The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2... more The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2.939 features, out of which 1.470 were post and column holes), that was carried out by the Archaia company at the Kněževes site (Praha-západ district) in the year 1998. In an area of more than 10 ha, evidence of settlement in several prehistoric and historic periods was recorded (Neolithic, Eneolithic, Hallstatt period, Early La Tène, Hillfort period), however, it was particularly the Bronze Age, where the majority of the finds belong. An analysis from different viewpoints, supplemented with selective descriptive and visual documentation, represents the focal point of the submitted treatise. In the introductory part, there are described the progress and methods of excavation, the geomorphologic conditions, the subsoil and soil coverage on the site, as well as the expected vegetation in the area of interest on the basis of scientific analyses (macroremains, charcoal). Attention is paid also to the history of archaeological research within the cadastre of the current village of Kněževes and the neighbouring Kněžívka. From the beginning of the Bronze Age (the early phase of the Únětice culture) date 24 inhumation graves equipped with pottery and occasionally also with copper/bronze earrings. 16 features of settlement character belong to the same time period. The rare use of the site in the Middle Bronze Age (Tumulus culture, Br B–C: 12 features + intrusion) was succeeded by intensive settlement activities in the following time period of the Late to Final Bronze Age (Bylany and Štítary cultures, Br C2/D – Ha B2-3: 1.222 datable features). The most numerous features, with conclusive dating material, were storage pits (granaries), of which, in the majority of cases, just the lower parts or bottoms remained preserved. Also larger, relatively deeper irregular pits occurred (so-called clay pits). Post or possibly column holes, indicating overhead wooden constructions of residential buildings, could only seldom be clearly classed as belonging to the Urnfield period. The main components of the recorded rich assemblages of the Knovíz and Štítary cultures were analysed separately. Their most important part is traditionally represented by numerous pottery fragments that were, from the typological-chronological viewpoint, observed within the framework of 389 selected characteristic complexes. In a number of features, other clay artefacts were present as well, such as weaving weights, wheels, spindle whorls etc. In total, 65 bronze artefacts were found, whereas these are predominantly tinier items or their fragments, possibly lost in the settlement. A certain exception is represented by personal jewellery (wire hair decorations and rings), recorded on human skeletons in settlement features. The most numerous and chronologically most important are pins (23 pieces). Other objects, such as needles, awls, arrowheads, fragments of sheet-metals, bars and wires, a ring, a sickle tang, a clamp, etc. are present as well. The preserved material sources are also supplemented by bone and horn industry (e.g. chisels, awls, points, smoothers, spatulae, “skates”, hammers etc.) whereas the function of smooth and sometimes even decorated talus bones of cattle remains unclear (gaming stones?). The percentage of stone industry was also quite significant. It fulfilled especially the function of striking tools (chipping tools, mallets, retouchers), but also of different smoothers and working pads. Also crushers and pads for grinding grain are represented. Indirect evidence of bronze smelting was also found on the site. This is a fragment of a half of a stone mould made of local raw material that most probably served for the manufacture of socket chisels. Rarely, also traces of raw bronze material were detected on pottery fragments and on a stone core. Special attention was paid to two features that contained numerous fragments of flat dish-shaped saucers with a twisted rim. These were interpreted as probable secondarily deposited sacrificial offerings. In one of these features, there were, on top of that, also fragments of large branching “stands” made of imperfectly burnt clay that, in the context of several lines of post holes, could point to the existence of a large overhead wooden structure of ritual character, possibly a sanctuary. In several settlement features, there were found human skeletons or their parts, often in non-anatomical positions. The remains of several individuals (both adults and children) thrown into a pit were not exceptional, along with “burials” of separate skulls or discoveries of individual human bones in the fills. In total, 107 individuals were documented, originating from 78 features the majority of which belonged to the Knovíz culture. Several settlement pits contained whole skeletons of animals. Complex analysis of the material assemblage enabled us to distinguish six basic settlement horizons, copying, as a rule, the main development trends that can be observed in the course of the Late and Final Bronze Age. Settlement activity on the site was most intensive in the peak period of the Knovíz culture (Ha A2/B1), however, it significantly dropped during the following period of the Štítary culture (Ha B2-3). This could possibly be related to intense Final Bronze Age settlement on a nearby site in the cadastral area of Kněžívka. The absolute dating of the Kněževes settlement was confirmed by four radiocarbon measurements.
Objekty jsou popisovány podle jednotného systému, který umožňuje -v kombinaci s kresbou -standard... more Objekty jsou popisovány podle jednotného systému, který umožňuje -v kombinaci s kresbou -standardizované podchycení všech podstatných terénních údajů. Význam jednotlivých popisných pojmů odpovídá běžnému chápání v archeologické praxi, resp. deskriptorům v terénním manuálu společnosti Archaia, které byly autorem upraveny tak, aby vyhovovaly konkrétním potřebám výzkumu pravěkých sídlišť.
O O síDlení síDlení v v mlaDší mlaDší a a pOzDní pOzDní DOBě DOBě BrOnzOvé BrOnzOvé Osídlení v ml... more O O síDlení síDlení v v mlaDší mlaDší a a pOzDní pOzDní DOBě DOBě BrOnzOvé BrOnzOvé Osídlení v mladší a pozdní době bronzové (Br C2/D-Ha B2-3)
A bronze sword with a tongue-shaped hilt and a bronze spearhead from Svídnice in the Rychnov nad ... more A bronze sword with a tongue-shaped hilt and a bronze spearhead from Svídnice in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou region.
In 2019, a bronze sword with a tongue-shaped hilt was discovered with the help of a metal detector in the cadastral area of Svídnice near Kostelec nad Orlicí (Rychnov nad Kněžnou district). A bronze spearhead was found not far from it (at a distance of about 100m – Fig. 1–2). Both artefacts were then handed over to the Museum in Rychnov nad Kněžnou. Subsequently, the museum worker and co-author of this article carried out a revision excavation at the findspots, during which she verified the relevance of the site's location and documented the field interventions made by detectorists (Fig. 3). On this occasion, a detector survey of the broader area was organised, during which, however, no other Bronze Age metal objects were retrieved. The site is located in two separate spring basins at the edge of a gently rising plateau, overlooking the bed of a stream which forms the backbone of the surrounding area. The forested plateau has the shape of an elongated triangle about 5km long and about 3km wide, stretching approximately in a northwest-southeast direction. Numerous watercourses and aquifers run through the plateau, which has probably always been forested and relatively impassable. The forested area surrounding the site itself is devoid of any evidence of prehistoric occupation, which only occurs in a large settlement chamber which is about 5km distant. Only a few rather isolated finds from the Urnfield and Hallstatt periods are known from within a radius of about 3.5km (Fig. 4). An extensive typological and chronological comparative analysis showed that the sword with a tongue-shaped hilt from Svídnice (Figs. 5, 6:1a-b, 7) generally belongs to the pan-European Nenzingen/Reutlingen type and can be loosely assigned to its Gemer variant (Figs. 9–12). Although it differs from 'standard specimens' of this type in some details (in particular, one rivet in the tongue-shaped hilt instead of the usual 3 to 4, the diamond-shaped blade profile, or the unindented serrated ricasso). This does not in principle rule out the above classification, as these elements (or their combinations) are rarely also found in some other swords attributed in professional literature to the above-mentioned type or variant. Swords of the Nenzingen/Reutlingen type are generally dated to the ancient or early Urnfield period (stages Br D – Ha A1 of the South German relative chronology), and the specimen from Svídnice most probably also belongs to this time period. These swords are found over a vast European territory, extending from southern Scandinavia to the Aegean and from the Black Sea coast to western Switzerland. This new find originating from the Lusatian cultural sphere in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou region lies practically at the very northeastern edge of their distribution (Fig. 13–14). The narrow spearhead with a rounded, smooth blade and an unprofiled, long loose socket, which was discovered in the sword's vicinity (Figs. 6:2; 7), represents a morphologically continuous shape which is difficult to place within the context of the Early to Late Bronze Age. However, due to its occurrence in the same area along with the sword, it can consistently be dated to the Br D – Ha A1 period in this case, as some connection between the two finds are to be assumed. It can be ruled out that these are so-called 'lost items', not only because of their size (in the case of the spearhead, we must also take into account the wooden shaft), but also because of their considerable value, especially in the case of the bronze sword. Also, after a possible military encounter or individual violent conflict, the victor would undoubtedly have collected and carried away such valuable trophies. The remaining option is then a votive motivation behind these monodeposits, with two different interpretations possible. These could be so-called 'travel offerings' given to supernatural forces as a reward for a successful passage through a hard to access (probably forested) plateau. The other explanation might be a symbolic delimitation of the boundaries of some ritualized or tabooed territory (an uninhabited 'sacred landscape') by these precious artefacts, intentionally driven (vertically?) into the ground at the beginnings of two separate spring basins at the edge of the plateau. In this context, their apotropaic function could perhaps also be considered.
Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeologic... more Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeological research at Kněževes near Prague in 1998. Most of dating objects in Kněževes come from the period of Late and Final Bronze Age. The approximately 3,000 years old set, which included 11 human remains from three settlement features, was collected for the study. First, gender was determined according to anthropological characteristics. Ancient DNA from bones was extracted by the phenol-chloroform procedure and N-phenacetylthiazolum bromide reagent. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of AMEL XY, part of amelogenin gene, with subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Short Tandem Repeats analysis followed. DNA profiles of skeletal remains were obtained by the fragmentation analysis of autosomal short tandem repeat markers. Genetic profiles showed us whether individuals from Kněževes were in mutual relationship (parent-descendant). The congruence of results in sex determination supported reliability of genetic methods, which are suitable for sex determination of fragmental and subadult skeletal remains.
Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue ar- chaeolog... more Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue ar- chaeological research at Kněževes near Prague in 1998. Most of dating objects in Kněževes come from the period of Late and Final Bronze Age. The ap- proximately 3,000 years old set, which included 11 human remains from three settlement features, was collected for the study. First, gender was determined according to anthropological characteristics. Ancient DNA from bones was extracted by the phenol-chlo- roform procedure and N-phenacetylthiazolum bro- mide reagent. Polymerase chain reaction amplifica- tion of AMEL XY, part of amelogenin gene, with subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Short Tandem Repeats analysis followed. DNA pro- files of skeletal remains were obtained by the frag- mentation analysis of autosomal short tandem repeat markers. Genetic profiles showed us whether indi- viduals from Kněževes were in mutual relationship (parent - descendant). The congruence of results in...
An Ennsdorf type bronze knife from Dřevčice near Dubá in the České Lípa region
In 2018, an unkno... more An Ennsdorf type bronze knife from Dřevčice near Dubá in the České Lípa region
In 2018, an unknown detectorist found a bronze knife with a thorn-shaped tang near the village of Dřevčice (Česká Lípa district, Figs. 1–4). The knife was originally terminated in a loop containing a threaded rivet which had been broken off. The patinated surface of the artefact is covered with numerous parallel and mutually intersecting grooves/scratches of prehistoric age, but of unclear origin (Figs. 5–6). The knife can be classified as the Ennsdorf type and included in a numerous and typologically and chronologically highly varied group of so-called earlier knives with thorns. This geographically relatively widespread type occurring especially in southern and western Germany and Switzerland is predominantly dated to Ha A2, but it may also appear during the subsequent Ha B1 stage. Thirteen knives of the Ennsdorf type have so far been known from Bohemia, which can be divided into the basic variants of Hanau and Singen (Fig. 7). Due to a coincidence, the most recent specimen was published on the pages of this journal three years ago, along with its detailed typological-chronological analysis and a number of analogies (Smejtek 2020). For this reason, we do not intend to repeat all the in¬formation again. From a viewpoint of interpretation of this unique find ('one-piece hoard'?), represented by a relatively small bronze artefact, two basic alternatives are available. It could have been an object accidentally lost by someone travelling along a communication corridor leading through the valley between Lhota u Dubé and Drchlava, or perhaps an intentional votive deposition of an object which was probably not functional any more (such as a so-called 'travel' or 'supplication/thanksgiving offering', etc.).
Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeologic... more Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeological research at Knezeves near Prague in 1998. Most of dating objects in Knezeves come from the period of Late and Final Bronze Age. The approximately 3,000 years old set, which included 11 human remains from three settlement features, was collected for the study. First, gender was determined according to anthropological characteristics. Ancient DNA from bones was extracted by the phenol-chloroform procedure and N-phenacetylthiazolum bromide reagent. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of AMEL XY, part of amelogenin gene, with subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Short Tandem Repeats analysis followed. DNA profiles of skeletal remains were obtained by the fragmentation analysis of autosomal short tandem repeat markers. Genetic profiles showed us whether individuals from Knezeves were in mutual relationship (parent - descendant). The congruence of results in sex determinati...
The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2... more The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2.939 features, out of which 1.470 were post and column holes), that was carried out by the Archaia company at the Kněževes site (Praha-západ district) in the year 1998. In an area of more than 10 ha, evidence of settlement in several prehistoric and historic periods was recorded (Neolithic, Eneolithic, Hallstatt period, Early La Tène, Hillfort period), however, it was particularly the Bronze Age, where the majority of the finds belong. An analysis from different viewpoints, supplemented with selective descriptive and visual documentation, represents the focal point of the submitted treatise. In the introductory part, there are described the progress and methods of excavation, the geomorphologic conditions, the subsoil and soil coverage on the site, as well as the expected vegetation in the area of interest on the basis of scientific analyses (macroremains, charcoal). Attention is paid al...
Monumental enclosures are a widespread phenomenon of the European Neolithic. One category of encl... more Monumental enclosures are a widespread phenomenon of the European Neolithic. One category of enclosure is the mid-fifth-millennium BC rondel sites of Central Europe. In parts of this region, rondel sites are grouped, drawing attention to notable differences in individual rondel forms. Here, we use Bayesian modelling of radiocarbon dates from the ditches of two rondels at Praha-Krč, Bohemia, to demonstrate their contemporaneity. In turn, this informs interpretations of the role played by multi-rondel sites in symbolic competition between regional communities, who invested in rondels as part of translocal negotiation. The concept of translocality may prove fruitful for the investigation of the monumental architecture of other periods and regions.
A casting mould for the manufacture of bronze pendants was found by chance in 1997. The article c... more A casting mould for the manufacture of bronze pendants was found by chance in 1997. The article concerns the geographical and chronological spread of related types of hourglass (Sanduhranhanger) pendant, and pendants with anthropomorphic designs. The development of these pendants is followed through the course of the Later and Final Bronze Ages (Br D to Ha B3) across the whole of their range, i.e. from south-eastern Europe and the Carpathian basin through the Czech lands to the Baltic. Attention is also paid to the south German cultural sphere, where anthropomorphic pendants with indented terminals (Schwalbenschwanzanhanger) are found; the casting mould from Žichlice comes from the West Bohemian zone with which this latter was in contact, and the pendants made from it have composite morphological elements. According to the results of comparative analysis, the mould can be dated towards the Later Bronze Age, specifically to the Ha B2-3.
V roce 2006 byly v depozitaři Narodniho muzea "znovuobjeveny" dva žebrovane manžetove n... more V roce 2006 byly v depozitaři Narodniho muzea "znovuobjeveny" dva žebrovane manžetove naramky. Představuji cast výbavy hrobu objeveneho v roce 1903 v Tursku (Praha Zapad). Clanek hodnoti tyto unikatni nalezy z několika uhlů pohledu, vcetně historie objevu, typologicke/chronologicke klasifikace a analýzy materialu, z něhož byly naramky vyrobeny. Zaměřuje se předevsim na korozni vrstvy a zachovane zbytky textilu, stejně tak jako na otazky konzervace.In 2006, two ribbed, cuff bracelets were "rediscovered" in the depository of the National Museum. They form part of the inventory of a grave excavated in 1903 at Tursko (Prague West district). This paper aims to assess these unique items from several points of view, including the history of their discovery, their typological and chronological classification, and analysis of the material from which they were made, above all, analysis of the corrosion layers and surviving textile imprints, as well as questions of conserva...
An Old Únětice cemetery near Řepná Street in Prague-Ďáblice.
In 1993, during a rescue excavation... more An Old Únětice cemetery near Řepná Street in Prague-Ďáblice.
In 1993, during a rescue excavation which was carried out due to the channelization of the Mrákotínský brook in Prague-Ďáblice, a small cemetery from the early phase of the Únětice culture was unearthed in fields adjacent to Řepná Street.15 graves were examined – 14 of them formed a group and one grave (No. 42) was isolated, located about 40 m southwest of the main group. This grave had the same orientation and the skeleton was deposited in the same way as in the other graves, however, no grave goods were found, so its dating is unclear. In the skeletal material recovered from the graves, there have been identified 29 buried individuals in total (7 men, 7 women, 9 children and 6 undeterminable), nevertheless, there could have been even more. In addition to 9 cases of burials containing one individual, also multiple burials occurred – e.g. graves with the remains of two (Nos. 22 C and 53), three (No. 57), four (Nos. 48 and 52) and even five individuals (No. 22 D). The excavation situation in grave 52 can be interpreted as a timber-lined tomb, into which the bones of the deceased were placed. The grave goods consisted mainly of ceramic vessels whose number ranged from one to five pieces per grave. Copper hair ornaments in the form of a single ring (graves Nos. 22 C, 22 D and 53) or a bone implement together with an ornament (grave No. 22 D) also sporadically occurred. On the basis of analysis of the recovered ceramic assemblages and two sets of radiocarbon data from graves Nos. 22 D and 61, we are able to classify this cemetery as belonging to the early phase of the Old Únětice culture (according to Moucha 1963) or to the close of the first stage of the Early Únětice culture (according to Bartelheim 1998), i.e. to the time period 2281–2051 BC.
