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Im ersten Teil des Aufsatzes werden quartärgeologisch-bodenkundliche Untersuchungsergebnisse an Aufschlüssen der linksrheinischen Niederterrasse bei Basel vorgelegt. Im zweiten Teil werden Resultate mikromorphologischer Analysen an archäologischen Sedimenten der Fundstelle Basel-Gasfabrik diskutiert. Aufgrund der künstlich gekappten Bodenprofile steht fest. dass zu Beginn der latenezeitlichen Besiedlung ein beträchtlicher Abtrag von Bodenmaterial stattgefunden hat. An der Basis der archäologischen Schichtenfolge liess sich indessen mehrfach ein Stampflehmboden beobachten, der mit Hausstrukturen in Verbindung gestanden haben muss.

Micromorphological analysis is used to improve our understanding of wetland site taphonomy and stratigraphy. Twelve profile columns from the Neolithic lakeshore site of Zug‐Riedmatt are macroscopically described here, microscopic analyses are applied to sediment facies, defining 14 sedimentary units (U): The natural basal sediment (U1) is carbonate‐rich, U2 a transition phase to the anthropogenic units U3 to U12. Uppermost are the natural carbonate‐rich U13 and U14. The creation of a micromorphological database and the application of 27 defined indices allow a better understanding of the natural, anthropogenic and taphonomic processes taking place at the site. Natural sediment input originated from Lake Zug, the nearby river Lorze with its delta, and a local marshy waterbody. Organic rich accumulations and calcitic ash played a major role in pH changes, leading to carbonate and silica dissolution, alongside bone alteration. Signs of degradation processes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions within a single layer points to complex, multiphase processes under changing water levels, a milieu belonging to both land and water, an amphibious environment. Finally, good layer preservation seemingly correlates to low aquatic reworking in a stable depositional context linked to the marshy area.

To interpret artifact assemblages, it is necessary to understand the processes that have formed and influenced them: layer formation processes, cultural practices, and the way resources were used. In this study, we present our results of micromorphologically analyzed pits, ditches, house floors, and occupation layers found within the younger Iron Age settlement of Basel‐Gasfabrik. We defined 11 microfacies types and put them into a spatial and stratigraphic context. In addition, we quantify waste categories according to the archaeological features and microfacies types. Our results suggest that some ditches played a role in the spatial organization of the settlement, others were used as water canals. Several pits show a secondary use as roofed construction in the context of handicrafts. In addition, mapping the microfacies types reveals a differentiated use of space. Finally, differences between waste categories are visible. Dung was used as fuel and probably as fertilizer, whereas animal bone fragments and ceramic sherds have been stored on rubbish dumps, where they were available as raw material. These new insights into the use of pits, ditches, and settlement areas as well as the handling of resources provide an important basis for understanding everyday life in the settlement of Basel‐Gasfabrik.

This paper is the first to use an innovative multi-proxy approach to obtain insights into hitherto unknown Mithraic cult practices. Using soil micromorphology, zooarchaeology and histotaphonomy, we investigated two mithraea (Biesheim FR, Kempraten CH) and one cult cave (Zillis CH). This was also the first study to include micromorphological and histotaphonomic approaches within the context of Mithraic research. The systematic evaluation of thermal alteration and bioerosion (in particular bacterial attack) on the animal bones, in combination with zooarchaeological results, allows a differentiation between various (cult) practices involving animals. Thanks to the micromorphological investigations, it was possible to demonstrate that repeatedly spreading combustion residues and renewing the floor were important parts of the cult practices of Mithraism. Our results suggest that a cult practice consisting of several stages was carried out on all three sites. Our study highlights that multiple floor constructions as well as the related sediments and (micro-) artefacts of cultic indoor features are important sources of information.

Excavation of the Late Neolithic dolmen of Oberbipp BE, Steingasse in the Swiss Central Plateau provided a unique opportunity for a comprehensive study of the archaeological and anthropological evidence. In multidisciplinary studies, we investigated the processes at work during construction, use, and abandonment of the megalithic structure, as well as the dietary habits, subsistence strategy, and possible mobility of the Neolithic population. Archaeological methods included micromorphology, archaeobiology, typology, use-wear analysis, and geology. The anthropological investigation was complemented by an analysis of stable isotope ratios and palaeogenetics. Local topography and the cover of alluvial sediments ensured an extraordinary conservation of the monument. It allowed the preservation of the human remains of at least 42 individuals of both sexes and all ages. The observation of the sedimentary and post-depositional processes, supplemented by an extensive series of radiocarbon dates, allowed us to reconstruct the history of the dolmen in its environment and the definition of at least two deposition phases. We found genetic evidence of lactase intolerance, a local population with a mixed ancestry of early Anatolian farmers and Western hunter-gatherers, and a crop-based diet. Sparse remains of a nearby Late Neolithic settlement sustain the interpretation that this is the burial site of a local farming community. Evidence of higher mobility of females and kinship over three generations solely in the paternal line suggests a virilocal community. Bone-altering pathologies support the assumption of a caring society. 1. Introduction 1.1. Context 1.2. Discovery and excavation 1.3. Topography and geology 1.4. Aim of the study 2. Materials and methods 2.1. Archaeology 2.2. Soil micromorphology and geology 2.3. Archaeobotany and archaeozoology 2.4. Anthropology and molecular genetics 2.5. Radiocarbon dating 3. Results 3.1. Site occupation 3.2. The monument 3.3. The burials 3.4. Associated artefacts 3.5. Archaeozoology and archaeobotany 4. Discussion 4.1. Limitations of the study 4.2. Landscape history 4.3. The regional burial tradition in the late fourth millennium 4.4. Construction and use of the monument 4.5. Standing stones and further monuments 4.6. Animal activity, human disturbances, erosion, and destruction 4.7. Population and mobility 4.8. Conclusions

