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The traditional approach to European Late Iron Age art involves significant biases that particularly affected Brittany. However, it has evolved considerably in recent years. « Celtic » art from the La Tène period has often been compared to a form of language, but this approach comes up against many practical problems, raising the questions of context and meaning. An alternative approach consists in considering decorated objects rather than as a way of transmitting a message, as a tool at the service of social mechanisms. This article offers a critical analysis of the construction of the concept of Celtic art, then an overview of the potential of its study in Brittany in order to shed light on other archaeological data on Iron Age societies and their evolution.

Background: Dental profiling is the process of analyzing teeth to identify a victim or skeletal remains when no antemortem data are available. Using dental profiling techniques, we can determine the age, sex, and population of the individual and gather data about their socio-economic status, personal habits, oral and systemic health, occupation, nutrition, family relationships, and psychological characteristics. Aims: The research aims to gain insights into the diet, health, socio-economic status, and demography of the Late Iron Age inhabitants of Illyrian origin who lived on the Croatian island of Korčula. This will be achieved by analyzing the remains of teeth and jaw bones found in the Kopila necropolis. Material and methods: The research sample comprised 479 permanent teeth and jawbone remains from three tombs that belong to the collection of the Vela Luka Culture Centre on the island of Korčula. The analysis of the teeth included an examination of their morphological and pathological characteristics as well as metric and non-metric variables. Additionally, the stable isotopes of carbon (14C, 13C), nitrogen (15N), and strontium (86/87Sr) were chemically analyzed. Odontometry was used as a metric variable and the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS) was used as a non-metric variable to determine sex. Results: The research findings indicate that healthy teeth are present with a frequency of dental caries of 5.85% and tooth wear of 85.18%. There is morphological atypicality in the number of roots of the upper premolars and taurodontism in the molars. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen show values of δ 13C = −19.5‰ (±0.1‰) and δ 15N = 8.6‰ (±0.1‰). The ratio 13C/15N is 3.4. The values of 87Sr/86Sr in the dental enamel are 0.708400–0.708433, whereas in bones they are 0.708149–0.708471 (±1σ 0.000016–0.000034). Conclusions: The Illyrian community on the island of Korčula relied primarily on agriculture for their food, consuming only cereals, vegetables, and meat from domesticated animals. They did not extensively use marine resources. They were in good health generally. The individuals examined were native residents of the island and can be associated through their dental morphology with the Western Eurasian population group. The average lifespan of the population corresponds to the typical life expectancy during the Late Iron Age.

The core of the paper is represented by three archaeological features researched more than six decades ago by Dinu V. Rosetti (1899−1982), in the site at Cetățeni : two funerary / cult features from the Late Iron Age (known as “the royal tomb among rocks”, sometimes referred to as the “sanctuary among rocks”, respectively „tomb no. 1 under Colțul Doamnei”) and a medieval grave considered decisive for the dating of church no. 3 there to the mid 13 th century at the latest. These features were never published in detail by the author of the excavations, and thus they were regarded with caution. Based on the osteological remains identified at the Institute of Anthropology “Francisc I. Rainer” in Bucharest, and some elements preserved from the archaeological grave goods, scattered among the collections of four museums (Argeș County Museum, National History Museum of Romania, Câmpulung Municipal Museum and “King Ferdinand I” National Military Museum), the article resumes the debate on these features from a new, interdisciplinary perspective, including the anthropological study and radiocarbon dating. Following a similar approach, two other funerary discoveries made at Cetățeni are taken into consideration : a grave probably also excavated by D. V. Rosetti in the medieval cemetery nearby the churches and a more recent reburial from the peak of Cetățuia hillock

The skeleton in question derives from the Late Iron Age monument of Nor Armavir and was unearthed from burial No. 19. The deceased was buried in an unusual position. In this article, we characterise the pathological bony changes indicative of tuberculous spondylitis. The skeleton was subject to a detailed macroscopic investigation. Besides age at death estimation and sex determination, a careful palaeopathological evaluation was performed on the bone remains. In addition, volumetric (3D) computed tomography was carried out on four lumbar vertebrae (L2--5) to complement the macromorphology-based diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skeleton in question derives from the Late Iron Age monument of Nor Armavir and was unearthed from burial No. 19. The deceased was buried in an unusual position. In this article, we characterize the pathological bony changes indicative of tuberculous spondylitis. The skeleton was subject to a detailed macroscopic investigation. Besides age at death estimation and sex determination, a careful palaeopathological evaluation was performed on the bone remains. In addition, volumetric (3D) computed tomography was carried out on four lumbar vertebrae (L2–5) to complement the macromorphology-based diagnosis.