The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2... more The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2.939 features, out of which 1.470 were post and column holes), that was carried out by the Archaia company at the Kněževes site (Praha-západ district) in the year 1998. In an area of more than 10 ha, evidence of settlement in several prehistoric and historic periods was recorded (Neolithic, Eneolithic, Hallstatt period, Early La Tène, Hillfort period), however, it was particularly the Bronze Age, where the majority of the finds belong. An analysis from different viewpoints, supplemented with selective descriptive and visual documentation, represents the focal point of the submitted treatise. In the introductory part, there are described the progress and methods of excavation, the geomorphologic conditions, the subsoil and soil coverage on the site, as well as the expected vegetation in the area of interest on the basis of scientific analyses (macroremains, charcoal). Attention is paid also to the history of archaeological research within the cadastre of the current village of Kněževes and the neighbouring Kněžívka. From the beginning of the Bronze Age (the early phase of the Únětice culture) date 24 inhumation graves equipped with pottery and occasionally also with copper/bronze earrings. 16 features of settlement character belong to the same time period. The rare use of the site in the Middle Bronze Age (Tumulus culture, Br B–C: 12 features + intrusion) was succeeded by intensive settlement activities in the following time period of the Late to Final Bronze Age (Bylany and Štítary cultures, Br C2/D – Ha B2-3: 1.222 datable features). The most numerous features, with conclusive dating material, were storage pits (granaries), of which, in the majority of cases, just the lower parts or bottoms remained preserved. Also larger, relatively deeper irregular pits occurred (so-called clay pits). Post or possibly column holes, indicating overhead wooden constructions of residential buildings, could only seldom be clearly classed as belonging to the Urnfield period. The main components of the recorded rich assemblages of the Knovíz and Štítary cultures were analysed separately. Their most important part is traditionally represented by numerous pottery fragments that were, from the typological-chronological viewpoint, observed within the framework of 389 selected characteristic complexes. In a number of features, other clay artefacts were present as well, such as weaving weights, wheels, spindle whorls etc. In total, 65 bronze artefacts were found, whereas these are predominantly tinier items or their fragments, possibly lost in the settlement. A certain exception is represented by personal jewellery (wire hair decorations and rings), recorded on human skeletons in settlement features. The most numerous and chronologically most important are pins (23 pieces). Other objects, such as needles, awls, arrowheads, fragments of sheet-metals, bars and wires, a ring, a sickle tang, a clamp, etc. are present as well. The preserved material sources are also supplemented by bone and horn industry (e.g. chisels, awls, points, smoothers, spatulae, “skates”, hammers etc.) whereas the function of smooth and sometimes even decorated talus bones of cattle remains unclear (gaming stones?). The percentage of stone industry was also quite significant. It fulfilled especially the function of striking tools (chipping tools, mallets, retouchers), but also of different smoothers and working pads. Also crushers and pads for grinding grain are represented. Indirect evidence of bronze smelting was also found on the site. This is a fragment of a half of a stone mould made of local raw material that most probably served for the manufacture of socket chisels. Rarely, also traces of raw bronze material were detected on pottery fragments and on a stone core. Special attention was paid to two features that contained numerous fragments of flat dish-shaped saucers with a twisted rim. These were interpreted as probable secondarily deposited sacrificial offerings. In one of these features, there were, on top of that, also fragments of large branching “stands” made of imperfectly burnt clay that, in the context of several lines of post holes, could point to the existence of a large overhead wooden structure of ritual character, possibly a sanctuary. In several settlement features, there were found human skeletons or their parts, often in non-anatomical positions. The remains of several individuals (both adults and children) thrown into a pit were not exceptional, along with “burials” of separate skulls or discoveries of individual human bones in the fills. In total, 107 individuals were documented, originating from 78 features the majority of which belonged to the Knovíz culture. Several settlement pits contained whole skeletons of animals. Complex analysis of the material assemblage enabled us to distinguish six basic settlement horizons, copying, as a rule, the main development trends that can be observed in the course of the Late and Final Bronze Age. Settlement activity on the site was most intensive in the peak period of the Knovíz culture (Ha A2/B1), however, it significantly dropped during the following period of the Štítary culture (Ha B2-3). This could possibly be related to intense Final Bronze Age settlement on a nearby site in the cadastral area of Kněžívka. The absolute dating of the Kněževes settlement was confirmed by four radiocarbon measurements.
Objekty jsou popisovány podle jednotného systému, který umožňuje -v kombinaci s kresbou -standard... more Objekty jsou popisovány podle jednotného systému, který umožňuje -v kombinaci s kresbou -standardizované podchycení všech podstatných terénních údajů. Význam jednotlivých popisných pojmů odpovídá běžnému chápání v archeologické praxi, resp. deskriptorům v terénním manuálu společnosti Archaia, které byly autorem upraveny tak, aby vyhovovaly konkrétním potřebám výzkumu pravěkých sídlišť.
O O síDlení síDlení v v mlaDší mlaDší a a pOzDní pOzDní DOBě DOBě BrOnzOvé BrOnzOvé Osídlení v ml... more O O síDlení síDlení v v mlaDší mlaDší a a pOzDní pOzDní DOBě DOBě BrOnzOvé BrOnzOvé Osídlení v mladší a pozdní době bronzové (Br C2/D-Ha B2-3)
A bronze sword with a tongue-shaped hilt and a bronze spearhead from Svídnice in the Rychnov nad ... more A bronze sword with a tongue-shaped hilt and a bronze spearhead from Svídnice in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou region.
In 2019, a bronze sword with a tongue-shaped hilt was discovered with the help of a metal detector in the cadastral area of Svídnice near Kostelec nad Orlicí (Rychnov nad Kněžnou district). A bronze spearhead was found not far from it (at a distance of about 100m – Fig. 1–2). Both artefacts were then handed over to the Museum in Rychnov nad Kněžnou. Subsequently, the museum worker and co-author of this article carried out a revision excavation at the findspots, during which she verified the relevance of the site's location and documented the field interventions made by detectorists (Fig. 3). On this occasion, a detector survey of the broader area was organised, during which, however, no other Bronze Age metal objects were retrieved. The site is located in two separate spring basins at the edge of a gently rising plateau, overlooking the bed of a stream which forms the backbone of the surrounding area. The forested plateau has the shape of an elongated triangle about 5km long and about 3km wide, stretching approximately in a northwest-southeast direction. Numerous watercourses and aquifers run through the plateau, which has probably always been forested and relatively impassable. The forested area surrounding the site itself is devoid of any evidence of prehistoric occupation, which only occurs in a large settlement chamber which is about 5km distant. Only a few rather isolated finds from the Urnfield and Hallstatt periods are known from within a radius of about 3.5km (Fig. 4). An extensive typological and chronological comparative analysis showed that the sword with a tongue-shaped hilt from Svídnice (Figs. 5, 6:1a-b, 7) generally belongs to the pan-European Nenzingen/Reutlingen type and can be loosely assigned to its Gemer variant (Figs. 9–12). Although it differs from 'standard specimens' of this type in some details (in particular, one rivet in the tongue-shaped hilt instead of the usual 3 to 4, the diamond-shaped blade profile, or the unindented serrated ricasso). This does not in principle rule out the above classification, as these elements (or their combinations) are rarely also found in some other swords attributed in professional literature to the above-mentioned type or variant. Swords of the Nenzingen/Reutlingen type are generally dated to the ancient or early Urnfield period (stages Br D – Ha A1 of the South German relative chronology), and the specimen from Svídnice most probably also belongs to this time period. These swords are found over a vast European territory, extending from southern Scandinavia to the Aegean and from the Black Sea coast to western Switzerland. This new find originating from the Lusatian cultural sphere in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou region lies practically at the very northeastern edge of their distribution (Fig. 13–14). The narrow spearhead with a rounded, smooth blade and an unprofiled, long loose socket, which was discovered in the sword's vicinity (Figs. 6:2; 7), represents a morphologically continuous shape which is difficult to place within the context of the Early to Late Bronze Age. However, due to its occurrence in the same area along with the sword, it can consistently be dated to the Br D – Ha A1 period in this case, as some connection between the two finds are to be assumed. It can be ruled out that these are so-called 'lost items', not only because of their size (in the case of the spearhead, we must also take into account the wooden shaft), but also because of their considerable value, especially in the case of the bronze sword. Also, after a possible military encounter or individual violent conflict, the victor would undoubtedly have collected and carried away such valuable trophies. The remaining option is then a votive motivation behind these monodeposits, with two different interpretations possible. These could be so-called 'travel offerings' given to supernatural forces as a reward for a successful passage through a hard to access (probably forested) plateau. The other explanation might be a symbolic delimitation of the boundaries of some ritualized or tabooed territory (an uninhabited 'sacred landscape') by these precious artefacts, intentionally driven (vertically?) into the ground at the beginnings of two separate spring basins at the edge of the plateau. In this context, their apotropaic function could perhaps also be considered.
Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeologic... more Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeological research at Kněževes near Prague in 1998. Most of dating objects in Kněževes come from the period of Late and Final Bronze Age. The approximately 3,000 years old set, which included 11 human remains from three settlement features, was collected for the study. First, gender was determined according to anthropological characteristics. Ancient DNA from bones was extracted by the phenol-chloroform procedure and N-phenacetylthiazolum bromide reagent. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of AMEL XY, part of amelogenin gene, with subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Short Tandem Repeats analysis followed. DNA profiles of skeletal remains were obtained by the fragmentation analysis of autosomal short tandem repeat markers. Genetic profiles showed us whether individuals from Kněževes were in mutual relationship (parent-descendant). The congruence of results in sex determination supported reliability of genetic methods, which are suitable for sex determination of fragmental and subadult skeletal remains.
Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue ar- chaeolog... more Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue ar- chaeological research at Kněževes near Prague in 1998. Most of dating objects in Kněževes come from the period of Late and Final Bronze Age. The ap- proximately 3,000 years old set, which included 11 human remains from three settlement features, was collected for the study. First, gender was determined according to anthropological characteristics. Ancient DNA from bones was extracted by the phenol-chlo- roform procedure and N-phenacetylthiazolum bro- mide reagent. Polymerase chain reaction amplifica- tion of AMEL XY, part of amelogenin gene, with subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Short Tandem Repeats analysis followed. DNA pro- files of skeletal remains were obtained by the frag- mentation analysis of autosomal short tandem repeat markers. Genetic profiles showed us whether indi- viduals from Kněževes were in mutual relationship (parent - descendant). The congruence of results in...
An Ennsdorf type bronze knife from Dřevčice near Dubá in the České Lípa region
In 2018, an unkno... more An Ennsdorf type bronze knife from Dřevčice near Dubá in the České Lípa region
In 2018, an unknown detectorist found a bronze knife with a thorn-shaped tang near the village of Dřevčice (Česká Lípa district, Figs. 1–4). The knife was originally terminated in a loop containing a threaded rivet which had been broken off. The patinated surface of the artefact is covered with numerous parallel and mutually intersecting grooves/scratches of prehistoric age, but of unclear origin (Figs. 5–6). The knife can be classified as the Ennsdorf type and included in a numerous and typologically and chronologically highly varied group of so-called earlier knives with thorns. This geographically relatively widespread type occurring especially in southern and western Germany and Switzerland is predominantly dated to Ha A2, but it may also appear during the subsequent Ha B1 stage. Thirteen knives of the Ennsdorf type have so far been known from Bohemia, which can be divided into the basic variants of Hanau and Singen (Fig. 7). Due to a coincidence, the most recent specimen was published on the pages of this journal three years ago, along with its detailed typological-chronological analysis and a number of analogies (Smejtek 2020). For this reason, we do not intend to repeat all the in¬formation again. From a viewpoint of interpretation of this unique find ('one-piece hoard'?), represented by a relatively small bronze artefact, two basic alternatives are available. It could have been an object accidentally lost by someone travelling along a communication corridor leading through the valley between Lhota u Dubé and Drchlava, or perhaps an intentional votive deposition of an object which was probably not functional any more (such as a so-called 'travel' or 'supplication/thanksgiving offering', etc.).
Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeologic... more Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (https://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeological research at Knezeves near Prague in 1998. Most of dating objects in Knezeves come from the period of Late and Final Bronze Age. The approximately 3,000 years old set, which included 11 human remains from three settlement features, was collected for the study. First, gender was determined according to anthropological characteristics. Ancient DNA from bones was extracted by the phenol-chloroform procedure and N-phenacetylthiazolum bromide reagent. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of AMEL XY, part of amelogenin gene, with subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Short Tandem Repeats analysis followed. DNA profiles of skeletal remains were obtained by the fragmentation analysis of autosomal short tandem repeat markers. Genetic profiles showed us whether individuals from Knezeves were in mutual relationship (parent - descendant). The congruence of results in sex determinati...
The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2... more The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2.939 features, out of which 1.470 were post and column holes), that was carried out by the Archaia company at the Kněževes site (Praha-západ district) in the year 1998. In an area of more than 10 ha, evidence of settlement in several prehistoric and historic periods was recorded (Neolithic, Eneolithic, Hallstatt period, Early La Tène, Hillfort period), however, it was particularly the Bronze Age, where the majority of the finds belong. An analysis from different viewpoints, supplemented with selective descriptive and visual documentation, represents the focal point of the submitted treatise. In the introductory part, there are described the progress and methods of excavation, the geomorphologic conditions, the subsoil and soil coverage on the site, as well as the expected vegetation in the area of interest on the basis of scientific analyses (macroremains, charcoal). Attention is paid al...
Monumental enclosures are a widespread phenomenon of the European Neolithic. One category of encl... more Monumental enclosures are a widespread phenomenon of the European Neolithic. One category of enclosure is the mid-fifth-millennium BC rondel sites of Central Europe. In parts of this region, rondel sites are grouped, drawing attention to notable differences in individual rondel forms. Here, we use Bayesian modelling of radiocarbon dates from the ditches of two rondels at Praha-Krč, Bohemia, to demonstrate their contemporaneity. In turn, this informs interpretations of the role played by multi-rondel sites in symbolic competition between regional communities, who invested in rondels as part of translocal negotiation. The concept of translocality may prove fruitful for the investigation of the monumental architecture of other periods and regions.
A casting mould for the manufacture of bronze pendants was found by chance in 1997. The article c... more A casting mould for the manufacture of bronze pendants was found by chance in 1997. The article concerns the geographical and chronological spread of related types of hourglass (Sanduhranhanger) pendant, and pendants with anthropomorphic designs. The development of these pendants is followed through the course of the Later and Final Bronze Ages (Br D to Ha B3) across the whole of their range, i.e. from south-eastern Europe and the Carpathian basin through the Czech lands to the Baltic. Attention is also paid to the south German cultural sphere, where anthropomorphic pendants with indented terminals (Schwalbenschwanzanhanger) are found; the casting mould from Žichlice comes from the West Bohemian zone with which this latter was in contact, and the pendants made from it have composite morphological elements. According to the results of comparative analysis, the mould can be dated towards the Later Bronze Age, specifically to the Ha B2-3.
V roce 2006 byly v depozitaři Narodniho muzea "znovuobjeveny" dva žebrovane manžetove n... more V roce 2006 byly v depozitaři Narodniho muzea "znovuobjeveny" dva žebrovane manžetove naramky. Představuji cast výbavy hrobu objeveneho v roce 1903 v Tursku (Praha Zapad). Clanek hodnoti tyto unikatni nalezy z několika uhlů pohledu, vcetně historie objevu, typologicke/chronologicke klasifikace a analýzy materialu, z něhož byly naramky vyrobeny. Zaměřuje se předevsim na korozni vrstvy a zachovane zbytky textilu, stejně tak jako na otazky konzervace.In 2006, two ribbed, cuff bracelets were "rediscovered" in the depository of the National Museum. They form part of the inventory of a grave excavated in 1903 at Tursko (Prague West district). This paper aims to assess these unique items from several points of view, including the history of their discovery, their typological and chronological classification, and analysis of the material from which they were made, above all, analysis of the corrosion layers and surviving textile imprints, as well as questions of conserva...
An Old Únětice cemetery near Řepná Street in Prague-Ďáblice.
In 1993, during a rescue excavation... more An Old Únětice cemetery near Řepná Street in Prague-Ďáblice.
In 1993, during a rescue excavation which was carried out due to the channelization of the Mrákotínský brook in Prague-Ďáblice, a small cemetery from the early phase of the Únětice culture was unearthed in fields adjacent to Řepná Street.15 graves were examined – 14 of them formed a group and one grave (No. 42) was isolated, located about 40 m southwest of the main group. This grave had the same orientation and the skeleton was deposited in the same way as in the other graves, however, no grave goods were found, so its dating is unclear. In the skeletal material recovered from the graves, there have been identified 29 buried individuals in total (7 men, 7 women, 9 children and 6 undeterminable), nevertheless, there could have been even more. In addition to 9 cases of burials containing one individual, also multiple burials occurred – e.g. graves with the remains of two (Nos. 22 C and 53), three (No. 57), four (Nos. 48 and 52) and even five individuals (No. 22 D). The excavation situation in grave 52 can be interpreted as a timber-lined tomb, into which the bones of the deceased were placed. The grave goods consisted mainly of ceramic vessels whose number ranged from one to five pieces per grave. Copper hair ornaments in the form of a single ring (graves Nos. 22 C, 22 D and 53) or a bone implement together with an ornament (grave No. 22 D) also sporadically occurred. On the basis of analysis of the recovered ceramic assemblages and two sets of radiocarbon data from graves Nos. 22 D and 61, we are able to classify this cemetery as belonging to the early phase of the Old Únětice culture (according to Moucha 1963) or to the close of the first stage of the Early Únětice culture (according to Bartelheim 1998), i.e. to the time period 2281–2051 BC.
Europe’s prehistory oversaw dynamic and complex interactions of diverse societies, hitherto unexp... more Europe’s prehistory oversaw dynamic and complex interactions of diverse societies, hitherto unexplored at detailed regional scales. Studying 271 human genomes dated ~4900 to 1600 BCE from the European heartland, Bohemia, we reveal unprecedented genetic changes and social processes. Major migrations preceded the arrival of “steppe” ancestry, and at ~2800 BCE, three genetically and culturally differentiated groups coexisted. Corded Ware appeared by 2900 BCE, were initially genetically diverse, did not derive all steppe ancestry from known Yamnaya, and assimilated females of diverse backgrounds. Both Corded Ware and Bell Beaker groups underwent dynamic changes, involving sharp reductions and complete replacements of Y-chromosomal diversity at ~2600 and ~2400 BCE, respectively, the latter accompanied by increased Neolithic-like ancestry. The Bronze Age saw new social organization emerge amid a ≥40% population turnover.
Late and Final Bronze Age finds made near Osinalická Street in Prague-Ďáblice.