International audience

Histotaphonomy has become an important area of research in funerary archaeology. It focuses on diagenetic alterations in bone microstructure and the reconstruction of post-mortem processes. Microbial bioerosion is the most common diagenetic change observed in archaeological bone, and its probable causes have been the subject of ongoing discussions. This paper presents a new integrative approach that combines methods from physical anthropology and geoarchaeology. The aim is to contextualise samples in regard to their sedimentary milieu (sediment type), the sedimentation processes they underwent, and the specific archaeological features they originate from. The analysis is based on 208 human and animal skeletal fragments from the Late La Tene site of Basel-Gasfabrik recovered from various feature types and embedded in different sediments. Both 80 μm and 30 μm thin sections were graded semi-quantitatively on a scale of 0 or 1 to 5 in regard to bacterial attack (BAI), Wedl tunnels (WTI), cyanobacterial attack (CAI), the formation of cracks (CRI), the collagen content (COI), and thermal alterations (HEI). Our results evinced no correlations between the intensity of bacterial attack and sediment types or sedimentation processes respectively. We therefore deduce that bacterial degradation of bone is mainly caused by endogenous gut bacteria. Wedl tunnels, on the other hand, are chiefly found in bones from exposed surfaces. Bone collagen content, as measured by birefringence, is dependent on a variety of factors, with thermal alteration being among the most important. Unlike the 80 μm sections used in anthropological investigations, the 30 μm thin sections typically utilized in geoarchaeological analyses permitted a reliable distinction of microbial bioerosion types. Our context-oriented histotaphonomic approach allows detailed conclusions on the causes of microbial bioerosion in bone. Moreover, it provides an important tool for reconstructing the post-mortem biographies of human and animal remains, especially in regard to (multi-stage) mortuary practices and the analysis of sedimentation processes. Thus, this novel approach generates a wealth of information from individual skeletal elements as well as from bone fragments embedded in soil samples.

Basel-Gasfabrik (Switzerland) comprises an extensive La Tene (chiefly Lt D, 150–80 BCE) settlement and two associated cemeteries at which strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotope analysis of human and animal teeth investigated regional and supra-regional contacts. The interpretation of the analytic data, however, requires information on the isotopic baseline values around the site. Using 102 modern vegetation and 9 water samples from 51 localities, this study characterizes the isotopic ratios of the biologically available strontium of geological units and watercourses around Basel and compares these to 28 human infant, 6 pig, and 5 dog teeth from the site. Furthermore, pedological criteria evaluate the suitability of landforms for crop and pasturelands. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the environmental samples from geological units in up to 50 km distance varied between 0.70776 and 0.71794. Human infant teeth exhibited much more homogeneous 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70847–0.70950), which coincided largely with those of potential arable soils around Basel and indicate targeted exploitation of landscapes for agriculture. The more variable values of the faunal teeth suggest more widely ranging habitats or imports from the site's hinterlands. Two local isotope ranges were defined based on archaeological enamel samples and modern vegetation data from a confined radius around Basel. The study documents the complexity of distinguishing local and non-local individuals in a geologically heterogeneous region as well as the potential of isotope analyses to explore prehistoric land-use patterns.

The Basel-Gasfabrik site (Switzerland) is among the largest and best investigated proto-urban centres of the La Tene period (chiefly La Tene C2/D1; 200/150–80 BCE). Excavations revealed evidence of an urban lifestyle, crafts production as well as a multitude of imported goods. Human skeletal remains were recovered both from two cemeteries and from various settlement features. Strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ18Op) isotope analyses aimed at an assessment of the role of residential changes in the makeup of the site's population, the positioning of Basel-Gasfabrik in local, regional, and long-distance networks, and the exploration of possible correlations between the complex mortuary practices and the individuals' residential history. The study involved 94 enamel samples from 54 human individuals, while archaeological animal teeth and modern vegetation and water samples provided baseline information. The 87Sr/86Sr and the δ18Op ratios of the human teeth varied widely between 0.70755 and 0.71655 and 14.7 and 19.3 ‰, respectively, with more variation among adult males and females than among juveniles. Both the archaeological setting and the isotope data attest to lively contacts of the central site to its hinterland, but also to distant regions, such as the Mediterranean. Differences in the isotope data of successively formed tooth crowns of some of the adult population point to residential changes in childhood. Possible explanations include fosterage as an important element in strengthening regional and interregional ties among Iron Age communities, settlement centralization, and mobile animal husbandry practices. However, areas of origin or patterns of mobility were not among the key factors which shaped the complex mortuary practices.

Vom Frühjahr 2002 bis zum Frühjahr 2003 wurde in der Liegenschaft Münsterplatz 1+2 eine Grabung durchgeführt, bei der ein Teilstück der spätlatène- und frühkaiserzeitlichen Strasse, die auf den Münsterhügel führte, untersucht wurde. Dank der vorliegenden interdisziplinären Auswertung konnten insbesondere Fragen zur Datierung, zur Strassenbautechnik und zur Bedeutung der Strassen für die Entwicklung des Münsterhügels als Siedlungsplatz beantwortet werden.

Im Beitrag werden die geoarchäologischen Untersuchungen der dark-earth-Ablagerungen vom Basler Münsterhügel vorgestellt.