In this study, which presents pollen, charcoal, and 'soot'-particle records from a lacustrine sediment core, the development of the cultural landscape around Lake Dalkarby träsk on the Åland Islands in Finland is scrutinised and discussed within a broad temporal setting in order to clarify the long-term interplay between the environment and human activities in this part of the archipelago. Special emphasis is given to the transition period from the Late Iron Age to medieval times due to the dominating humanistic discourse on the settlement dynamics in this region, as in the Åland archipelago in general, arguing for an approximately 150-years-long hiatus in habitation between these two periods, from AD 1050 to 1200. Our results do not support the hiatus theories but show a long and continuous history of the utilisation of land and forest resources starting from prehistoric times. The forests were first cleared with fire for slash-and-burn cultivation. Thereafter, structural diversity in the landscape started to increase. By 1240, the pollen data portrays a picture of a developed agrarian community with a subsistence economy based on arable farming and animal husbandry in which hemp seems to play a substantial part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Complutum is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: This paper presents, to the best of our knowledge, the first documented instance of a specific pathological lesion found in a Late Iron Age (La Tène period) horse. This discovery was made in the CX 143 pit in Alba Iulia, Romania, during archaeological rescue excavations conducted in 2022. In addition to the standard morphological features of the horse, comprehensive investigations revealed an unusual lesion on the left scapular neck. This lesion was evaluated both macroscopically and radiologically and has been interpreted as periarticular and supraarticular hyperostosis. A series of hypotheses were proposed regarding the cause of this specific type of injury, including the possibility of it being traumatic in nature, and potentially influenced by particular conformational aspects of the identified horse. The reconstruction of past life based on archaeozoology is a challenging domain that offers a range of valuable details concerning former human and animal populations. Additionally, the ancient era is a source of information for human and veterinary medicine, as well as for other biological sciences. This report highlights a pathological lesion identified during the investigation of a horse skeleton from a pit dated La Tène in Alba County (Romania). The left scapula with lesions was collected from the skeleton of a buried 7–8-year-old male horse. The aforementioned bone underwent gross, radiological, and computerized tomography evaluation. Macroscopically, a collar of supraarticular cancellous hyperostosis was detected, most likely as a consequence of an invasive chronic phlegmonous periarthritis and/or bursitis of the infraspinate muscle following probably a penetrating cutaneous wound in the shoulder region. A suppurative periarthritis\bursitis of the infraspinate muscle situated nearby caused, apparently, supraglenoidian periosteitis responsible for osteophytes and exostoses formation in the neck region of the scapula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in diet and mobility isotopes from the Late Iron Age or Pre-Viking phase (PVP, AD 550–790) through the Viking Age (VA, AD 790–1050) and Late Norse phase (LNP, AD 1050–1300) can be used to suggest nuanced socioeconomic and political change, including differences in subsistence practices and social constructs of ethnicity, religion and status [1234567]. We present here isotopic analysis on some 292 individuals from 10 sites across Orkney, including 152 individuals newly analysed for δ13C and δ15N from bone collagen and 54 individuals analysed for δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr from tooth enamel, in addition to data from previous studies. In addition to the human remains, 29 plant samples were collected to supplement the geological baseline for strontium isotopes. This study provides new results as evidence of increased δ13C and δ15N at the end of the first millennium, with dietary differences between ‘local’ and ‘non-local’ individuals.

Decoration Features of Second Iron Age Pottery South of the Po The paper analyses on a chronological typological level the decorative syntax present on impasto pottery from the Late Iron Age (Ligure III period: 475–89 BC) in lower Piedmont (inner Piedmontese Liguria), where vessel forms and decorative elements appear largely in continuity with those of the Middle Iron Age (Ligure II period: 625–475 BC). Decoration is generally present on closed shapes (situliform vases, ollae). Compared to the Middle Iron Age, the percentage of decorated pottery increases and the decorative elements become more elaborate. The most characteristic elements are the horizontal rows of finger or tool impressions, the simple zigzags, at first continuous and then interrupted (the latter evolving over time from single to double and then to multiple, sometimes with the alternate insertion of triangular or circular impressions at the corners), the impressions with or without clay, are usually on the lower part of the vessel, sometimes in combination with the zigzag motif. Shapes and decorative syntax are not found in the funerary and settlement contexts of northern Pied mont and more generally in Cispadana, while they seem to have an identifying character for the Ligurian groups of inland Piedmont.

In the Emilian Po plain, during the Late Iron Age (4th and 3rd century BCE), an unprecedented and heteroge neous class of handmade coarse and decorated ceramics emerged in certain sites. In comparison to other Transpadane regions, its presence is not dominant or statistically significant, except for a few sites that are characterised by more evident La Tène imports and burial customs. This pottery gradually disappeared during the Roman conquest (late 3rd–2nd century BCE), except in some rural areas and in the westernmost colonies. The aim of this paper is to outline the key features of this distinctive and challenging pottery and to explore functional and potential social and cultural interpretations, while also considering cross cultural comparisons.