During a... more Late and Final Bronze Age finds made near Osinalická Street in Prague-Ďáblice. During arescue excavation in Prague-Ďáblice which took place in 2003 prior to the construction of smallscale apartments between Kučerové and Osinalická Streets (Fig. 1), a total of 157 sunken features were exposed and partly excavated (Fig. 2). In addition to clearly dominant Hallstatt features, also nine settlement pits dating from the Late and Final Bronze Age were identified in the stripped area shaped like areclining letter L (Figs. 3, 4, 5:3). Furthermore, three Knovíz culture cremation graves were discovered during this excavation, one of which was sunken into the fill of alarge Knovíz culture pit, no. 84 (Fig. 4, 5:1–2). Knovíz or possibly Štítary culture settlement features contained an unusually small quantity of ceramic material, which, with several exceptions, is also very difficult to classify chronologically. The settlement pits can generally be ascribed to the Knovíz culture (feature 37), the Knovíz to Štítary culture (features 23, 31 and 41), the Kn 4 peak Knovíz horizon (feature 32) or the Št 2 late Štítary period (features 73, 95 and 98). The two cremation graves, nos. 83 and 127, can only roughly be dated to the Kn 4 peak Knovíz horizon (HaA1/A2 – Ha A2/B1). The inventory of grave 127, in addition to arather ordinary cup, abowl, abiconical vessel with arounded body, and six chronologically useless small-sized bronze artefacts (Fig. 10:2–10, 11:2), also contained avery unusual deep bowl with adouble vertically-drilled oval protrusion (Fig. 11:1A–C). The other rather interesting finds from this grave also include an amphora decorated with Ashaped symbols, whose neck was deformed by the heat of the mortuary pyre and whose visually reconstructed original profile points to an influence from the Lusatian cultural sphere (Fig. 10:1A–C).
A pottery hoard of the Knovíz culture from Bavoryně, Beroun District.
A pottery hoard discovered ... more A pottery hoard of the Knovíz culture from Bavoryně, Beroun District. A pottery hoard discovered during a rescue excavation of a Knovíz culture settlement near Bavoryně in the Beroun region in 2009 (Figs. 1-4) contained 24 cups and bowls which were for the most part placed in a large, amphora-shaped storage vessel. The hoard was deposited at the bottom of a standard storage pit (granary pit) designated as feature 136 (Figs. 5–8). A total of 16 vessels have twisted rims and 10 of them also have various amounts of inner decoration. It mainly consists of concentric grooves and, in several cases, also of bundles of radial grooves and dimples. Five bowls feature a pair of holes in their walls under the twisted rim which were made before the vessel was fired. The remaining specimens are common Knovíz culture cups (Figs. 9–13:1;14). The cups/bowls were divided into four groups based on typological characteristics (A–D) which not only considered the morphology of the vessels, but also the character of their inner decorations or possibly its absence (Fig. 18). Undecorated cups with simple, slightly bulging rims from group D are not suitable for dating, so while trying to identify a more exact chronological position, we focused on specimens with twisted rims (groups A to C). Through a broader comparison and basically the exclusion method, it was possible to reach the conclusion that these cups and bowls most probably belonged to stage Ha A1 (Fig. 19). Such a dating is also supported by the form of the amphora-like storage vessel with a slightly open neck (Fig. 13:2) or the settlement material from the feature's fill (Figs. 15-17). The collective find of Knovíz culture pottery from Bavoryně can, with a certain degree of caution, be interpreted as evidence for some kind of drinking ritual (oath ritual?), perhaps connected with libations. After it finished, all used vessels were deposited in an empty settlement pit as an offering. The particular form of its deposition at the bottom of a granary pit could be linked to the consecration of this pottery to the traditional vegetation and nature deities or to the gods of the underground. With regard to the specific character of all the drinking vessels, some kind of connection to the then rather widespread and popular solar cult cannot be completely ruled out either – they may symbolize it in a way.
An Ennsdorf type bronze knife from Chodouň, Beroun District.
In 2020, a bronze knife with a thorn... more An Ennsdorf type bronze knife from Chodouň, Beroun District. In 2020, a bronze knife with a thorn-shaped tang was found in the cadastral are of Chodouň (Beroun District) with the help of a metal detector. The end of the tang was originally folded into a loop which is now missing (Figs. 1-5). A rivet originally passed through it which helped fix it to a full (one-piece) or two-piece handle made of an organic material (most probably wood or possibly antler; Fig. 9). The presented knife can be assigned to a numerous and rather variable group of earlier knives with thorn-shaped handles, namely to the Ennsdorf type. It is the 13th specimen known from Bohemia, while in Moravia, this type of artefact is only known in one case (Fig. 6:1–13; 7:1–14). The core region of distribution of this type is southern and western Germany and Switzerland, however, it can also be encountered in central and occasionally in northern Germany. Much lower numbers (single specimen) are known from northwestern Poland, Lower Austria, western Hungary, northern Tyrol, northeastern France and northern Italy (Figs. 6:14–57; 7:15–16; 8). From the viewpoint of relative chronology, Ennsdorf type knives are one of the shapes characteristic of stage Ha A2, while their occurrence is also to be expected during early H B1, as documented by several important south German finds from graves (Figs. 10–11). Dendrochronological analysis of wood from pile dwellings on the banks of Swiss lakes has provided absolute dates for the period of Ha A2/B1 which range from 1054 to 1037 BC (Fig. 12). The Chodouň knife can be interpreted as an artefact which was accidentally lost during activities within a wider settlement area, but it can also be regarded as an intentionally deposited votive offering. The sacral character of the find could possibly also be indicated by the presence of an 'abnormal' long line of relatively deep cavities ('karst sinkholes'?) stretching along the ridge line in its vicinity, which must have been considered rather unusual at that time.
Záchranný archeologický výzkum polykulturního naleziště v areálu Společenské zahrady v Praze-Krči... more Záchranný archeologický výzkum polykulturního naleziště v areálu Společenské zahrady v Praze-Krči proběhl pod vedením Lubora Smejtka z Ústavu archeologické památkové péče středních Čech v roce 2001. Detailněji byla dosud vyhodnocena raně eneolitická komponenta (Smejtek – Sušická 2009), ostatní komponenty byly prozatím publikovány jen přehledově (Lutovský – Smejtek a kol. 2005). Předkládaný příspěvek je výstupem aktuálně probíhajícího komplexního vyhodnocení neolitické komponenty, během něhož se podařilo identifikovat pozůstatky dvojitého kruhového ohrazení. Cílem je podat prostorovou analýzu ohrazení a na základě stratigrafických vztahů i možných analogií nastínit jeho dataci.
An Únětice hoard from Přemyšlení, Prague-East District.
In the summer of 2008 a hoard of bronze/c... more An Únětice hoard from Přemyšlení, Prague-East District. In the summer of 2008 a hoard of bronze/copper objects dating from the period of the Únětice culture was discovered during an extensive rescue excavation in the cadastral area of Přemyšlení (Prague-East District, Fig. 1–3; 6–8). In its vicinity, three small accumulations (A–C) of predominantly Early Bronze Age graves were excavated in lines of future roads, but their possible relationship to the hoard is only speculative (Fig. 4–5). The published hoard was originally probably placed in an organic case so it created the impression of a really compact 'packet' when it was unearthed (Fig. 9). Its composition in comparison to other Únětice mass finds is quite extraordinary (Fig. 10). It contained a pin with a hammered decorated oar-shaped head (Fig. 11; 12:1), 6 round pieces of jewellery made from single wound wire with folded pointed ends (Fig. 12:2–3, 5, 7; 13:3, 6), 11 round pieces of jewellery made from double wound wire with folded ends (in all cases, one of the ends consists of a loop created by folding the wire and at the other end, the wires are pointed and braided; in two cases, they later untangled, but two specimens are still mutually connected – Fig. 12:4, 6, 8–10; 13:1–2, 4–5; 14:1A–1B) and 10 slightly oval open rod-shaped decorations with slightly thinned ends (Fig. 14:2–4; 15:1–4; 16:1–3). The function of the oar-shaped pin as a dress fastener is quite obvious and the wire jewellery, depending on its diameter (44.5–80.4 mm) could have served as a hair accessory, a bracelet, an armband, or possibly an anklet (Fig. 21:2–17). The rather large (102.5–114.9 mm) and more massive open rod-shaped decorations can most probably be regarded as armbands or anklets (Fig. 21:18–27). Pins with decorated oar-shaped heads are rather rare in the Bohemian Únětice culture (at the time being, only 7 specimens are known: Starý Bydžov – 3 pcs; Tursko /unpublished/ – 2 pcs; Sedlec u Mšena – 1 pc; Přemyšlení – 1 pc; Fig. 17–18) and their origin and most intensive distribution must be sought in the wider geographic area of the Danube region (Fig. 19–20), where they are usually dated to the course of Br A1 (Ruckdeschel 1978). The occurrence of wire jewellery also concentrates in the Danube region or, generally speaking, in the southern zone of the Únětice culture, practically throughout the whole Early Bronze Age (Fig. 22). In contrast to this, larger open rod-shaped armbands/anklets are rather characteristic of the northern Únětice zone. They especially occur in hoards of central Germany which are dated to the Late Únětice period (Fig. 23). If we take into account the presumed delay in cultural development in the Únětice zone in comparison to the central and upper Danube regions, which were better supplied with raw materials and therefore metallurgically more advanced, then the oar-shaped pins in Bohemia as well as hoards containing them could be dated to the very end of the early Únětice period (i.e. Br A1), or possibly to the time of the late Únětice culture (Br A2). In this description, we apply modified Reinecke's classification, which is currently commonly used in neighbouring countries (Fig. 25), and not the orthodox concept of V. Moucha (2005, 7, Abb. 1, Fig. 24), who synchronized the classical phase of the Únětice culture in Bohemia with Br A1. The decorative patterns on Bohemian oar-shaped pins are similar to each other but form a distinct specific group which has no exact analogies in the Danube region. Still, the inspiration unambiguously came from there. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that some Bohemian finds were manufactured in local Únětice workshops (just one workshop ?) which, during the later period of relative abundance of the metal in the classical Únětice period, occasionally copied earlier, distant ('exotic') models, whereas the craftsmen created a characteristic local decorative pattern (Fig. 17–18). The scheme was sometimes simplified as it is also obvious from the replacement of standard slantwise hatched triangles by less common inserted zigzag patterns on the Přemyšlení pin (Fig. 11; 12:1).