Katalogteil mit Befundkatalog, Tafeln, Münzzusammenstellung und Literaturverzeichnis Band A: Text Band B: Katalog

Band 24 der Materialhefte zur Archäologie in Basel widmet sich mit der Spätantike und dem Übergang zum Frühmittelalter auf dem Münsterhügel einem Geschichtsabschnitt, der einen Forschungsschwerpunkt der Archäologischen Bodenforschung bildet. In der spätrömischen Zeit nahm die Bedeutung von Basel immer mehr zu: Die von militärischen Erfordernissen geprägte römerzeitliche Siedlung bzw. das Kastell auf dem Basler Münsterhügel ist die Keimzelle der späteren mittelalterlichen Bischofstadt. Markus Asal hat im Rahmen seiner 2010 abgeschlossenen Dissertation Baubefunde und Funde einer 2004 durchgeführten Rettungsgrabung an der Martinsgasse 6+8 vorgelegt. Seine Auswertung vermag nicht nur die Errichtung der spätrömischen Befestigungsmauer erstmalig zu datieren, sie präsentiert auch neue Erkenntnisse zur Überbauung des nördlichen Teils des Münsterhügels mit Fachwerk- und Holzbauten und kann aufzeigen, dass der Nordteil des Münsterhügels, möglicherweise gar die gesamte Siedlung, im 4. Jahrhundert einem kontinuierlichen Prozess baulicher Veränderung unterlag. Band A: Text Band B: Katalog

In the late spring of the year ad 1295 a landslide devastated the village of Onoldswil in the Swiss Jura mountains. During recent construction work, a small area of the original land surface was unearthed. The 5 m of compacted clay deposited by the landslide had caused the complete exclusion of oxygen and underneath it the excavators came upon mosses, blades of grasses and other plants that were still green. Below the vegetation cover the humus horizon with subterranean plant parts appeared. Samples were taken for plant macro- and microfossil and geoarchaeological analyses. This offered the rare opportunity to study the vegetation and the topsoil of a small area of land preserved in situ as an autochthonous palaeobiocoenosis, the preserved original combination of the plant community which grew there. Grassland taxa dominated the pollen and macrofossil spectra. Compacted zones within the humus horizon, the plant taxa composition and the presence of spores of coprophilous fungi showed that this place had once been a nutrient-rich pasture. Grazing animals had favoured the spread of juniper. Manuring seems to have taken place. The slopes of the surrounding mountains had been largely cleared of woodland, which may have been the cause of the landslide. The disaster probably happened in late spring, because entire fruiting capitula of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) were found. Landslides are catastrophic events, destroying the soils and everything that lives in and on them on their way downhill. In places, however, they can also blanket the original land surface and its vegetation and create an archive of ancient life.

The mining region of Oberhalbstein, to date sparsely studied, has been the subject of archaeological research since 2013. Two mining areas which lie well above the forest line were studied in the summer of 2017. The Avagna-Ochsenalp site includes multi-phased heap features, of which the earliest phase has been dendrochronologically dated to the 11th century BC. In Cotschens, mining traces in an area of approximately 0.1 km2 from an unknown time period have been observed. Here, the flooded mine 1 was studied in more detail. After the cavity had been drained, 66 wood objects were revealed, including mining tools from the 1st century BC. 14C dating further confirms Late Bronze Age and Early to Late Iron Age activity. Stone tools from the adjacent heap also confirm prehistoric on-site ore processing, a unique find so far in the Oberhalbstein region.

International audience

Microscopic analyses can be used to determine whether fragments of eggshell come from hatched, incubated or non-incubated eggs. This information is essential for their interpretation since the developmental state of eggs often permits archaeologists to draw conclusions about the function of these finds at a site. However, what has often been neglected in previous studies is the fact that not only incubation but also taphonomy may affect the microstructure of shells. This preliminary study aims to demonstrate that taphonomic processes can in fact imitate site specific dissolution features that are commonly interpreted as traces of incubation. One likely cause of this could be bacteria or other microorganisms. The paper further introduces an approach by which a distinction between taphonomic and embryonic dissolution may be possible. The successful application of this technique on seemingly incubated eggs from a late Roman burial of Ober-Olm (Germany) indicates that these shells were altered only by taphonomy and not by embryonic development as initially assumed. It is finally emphasized that the preliminary data of this investigation need to be validated in future research.

This article brings together in a comprehensive way, and for the first time, on- and off-site palaeoenvironmental data from the area of the Central European lake dwellings (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 2011). The types of data considered are as follows: high-resolution off-site pollen cores, including micro-charcoal counts, and on-site data, including botanical macro- and micro-remains, hand-collected animal bones, remains of microfauna, and data on woodland management (dendrotypology). The period considered is the late Neolithic (c. 4300–2400 cal. BC). For this period, especially for its earlier phases, discussions of land-use patterns are contradictory. Based on off-site data, slash-and-burn – as known from tropical regions – is thought to be the only possible way to cultivate the land. On-site data however show a completely different picture: all indications point to the permanent cultivation of cereals ( Triticum spp., Hordeum vulgare), pea ( Pisum sativum), flax ( Linum usitatissimum) and opium-poppy ( Papaver somniferum). Cycles of landscape use are traceable, including coppicing and moving around the landscape with animal herds. Archaeobiological studies further indicate also that hunting and gathering were an important component and that the landscape was manipulated accordingly. Late Neolithic land-use systems also included the use of fire as a tool for opening up the landscape. Here we argue that bringing together all the types of palaeoenvironmental proxies in an integrative way allows us to draw a more comprehensive and reliable picture of the land-use systems in the late Neolithic than had been reconstructed previously largely on the basis of off-site data.

Circumalpine lakeside settlements have been declared Unesco world heritage in 2011. Their importance is mainly due to waterlogged preservation of organic material and hence the outstanding potential of these sites for performing detailed archaeological studies of prehistoric societies. However, the details of the taphonomic processes (depositional environment, development of anoxia, lateral or vertical displacement of objects, etc.) have rarely been studied. Consequently, interpretations based on find distributions or comparisons of find densities remain difficult. Zurich-Parkhaus Opera is a large-scale excavation of waterlogged Neolithic settlement deposits. Eight settlement phases of the late fourth and early third millennium BC were documented and dated using dendrochronology as well as six settlement layers, two of which showed excellent organic preservation. Based on a large number of sediment samples we conducted a multidisciplinary study in taphonomic processes influencing these layers. Our results indicate that a multi-indicator approach can provide detailed information on formation processes of waterlogged cultural layers. We found that 1) aquatic invertebrate remains and geotechnical calculations gave evidence for continuous shallow water conditions and eutrophic/anoxic deposition environment during occupation of the site. 2) Position and distribution of finds and loam patches indicate that disposal of household waste was focused on middens, which were still intact. 3) High variability in sediment contents (both spatially and in terms of state of preservation) is due to different factors such as oxygen depletion, deposition rate, erosion and enrichment of different materials, while all factors can affect each other resulting in highly complex formation processes.