This paper delves into Late Iron Age decorated coarse ware originating from the present day province of Bergamo in central Lombardy. During protohistoric time, this region served as a borderland and a nexus connecting extensive cultural spheres, encompassing both lowland and mountainous terrains. The study presents data sourced from investigations conducted in the lowlands, alongside previously undisclosed finds from the local urban centre of Bergamo. We examine recent finds from the mountain range, encompassing not only the broader region but also focusing on the village of Parre in the Valle Seriana, a crucial place for comprehending the dynamics between lowland plains and mountainous environments. This distinct pottery class exhibits traces of both indigenous and far reaching influences, suggesting its significance in the multifaceted process of Romanization and its role in negotiating cultural identities during this intricate historical phase.

The paper in the first place introduces the figure of Guido Sutermeister and his fundamental work. The second part offers a concise summary of the data relating to decorated coarse ware gathered from a preliminary survey of the collections of the Guido Sutermeister museum in Legnano and from a consideration of what has already been written upon the subject to date.

This article returns to the question of whether Christianity in Europe in the High Middle Ages necessarily precluded the cremation of corpses. The question is addressed focusing on the Livs, a West Finno-Ugric society, who lived in the east Baltic region, before they adopted Christianity and during the early period of Christianisation. The authors combine archaeological expertise with interpretations of historical sources to explore the late cremations of the Livs and, in particular, to analyse two female cremations from the cemetery at Ogresgala Čabas, located near the mouth of the River Daugava. Cremations dominated in the initial phase of Daugava Liv culture in the lower reaches of the Daugava in the second half of the tenth century before they were replaced by inhumations by the middle of the 11th century, especially in female graves. The article deals with the late cremations of the Livs from the late 11th to the 13th century, when they became very rare and took on a different form. Taking into account references to the practice of cremation in exceptional cases of deaths in foreign lands in written sources about the Livs, the article agrees with researchers who believe that not all cremated corpses should be immediately and unconditionally associated with paganism.

Several archaeological sites from the Late Iron Age have recently been discovered in Posočje, a region along the upper and middle reaches of the River Soča/Isonzo (NW Slovenija, NE fringes of Italy), which compel us to re -examine the Latenisation of the region. Supra -regional La Tène forms began to appear in the material culture at the end of the Early Iron Age, in the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BC. This was followed by a marked decrease in habitation remains, a ‘hundred -year crisis’ with very little archaeological evidence available for the time between the initial decades of the 3rd and the mid-2nd century BC. The picture then changed again with the rise of the Late Iron Age Idrija group, as most of the sites connected with this group date between 150/130 BC and the Augustan period. This is also the period of the first ancient literary sources mentioning the wider area, which inspire ever newer attempts at ethnic identifications of the population living there. The sources reveal that the Romans appear to have associated the area with the Carni.

The finds constituting the scope of the present article are two terracotta plaques related to the iconography of Astarte which are currently kept in the depot of the Muğla Museum. Because the plaques were acquired through purchase,no information is available regarding their geographical context. As a result, their dating and evaluation are based entirely on comparison and stylistic analyses. The first artefact depicts a draped female figure, standing, holding her breasts with both hands; the second artefact depicts a woman playing a tambourine or similar percussion instrument whose function and iconography are not well-known. Their styles and iconographic features as well as their production technique involving the use of molds indicate a specific region. These plaques, which are part of an authentic work, feature different types of iconography, henceforth making them important for their contribution to the existing repertory. Each work is a unique example and is evaluated overall by their technical features, iconography, ritual contexts, functions and stylistic features of their periods; and some possibilities regarding their provenance are explored. Mold made terracotta panels depicting a female figure standing facing forward, referred to as “Astarte plaques” or “Astarte panels”,bcame into wider use during the Bronze Age and their production continued increasingly during the Iron Age. Production of plaques similar to TK.1 started from the end of the Akkadian Period at the earliest and continued well into the Hellenistic Period across a vast geographic area encompassing North Syria and neighboring regions. With the Persian Achaemenid Empire, a new phase in iconography and the technology used to produce it began. In this phase, figurines became mass produced and rendered in much higher detail as allowed for by the advancement in mold production. In addition to naked Astarte figures produced before the Persian Period, the novelty of draped figures similar to TK.1 was introduced in mass production. Specimens of various naked and draped Astarte figures can be found throughout Anatolia, Syria, Palestine, Cyprus, Egypt, Corinth, Rhodos, Sardinia and Susa. Astarte plaque TK.1 is thought to reflect the figural art of the ancient North Syrian Period; Based on comparison to similar figures, it may have served as a votive offering and may have come from a site in south-eastern Anatolia, which was under the influence of Mesopotamia. Thus in this context it can be said that plaques with Astarte depictions in Anatolia emerged as a direct result of cultural interactions between Anatolia and the Near East. That figures reflecting the drummer or tambourine player tradition such as TK.2 as being associated with the goddess Astarte is the most valid among numerous postulations proposed by scholars. In this regard, the plaque TK.2 may be interpreted, considering the cult of fecundity, as a votive offering presented to a goddess associated with fecundity in the Archaic Period. Such figures displaying variants technically and iconographically can be traced to cultural centers such as Anatolia, Syria-Palestine, Jordan, Tunisia, Italy, Cyprus, Carthage and Ibiza.

