Papers by Irena Pieróg-Wójcik
Site 8 in Kraków-Bieżanów is located on a promontory-like ramification of the northern slope of t... more Site 8 in Kraków-Bieżanów is located on a promontory-like ramification of the northern slope of the Kaim Hill and reaches up to 231 m a.s.l. In the period between 2000 and 2007, rescue excavations that were connected with the construction of motorway A4 were conducted at the site. The site is a vast settlement complex representing human inhabitancy from the Late Palaeolithic up until modern times. In total, an area of 4,36 ha was explored. Amongst the discovered remains, 8 features, as well as 3393 pottery fragments that were found within both the features and the cultural layer, were ascribed to the Baden culture. Moreover, 3 clay spindle whorls and 27 flint artefacts of the culture in question were obtained from the features. Attention should be paid to feature 422, which had a deposit of ceramic cups that was placed in a characteristic alignment; this deposit has close analogues among other assemblages of the Baden culture. Characteristics of the earthenware, as well as radiocarbon dating obtained from feature 511, allow the dating of the assemblage discussed herein to the late classical Baden horizon.
Radiocarbon, 2021
ABSTRACTThis article discusses the absolute chronology of collective burials of the Trzciniec Cul... more ABSTRACTThis article discusses the absolute chronology of collective burials of the Trzciniec Cultural Circle communities of the Middle Bronze Age in East Central Europe. Based on Bayesian modeling of 91 accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dates from 18 cemeteries, the practice of collective burying of individuals was linked to a period of 400–640 (95.4%) years, between 1830–1690 (95.4%) and 1320–1160 (95.4%) BC. Collective burials in mounds with both cremation and inhumation rites were found earliest in the upland zone regardless of grave structure type (mounded or flat). Bayesian modeling of 14C determinations suggests that this practice was being transmitted generally from the southeast to the northwest direction. Bayesian modeling of the dates from the largest cemetery in Żerniki Górne, Lesser Poland Upland, confirmed the duration of use of the necropolis as ca. 140–310 (95.4%) years. Further results show the partial contemporaneity of burials and allow formulati...
The Baden culture around the Western Carpathians eds. M. Nowak, A. Zastawny; „Via Archaeologica. Źródła z badań wykopaliskowych na trasie autostrady A4 w Małopolsce” , 2015
Site 8 in Kraków-Bieżanów is located on a promontory-like ramification of the northern slope of t... more Site 8 in Kraków-Bieżanów is located on a promontory-like ramification of the northern slope of the Kaim Hill and reaches up to 231 m a.s.l. In the period between 2000 and 2007, rescue excavations that were connected with the construction of motorway A4 were conducted at the site. The site is a vast settlement complex representing human inhabitancy from the Late Palaeolithic up until modern times. In total, an area of 4,36 ha was explored. Amongst the discovered remains, 8 features, as well as 3393 pottery fragments that were found within both the features and the cultural layer, were ascribed to the Baden culture. Moreover, 3 clay spindle whorls and 27 flint artefacts of the culture in question were obtained from the features. Attention should be paid to feature 422, which had a deposit of ceramic cups that was placed in a characteristic alignment; this deposit has close analogues among other assemblages of the Baden culture. Characteristics of the earthenware, as well as radiocarbon dating obtained from feature 511, allow the dating of the assemblage discussed herein to the late classical Baden horizon.
Archeologia Kotliny Sandomierskiej, Rocznik Muzeum Regionalnego w Stalowej Woli, 2005
Kolejnym etapem by³o rozpoczêcie badañ wykopaliskowych na wybranych stanowiskach. Pod kierunkiem ... more Kolejnym etapem by³o rozpoczêcie badañ wykopaliskowych na wybranych stanowiskach. Pod kierunkiem Adama Kraussa w pracach brali udzia³ krakowscy archeolodzy. Na obecnym etapie rozpoznania trudno odpowiedzieae na pytanie, dlaczego Adam Krauss nie obj¹³ systematycznymi badaniami archeologicznymi wszystkich zlokalizowanych stanowisk w Machowie. Fakt ten by³ zwi¹zany prawdopodobnie z popiechem inwestycyjnym, o czym mog¹ wiadczyae nastêpuj¹ce s³owa kieruj¹cego badaniami: Przy tak zaawansowanych pracach prowadzonych w trybie przyspieszonym nie by³o mowy o jakimkolwiek zahamowaniu, a tym bardziej wstrzymaniu robót przemys³owych (A. Krauss 1962, s. 2). Wszystkie te czynniki w niekorzystny sposób odbi³y siê na jakoci badañ i sposobach dokumentowania ujawnionych obiektów (ryc. 2, 3). Pozyskane w trakcie tych badañ materia³y archeologiczne oraz dokumentacja rysunkowa, opisowa i fotograficzna zosta³y zdeponowane w Sk³adnicy Archeologicznej Zbiorów Ogólnomuzealnych Wydzielonych, bêd¹cej czêci¹ Sk³adnicy Zbiorów Dawnych Muzeum Archeologicznego w Krakowie (MAK). Niniejszy tekst jest wstêpnym rozpoznaniem materia³ów z epoki br¹zu wykonanym na podstawie inwentaryzacji kontrolnej. Dane o materia³ach z okresu wp³ywów rzymskich z Machowa przedstawi w niniejszym tomie T. Wichman. Ryc. 1 mapa stanowisk odkrytych w 1957 r. przez A. Kraussa.