Die Fundstelle in Mutzig wurde 1992 zufällig entdeckt (Sainty et al., 1994) und ist seit 2009 Gegenstand von systematischen Forschungsgrabungen. Die Fundstelle liegt am unteren Lauf der Bruche im elsässischen Departement Bas-Rhin am Fuss der Felsbourg. Der nach Süden abfallende Felshang birgt zahlreiche Abris und die günstige topographische Lage mit gutem Weitblick in die Rheinebene erklärt die wiederholte, in kurzen Zeitabständen erfolgte Besiedlung der Stelle. Mutzig-Rain ist zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt eine der wenigen gesicherten und ungestörten Fundstellen aus dem Mittelpaläolithikum in einer Region, in welcher Zeugnisse der frühen Urgeschichte selten sind. Angesichts der ausgezeichneten Erhaltung der Funde und der langen Schichtabfolge kann Mutzig als Referenzarchiv zur Umweltgeschichte und Kulturentwicklung des Mittelpaläolithikums am Hochrhein bezeichnet werden. Die laufenden Forschungsarbeiten dauern an und der vorliegende Artikel liefert einen ersten Überblick über die momentan vorliegenden Ergebnisse. Die gesamte Schichtabfolge datiert ins Mittelpaläolithikum. Zuoberst finden sich Kolluvien (Schichten 1-4), die aus höheren Felsterrassen eingetragenes Material beinhalten. Im Gegensatz hierzu sind die darunter liegenden Schichten 5, 7A, 7C1, 7C2 und 7D ungestört und wurden direkt unterhalb des Felsdaches abgelagert. Das Felsdach selbst erfuhr mehrmalige Einsturzphasen. Ältere Ablagerungen (Schichten 8, 9 und 10) befinden sich in grösserer Tiefe unterhalb einer weiteren Felsterrasse und konnten bisher nur in einer kleinen Sondierung erfasst werden. Es ist zu vermuten, dass die archäologische Sequenz noch weiter in die Tiefe reicht, da der anstehende Felsgrund bisher noch nicht erreicht wurde. Alle Schichten weisen eine hohe Funddichte auf, wobei bisher insgesamt mehr als 2500 Faunenreste und über 1300 Steinartefakte einzeln eingemessen wurden. Die Grabungsflächen erstreckten auf etwa 30 m2. Die bisher geborgenen Faunenreste stammen vom Rentier, Mammut, Wildpferd, Steppenbison und Wollnashorn. Zusammen mit den Kleinsäugerresten zeigen sie eine offene Steppenlandschaft während einer Kaltphase an. Dies kann durch Sauerstoff-und Kohlenstoff-Isotopenanalysen an Mammut-und Pferdezähnen bestätigt werden. Vorläufige Datierungsergebnisse (OSL Verfahren) legen einen Ablagerungszeitraum im beginnenden Weichselglazial um 90 000 vor heute (späte MIS 5 Stufe) nahe. Die Steinartefaktinventare sind von einheitlicher Prägung. Das Gros der verwendeten Rohmaterialien sind lokal vorkommenden Sedimentgesteine und Gesteine vulkanischen Ursprungs, die meist aus Schottern der nahe gelegenen Bruche gesammelt wurden. Primäre Aufschlüsse der vulkanischen Gesteine finden sich in 15 km Entfernung. Die Abschlagsmethode ist recht einfach und orientiert sich an der natürlichen Form der Gerölle, was eine gezielte Selektion geeigneter Rohstücke nahelegt. Retuschierte Werkzeuge sind selten, doch weist die hohe Zahl an Retuschierabschlägen auf einen Fehlbestand von in der Siedlung produzierten oder verwendeten Geräten hin. Aus techno-typologischer Sicht unterscheidet sich das Inventar von Mutzig von gleichzeitigen Industrien jenseits der Vogesen und des Rheins. Hinweis auf Feuerstellen gibt verbranntes Material in mindestens vier Fundschichten (5, 7A, 7C1 und 7D) und eine eindeutige Feuerstelle konnte bisher in Schicht 7C1 identifiziert werden. Die Funktion der der Fundstelle Mutzig steht vermutlich in Verbindung mit umfangreichen Jagdaktivitäten. Informativ sind in diesem Zusammenhang die hohe Zahl an Tierknochen und das Vorhandensein von Schnitt-und Bruchspuren an den Knochen. Dies zeigt, dass Jagdbeute zerlegt und weiterverarbeitet worden ist. Offene Fragen bestehen bezüglich der Jagd auf die grossen Herbivoren, insbesondere auf das Mammut. Mammutreste machen 40% des Fauneninventars von Schicht 7A aus und es liegen nahezu alle Körperteile inklusive Schädel, Rippen und Wirbel vor. Die Frage nach der Nutzung des Mammuts und des Transports solch grosser Tiere an den Siedlungsplatz muss zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt offen bleiben, Trotz allgemeiner Homogenität im Sedimentcharakter und Spektrum des Fundmaterials zeigen sich auch Unterschiede innerhalb der archäologischen Sequenz. So ist der Anteil an Mammutresten in Schicht 7A am höchsten im Gegensatz zur darunterliegenden Schicht 7C1, in der das Rentier dominiert. Am seltensten finden sich Mammutreste in Schicht 7C2. Die Auswertung der Mikrofauna legt ein kälteres Klima zum Zeitpunkt der Ablagerung von Schicht 7C1 nahe. Unterstrichen wird dies durch die häufige Verwendung von Knochen als Brennmaterial. In den übrigen Schichten sind Holzkohlereste häufiger, und es kann von einem dichteren Baumbestand ausgegangen werden. Die weiteren Ausgrabungen in der Fundstelle, sowie eine interdisziplinäre Auswertung der Funde werden weitere Resultate bringen und einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Rekonstruktion der Umwelt und Lebensweise der Neandertaler im heutigen Elsass leisten., The site of Mutzig, discovered by chance in 1992 (Sainty et al., 1994), has been the focus of programmed excavations since 2009. Located in Alsace (Bas-Rhin, France), it is at present one of the very few reliable sites attributable to the regional Middle Palaeolithic, thus providing rare evidence for a zone still relatively unknown for early rehistoric times. The excellent preservation of the remains and the deep stratigraphic sequence make the site a potential reference site for environmental and behavioural analyses regarding the Middle Palaeolithic in this region. However, as studies are still largely in progress, this paper presents a summary of the preliminary results obtained. The occupations are located where the Bruche Valley opens out, at the foot of the Felsbourg Cliff which is oriented directly southwards and contains many natural rockshelters. Highly attractive due to its unobstructed view of the Alsace Plain, this topographic location was quite likely selected for repeated human occupations, perhaps relatively close in time. The entire sequence is attributed to the Middle Palaeolithic. While the upper levels (Layers 1 – 4) may be formed of colluvial deposits containing reworked material from occupations on the dismantled upper terraces, layers 5, 7A, 7C1, 7C2 and 7D seem to be in situ below the shelter, which shows different phases of collapse. The older layers 8, 9 and 10, observed only in test excavations, contain occupations on a ledge protected by the rockshelter overhang. It is not currently possible to determine whether these took place during an earlier phase of the rockshelter with a larger porch or at the cliff base. As bedrock has not yet been reached, it is quite possible that the sequence is even longer. The different occupations reflect the same relatively cold steppe-like environmental context, with reindeer, woolly mammoth, steppe horse, steppe bison and woolly rhinoceros being identified. The small mammals also indicate a cold climate, but not of the Pleniglacial type. Isotope analyses of oxygen and carbon in horse and mammoth teeth also indicate temperatures colder than today and an open environment. These data, as well as the OSL dates obtained thus far, place the occupations of Mutzig during the Early Weichselian Glacial (MIS 5, ca. 90 000 BP), which biometric analyses and analyses of the large