The paper focuses on a group of finds obtained recently in a metal detector survey in the area of Velem-Szent Vid. Most artefacts found in the late La Tène oppidum are agricultural tools. They are the most important archaeological evidence available to us for reconstructing the agricultural equipment used during the Late Iron Age and, based on them, food production techniques. Diverse tools were utilised in specific agricultural processes. The plough, the most important tool of soil cultivation, and its components are discussed in the study, and an attempt is made to draw conclusions about the ways of land use in the Late Iron Age based on plough part finds from Celtic contexts.

A posthumous drachm of alexander iii, possibly an imitation, was found outside of any archaeological context on the important iron age site in southern Pannonia, the hillfort settlement at kaptol − Gradca. the settlement seems to have been abandoned by lt b2, while the deposition of the drachm should be dated to the later part of Lt c1 or the early Lt c2 period. the deposition date can be inferred from the hoard evidence in the immediately adjacent regions. this leaves a hiatus of a generation or two between the abandonment of the settlement and the deposition of the coin. the drachm certainly arrived to south-central Pannonia from the east, either the south-eastern Pannonia and the central balkans area or the region between the southern carpathians and the balkan mountain range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lack of detailed information on pollen from the Gauja River valley potentially limits the strength of various reconstructions (vegetation composition, human impact, dominant agricultural activities) for this territory. This study seeks to examine the human-induced changes on vegetation, in particular with regard to the arrival of the Livs in the Turaida vicinity during the Late Iron Age. Here, we present the first analyses of pollen data, macroscopic plant remains and macroscopic charcoal undertaken in the lower Gauja River valley (territory inhabited by Gauja Livs). The gathered sediment record, or the Roči bog, points to the appearance of the Livs in the territory during the 10th century. Our results show an accelerating shift in the landscape from dense forest coverage to inclusion of more open areas, which would be consistent with the clearing of areas for cultivation. The human-induced change resulted in a decrease in forest coverage, an increased presence of cultivated plants and an acute intensification of fire-related events. The sediment record shows that oat cultivation was dominant during the Late Iron Age and other crops (barley, wheat, rye) came into sustained use only at the beginning of the medieval period. The sudden decline in all cultivated crops (barley, oats, rye and wheat) in the mid-14th century could be due to sudden environmental changes or to the Black Death, but as this data contradicts research from other parts of Latvia, further study is advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Iron Age enamel bronze belt chain found in the area of Kiskunfélegyháza-Közelszőlő and deposited in the collection of the Kiskun Museum between 1906 and 1912 belongs to the Hungarian type of belt chains. Like many other belt chains of the period, this one was probably made to individual requirements, so there is no exact parallel, only some parts of it show closer parallels, such as the lyre-shaped decorative motif, the S-shaped part in the pendant and the dot-circle decorations. An exact dating is not possible, and the piece can only be dated to the 3rd to 2nd centuries BC. Its significance is emphasised by the fact that only a few Late Iron Age finds, mainly of pottery, are known from the collection of the Kiskun Museum, and this piece is certainly outstanding among them [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeological Materials & Research / Materiale şi Cercetǎri Arheologice is the property of Institute of Archaeology "Vasile Parvan" and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper delves into Late Iron Age decorated coarse ware originating from the present -day province of Bergamo in central Lombardy. During protohistoric time, this region served as a borderland and a nexus connecting extensive cultural spheres, encompassing both lowland and mountainous terrains. The study presents data sourced from investigations conducted in the lowlands, alongside previously undisclosed finds from the local urban centre of Bergamo. We examine recent finds from the mountain range, encompassing not only the broader region but also focusing on the village of Parre in the Valle Seriana, a crucial place for comprehending the dynamics between lowland plains and mountainous environments. This distinct pottery class exhibits traces of both indigenous and far -reaching influences, suggesting its significance in the multifaceted process of Romanization and its role in negotiating cultural identities during this intricate historical phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses on a chronological -typological level the decorative syntax present on impasto pottery from the Late Iron Age (Ligure III period: 475-89 BC) in lower Piedmont (inner Piedmontese Liguria), where vessel forms and decorative elements appear largely in continuity with those of the Middle Iron Age (Ligure II period: 625-475 BC). Decoration is generally present on closed shapes (situliform vases, ollae). Compared to the Middle Iron Age, the percentage of decorated pottery increases and the decorative elements become more elaborate. The most characteristic elements are the horizontal rows of finger or tool impressions, the simple zigzags, at first continuous and then interrupted (the latter evolving over time from single to double and then to multiple, sometimes with the alternate insertion of triangular or circular impressions at the corners), the impressions with or without clay, are usually on the lower part of the vessel, sometimes in combination with the zigzag motif. Shapes and decorative syntax are not found in the funerary and settlement contexts of northern Piedmont and more generally in Cispadana, while they seem to have an identifying character for the Ligurian groups of inland Piedmont. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Emilian Po plain, during the Late Iron Age (4th and 3rd century BCE), an unprecedented and heterogeneous class of handmade coarse and decorated ceramics emerged in certain sites. In comparison to other Transpadane regions, its presence is not dominant or statistically significant, except for a few sites that are characterised by more evident La Tène imports and burial customs. This pottery gradually disappeared during the Roman conquest (late 3rd-2nd century BCE), except in some rural areas and in the westernmost colonies. The aim of this paper is to outline the key features of this distinctive and challenging pottery and to explore functional and potential social and cultural interpretations, while also considering cross -cultural comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper in the first place introduces the figure of Guido Sutermeister and his fundamental work. The second part offers a concise summary of the data relating to decorated coarse ware gathered from a preliminary survey of the collections of the Guido Sutermeister museum in Legnano and from a consideration of what has already been written upon the subject to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The skeleton in question derives from the Late Iron Age monument of Nor Armavir and was unearthed from burial No. 19. The deceased was buried in an unusual position. In this article, we characterize the pathological bony changes indicative of tuberculous spondylitis. The skeleton was subject to a detailed macroscopic investigation. Besides age at death estimation and sex determination, a careful palaeopathological evaluation was performed on the bone remains. In addition, volumetric (3D) computed tomography was carried out on four lumbar vertebrae (L2–5) to complement the macromorphology-based diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article reports on new archaeological data obtained in 2018 from the coastal region of the Kongo Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The area's ancient history is virtually unknown but is potentially of paramount importance in the context of the development of early village communities in Central Africa. The article focuses on the Muanda 6 site, dated to ⁓ 1400 BP, and offers a multidisciplinary analysis of the finds uncovered there. The site's pottery is associated with shell and stone beads, ironworking remains, a stone quern, and biological remains testifying to a mixed subsistence system that took advantage of the region's ecological diversity. The Early Iron Age occupants of Muanda 6 practiced ocean and mangrove fishing, gathered beach and mangrove gastropods and bivalves, hunted, and exploited oil palms. The article also discusses the Muanda 13 site, which is more recent (⁓ 1100 BP), and the results of the profile sampling at the Katala village. Both Muanda 6 and Muanda 13 yielded different ceramic types. Other pottery styles, surface collected between the Congo River and the Angolan province of Cabinda and probably of more recent date, are briefly described. The results provide new perspectives about the Iron Age in the DRC, providing further evidence of the cultural diversity in the Lower Congo region and an outline of the cultural sequence along the Atlantic Ocean coast. Résumé: Cet article rend compte de nouvelles données archéologiques obtenues en 2018 dans la région côtière de la Province du Kongo-Central en République démocratique du Congo. L'histoire ancienne de cette région est pratiquement inconnue, mais elle est potentiellement d'une importance capitale dans le contexte de l'installation des premiers villages en Afrique centrale. Les travaux se concentrent sur le site de Muanda 6, daté vers 1400 BP, dont les trouvailles sont étudiées dans une perspective multidisciplinaire. La poterie de ce site est associée à des perles de coquillages et de pierre, à des traces de travail du fer, et à une meule en pierre ainsi qu'à des restes biologiques témoignant d'un système de subsistance mixte reposant sur divers écotones. Les occupants de l'Age du Fer Ancien de Muanda 6 pratiquaient la pêche en mer et dans la mangrove, la collecte de gastéropodes et de bivalves sur la plage et dans la mangrove, la chasse et l'exploitation des palmiers à huile. Le site plus récent de Muanda 13 (vers 1100 BP), ainsi qu'une collecte stratigraphique dans la berge du village de Katala, ont permis de découvrir un autre type de céramique. L'article décrit un dernier style de poterie probablement plus récent et découvert en surface entre le fleuve Congo et la frontière de la province angolaise de Cabinda. Les résultats présentés ici offrent de nouvelles perspectives à l'Age du Fer sur la diversité culturelle dans la région du Bas-Congo et propose l'esquisse d'une séquence culturelle au long de la côte de l'Océan Atlantique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ovaören, located in geologically rich and diverse Cappadocia in Central Anatolia, represents an archaeological integrity consisting of three distinct units, 2.5 km south of the town of Ovaören in Gülşehir county of Nevşehir Province. The area, which is also called the “Ovaören Archaeological Settlement Area”, consists of Topakhöyük and the Terrace Area to the west, and Yassıhöyük in the east, which is 350 m away from these units. While the excavations carried out between 2007 and 2021 in Ovaören proved that these three units are chronologically complementary areas, Early and Middle Bronze Age layers in Topakhöyük and the Terrace Area; Late Bronze Age layers, Iron Age layers, and weakly structured Hellenistic-Roman layers were unearthed as to in Yassıhöyük. Ovaören is one of the settlements affected by the political and cultural changes in the region in the Early Iron Age, and which grew and developed within the boundaries of Tabal Country in the Middle Iron Age. Ovaören, which was considered one of the important centers of the Tabal country in the Late Hittite period, developed into a city within the borders of the satrapy of Cappadocia in the Late Iron Age. In this context, architectural remains and archaeological finds from the Iron Age layers in the settlement contribute to understanding the Iron Age culture of the region. Iron Age layers covering this development and alteration process in Ovaören are represented by YH 8-7 dated to the Early Iron Age, YH 6-4 dated to the Middle Iron Age, and YH 3-2 dated to the Late Iron Age in Yassıhöyük.

