Across much of central Europe, the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) represents the first Neolithic communi... more Across much of central Europe, the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) represents the first Neolithic communities. Arising in Transdanubia around 5500 cal. BC the LBK spread west to the Rhine within two to three hundred years, carrying elements of a mixed agricultural economy and a relatively homogeneous material culture. Colonisation of new regions during this progress would have required economic adaptations to varied ecological conditions within the landscape. This paper investigates whether such adaptation at a local scale affected health patterns and altered the dietary habits of populations that otherwise shared a common cultural and biological origin. Analysis of non-specific stress (linear enamel hypoplasia, porotic hyperostosis, cribra orbitalia) within five LBK populations from across central Europe in conjunction with published carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data from each site revealed a high prevalence of porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia in western populations that was associated with a lower animal protein intake. Hypoplastic enamel was more frequently observed in eastern populations however, and may reflect geographic differences in childhood morbidity and mortality as a result of variation in social practices relating to weaning. Local socioeconomic adaptations within the LBK were therefore an important factor in the exposure of populations to non-specific stress. Settlements of the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) culture, identified by their characteristic longhouse architecture and linearly incised pottery, are found across much of central Europe during the late sixth and early fifth millennia BC. The culture first arose in Transdanubia around 5500 cal. BC 1,2 , practicing a small-scale intensive garden agriculture based on the cultivation of five staple crops (einkorn and emmer wheat, barley, peas, and lentils) and the husbandry of four animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs 3,4). Rapid spread of the LBK from Transdanubia to the Rhine by 5300 cal. BC suggests a rapid diffusion of the culture and recent studies of genomic data from 17 LBK specimens from Eastern Hungary 5 , Transdanubia, and Germany 6,7 indicate a close genetic affinity between LBK populations across this distribution. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of bones and teeth from LBK populations suggests that they were consuming a mixed terrestrial diet and that this differed little depending on the age, sex, or social status of individuals 8–10. Small differences in the proportions of proteins and carbohydrates consumed by males and females may, however, have existed at some sites 11 and dietary differences across the geographic landscape may be identified in the archaeological record 12. Analysis of palaeobotanical data and faunal remains from a number of sites has given an insight into to some of the spectrum of foods consumed as part of the LBK diet, and how this diet apparently varied by region. Barley grains are frequently found within settlements from the Carpathian Basin and the Neckar region of Germany, but not over the landscape in between 13. Greater proportions of einkorn than emmer wheat and the presence of the opium poppy further suggest slightly different subsistence at western German LBK sites 3,4. Exploitation of wild
Trowel Vol. XV is ready. You can pre-order your copy now in advance of the official launch on Nov... more Trowel Vol. XV is ready. You can pre-order your copy now in advance of the official launch on November 20th.
Evidence for Bronze Age metalworking is generally sparse, not nearly representing the volume of m... more Evidence for Bronze Age metalworking is generally sparse, not nearly representing the volume of metal artefacts archaeologists have recovered. This paper uses published and unpublished data from Devon and Cornwall to assess the potential role of metalworkers in Bronze Age society within local and national traditions. Devon and Cornwall are of particular interest as these counties have an abundance of tin, which is necessary for bronze production, and had continental trade links, which may have increased the significance of the metalsmith. Twenty-two sites have been identified where metalworking evidence is associated with occupational contexts. This is supplemented by a further eight findspots where metalwork has been found in an occupational context and six findspots where Bronze Age metalworking evidence has been found without a specific context. The presence of metalworking craftware associated with settlements indicates the possibility for permanent or semi-permanent metalworking structures, which may have held an extended significance. The sites are then discussed in relation to past and ongoing debates. Overall, this paper offers an important contribution to the current understanding of how a metalsmith may have operated within prehistoric society, using the most current evidence, which provides a base from which to develop future research.
Trowel is the UCD Archaeology student journal.
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Across much of central Europe, the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) represents the first Neolithic communi... more Across much of central Europe, the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) represents the first Neolithic communities. Arising in Transdanubia around 5500 cal. BC the LBK spread west to the Rhine within two to three hundred years, carrying elements of a mixed agricultural economy and a relatively homogeneous material culture. Colonisation of new regions during this progress would have required economic adaptations to varied ecological conditions within the landscape. This paper investigates whether such adaptation at a local scale affected health patterns and altered the dietary habits of populations that otherwise shared a common cultural and biological origin. Analysis of non-specific stress (linear enamel hypoplasia, porotic hyperostosis, cribra orbitalia) within five LBK populations from across central Europe in conjunction with published carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data from each site revealed a high prevalence of porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia in western populations that was associated with a lower animal protein intake. Hypoplastic enamel was more frequently observed in eastern populations however, and may reflect geographic differences in childhood morbidity and mortality as a result of variation in social practices relating to weaning. Local socioeconomic adaptations within the LBK were therefore an important factor in the exposure of populations to non-specific stress. Settlements of the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) culture, identified by their characteristic longhouse architecture and linearly incised pottery, are found across much of central Europe during the late sixth and early fifth millennia BC. The culture first arose in Transdanubia around 5500 cal. BC 1,2 , practicing a small-scale intensive garden agriculture based on the cultivation of five staple crops (einkorn and emmer wheat, barley, peas, and lentils) and the husbandry of four animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs 3,4). Rapid spread of the LBK from Transdanubia to the Rhine by 5300 cal. BC suggests a rapid diffusion of the culture and recent studies of genomic data from 17 LBK specimens from Eastern Hungary 5 , Transdanubia, and Germany 6,7 indicate a close genetic affinity between LBK populations across this distribution. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of bones and teeth from LBK populations suggests that they were consuming a mixed terrestrial diet and that this differed little depending on the age, sex, or social status of individuals 8–10. Small differences in the proportions of proteins and carbohydrates consumed by males and females may, however, have existed at some sites 11 and dietary differences across the geographic landscape may be identified in the archaeological record 12. Analysis of palaeobotanical data and faunal remains from a number of sites has given an insight into to some of the spectrum of foods consumed as part of the LBK diet, and how this diet apparently varied by region. Barley grains are frequently found within settlements from the Carpathian Basin and the Neckar region of Germany, but not over the landscape in between 13. Greater proportions of einkorn than emmer wheat and the presence of the opium poppy further suggest slightly different subsistence at western German LBK sites 3,4. Exploitation of wild
Trowel Vol. XV is ready. You can pre-order your copy now in advance of the official launch on Nov... more Trowel Vol. XV is ready. You can pre-order your copy now in advance of the official launch on November 20th.
Evidence for Bronze Age metalworking is generally sparse, not nearly representing the volume of m... more Evidence for Bronze Age metalworking is generally sparse, not nearly representing the volume of metal artefacts archaeologists have recovered. This paper uses published and unpublished data from Devon and Cornwall to assess the potential role of metalworkers in Bronze Age society within local and national traditions. Devon and Cornwall are of particular interest as these counties have an abundance of tin, which is necessary for bronze production, and had continental trade links, which may have increased the significance of the metalsmith. Twenty-two sites have been identified where metalworking evidence is associated with occupational contexts. This is supplemented by a further eight findspots where metalwork has been found in an occupational context and six findspots where Bronze Age metalworking evidence has been found without a specific context. The presence of metalworking craftware associated with settlements indicates the possibility for permanent or semi-permanent metalworking structures, which may have held an extended significance. The sites are then discussed in relation to past and ongoing debates. Overall, this paper offers an important contribution to the current understanding of how a metalsmith may have operated within prehistoric society, using the most current evidence, which provides a base from which to develop future research.
Trowel is the UCD Archaeology student journal.
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