and small fauna tend to corroborate. The archaeological material is abundant in each of the different layers, altogether forming an inventory of more than 2500 faunal remains and over 1300 lithic artefacts. The excavation is currently being conducted across an area of around 30 m ² . The lithic industry is fairly uniform throughout the sequence. Knappers used different local raw material types, mainly sedimentary and volcanic rocks, either found in the primary outcrops (up to 15 km away) or most commonly in the alluvial deposits of the Bruche a few hundred metres from the site. Exploitation techniques are relatively simple, using natural convexities, indicating a significant selection phase for raw blocks. Most of the cores and flakes show flat core management, i. e., exploitation of a single surface to produce relatively thin invasive flakes. Flexibility in techniques can be observed, resulting in different kinds of production, permitted by mastery of core reduction management. In some cases, when the initial block morphology is not suitable, core preparation took place, sometimes Levallois in method. Few retouched tools have been found, but the many retouch flakes recovered testify to the circulation and use of such tools. From a techno-typological point of view, the industry differs from contemporaneous industries on the other side of the Vosges and the Rhine. At least four archaeological levels (layers 5, 7A, 7C1 and 7D) contain burnt elements and one level (layer 7C1) a combustion structure. The site of Mutzig seems to be linked to major hunting activities since the fauna are not only abundant, but also frequently show anthropic traces (striae and intentional fractures). However, the question is raised concerning procurement of very large herbivores, particularly mammoth (representing more than 40% of the identifiable taxa in layer 7A in NR). This is even more striking since all anatomical elements appear to have been transported to the camp, including cranial elements, ribs and vertebrae. The use of these parts and the procurement strategy for these very large herbivores remain to be explained. The absence of carnivore marks on the bones of large fauna should be noted. This, along with the large number of lithic artefacts, suggests long-term occupations by human populations and/ or rapid burying of archaeological lithics and fauna. Rapid carcass processing is also demonstrated, perhaps associated with combustion zones. Finally, although the sequence is fairly uniform, slight differences can be perceived. While mammoth dominates the faunal spectrum in layer 7A, it is under-represented in layer 7C1 where reindeer is higher, and nearly absent in layer 7C2. The hypothesis of a more rigorous climate in layer 7C1 can be proposed, based in part on the preliminary small mammals database, but especially by the near absence of charcoal in the combustion structure, which contains mostly burnt bone. This contrasts sharply with other combustion structures in which charcoal is common, perhaps reflecting less dense forest cover for layer 7C1. Continuing excavation and analyses specific to each discipline and their comparison should ultimately enable clarification of the environment and Neanderthal ways of life in Alsace., Le site de Mutzig, découvert fortuitement en 1992 (Sainty et al., 1994) est fouillé en contexte programmé depuis 2009. Localisé en Alsace (Bas-Rhin), il est à l’heure actuelle un des seuls témoins fiables attribués au Paléolithique moyen dans la région, permettant ainsi de documenter une zone assez méconnue pour la Préhistoire ancienne. La très bonne conservation des vestiges s’y retrouvant ainsi que son importante stratigraphie en font potentiellement un site de référence pour les analyses environnementales et comportementales au Paléolithique moyen dans la région. Néanmoins, les études étant en cours, ce sont les premiers résultats qui sont présentés dans cet article. Les occupations sont situées au débouché de la vallée la Bruche, au pied de la falaise du Felsbourg. Véritable attrait de par la vue imprenable sur la plaine d’Alsace qu’il expose, cet emplacement topographique a été vraisemblablement le témoin de nombreuses occupations répétées. L’ensemble de la séquence se rapporte au Paléolithique moyen. Si les niveaux supérieurs (couches 1 à 4) pourraient être le reflet de colluvionnements d’occupations sur une des terrasses supérieures qui se seraient démantelées, les couches 5, 7A, 7C1, 7C2 et 7D semblent en revanche en place, et se sont vraisemblablement déposées sous abri, ce dernier étant affecté par différentes phases d’effondrement. Les couches 8, 9 et 10, plus anciennes, appréhendées uniquement en sondage, révèlent des occupations sur un replat d’environ un mètre en contre-bas. Le substrat n’ayant pas été atteint, il est possible que la séquence soit encore plus importante. Les grands mammifères (mammouth laineux, cheval des steppes, bison des steppes et rhinocéros laineux) et la microfaune reflètent une même ambiance environnementale relativement froide de type steppe sur toute la séquence. Ces données, couplées aux dates OSL obtenues pour le moment, placent les occupations de Mutzig au Début Glaciaire du Weichselien (MIS 5, vers 90000 BP). Les vestiges archéologiques sont très nombreux au sein des différentes couches. L’industrie lithique est assez homogène sur toute la séquence. Les artisans ont exploité différents types de matériaux locaux et les méthodes d’exploitation sont assez simples, les tailleurs ayant mis à profit des convexités naturelles, révélant une phase de sélection des supports assez drastique. Peu d’outils retouchés sont recensés, mais les nombreux éclats de retouche récoltés attestent d’une circulation de ces outils. D’un point de vue typotechnologique, l’industrie se démarque de ses homologues sub-contemporains outre-Vosges et outre-Rhin. Au moins quatre niveaux archéologiques (couches 5, 7A, 7C1 et 7D) révèlent la présence d’éléments brûlés, avec pour l’un d’entre eux (couche 7C1) la présence d’une structure de combustion (couche 7C1). Le site de Mutzig paraît lié à une activité de chasse importante puisque les restes fauniques sont non seulement très nombreux, mais présentent également de fréquentes traces anthropiques (stries et fractures volontaires). Néanmoins, la question de l’acquisition des très grands herbivores reste posée. Enfin, si l’ensemble de la séquence est assez homogène, de légères différences tendent néanmoins à apparaître. Certaines couches se distinguent notamment par la représentation de certains taxons fauniques (mammouth dominant dans la couche 7A, à l’inverse de la couche 7C1 pour laquelle le renne est majoritaire) ainsi que par la présence de charbons de bois ou d’os brûlés dans les structures de combustion, peut-être à relier à des couverts forestiers distincts. La poursuite de la fouille devra permettre à terme de reconstituer l’environnement des Néandertaliens d’Alsace et de documenter leurs modes de vie., Koehler Héloïse, Wegmüller Fabio, Detrey Jean, Diemer Simon, Hauck Thomas, Pümpin Christine, Rentzel Philippe, Seveque Noemie, Stoetzel Emmanuelle, Wuscher Patrice, Auguste Patrick, Bocherens Hervé, Lutz Mathias, Preusser Frank. Fouilles de plusieurs occupations du Paléolithique moyen à Mutzig-Rain (Alsace) : premiers résultats. In: Bulletin de la Société préhistorique française, tome 113, n°3, 2016. pp. 429-474.