A mass find of Knovíz culture pottery from Kotopeky, Beroun District.
During a rescue excavation... more A mass find of Knovíz culture pottery from Kotopeky, Beroun District. During a rescue excavation in the cadastral area of Kotopeky, 152 settlement features from different prehistoric periods (Neolithic, Early Aeneolithic, Late Bronze Age, late Hallstatt period) were discovered. The aim of this paper is to publish information about three sunken features (nos. 88, 89 and 104) which contained an extraordinary large number of potsherds and daub fragments of the Knovíz culture. The ceramically richest feature 88 contained 14 partially or completely reconstructed vessels, 507 potsherds and 77 daub fragments. The preserved vessels represent the almost complete ceramic range of the Knovíz culture (amphorae, storage vessels, pots, cups and bowls) and can be placed at the end of the Kn 2 early Knovíz horizon, or possibly at the beginning of the Kn 3 middle Knovíz horizon (ca. the transition between Br D and Ha A1) in the sense of L. Smejtek's classification (2007–2011). Adjacent feature no. 89 with 768 potsherds, 759 daub fragments and 2 stone querns can be dated similarly. The overwhelming majority of daub fragments come from timber structures and partly also from bottoms of ovens or fireplaces. Feature 104 (66 atypical potsherds and 27 daub fragments) can only generally be attributed to the Knovíz culture, but its contemporaneity with the afore-mentioned features is highly likely. In fact, all three features formed a separate group on the edge of the excavated area. Such a small number of identified features is quite unusual for the Knovíz culture, and even repeated fieldwalking in adjacent areas did not yield a significant number of Knovíz culture potsherds (ca. 195 of the total number of 2296 prehistoric potsherds). This relative isolation together with an unusually low number and rich inventory of the discovered features indicates that these are probably no remains of an ordinary agricultural settlement. It is perhaps possible to think of a kind of sacred place, possibly a shrine with a fireplace/oven (?). Daub fragments in the features unambiguously prove the existence of wooden above-ground structures whose walls consisted of wattle and daub and were later plastered. Local rituals might have been associated with various forms of food offerings to the deities of vegetation, harvest and fertile forces which would also be supported by the discovery of grinding slab used for processing grain. Oath-taking drinking rituals connected with libations cannot be ruled out either, for the predo minant type of reconstructed pottery from feature 88 are different types of cups which are considered ideal for this purpose.
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In 2019, a bronze sword with a tongue-shaped hilt was discovered with the help of a metal detector in the cadastral area of Svídnice near Kostelec nad Orlicí (Rychnov nad Kněžnou district). A bronze spearhead was found not far from it (at a distance of about 100m – Fig. 1–2). Both artefacts were then handed over to the Museum in Rychnov nad Kněžnou. Subsequently, the museum worker and co-author of this article carried out a revision excavation at the findspots, during which she verified the relevance of the site's location and documented the field interventions made by detectorists (Fig. 3). On this occasion, a detector survey of the broader area was organised, during which, however, no other Bronze Age metal objects were retrieved.
The site is located in two separate spring basins at the edge of a gently rising plateau, overlooking the bed of a stream which forms the backbone of the surrounding area. The forested plateau has the shape of an elongated triangle about 5km long and about 3km wide, stretching approximately in a northwest-southeast direction. Numerous watercourses and aquifers run through the plateau, which has probably always been forested and relatively impassable. The forested area surrounding the site itself is devoid of any evidence of prehistoric occupation, which only occurs in a large settlement chamber which is about 5km distant. Only a few rather isolated finds from the Urnfield and Hallstatt periods are known from within a radius of about 3.5km (Fig. 4).
An extensive typological and chronological comparative analysis showed that the sword with a tongue-shaped hilt from Svídnice (Figs. 5, 6:1a-b, 7) generally belongs to the pan-European Nenzingen/Reutlingen type and can be loosely assigned to its Gemer variant (Figs. 9–12). Although it differs from 'standard specimens' of this type in some details (in particular, one rivet in the tongue-shaped hilt instead of the usual 3 to 4, the diamond-shaped blade profile, or the unindented serrated ricasso). This does not in principle rule out the above classification, as these elements (or their combinations) are rarely also found in some other swords attributed in professional literature to the above-mentioned type or variant.
Swords of the Nenzingen/Reutlingen type are generally dated to the ancient or early Urnfield period (stages Br D – Ha A1 of the South German relative chronology), and the specimen from Svídnice most probably also belongs to this time period. These swords are found over a vast European territory, extending from southern Scandinavia to the Aegean and from the Black Sea coast to western Switzerland. This new find originating from the Lusatian cultural sphere in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou region lies practically at the very northeastern edge of their distribution (Fig. 13–14).
The narrow spearhead with a rounded, smooth blade and an unprofiled, long loose socket, which was discovered in the sword's vicinity (Figs. 6:2; 7), represents a morphologically continuous shape which is difficult to place within the context of the Early to Late Bronze Age. However, due to its occurrence in the same area along with the sword, it can consistently be dated to the Br D – Ha A1 period in this case, as some connection between the two finds are to be assumed.
It can be ruled out that these are so-called 'lost items', not only because of their size (in the case of the spearhead, we must also take into account the wooden shaft), but also because of their considerable value, especially in the case of the bronze sword. Also, after a possible military encounter or individual violent conflict, the victor would undoubtedly have collected and carried away such valuable trophies. The remaining option is then a votive motivation behind these monodeposits, with two different interpretations possible. These could be so-called 'travel offerings' given to supernatural forces as a reward for a successful passage through a hard to access (probably forested) plateau. The other explanation might be a symbolic delimitation of the boundaries of some ritualized or tabooed territory (an uninhabited 'sacred landscape') by these precious artefacts, intentionally driven (vertically?) into the ground at the beginnings of two separate spring basins at the edge of the plateau. In this context, their apotropaic function could perhaps also be considered.
In 2018, an unknown detectorist found a bronze knife with a thorn-shaped tang near the village of Dřevčice (Česká Lípa district, Figs. 1–4). The knife was originally terminated in a loop containing a threaded rivet which had been broken off. The patinated surface of the artefact is covered with numerous parallel and mutually intersecting grooves/scratches of prehistoric age, but of unclear origin (Figs. 5–6). The knife can be classified as the Ennsdorf type and included in a numerous and typologically and chronologically highly varied group of so-called earlier knives with thorns. This geographically relatively widespread type occurring especially in southern and western Germany and Switzerland is predominantly dated to Ha A2, but it may also appear during the subsequent Ha B1 stage.
Thirteen knives of the Ennsdorf type have so far been known from Bohemia, which can be divided into the basic variants of Hanau and Singen (Fig. 7). Due to a coincidence, the most recent specimen was published on the pages of this journal three years ago, along with its detailed typological-chronological analysis and a number of analogies (Smejtek 2020). For this reason, we do not intend to repeat all the in¬formation again.
From a viewpoint of interpretation of this unique find ('one-piece hoard'?), represented by a relatively small bronze artefact, two basic alternatives are available. It could have been an object accidentally lost by someone travelling along a communication corridor leading through the valley between Lhota u Dubé and Drchlava, or perhaps an intentional votive deposition of an object which was probably not functional any more (such as a so-called 'travel' or 'supplication/thanksgiving offering', etc.).
In 1993, during a rescue excavation which was carried out due to the channelization of the Mrákotínský brook in Prague-Ďáblice, a small cemetery from the early phase of the Únětice culture was unearthed in fields adjacent to Řepná Street.15 graves were examined – 14 of them formed a group and one grave (No. 42) was isolated, located about 40 m southwest of the main group. This grave had the same orientation and the skeleton was deposited in the same way as in the other graves, however, no grave goods were found, so its dating is unclear.
In the skeletal material recovered from the graves, there have been identified 29 buried individuals in total (7 men, 7 women, 9 children and 6 undeterminable), nevertheless, there could have been even more. In addition to 9 cases of burials containing one individual, also multiple burials occurred – e.g. graves with the remains of two (Nos. 22 C and 53), three (No. 57), four (Nos. 48 and 52) and even five individuals (No. 22 D). The excavation situation in grave 52 can be interpreted as a timber-lined tomb, into which the bones of the deceased were placed.