Materiały Archeologiczne Nowej Huty 26, 2020
Journal of Archaeological Science, 2021
Broomcorn millet is one of the most important plants species in pre-history. It was first domesti... more Broomcorn millet is one of the most important plants species in pre-history. It was first domesticated in China and subsequently spread across Eurasia becoming a significant staple crop. For a long time, the arrival of millet into Europe was assumed to have taken place in the Neolithic. However, this has recently been challenged, with
new direct radiocarbon measurements on reportedly Neolithic charred millet grains in fact dating to the Middle Bronze Age.
To aid in understanding the timing of millet’s spread across East-Central Europe in the Bronze Age we present the results of over 120 new paired radiocarbon dates and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements on human bone collagen from individuals across 33 archaeological sites in Poland and western Ukraine. In doing so we directly assess millet’s role in the Bronze Age diets.
Our results show a clear increase in bone collagen δ13C values from the middle 15th century BC onwards. This increase is rapid across the whole study area, occurring almost simultaneously with respect to the precision of our radiocarbon dates. Pilot stable isotope data for contemporary animals suggests that they were not foddered
with millet and hence it was probably eaten directly by humans. Interestingly, individuals consuming millet appear to be exclusive to geographically upland regions compared to lowland ones. However, not all individuals from upland zone have δ13C values consistent with millet consumption. Based on the stable isotope evidence for the northern Carpathian Basin at this time, we posit that it is through this route, across the Carpathians, that millet was introduced into the region. An increase of its economic importance in Lesser Poland was plausibly
caused by a significant growth in human populations.
Radiocarbon, 2021
This article discusses the absolute chronology of collective burials of the Trzciniec Cultural Ci... more This article discusses the absolute chronology of collective burials of the Trzciniec Cultural Circle
communities of the Middle Bronze Age in East Central Europe. Based on Bayesian modeling of 91 accelerator
mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dates from 18 cemeteries, the practice of collective burying of
individuals was linked to a period of 400–640 (95.4%) years, between 1830–1690 (95.4%) and 1320–1160
(95.4%) BC. Collective burials in mounds with both cremation and inhumation rites were found earliest in the
upland zone regardless of grave structure type (mounded or flat). Bayesian modeling of 14C determinations
suggests that this practice was being transmitted generally from the southeast to the northwest direction.
Bayesian modeling of the dates from the largest cemetery in Z· erniki Górne, Lesser Poland Upland, confirmed the
duration of use of the necropolis as ca. 140–310 (95.4%) years. Further results show the partial contemporaneity of
burials and allow formulation of a spatial and temporal development model of the necropolis. Based on the
investigation, some graves were used over just a couple of years and others over nearly 200, with up to 30
individuals found in a single grave.
Grób z późnej fazy kultury łużyckiej z Sąspowa na Jurze Ojcowskiej A grave dated to the late phas... more Grób z późnej fazy kultury łużyckiej z Sąspowa na Jurze Ojcowskiej A grave dated to the late phase of the Lusatian Culture from Sąspów in the Ojców Jura. Abstract: In 1935, in the situated nearby Krakow village of Sąspów a cremation grave was discovered by accident. It contained a cinerary urn (an S-shaped pot ornamented with two surrounding rows of fingertip impressions and oblique plastic bands – untypical of local production) covered with a bowl (hemispherical, with an inverted rim). The urn contained bones of a specimen of undetermined sex and at the Adultus age. The grave is interpreted as a burial of a representative of the local Upper Silesia – Małopolska group (grupa górnośląsko-małopolska) of the Lusatian culture with noticeable influences of the Tarnobrzeg group (grupa tarnobrzeska). It should be dated to the younger period of the Early Iron Age (circa 600-400 BC). The artefacts are stored in the Archaeological Museum in Krakow (inventory numbers: MAK/7557, MAK/7556). Key words: Ojców Jura, Lusatian Culture, Early Iron Age, cremation grave
Varia by Irena Pieróg-Wójcik
MATERIAŁY ARCHEOLOGICZNE, 2016
During excavation research carried out in 2006 on the site 3 in Koszyce, county loco, feature 217... more During excavation research carried out in 2006 on the site 3 in Koszyce, county loco, feature 217 was discovered which was identified as a shell rubbish heap. 4302 specimens of shells of thick-shelled river mussels (Unio crassus) were found in its landfill, as well as 2 fragments of clay vessels of the Trzciniec culture that are characteristic for complexes dated back to the phase A2 and B of the Bronze Age. One can assume that the thick-shelled river mussels collected in the Szreniawa River were used in the settlement in Koszyce as fodder for animals or/and supplement of the people's diet.