Der Rhein bildet seit je die Lebensader nicht nur der Stadt Basel, sondern auch ihrer ur- und frühgeschichtlichen Vorgängersiedlungen. Funde und archäologische Strukturen sind in geologische Ablagerungen eingebettet, die allesamt Zeugnisse der Geschichte des Rheintales sind. Bei der Erforschung der Geschichte des Rheins und der an seinen Ufern lebenden Menschen sind archäologische und geowissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse aufs Engste miteinander verknüpft.

Berichte zu den archäologischen Untersuchungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung Basel-Stadt im Jahr 2014.

The micromorphological analysis of faecal remains started with the investigation of hyena excrements in connection with cave-sediment studies. In an archaeological context, coprolites of domestic pigs are reported rarely - mostly with uncertain attribution. This apparent lack of pig excrements in archaeological sediments is probably a consequence of the animals' grubbing activities in themselves, of pig husbandry practices and of the remarkable variability of omnivore excrements. Carnivore excrements are characterized by a highly phosphatic, cemented, optically isotropic, strongly autofluorescent groundmass with an undifferentiated b-fabric. Excrements of Canis familiaris are reported regularly in various archaeological contexts. Because of great diversity of human diets, a general description of human excrements proves difficult, especially because well preserved excrement remains seem rare in archaeological contexts. More experimental and interdisciplinary studies will help to increase knowledge about excrements and postdepositional processes in the archaeological record.

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Shape, preservation, embedded components and groundmass characteristics allow distinction between herbivore excrements and the coprolites of omnivores or carnivores. Herbivore dung remains may occur in a wide range of onsite archaeological features but are also known from offsite situations. Fresh herbivore excrements are usually porous, loosely packed and consist mainly of poorly digested to undigested plant fragments, which are sometimes embedded in a brown to dark brown amorphous organic groundmass. Ruminant and horse excrements mainly consist of poorly digested plant fragments. Rodent excrements can be found in archaeological sediments. Because of the high organic content of herbivore excrements, dried ruminant dung is an excellent fuel, used since prehistoric times and still in use today, mainly in dry regions. Stabling or enclosure sediments have a lower porosity than equivalent unaffected excrements and show an impact of sediment agglomerates, mineral grains and other components due to trampling processes.

The Swiss Basel-Gasfabrik site represents an important Celtic settlement of urban character. Two species of intestinal parasites, Trichuris sp. and Ascaris sp., were identified in micromorphological thin sections from settlement pits. Species identification is complicated by taphonomic effects as well as the random representation of samples and cuts. Parasite eggs are encountered within and beyond original depository contexts due to water displacement and bioturbation. Our findings introduce micromorphology as a new means of paleoparasitological research which augments classical procedures. It captures parasite remains directly in their original microstratigraphic setting, thus providing information not to be obtained by classical flotation. Our observations are relevant for the selection of suitable sampling sites, sampling strategies, and methods of recovery and identification of paleoparasitological data in archeological sediments. They create new insights into site specific parasite dispersal and living conditions in the Late Iron Age.

