| 1. |
- Alonso-Eguiluz, Mónica, et al.
(author)
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The Early Upper paleolithic deposit of Mughr el-Hamamah (Jordan): Archaeobotanical taphonomy and site formation processes
- 2024
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 55, s. 104471-104471
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With a rich, well-dated Early Upper Palaeolithic layer, the Mughr el-Hamamah cave site is key for understanding the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition in the Levant. The archaeological deposit consists of two units. Layer A resulted from pastoral activities during the 20th century and Layer B dated between 44.5 and 40.0 ky BP. During Layer A’s formation, shepherds disturbed Layer B, redepositing Early Upper Palaeolithic sediments and lithic artefacts in Layer A matrix. Activity from Layer A’s formation also resulted in spatially patchy percolation and bioturbation, leaving microarchaeological traces such as dung spherulites in some areas in Layer B. In contrast, contemporaneous chemical diagenetic processes from Layer B’s primary formation caused spatially uneven post-depositional dissolution of animal bone. In this article we present a multi-proxy microarchaeological approach to investigate the post-depositional processes in Layer B, focussing on possible impacts on the plant archaeological record. The identification of intrusive spherulites from shepherds’ activities define the limits of disturbance in Layer B. Micromorphological analyses have identified four intact micro-facies in Layer B, representing an interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors. Micromorphological details in bedded combustion features favour the interpretation that associated phytoliths represent fuel traces. Dicot fruit phytoliths occur in the western area of the cave, where well-preserved charred wood and seeds were also found. Grass-diagnostic phytoliths correspond to C3 and C4 taxa, indicating an overall humid environment with dry spells. Microarchaeological analysis identifies traces of both bedded and dispersed hearth materials, mixed with variable plant resources for food, fuel, and possibly other uses. This strengthens the interpretation of Mughr el-Hamamah Layer B as a dense, complicated palimpsest of recurring activities, formed over many millennia.
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| 2. |
- Bindler, Richard, et al.
(author)
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Copper-ore mining in Sweden since the pre-Roman Iron Age : lake-sediment evidence of human activities at the Garpenberg ore field since 375 BCE
- 2017
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 12, s. 99-108
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Historical documents, archaeological evidence and lake-sediment records indicate thus far that significant mining of iron and copper ores in the Berglsagen mining region in central Sweden did not begin until the late 12th century -first with iron in Norberg - and thereafter spreading rapidly throughout the region during the 13th century when also copper was included (e.g. Falun). Prior to this, iron was produced domestically from secondary sources such as bog iron, while geochemical analyses of bronze artefacts indicate copper was imported. The parish of Garpenberg was at the intersection between historical iron-and copper-mining districts, and consequently we expected our sediment record from the lake Gruvsjon ('mine lake') to follow the established 13th century development. However, a 2-3-fold enrichment in copper and lead occurred already during 375-175 BCE (pre-Roman Iron Age), together with small increases in zinc, magnesium and charcoal particles, and changes in pollen. Together these indicate a clear pattern of human disturbance connected with the ore body bordering the lake. A second distinct phase occurred 115-275 CE, but with an 8-9-fold increase in copper and lead along with other indicators. From 400 CE a permanent increase in copper and lead occurred, which then accelerated from the 13th century as seen elsewhere in the region. Our results push back the evidence for early ore mining in Sweden from the Middle Ages to the pre-Roman Iron Age.
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| 3. |
- Blaschikoff, Ludmilla, et al.
(author)
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A multidisciplinary study of Iberian Chalcolithic dogs
- 2022
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 42
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Domesticated dogs have been present in the Iberian Peninsula long before other domesticated species, back to the late Palaeolithic period. Their origin is still uncertain, but dogs were already well established during the Chalcolithic period (ca. 5000-4000 BP). This study employed a multidisciplinary approach comprising osteometric, radiographic and palaeogenomic analyses to characterize Chalcolithic Iberian Canis remains. Two Chalcolithic archaeological sites - Leceia, Oeiras, in Portugal, and El Caset ' on de la Era, Villalba de los Alcores, Valladolid, in Spain - were the main focus of this study. Osteometric and odontometric data from eleven other sites in Iberia were also included. Osteometric results show signs of phenotypic variability, likely the result of human-driven selective pressure. Dental radiographic and dental wear analyses allowed age at death estimation for four individuals (two juvenile and two adults). Three Chalcolithic Iberian dogs had their mitogenomes resequenced and the mitochondrial DNA analysis allowed to assign each individual to two of the major known haplogroups - A and C. Molecular sex infered by the chromosomeX/chromosome1 coverage ratio allowed to identify one female and two males. This study unveils some aspects of the Iberian Chalcolithic dogs: these dogs already exhibited various morphotypes whose profiles might be associated to the performance of certain tasks, as well as mitogenomes of two distinct lineages that help tracking the evolutionary paths of Iberian dogs.