This report presents the primary results of the rescue archaeological research carried out in August-September 2020, on the peak of ‘Cetățuia’” hillock, in the precinct of the Cetățuia Negru Vodă Cloister from Valea Cetățuia hamlet, Cetățeni commune, Argeș county, on the proposed emplacement of a future construction with destination of cells, refectory and administrative hall. The area under rescue archaeological excavation is placed at the southern end of the small plateau existent on the peak of the hillock, at over 700 m altitude, on the edge of a slope that descends almost vertically towards Valea Chiliilor. The perimeter was part of the Dacian and medieval fortresses that functioned here during the 2nd c. BC – 1st c. AD, and the 13th-15th centuries, respectively, and was occupied in the last half century by constructions related to the organization of the cloister. Recent times interventions have significantly affected the archaeological heritage. At the beginning of the rescue research, part of the perimeter (the eastern part, about 25m2) was already affected by some diggings unattended archaeologically that led to the entire removal of significant portions of older fillings or layers. The total area actually investigated by archaeological excavation was 90 m2. Due to the rock with a steep slope and the edge of the precipice at the southern extremity of the plateau, the perimeter was not suitable for living neither in the Dacian or medieval eras. That is why, with a few exceptions (five in number), the archaeological features were absent. However, the archaeological deposits are still present, being represented by fillings containing materials (household waste – potsherds, small metal parts resulting primarily from constructions – nails, clamps, but also two crossbow bolts, finally a large amount of animal bones) thrown or slipped from the small plateau on the peak, located just north of the researched area, where in the Dacian and medieval eras there was the narrow residential area. Five archaeological features were found: three interventions in the bedrock (a terrace, a rectangular hollow and the traces of a possible palisade) whose dating remains uncertain in the absence of a conclusive associated material, an agglomeration of construction materials (sandstone blocks) from the Late Iron Age, as well as parts of a human skeleton reburied in a post-medieval layer.

The presence of anthropomorphic figurines made of clay is well documented in the ”Getae” environment north of the Danube. Judging from their discovery context, the ”special” treatment visible on some of the pieces, as well as comparing these finds with the ones from Graeco-Roman, specialists have come to the conclusion that such objects were used for magical purposes. While common in the area east of the Carpathians, such objects have rarely been found in contexts attributed to the so-called ”Celtic horizon” from the Carpathian Basin.