The grave goods consisted mainly of ceramic vessels whose number ranged from one to five pieces per grave. Copper hair ornaments in the form of a single ring (graves Nos. 22 C, 22 D and 53) or a bone implement together with an ornament (grave No. 22 D) also sporadically occurred. On the basis of analysis of the recovered ceramic assemblages and two sets of radiocarbon data from graves Nos. 22 D and 61, we are able to classify this cemetery as belonging to the early phase of the Old Únětice culture (according to Moucha 1963) or to the close of the first stage of the Early Únětice culture (according to Bartelheim 1998), i.e. to the time period 2281–2051 BC.
In 2019, a bronze sword with a tongue-shaped hilt was discovered with the help of a metal detector in the cadastral area of Svídnice near Kostelec nad Orlicí (Rychnov nad Kněžnou district). A bronze spearhead was found not far from it (at a distance of about 100m – Fig. 1–2). Both artefacts were then handed over to the Museum in Rychnov nad Kněžnou. Subsequently, the museum worker and co-author of this article carried out a revision excavation at the findspots, during which she verified the relevance of the site's location and documented the field interventions made by detectorists (Fig. 3). On this occasion, a detector survey of the broader area was organised, during which, however, no other Bronze Age metal objects were retrieved.
The site is located in two separate spring basins at the edge of a gently rising plateau, overlooking the bed of a stream which forms the backbone of the surrounding area. The forested plateau has the shape of an elongated triangle about 5km long and about 3km wide, stretching approximately in a northwest-southeast direction. Numerous watercourses and aquifers run through the plateau, which has probably always been forested and relatively impassable. The forested area surrounding the site itself is devoid of any evidence of prehistoric occupation, which only occurs in a large settlement chamber which is about 5km distant. Only a few rather isolated finds from the Urnfield and Hallstatt periods are known from within a radius of about 3.5km (Fig. 4).
An extensive typological and chronological comparative analysis showed that the sword with a tongue-shaped hilt from Svídnice (Figs. 5, 6:1a-b, 7) generally belongs to the pan-European Nenzingen/Reutlingen type and can be loosely assigned to its Gemer variant (Figs. 9–12). Although it differs from 'standard specimens' of this type in some details (in particular, one rivet in the tongue-shaped hilt instead of the usual 3 to 4, the diamond-shaped blade profile, or the unindented serrated ricasso). This does not in principle rule out the above classification, as these elements (or their combinations) are rarely also found in some other swords attributed in professional literature to the above-mentioned type or variant.
Swords of the Nenzingen/Reutlingen type are generally dated to the ancient or early Urnfield period (stages Br D – Ha A1 of the South German relative chronology), and the specimen from Svídnice most probably also belongs to this time period. These swords are found over a vast European territory, extending from southern Scandinavia to the Aegean and from the Black Sea coast to western Switzerland. This new find originating from the Lusatian cultural sphere in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou region lies practically at the very northeastern edge of their distribution (Fig. 13–14).
The narrow spearhead with a rounded, smooth blade and an unprofiled, long loose socket, which was discovered in the sword's vicinity (Figs. 6:2; 7), represents a morphologically continuous shape which is difficult to place within the context of the Early to Late Bronze Age. However, due to its occurrence in the same area along with the sword, it can consistently be dated to the Br D – Ha A1 period in this case, as some connection between the two finds are to be assumed.
It can be ruled out that these are so-called 'lost items', not only because of their size (in the case of the spearhead, we must also take into account the wooden shaft), but also because of their considerable value, especially in the case of the bronze sword. Also, after a possible military encounter or individual violent conflict, the victor would undoubtedly have collected and carried away such valuable trophies. The remaining option is then a votive motivation behind these monodeposits, with two different interpretations possible. These could be so-called 'travel offerings' given to supernatural forces as a reward for a successful passage through a hard to access (probably forested) plateau. The other explanation might be a symbolic delimitation of the boundaries of some ritualized or tabooed territory (an uninhabited 'sacred landscape') by these precious artefacts, intentionally driven (vertically?) into the ground at the beginnings of two separate spring basins at the edge of the plateau. In this context, their apotropaic function could perhaps also be considered.
In 2018, an unknown detectorist found a bronze knife with a thorn-shaped tang near the village of Dřevčice (Česká Lípa district, Figs. 1–4). The knife was originally terminated in a loop containing a threaded rivet which had been broken off. The patinated surface of the artefact is covered with numerous parallel and mutually intersecting grooves/scratches of prehistoric age, but of unclear origin (Figs. 5–6). The knife can be classified as the Ennsdorf type and included in a numerous and typologically and chronologically highly varied group of so-called earlier knives with thorns. This geographically relatively widespread type occurring especially in southern and western Germany and Switzerland is predominantly dated to Ha A2, but it may also appear during the subsequent Ha B1 stage.
Thirteen knives of the Ennsdorf type have so far been known from Bohemia, which can be divided into the basic variants of Hanau and Singen (Fig. 7). Due to a coincidence, the most recent specimen was published on the pages of this journal three years ago, along with its detailed typological-chronological analysis and a number of analogies (Smejtek 2020). For this reason, we do not intend to repeat all the in¬formation again.
From a viewpoint of interpretation of this unique find ('one-piece hoard'?), represented by a relatively small bronze artefact, two basic alternatives are available. It could have been an object accidentally lost by someone travelling along a communication corridor leading through the valley between Lhota u Dubé and Drchlava, or perhaps an intentional votive deposition of an object which was probably not functional any more (such as a so-called 'travel' or 'supplication/thanksgiving offering', etc.).
In 1993, during a rescue excavation which was carried out due to the channelization of the Mrákotínský brook in Prague-Ďáblice, a small cemetery from the early phase of the Únětice culture was unearthed in fields adjacent to Řepná Street.15 graves were examined – 14 of them formed a group and one grave (No. 42) was isolated, located about 40 m southwest of the main group. This grave had the same orientation and the skeleton was deposited in the same way as in the other graves, however, no grave goods were found, so its dating is unclear.
In the skeletal material recovered from the graves, there have been identified 29 buried individuals in total (7 men, 7 women, 9 children and 6 undeterminable), nevertheless, there could have been even more. In addition to 9 cases of burials containing one individual, also multiple burials occurred – e.g. graves with the remains of two (Nos. 22 C and 53), three (No. 57), four (Nos. 48 and 52) and even five individuals (No. 22 D). The excavation situation in grave 52 can be interpreted as a timber-lined tomb, into which the bones of the deceased were placed.
The grave goods consisted mainly of ceramic vessels whose number ranged from one to five pieces per grave. Copper hair ornaments in the form of a single ring (graves Nos. 22 C, 22 D and 53) or a bone implement together with an ornament (grave No. 22 D) also sporadically occurred. On the basis of analysis of the recovered ceramic assemblages and two sets of radiocarbon data from graves Nos. 22 D and 61, we are able to classify this cemetery as belonging to the early phase of the Old Únětice culture (according to Moucha 1963) or to the close of the first stage of the Early Únětice culture (according to Bartelheim 1998), i.e. to the time period 2281–2051 BC.
During arescue excavation in Prague-Ďáblice which took place in 2003 prior to the construction of smallscale apartments between Kučerové and Osinalická Streets (Fig. 1), a total of 157 sunken features were exposed and partly excavated (Fig. 2). In addition to clearly dominant Hallstatt features, also nine settlement pits dating from the Late and Final Bronze Age were identified in the stripped area shaped like areclining letter L (Figs. 3, 4, 5:3). Furthermore, three Knovíz culture cremation graves were discovered during this excavation, one of which was sunken into the fill of alarge Knovíz culture pit, no. 84 (Fig. 4, 5:1–2).
Knovíz or possibly Štítary culture settlement features contained an unusually small quantity of ceramic material, which, with several exceptions, is also very difficult to classify chronologically. The settlement pits can generally be ascribed to the Knovíz culture (feature 37), the Knovíz to Štítary culture (features 23, 31 and 41), the Kn 4 peak Knovíz horizon (feature 32) or the Št 2 late Štítary period (features 73, 95 and 98).
The two cremation graves, nos. 83 and 127, can only roughly be dated to the Kn 4 peak Knovíz horizon (HaA1/A2 – Ha A2/B1). The inventory of grave 127, in addition to arather ordinary cup, abowl, abiconical vessel with arounded body, and six chronologically useless small-sized bronze artefacts (Fig. 10:2–10, 11:2), also contained avery unusual deep bowl with adouble vertically-drilled oval protrusion (Fig. 11:1A–C). The other rather interesting finds from this grave also include an amphora decorated with Ashaped symbols, whose neck was deformed by the heat of the mortuary pyre and whose visually reconstructed original profile points to an influence from the Lusatian cultural sphere (Fig. 10:1A–C).