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| 4. |
- Boethius, Adam, et al.
(author)
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The importance of freshwater fish in Early Holocene subsistence : Exemplified with the human colonization of the island of Gotland in the Baltic basin
- 2017
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 13, s. 625-634
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper we explore the subsistence economy of the Mesolithic pioneers on the island of Gotland in the Baltic basin, in order to evaluate the importance of freshwater fish to the Early Holocene human population. By analysing faunal remains, the distribution of 14C dates and the location of the settlement sites, we argue that earlier assumptions concerning the importance of marine mammals to the early human populations should be reconsidered. We suggest that the pioneering settlers of Gotland relied on fish to a significant extent. Radiocarbon dates taken from human bones are skewed by a freshwater reservoir effect, which can be used as an indirect indication of the significance of freshwater fish. The numerous, overgrowing lakes on the island, with their extensive biomass production and large amounts of freshwater fish, provided an important subsistence base. Even if the faunal assemblages that have survived are dominated by seal bones, the hunting season for seals was limited and the hunters mostly targeted young seals. Thus, the importance of seal have previously been overestimated and it appears that the human use of marine resources on Gotland was more limited and related to raw material needs rather than dietary necessity or specialization. Although presented as a case study; the results highlight the need to identify a freshwater fish diet among ancient foragers on a larger scale, as implications thereof can fundamentally change how foraging societies are perceived.
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| 5. |
- Bornfalk Back, Anders, 1985-
(author)
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The vitrified wall of Broborg hillfort in Uppland, Sweden – A comment on Sjöblom et al. (2022)
- 2023
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 48
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently, Sjöblom et al. assessed the cause of the vitrified wall of Broborg, the 5th century CE hillfort in East Middle Sweden. By exploring possible incentives and competence to melt stones together, as well as the genesis of the vitrified material, the authors suggested that the builders of Broborg used vitrification as a construction method to strengthen the wall. In this comment, I critically examine the line of arguments presented in support of this claim. The conclusion reached is that there is no convincing evidence to warrant a construction hypothesis.
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| 6. |
- Brødholt, Elin T., et al.
(author)
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Bone mineral density through history : Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in archaeological populations of Norway
- 2021
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Information regarding bone mineral density (BMD) and related variations through prehistoric and historic time periods in Norway is scarce. We present results of BMD measurements of 222 individuals from four rural and urban burial sites representing the medieval and post-Reformation period using osteological analysis and dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry. Existing BMD data from 137 individuals dating to the Late Iron Age and medieval period were incorporated. Young medieval females have the highest mean BMD of all time periods, including the modern female population, and significant higher mean BMD than young females from the Late Iron Age (p = 0.02; q = 0.093). Mean BMD increased significantly from the Late Iron Age to the medieval period (p = 0.0002) followed by a significant decline from the medieval to the post-Reformation period (p = 0.014). The overall results reveal significant BMD variation through prehistoric and historic time periods in Norway. The patterns of age-related bone loss observed in the archaeological record are diverse with substantial temporal changes suggesting a transition towards a modern pattern. The bone loss often exceeds that observed in the population today. This study sheds light on long-term historical trends and patterns in Norway by examining BMD variation and age-related bone loss in adult life of males and females within three archaeological time periods and compared to present populations.
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| 7. |
- Budd, Chelsea, et al.
(author)
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Early Farmers in northwest Turkey: First dietary isotopes study of human diet at Neolithic Barcın Höyük
- 2020
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Barcın Höyük is one of the oldest Neolithic settlement sites in northwest Anatolia, with early layers of occupation radiocarbon dated to ca.6600 cal BC. The Neolithic phase at the site (ca.6600 – 6200 cal BC) has seven layers of occupation, and shows a number of affinities, in terms of structure and zooarchaeological remains, with contemporary sites in the coastal area near Istanbul (Özdoğan, 2013). The available zooarchaeological evidence suggests a diet of terrestrial fauna, with some inclusion from freshwater aquatic species. This study investigates the nature of human diet at Barcın Höyük through carbon and nitrogen analysis of human and animal bone collagen, and examines whether there is any isotopic evidence for a shift in diet after the re-organisation of the site at ca.6200 cal BC. Here we present 75 human and faunal analyses from the Neolithic layers at Barcın Höyük. Two new radiocarbon dates on human skeletons are also included in the study.