Im Rahmen der Ausgrabungen am Basler Murus Gallicus, die von 1990 bis 1993 dauerten, bestand von Beginn an das Projekt einer geologisch-bodenkundlichen Betreuung während der archäologischen Feldarbeiten. Dank der erneuten Auseinandersetzung mit den spätlatènezeitlichen Befunden liessen sich die Interpretationen älterer Ausgrabungen präzisieren, teilweise aber auch bereits im Verlauf der Ausgrabungsarbeiten revidieren. Dies gab den Ausschlag für die Durchführung geowissenschaftlicher Untersuchungen, deren Ergebnisse im vorliegenden Bericht ihren Niederschlag gefunden haben.

Lakeside settlements can be regarded as a special type of archaeological site, as, thanks to their location near the shoreline, or even in the lake, various kinds of organic remains have been preserved under waterlogged conditions. This paper presents the results of six-studied Neolithic lake dwellings from Switzerland. A series of natural and anthropogenic site formation processes were identified through micromorphological analysis and have been compared with natural processes in peatlands. The main processes can be summarized as follows: in the littoral zone a carbonate lake marl stratum accumulated prior to construction of the settlement. During lake regressions, the shore platform be- came dry and the settlements were established. Throughout the period of occu- pation, anthropogenic processes led to the accumulation of organic layers. The depositional regime can be characterized as paludal, dominated by constant humidity, and rapid covering of the remains. Some parts of the anthropogenic accumulations have been affected by erosion and reworking processes as a re- sult of lake flooding, and runoff from the hinterland. Finally, the degradation of organic matter occurred only during dry phases when the groundwater level dropped. Seasonality was of great importance in this kind of milieu throughout the various processes described above. Mikroarchaologie - Mikromorphologie - Sediment

Berichte zu den archäologischen Untersuchungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung Basel-Stadt im Jahr 2011.

The El Kowm oasis in the desert steppe of Central Syria is one of the oldest settlement centers in the Middle East and is significant worldwide for its great density of Paleolithic sites. About 180 open-air sites dating between about one million and 10,000 years ago testify that humans regularly resided at or near the springs. The region represents a unique archive where the long-term cultural history and the development of the landscape can be observed. The sites of Nadaouiyeh and Hummal are the main focus of our research. Geoarchaeological studies on both sites have defined the formation of different sediment types, such as limnic, littoral, and terrestrial deposits. Those sediments provide evidence of eolian processes, but also post-depositional transformations like the precipitation of silica or pedogenesis. Additional archaeological layers give answers concerning the depositional environment, anthropogenic influence, and post-sedimentary changes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Die Ausgrabung fand im praktisch nicht überbauten Hofareal statt. Die Kulturschichten waren hier ausserordentlich gut erhalten und hatten eine durchschnittliche Mächtigkeit von fast 3 Metern. Die Ränder des an der nördlichen Spitze des Basler Münsterhügels gelegenen Martinskirchsporns fallen steil zu Rhein und Birsig hin ab. Aufgrund der natürlichen Schutzlage wurde dieser Teil des Plateaus bereits in der späten Bronzezeit (um 1200-800 v. Chr.) zur Befestigung ausgebaut. Kontinuierlich bis heute besiedelt wurde der Basler Münsterhügel jedoch erst ab der Spätlatenezeit (ca. 80/70 v. Chr.) Auf der Ausgrabung konnten Zeugnisse aus 3000 Jahren Besiedlungsgeschichte erfasst werden.

Die Stadt Basel, in der Südostecke der oberrheinischen Tiefebene gelegen, grenzt im Westen an die Ausläufer des Sundgauer Hügellandes, dessen lössbedeckte Anhöhen bedeutende quartärgeologische Archive darstellen. Einzig die geologischen Beobachtungen in Riehen-Gerhalde (CH), einem rechtsrheinischen Aufschluss am Eingang des Wiesentals, lieferten erste Anhaltspunkte zur komplexen Abfolge der Löss-Schichten über den dort anstehenden Hochterrassenschottern. Mit neuen Profilaufschlüssen bei Sierentz (F), das linksrheinisch nur 10 km nordwestlich von Basel entfernt ist, ergab sich die Möglichkeit, Lössablagerungen über der Hochterrasse, d. h. in vergleichbarer geomorphologischer Situation zu dokumentieren, und so die quartärgeologische Datenbasis für den Raum Basel zu erweitern.

Berichte zu den archäologischen Untersuchungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung Basel-Stadt im Jahr 2004.

Der vorliegende Aufsatz beschäftigt sich eingehend und unter verschiedenen Gesichtspunkten mit den beiden älteren Grossbasler Stadtmauern, der Burkhardschen aus dem späten 11. Jahrhundert und der Inneren Stadtmauer aus der 1. Hälfte des 13. Jahrhunderts. Während von der ersten Stadtmauer Bau-Anlass und ungefähre Entstehungszeit bekannt sind, die Mauer archäologisch jedoch bis 1976 nirgends nachgewiesen werden konnte, fehlen bis heute historische Quellen zum Bau der Inneren Mauer, die sich im Stadtgefüge jedoch stets klar abzeichnete. Bereits früher ausführlich publizierte Befunde von einzelnen Fundstellen werden zusammenfassend dargestellt, während die Stadtmauerbefunde von bisher nur überblicksartig veröffentlichten Fundstellen ausführlich dokumentiert werden. Der zweite Teil beinhaltet die Diskussion der Ergebnisse geologischer Studien an grossen Abschnitten der Burkhardschen und der Inneren Stadtmauer.

