in 2016
The area of the Lake Orzysz (former Arys-See) and Lake Wylewy (former Czarni-See) attracted interest of archaeologists starting from the 19th century. The paper presents the history of archaeological research in the area, focusing namely on the lake dwellings of the West Balt Barrows Culture from the Early Iron Age. The region was surveyed in May 2016 by the team of scholars and students from the Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw. The archival data from former Prussia-Museum, stored in Berlin (Museum für vor- und frühgeschichte der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin – Preußischer Kulturbesitz) were utilized to precise the position of the dwellings. Most important archival document was a map (Fig. 5) prepared by captain von Streng from ex-Bartenstein, a member of 19th century researchers team led by Joachim von Heydeck. With the use ofaerial photographs, sonar underwater scanning, diving and land surveys it was possible to situate the dwelling from the Lake Wylewy however the position of the one from Lake Orzysz remains still hypothetical. Additionally a digital plan of thestronghold from Skomack Wielki was made (Fig. 10). Apart from the above a few spots to check were found, i.e. alleged archaeological sites. The enterprise had also significant educational value for students.
The whole volume of
team of the Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw in the Lake
Golenicko-Dobropolskie (NW Poland), an astounding archaeological relic was discovered by chance, i.e. resurrection-egg-shaped rattle
(Polish pisanka). It is made of clay and richly decorated, i.a. with incised cross-shaped motives and punctured dots (Fig. 2, 3). The item
was found sticking out of the ground on the surface of medieval stronghold, unknown so far, situated on the island in the western part of the
lake (Fig. 1). Such rattles are dated to the time-span from 11th until
13th cent. They were quite popular in the Kievan Rus’ but also in the
territory of Poland and – rarely – also in north-eastern Germany and
southern Scandinavia. Great majority of egg-shaped rattles is glazed
which is not the case of the described finding. However, it also differs
from non-glazed ones as its ornament is much more elaborate than
the others. Symbolic meaning of such finds is frequently connected
with their apotropaic value but they are treated as symbols of new life
and resurrection as well.
The paper presents the brooch with rung-shaped widening on foot, so called Schlusskreuzfibel, found during town excavations in Puck on a secondary layer. This is a form typical of the West Balt circle in the Late Migration Period Phase E1. However it was found in the non-Balt territory, i.e., the area formerly inhabited by the peoples of the Wielbark culture. The authors present complex cultural situation in region of the Vistula River estuary with possible residual post-Germanic settlement structures (e.g., the area of Pruszcz Gdański) and small groups of newcomers migrating from the West Balt circle, specifically the Sambian Peninsula, but also from Scandinavia or southern Europe (warrior grave from Juszkowo).
Contains chapters:
MARTIN LEMKE, MARTA BAJTLER, KAROLINA TRUSZ Naval Supply Lines for the Roman Army in Moesia Inferior – Basic Considerations for the Danube Underwater Heritage Project
IVÁN NEGUERUELA MARTÍNEZ, ROCÍO CASTILLO BELINCHÓN, JUAN LUIS SIERRA MÉNDEZ, PATRICIA RECIO SÁNCHEZ The Mercedes 2015–2017 Project: Exploration and Excavation of the Wreck Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes
PRZEMYSŁAW ADRIAN TRZEŚNIOWSKI Do Not Mess with the Apus: Technical and Safety Aspects of the High Mountain Underwater Archaeology
MAGDALENA KRZEMIEŃ, BERNARD HERMES, JAKUB MACIEJEWSKI, MAŁGORZATA MILESZCZYK, MATEUSZ POPEK Petén Itzá Project – Results of the Underwater Reconnaissance in Lake Petén Itzá (Northern Guatemala)
KLAUDIA DAŇOVÁ, MIROSLAVA DAŇOVÁ Significant Crossroads at the Lower Reaches of the River Váh
BARTOSZ KONTNY Axes from Lake Lubanowo (Pomerania, Poland) and Their Possible Function on the Background of Watery Finds of the Roman Period and Middle Ages
WALDEMAR OSSOWSKI, MICHAŁ GRABOWSKI, WOJCIECH BORKOWSKI Shipwreck from Czersk. Excavation of the Large Vistula River Vessel from Medieval Times
PIOTR MALIŃSKI, SŁAWOMIR RADASZEWSKI, PRZEMYSŁAW KRAJEWSKI Underwater Relic of the Battle of the Oder River – Wrecks of a Frontal Semi-Pontoon from the Soviet N2P Pontoon-Bridge Park
PIOTR MALIŃSKI The Lower Oder: ‘Gardens Full of Wrecks’. First Results of Ethnoarchaeological Research
MATEUSZ POPEK, ANDRZEJ PYDYN The Most Recent Five Years of Underwater Research in the Department of Underwater Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
MAŁGORZATA MILESZCZYK, MAGDALENA NOWAKOWSKA Site Rybno I – Lake Grid Dwelling on Lake Piłakno and Its Micro-Region. Research Proposal
ARTUR BRZÓSKA, ALEKSANDRA CHOŁUJ, PIOTR PREJS, ANDRZEJ SZERSZEŃ The State and Prospects of Archaeological Underwater Research as a Part of the Project Vistula Underwater Heritage of Warsaw and the Surrounding Area. Recognition of Underwater Archaeological Sites as a Part of AZP Research
http://underwaterexpedition.uw.edu.pl/swiatowit-suppl-series-u-underwater-archaeology/
The subtitle Underwater Research at the University of Warsaw does not mean that the volume contains only the papers concerning the achievements of the scholars from Warsaw; it includes also the research of our long-time co-operators and the foreign colleagues, who have participated in the 2nd Warsaw Seminar on Underwater Archaeology, which was held at the University of Warsaw in January 2017.