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Papers by Irena Pieróg-Wójcik
new direct radiocarbon measurements on reportedly Neolithic charred millet grains in fact dating to the Middle Bronze Age.
To aid in understanding the timing of millet’s spread across East-Central Europe in the Bronze Age we present the results of over 120 new paired radiocarbon dates and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements on human bone collagen from individuals across 33 archaeological sites in Poland and western Ukraine. In doing so we directly assess millet’s role in the Bronze Age diets.
Our results show a clear increase in bone collagen δ13C values from the middle 15th century BC onwards. This increase is rapid across the whole study area, occurring almost simultaneously with respect to the precision of our radiocarbon dates. Pilot stable isotope data for contemporary animals suggests that they were not foddered
with millet and hence it was probably eaten directly by humans. Interestingly, individuals consuming millet appear to be exclusive to geographically upland regions compared to lowland ones. However, not all individuals from upland zone have δ13C values consistent with millet consumption. Based on the stable isotope evidence for the northern Carpathian Basin at this time, we posit that it is through this route, across the Carpathians, that millet was introduced into the region. An increase of its economic importance in Lesser Poland was plausibly
caused by a significant growth in human populations.
communities of the Middle Bronze Age in East Central Europe. Based on Bayesian modeling of 91 accelerator
mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dates from 18 cemeteries, the practice of collective burying of
individuals was linked to a period of 400–640 (95.4%) years, between 1830–1690 (95.4%) and 1320–1160
(95.4%) BC. Collective burials in mounds with both cremation and inhumation rites were found earliest in the
upland zone regardless of grave structure type (mounded or flat). Bayesian modeling of 14C determinations
suggests that this practice was being transmitted generally from the southeast to the northwest direction.
Bayesian modeling of the dates from the largest cemetery in Z· erniki Górne, Lesser Poland Upland, confirmed the
duration of use of the necropolis as ca. 140–310 (95.4%) years. Further results show the partial contemporaneity of
burials and allow formulation of a spatial and temporal development model of the necropolis. Based on the
investigation, some graves were used over just a couple of years and others over nearly 200, with up to 30
individuals found in a single grave.
Varia by Irena Pieróg-Wójcik
new direct radiocarbon measurements on reportedly Neolithic charred millet grains in fact dating to the Middle Bronze Age.
To aid in understanding the timing of millet’s spread across East-Central Europe in the Bronze Age we present the results of over 120 new paired radiocarbon dates and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements on human bone collagen from individuals across 33 archaeological sites in Poland and western Ukraine. In doing so we directly assess millet’s role in the Bronze Age diets.
Our results show a clear increase in bone collagen δ13C values from the middle 15th century BC onwards. This increase is rapid across the whole study area, occurring almost simultaneously with respect to the precision of our radiocarbon dates. Pilot stable isotope data for contemporary animals suggests that they were not foddered
with millet and hence it was probably eaten directly by humans. Interestingly, individuals consuming millet appear to be exclusive to geographically upland regions compared to lowland ones. However, not all individuals from upland zone have δ13C values consistent with millet consumption. Based on the stable isotope evidence for the northern Carpathian Basin at this time, we posit that it is through this route, across the Carpathians, that millet was introduced into the region. An increase of its economic importance in Lesser Poland was plausibly
caused by a significant growth in human populations.
communities of the Middle Bronze Age in East Central Europe. Based on Bayesian modeling of 91 accelerator
mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dates from 18 cemeteries, the practice of collective burying of
individuals was linked to a period of 400–640 (95.4%) years, between 1830–1690 (95.4%) and 1320–1160
(95.4%) BC. Collective burials in mounds with both cremation and inhumation rites were found earliest in the
upland zone regardless of grave structure type (mounded or flat). Bayesian modeling of 14C determinations
suggests that this practice was being transmitted generally from the southeast to the northwest direction.
Bayesian modeling of the dates from the largest cemetery in Z· erniki Górne, Lesser Poland Upland, confirmed the
duration of use of the necropolis as ca. 140–310 (95.4%) years. Further results show the partial contemporaneity of
burials and allow formulation of a spatial and temporal development model of the necropolis. Based on the
investigation, some graves were used over just a couple of years and others over nearly 200, with up to 30
individuals found in a single grave.