Archaeological features without macro-finds (i.e. finds visible with the naked eye) represent a common phenomenon that poses considerable methodological problems in interpretation. To tackle these problems, we present an approach based on integrating micro-archaeological methods and macro-observations to help elucidate ‘invisible’ activities or at least to exclude certain others. Specifically, we combine micromorphological and micro-debris analyses with the scarce macro-finds and their fragmentation degree to clarify whether the lack of evidence for certain activities really reflects their absence or merely bad preservation conditions. This study focuses on a Late Iron Age ‘empty’ enclosure excavated in the settlement site of Haselbach, Lower Austria. ‘Empty’ square enclosures of the La Tène Culture have been controversially interpreted as either sanctuaries, domestic buildings or burial enclosures, although these interpretations were rarely supported by any material evidence. Using a multi-proxy approach enables us to reconstruct the formation processes of the Haselbach feature as well as to rule out a range of activities, although a clear definition of its primary function was not reached. Based on our case study, we propose a research protocol that can be applied to research on similar ‘empty’ features in order to better validate their functional interpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Iron Age hillfort site of Kuzelin on Medvednica in south-western Pannonia has yielded a not negligible number of coins, most of which can be classified among the types that are traditionally labelled “Tauriscan”. A single coin can be categorized as an east Celtic type from Transdanubia, while two further coins were struck by pairs of dies that also occur in the Samobor–Okić hoard and were thus produced simultaneously with the bulk of the hoard, whereas the remainder can be classified as recently recognized group of coins produced in the Đurđevac (Gjurgjevac) tradition. The latter represent the debased and reduced in weight and size coins inspired by the tetradrachms deposited as the Đurđevac hoard. They were issued at various sites in south-western Pannonia, testifying to different phases of striking and local developments in their production. Two subtypes of such coins were recognized in the numismatic record of Kuzelin and are here separated out as Kuzelin A and B types. The date of these coins corresponds to the archaeological material excavated at the site, i.e., to the Lt D1 period, ca. 150/130−70/50 BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Central European La Tène period, there is only relatively very scarce evidence of bronze smelting in the form of half-finished products and rejects; the reason for this absence may be their proactive recycling. They only appear in greater quantities from LTC; it is also when we can date five chain-belt elements from Čejkovice presented in this paper. Other evidence of bronze smelting (crucibles, bronze lumps, casting spills) is not rare in South Moravia (it is documented in as many as seven sites in the surroundings of Čejkovice only) prompting considerations on the (de)centralisation of bronze working. At the current state of knowledge, bronze smelting seems to have been quite decentralised in Moravia in the 3rd – 2nd centuries BC. Therefore, it does not seem to have been concentrated only in large agglomerations; for the moment we cannot say much in this respect about other regions including Central Moravia with Němčice nad Hanou. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several archaeological sites from the Late Iron Age have recently been discovered in Posočje, a region along the upper and middle reaches of the River Soča/Isonzo (NW Slovenija, NE fringes of Italy), which compel us to re-examine the Latenisation of the region. Supra-regional La Tène forms began to appear in the material culture at the end of the Early Iron Age, in the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BC. This was followed by a marked decrease in habitation remains, a 'hundred-year crisis' with very little archaeological evidence available for the time between the initial decades of the 3rd and the mid-2nd century BC. The picture then changed again with the rise of the Late Iron Age Idrija group, as most of the sites connected with this group date between 150/130 BC and the Augustan period. This is also the period of the first ancient literary sources mentioning the wider area, which inspire ever newer attempts at ethnic identifications of the population living there. The sources reveal that the Romans appear to have associated the area with the Carni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: The analysis of animal bones and teeth from archaeological excavations is of great significance to better understand aspects of past human societies. The present study focuses on the analysis of the Middle La Tène period faunal material from the settlement of Haselbach in Lower Austria, one of the biggest archaeozoological assemblages from present-day Austria. The study of the faunal material exhibits features of urbanization, similar to the settlement of Roseldorf (Lower Austria), 35 km northwest of Haselbach. The archaeozoological results from Haselbach are later compared with other sites from the La Tène period located in Central Europe. The overview of the archaeozoological data suggests major changes especially during the Middle La Tène period probably related to agricultural intensification. Furthermore, after studying the biological profiles (age and sex profiles) of all major domesticated species, especially the age and sex distribution of cattle were used to distinguish different patterns of cattle husbandry. Finally, the presence of different animal populations (especially in the case of cattle) offers crucial evidence on long-distance animal exchange and the growing influence of the South during the pre-Roman late Iron Age. The first part of our research focuses on the analysis of animal remains (>6000 identified specimens, NISP) from the Middle La Tène central settlement Haselbach in Lower Austria, one of the largest investigated archaeozoological assemblages of present-day Austria. Based on the age and sex profiles, the faunal assemblage from Haselbach shows characteristics of urbanization and centralization and bears striking similarities to the archaeozoological material of the central settlement of Roseldorf (Lower Austria), some 35 km northwest of Haselbach. The second part of our research discusses the historical and regional context of the archaeozoological results from Haselbach and compares them with other sites, based on a detailed review of published archaeozoological data from the La Tène period (c. 450 BC to the end of the first century BC). In total, 55 faunal assemblages from 46 sites in nine countries in Central Europe, representing different types of sites (lowland settlements, hilltop settlements, central settlements, oppida, assemblages of ritual activity, and mining sites) were examined. The synthesis of the archaeozoological data exhibits different husbandry strategies and suggests major changes, especially during the Middle La Tène period indicating agricultural intensification. The differences in the biological profiles of the major domesticated species are of crucial importance to better understand aspects of socio-economic organization; especially in the case of cattle, age and sex profiles are used to distinguish different patterns of cattle husbandry. Finally, morphometric and recent genetic analyses on cattle bones and teeth from La Tène sites in Central Europe provide new insights into the complex socio-economic behavior as well as long-distance networks, involving animal supply and mobility in an exciting period of change involving centralization and increasing influence from the South during the pre-Roman late Iron Age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a brief overview of the painted pottery decorative patterns on the north-eastern Anatolian plateau during the Late Iron Age. In this study, the author has examined painted pottery sherds of nine archaeological sites: Boğazköy, Alaca Höyük, Alișar Höyük, Ҫadir Höyük, Kerkenes Dağ, Ușaklı Höyük, Mașat Höyük, Kușaklı-Sarissa, Kaman-Kalehöyük. The total amount of painted pottery sherds examined is 344. Based on the evidence of the decorative painted patterns on the ceramic vessels dated to the Late Iron Age, the author has investigated the frequency and distribution of decorative types among the archaeological sites.