Due to the fact that the initiative has received a lot of attention from the Authors, the volume includes papers attributed to various chronologies and territories. Although, there is a common ground of all the articles: the field of underwater archaeology. Some are the latest reports from the fieldwork or the activities of certain museums and universities in the field of protection of underwater cultural heritage, as well as the newest technologies, their influence on underwater archaeology methods; others concern more theoretical matters, like the archive studies or analyses of the archaeological material. We are sure that they all provide original suggestions and inspirations to the whole field of studies.
Editor of Volume 4: Aleksandra Rzeszotarska-Nowakiewicz;
ISBN: 978-83-63760-91-5;
Warsaw 2016
As far as Polish archaeology is concerned, the time has clearly come for preparing such a synthesis, since the previous work of this kind (Prahistoria ziem polskich l-V) was published over 25 years ago. The new discoveries, new interpretations, and new research approaches developed by the new generation of scholars studying the material remains of the past urgently require a proper synopsis. [...]
The present volumes are the work of 60 authors formally divided into five teams. In order to curb the "separatist" effects of the traditional systematization of prehistory and protohistory (into the Palaeolithic Era, the Mesolithic Era, the Neolithic Era, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Early Middle Ages), we employed a strictly chronological criterion: volume one encompasses the period between ca. 500,000 BC and 5,500 BC; volume two - between 5,500 BC and 2,000 BC; volume three - between 2,000 BC and 500 BC; volume four - between 500 BC and 500 AD; and volume five - between 500 AD and 1000 AD. Such an artificial division mitigates the sharpness of the traditional "pivotal moments" and at the same time emphasizes the accelerating nature of socio-cultural changes. [...]
weight head attributed to sub-Group II.2 after B. Kontny (2018), dated generally to the Roman Period (Phases
B2-C1a). Its shape does not allow the function to be determined univocally. Most probably it was a multifunctional tool. The aforementioned axes were used mainly in the Balt milieu, but they were also known but rather
not used as weapons in the Przeworsk culture. Single finds from northern Europe may be explained by the participation of the Balt warriors in the military events at these areas. One may consider the possibility that the
axes and some other parts of the military equipment became commonly used thanks to multi-ethnic military
expeditions and the migrations with a military background connected, among other things, with the crisis of the
Roman Empire in the 3rd century
Abstracts for presentations and posters can be submitted until the 30th of April 2021.
Apart from the Balts and the residual post-Wielbark Culture population, one may presume that other, smaller groups, coming from the west, also participated in the creation of the Elbląg Group. The premises for such an assumption may be found in the early forms of western type brooches, i.e. type Ramersdorf, brooches of Group Krefeld (even if locally made, they show western influence), and a small Zangenfibel. In the case of the equal-armed brooches, at least some of these are later than expected, which surely requires us to study them as a whole, to try to narrow down their chronology and origins (taking into account local production but also Merovingian and Scandinavian imports). It therefore seems possible that the cultural cocktail of the Vidivarii additionally included unknown barbarians (Germanic) from the west or south-west. As regards Scandinavian imports from the second half of the 6th – beginning of 7th c., these occur, so far as one can tell, within local contexts. Thus they document not Scandinavian settlement but rather intensive cultural contacts with Scandinavia and, to a lesser extent, the Merovingian Circle too, possibly linked with the emergence of a central place at proto-Truso. Naturally this picture may change as a result of future excavations, but currently we can underline some important specific features, like the lack of weapon graves for a significant period of time, or the Germanic elements which make the Elbląg Group different from the Sambian-Natangian area. We can therefore properly treat this as a distinct unit.