A pottery hoard discovered during a rescue excavation of a Knovíz culture settlement near Bavoryně in the Beroun region in 2009 (Figs. 1-4) contained 24 cups and bowls which were for the most part placed in a large, amphora-shaped storage vessel. The hoard was deposited at the bottom of a standard storage pit (granary pit) designated as feature 136 (Figs. 5–8). A total of 16 vessels have twisted rims and 10 of them also have various amounts of inner decoration. It mainly consists of concentric grooves and, in several cases, also of bundles of radial grooves and dimples. Five bowls feature a pair of holes in their walls under the twisted rim which were made before the vessel was fired. The remaining specimens are common Knovíz culture cups (Figs. 9–13:1;14).
The cups/bowls were divided into four groups based on typological characteristics (A–D) which not only considered the morphology of the vessels, but also the character of their inner decorations or possibly its absence (Fig. 18). Undecorated cups with simple, slightly bulging rims from group D are not suitable for dating, so while trying to identify a more exact chronological position, we focused on specimens with twisted rims (groups A to C). Through a broader comparison and basically the exclusion method, it was possible to reach the conclusion that these cups and bowls most probably belonged to stage Ha A1 (Fig. 19). Such a dating is also supported by the form of the amphora-like storage vessel with a slightly open neck (Fig. 13:2) or the settlement material from the feature's fill (Figs. 15-17).
The collective find of Knovíz culture pottery from Bavoryně can, with a certain degree of caution, be interpreted as evidence for some kind of drinking ritual (oath ritual?), perhaps connected with libations. After it finished, all used vessels were deposited in an empty settlement pit as an offering. The particular form of its deposition at the bottom of a granary pit could be linked to the consecration of this pottery to the traditional vegetation and nature deities or to the gods of the underground. With regard to the specific character of all the drinking vessels, some kind of connection to the then rather widespread and popular solar cult cannot be completely ruled out either – they may symbolize it in a way.
In 2020, a bronze knife with a thorn-shaped tang was found in the cadastral are of Chodouň (Beroun District) with the help of a metal detector. The end of the tang was originally folded into a loop which is now missing (Figs. 1-5). A rivet originally passed through it which helped fix it to a full (one-piece) or two-piece handle made of an organic material (most probably wood or possibly antler; Fig. 9). The presented knife can be assigned to a numerous and rather variable group of earlier knives with thorn-shaped handles, namely to the Ennsdorf type. It is the 13th specimen known from Bohemia, while in Moravia, this type of artefact is only known in one case (Fig. 6:1–13; 7:1–14).
The core region of distribution of this type is southern and western Germany and Switzerland, however, it can also be encountered in central and occasionally in northern Germany. Much lower numbers (single specimen) are known from northwestern Poland, Lower Austria, western Hungary, northern Tyrol, northeastern France and northern Italy (Figs. 6:14–57; 7:15–16; 8). From the viewpoint of relative chronology, Ennsdorf type knives are one of the shapes characteristic of stage Ha A2, while their occurrence is also to be expected during early H B1, as documented by several important south German finds from graves (Figs. 10–11). Dendrochronological analysis of wood from pile dwellings on the banks of Swiss lakes has provided absolute dates for the period of Ha A2/B1 which range from 1054 to 1037 BC (Fig. 12).
The Chodouň knife can be interpreted as an artefact which was accidentally lost during activities within a wider settlement area, but it can also be regarded as an intentionally deposited votive offering. The sacral character of the find could possibly also be indicated by the presence of an 'abnormal' long line of relatively deep cavities ('karst sinkholes'?) stretching along the ridge line in its vicinity, which must have been considered rather unusual at that time.
In the summer of 2008 a hoard of bronze/copper objects dating from the period of the Únětice culture was discovered during an extensive rescue excavation in the cadastral area of Přemyšlení (Prague-East District, Fig. 1–3; 6–8). In its vicinity, three small accumulations (A–C) of predominantly Early Bronze Age graves were excavated in lines of future roads, but their possible relationship to the hoard is only speculative (Fig. 4–5).
The published hoard was originally probably placed in an organic case so it created the impression of a really compact 'packet' when it was unearthed (Fig. 9). Its composition in comparison to other Únětice mass finds is quite extraordinary (Fig. 10). It contained a pin with a hammered decorated oar-shaped head (Fig. 11; 12:1), 6 round pieces of jewellery made from single wound wire with folded pointed ends (Fig. 12:2–3, 5, 7; 13:3, 6), 11 round pieces of jewellery made from double wound wire with folded ends (in all cases, one of the ends consists of a loop created by folding the wire and at the other end, the wires are pointed and braided; in two cases, they later untangled, but two specimens are still mutually connected – Fig. 12:4, 6, 8–10; 13:1–2, 4–5; 14:1A–1B) and 10 slightly oval open rod-shaped decorations with slightly thinned ends (Fig. 14:2–4; 15:1–4; 16:1–3). The function of the oar-shaped pin as a dress fastener is quite obvious and the wire jewellery, depending on its diameter (44.5–80.4 mm) could have served as a hair accessory, a bracelet, an armband, or possibly an anklet (Fig. 21:2–17). The rather large (102.5–114.9 mm) and more massive open rod-shaped decorations can most probably be regarded as armbands or anklets (Fig. 21:18–27).
Pins with decorated oar-shaped heads are rather rare in the Bohemian Únětice culture (at the time being, only 7 specimens are known: Starý Bydžov – 3 pcs; Tursko /unpublished/ – 2 pcs; Sedlec u Mšena – 1 pc; Přemyšlení – 1 pc; Fig. 17–18) and their origin and most intensive distribution must be sought in the wider geographic area of the Danube region (Fig. 19–20), where they are usually dated to the course of Br A1 (Ruckdeschel 1978). The occurrence of wire jewellery also concentrates in the Danube region or, generally speaking, in the southern zone of the Únětice culture, practically throughout the whole Early Bronze Age (Fig. 22). In contrast to this, larger open rod-shaped armbands/anklets are rather characteristic of the northern Únětice zone. They especially occur in hoards of central Germany which are dated to the Late Únětice period (Fig. 23).
If we take into account the presumed delay in cultural development in the Únětice zone in comparison to the central and upper Danube regions, which were better supplied with raw materials and therefore metallurgically more advanced, then the oar-shaped pins in Bohemia as well as hoards containing them could be dated to the very end of the early Únětice period (i.e. Br A1), or possibly to the time of the late Únětice culture (Br A2). In this description, we apply modified Reinecke's classification, which is currently commonly used in neighbouring countries (Fig. 25), and not the orthodox concept of V. Moucha (2005, 7, Abb. 1, Fig. 24), who synchronized the classical phase of the Únětice culture in Bohemia with Br A1.
The decorative patterns on Bohemian oar-shaped pins are similar to each other but form a distinct specific group which has no exact analogies in the Danube region. Still, the inspiration unambiguously came from there. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that some Bohemian finds were manufactured in local Únětice workshops (just one workshop ?) which, during the later period of relative abundance of the metal in the classical Únětice period, occasionally copied earlier, distant ('exotic') models, whereas the craftsmen created a characteristic local decorative pattern (Fig. 17–18). The scheme was sometimes simplified as it is also obvious from the replacement of standard slantwise hatched triangles by less common inserted zigzag patterns on the Přemyšlení pin (Fig. 11; 12:1).
During a rescue excavation in the cadastral area of Kotopeky, 152 settlement features from different prehistoric
periods (Neolithic, Early Aeneolithic, Late Bronze Age, late Hallstatt period) were discovered. The aim of this
paper is to publish information about three sunken features (nos. 88, 89 and 104) which contained an extraordinary
large number of potsherds and daub fragments of the Knovíz culture. The ceramically richest feature 88
contained 14 partially or completely reconstructed vessels, 507 potsherds and 77 daub fragments.
The preserved vessels represent the almost complete ceramic range of the Knovíz culture (amphorae,
storage vessels, pots, cups and bowls) and can be placed at the end of the Kn 2 early Knovíz horizon, or possibly
at the beginning of the Kn 3 middle Knovíz horizon (ca. the transition between Br D and Ha A1) in the sense of
L. Smejtek's classification (2007–2011).
Adjacent feature no. 89 with 768 potsherds, 759 daub fragments and 2 stone querns can be dated similarly.
The overwhelming majority of daub fragments come from timber structures and partly also from bottoms of
ovens or fireplaces. Feature 104 (66 atypical potsherds and 27 daub fragments) can only generally be attributed
to the Knovíz culture, but its contemporaneity with the afore-mentioned features is highly likely. In fact, all
three features formed a separate group on the edge of the excavated area. Such a small number of identified
features is quite unusual for the Knovíz culture, and even repeated fieldwalking in adjacent areas did not yield
a significant number of Knovíz culture potsherds (ca. 195 of the total number of 2296 prehistoric potsherds).
This relative isolation together with an unusually low number and rich inventory of the discovered features
indicates that these are probably no remains of an ordinary agricultural settlement. It is perhaps possible to
think of a kind of sacred place, possibly a shrine with a fireplace/oven (?). Daub fragments in the features unambiguously
prove the existence of wooden above-ground structures whose walls consisted of wattle and
daub and were later plastered.
Local rituals might have been associated with various forms of food offerings to the deities of vegetation,
harvest and fertile forces which would also be supported by the discovery of grinding slab used for processing
grain. Oath-taking drinking rituals connected with libations cannot be ruled out either, for the predo minant
type of reconstructed pottery from feature 88 are different types of cups which are considered ideal for this purpose.