This paper presents the changes caused by macroabrasion of teeth on skeletal remains found in tomb No 4 in the west necropolis of the archeological site Kopila near Blato on the island of Korčula. The site archeologically dates back to the Late Iron Age, when the island was inhabited by the Illyrians. The aim of this study was to assess the dental age of the buried individuals at death and determine the type of their diet, which could give us a preliminary insight into the socio-economic standard of the inhabitants of the settlement. The analyzed sample is part of the collection of excavated skeletal remains kept in the Vela Luka Cultural Center on the island of Korčula. 284 permanent teeth, 19 fragments of the maxilla and 20 fragments of the mandible were found in the tomb, which were classified into 32 individuals and by sex. Teeth were analyzed by metric and non-metric methods of determining dental status in order to assess the dental age at the time of death and the diet of the inhabitants. The dental age of individuals was determined by the Lovejoy method and the degree of tooth wear by the Smith-Knight method. The analysis of the stable isotope 14C determined the exact time of death of the analyzed individuals. The tooth wear changes were very pronounced and present on 92.9% of teeth, equally on incisors and molars (p = 0.236). There is no significant gender difference (p > 0.05 for all teeth and jaw parts). There was no difference in the degree of tooth wear of the teeth of the mandible and maxilla (t = –0.266, p = 0.791), nor in the degree of tooth wear of the teeth of the maxilla right and left (t = –0.392, p = 0.702) or in the degree of tooth wear of the teeth of the mandible right and left (t = –0.889, p = 0.390). The average age of the analyzed population sample was 35.6 (±3.1) years. They were buried between 360–40 BC. Tooth wear changes observed on the analyzed teeth indicate a diet rich in hard, weakly cariogenic food with particles that were probably of inorganic origin, which caused an increased wear of tooth structures. The population was sedentary, agricultural type and the life expectancy was normal for the Late Iron Age. Besides, their socio-economic status was good. The age at the time of their death was between 30 and 40 years. Further studies should include more accurate and standardized methods for assessing the condition.

The material comes from the Late Iron Age settlement of Dobrovăț-La Livadă in Iași County and represents food waste presenting butchering, burning, and disarticulation marks. Considering the total number of specifically identified mammals, 90.36% of them belong to domestic mammals and the rest of 9.64% belongs to the only identified wild mammals – Sus scrofa and Cervus elaphus. Estimating the slaughter ages provided little data, both due to the high degree of bone fragmentation and the small sample size studied. Based on the meat yield, domestic cattle provided the largest part of the amount of meat (89.63%). Wild boar is the next meat provider with a share of 4.61%, while due to their small size, the sheep/goat group and the domestic pig offered the lowest amounts of meat (3.20% and 2.56% respectively).

Unusually large ash heaps are a remarkable Late Iron Age feature of Kweneng, near Johannesburg. They are not randomly distributed across the site. What can a spatial analysis of their distribution tell us about their significance? Our results show that the prominent ash heaps of Kweneng are principally associated with only one of the three styles of stone-walled architecture found at this site. They also show that the ash heaps were associated with wealth in cattle. Furthermore, there is a clear spatial association with stone-lined avenues or roads, possibly cattle drives. The spatial analysis indicates that the prominent ash heaps of Kweneng were not ordinary household rubbish dumps. We propose that, by the terminal phase of occupation at Kweneng, they had become a significant part of a vast stage where the extraordinary wealth of this Sotho-Tswana city was displayed. Built of a supernaturally potent substance, the prominent ash heaps elevated and displayed the elite of Kweneng along the route of the cattle processions, which daily celebrated the wealth of the polity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]