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| 8. |
- Charpentier Ljungqvist, Fredrik, 1982-, et al.
(author)
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The spatiotemporal distribution of Late Viking Age Swedish runestones : A reflection of the Christianisation process and its speed
- 2018
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 21, s. 849-861
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Late Viking Age Swedish runestones are commonly acknowledged as early Christian monuments. Using geostatistical techniques and descriptive statistics, we systematically investigate the regional-to-local spatiotemporal patterns of 1302 ornamentally dated Swedish runestones regarding the timing and speed of the Christianisation process. After quantitative geostatistical analyses of the age distribution patterns of Swedish runestones, we evaluate whether the observed patterns correspond to the pace and pattern of Christianisation, as represented by the presence of mission bishoprics, early church sites, late pagan grave sites and royal estates. We identify seven distinct age groups of runestones and statistically significant regional-to-local spatiotemporal differences in the age and age spread of runestones. The oldest runestones, with the smallest age spread, are found in south-western medieval Sweden, and the youngest, as well as the largest age spread, in the north-east, respectively. We find that runestones are significantly older close to early ecclesiastical sites, regardless of the analytical level, and significantly younger near to late pagan graves. The results obtained are inconclusive as to whether runestones are older near royal estates. Our results support that the spatiotemporal patterns of runestone sites mirror the timing of the Christianisation process and that geostatistical approaches to larger archaeological or historical data sets can add new dimensions to the understanding of the spatial dimensions of past societal changes.
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| 9. |
- Eriksson, Gunilla, et al.
(author)
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Diet and mobility among Mesolithic hunter-gatherers in Motala (Sweden) - The isotope perspective
- 2018
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 17, s. 904-918
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent excavations at the sites of Strandvägen and Kanaljorden in Motala, Eastern Central Sweden, have unearthed complex and varied funerary remains from the Mesolithic. The two sites are situated on opposite banks of the river Motala Ström. While geographically close and roughly covering the same time span (c. 8000–7000 cal. BP), the funerary remains reveal differences and similarities in the treatment of the dead between the two localities. While at Strandvägen human bones were mostly found either scattered along the river bed or in inhumation graves, Kanaljorden contains wetland depositions of disarticulated skulls. We have conducted multi-isotope analyses of δ13C, δ15N, δ34S and 87Sr/86Sr of human and animal remains with the aim of reconstructing the dietary patterns, geographic provenance and mobility of the interred. A series of faunal reference samples and, in the case of 87Sr/86Sr, soil samples have been analysed in order to establish relevant isotopic baselines. The results show a protein intake dominated by aquatic resources, probably consisting of both freshwater and marine fish in varied proportions. The strontium isotope data indicate an interesting distinction between the individuals buried on either side of the river Motala Ström. Five out of six sampled individuals from Strandvägen have isotope ratios consistent with a local provenance, whereas ratios from seven out of eight Kanaljorden individuals indicate a non-local origin. The δ34S analysis proved problematic as a majority of the samples appear to be affected by diagenesis. This is probably the result of contamination by exogenous sulphur from surrounding fluvial and lacustrine sediments, as has previously been reported from other waterlogged sites.
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| 10. |
- Etu-Sihvola, H., et al.
(author)
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The dIANA database - Resource for isotopic paleodietary research in the Baltic Sea area
- 2019
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In: Journal of Archaeological Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-409X .- 2352-4103. ; 24, s. 1003-1013
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Paleodietary research is a complex field, which requires large sets of background information. Owing to increasing interest and activity in the field, a substantial amount of archaeological isotope baseline data exist for Northern Europe, consisting mainly of animal bone collagen delta C-13, delta N-15, and delta S-34 values. However, the data are scattered into dozens of publications written in multiple languages and less-accessible formats, making the data laborious to use. This article presents the first compilation work of this data, the open access dIANA database (Dietary Isotopic baseline for the Ancient North; https://www.oasisnorth.org/diana.html), aimed to support (paleo)dietary research in the Baltic Sea area. The database work is complemented with new analyses of archaeological and (pre-)modern domestic and wild fauna from Finland and Russia broadening the selection of analysed species in the database. We present and discuss data examples, which on one hand show existing spatiotemporal isotope patterns related to diet and differences in the environmental carbon sources and on the other, also visualize the current status of baseline research and the need for further analyses in the circum-Baltic area.
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