Summary of the micromorphological analysis of deposits in the Sur-les-Creux rockshelter.Layer Micromorphology Interpretation1— Humus bearing horizon with cryoclasts.Rendzina (Aca horizon)2Rounded and slightly corroded limestones. Ma-trix: yellow-brown clayey silt as in layer 3.Medium porosity (15–20%, cracks and chan-nels), granular microstructure. Bone frag-ments commonly corroded. Crumbled copro-lites. Silty to sandy illuviation (quartz, micasand calcite grains) as well as dusty intra-aggregate illuviations. Secondary carbonates.Roots. Diffuse lower boundaryAlluvial endokarstic deposit with a phos-phatized matrix reworked from layer3:—Freeze and thaw effect more pro-nounced than in layer 3—Flushing—colonization by vegetation3Subrounded and deeply corroded limestones.Alteration cortex with phosphatized impreg-nations (internal quasi coating). Matrix:phosphatized yellow-brown clayey silt. Lowporosity (10%, cracks and channels), blockymicrostructure. Silty content much higherthan in layer 4. Few siliceous clasts. Littlecorroded bone and teeth fragments. Dusty orlimpid illuviations (several phases). Aggre-gates with concentric iron and manganeseoxydes (internal quasi coating). Abrupt ero-sive lower boundary, some fragments beingreworked from layer 4Phosphatized condensed layer:—Erosion and endokarstic runoff de-posits (gravels and fine fraction)—Enrichment in phosphates throughanimal excrements; percolations(temporary water table) homogeniza-tion by bears—Freeze and thaw (little pronounced)—Flushing4Yellow-brown to orange loamy silt with low po-rosity (5–10%, cracks and channels). Com-plex subangular blocky microstructure, par-tially reactivating a former platy structure.Some rounded cryoclasted aggregates. Fewsand-size siliceous elements. Clayey isotropicgroundmass impregnated with phosphatesand covered with silty grains, mostly quartzand micas. Bone and teeth fragments, locallycorroded. Coprolites of carnivores. Limpidargillan coatings overlayed by a washed andwell sorted silty to sandy illuviation. Locallysome iron oxide impregnationCompound condensed layer:—Fine infilling of collapsed blocks—Enrichment in phosphates and biotur-bation; percolations (suspended fineparticules in a temporary water table)—Freeze and thaw—Flushing—Fissuration (blocky structure)

Im Jahre 1999 wurde aus dem Aushub einer Baugrube in der Flur Gehrhalde in Riehen (BS) ein knapp 13 Zentimeter langer, aus alpinem Metaquarzit gefertigter Chopper geborgen. Zusammenfassend ist festzuhalten, dass die geologisch-pedologischen Untersuchungen sowie die naturwissenschaftlichen Altersbestimmungen nicht alle Imponderabilien, welche mit der Datierung des Choppers aus Riehen in das Altpaläolithikum verknüpft sind, ausräumen konnten. Dies ist unter anderem darauf zurückzuführen, dass der Chopper nicht in situ gefunden wurde und nicht mit anderen Funden vergesellschaftet war.

Im Kanton Baselland sind die archaologisch fassbaren Spuren der Vergangenheit vielfaltig. Es sind die Hinterlassenschaften der Kelten und Romer und unserer Vorfahren aus dem Mittelalter bis in die Neuzeit. Die Archaologie hat aber auch Zeugnisse ans Licht gebracht, die noch alter sind und von der Fruhzeit der Menschheit berichten. Die Vergangenheit der Heimat zu kennen, heisst die eigene Identitat zu verstehen. Dieses Buch fuhrt den historisch interessierten Wanderer zu den archaologischen Fundstellen im Kanton Baselland. Thematisiert werden die Landschaftsgeschichte, der Wandel von Vegetation und Fauna, und vor allem die Grundzuge der Geschichte von den Anfangen bis in die Neuzeit. Zudem bietet das Buch Einblicke in die archaologische Forschung des Kantons. 19 Wanderrouten werden vorgestellt. Ein kostenloses App fur Smartphone erganzt das Buch. GPS-gesteuert fuhrt es den Wanderer zu den Fundstellen im Kanton und kommentiert audiovisuell viel Wissenswertes an Ort und Stelle. Dieses Buch und das App sind die ersten der neuen Reihe Ausflug in die Vergangenheit. Nach und nach sollen weitere Kantone und Regionen vorgestellt werden, damit die Geschichte der Schweiz und ihre herrliche Landschaft erfahren und erwandert werden konnen.

The effects of human trampling on sandy-loamy surfaces are presented, based on two experimental series. The scientific analysis of the experiments allows statements on type, intensity and tendency of the changes of microstructure in humid and dry sediments. Micromorphological analyses prove that the trampling phenomena which can be detected microscopically are concentrated in zones near the surface or up to a depth of 3 cm at the most. The microstructural changes in humid sediments are more significant and generally reach somewhat deeper. In dry conditions the effects of trampling are limited to a few millimetres just below the activity surface, while compared to humid sediments, a stronger fragmentation of the components becomes apparent. A field test on the intensively trodden excavation site of Basel-Gasfabrik over a six week period resulted in an accumulation of 5 to 8 cm of reworked soil material brought in by trampling. The second part of the paper deals with well preserved archaeological occupation surfaces, comparing their characteristics with the results obtained from the experimental series. The processes defined by Gé et al. (1993), that have an effect on an activity surface, such as accumulation, depletion, transformation and redistribution, were qualified for each archaeological feature. Experiments, archaeological evidence and literature research prove that the microscopically detectable characteristics of trampling can manifest themselves in microstructure, in the occurence of horizontal cracks and horizontally oriented components, in crust formation, in deformation and reorganisation phenomena and in the results of mechanical influences (rounding, crushing or destruction of components). In this, our observations correspond with the results of former analyses by Courty et al. (1994). In addition, with the evidence of interlaced silty intercalations they provide a little known microstructural characteristic which also indicates trampling. Betr. das Ausgrabungsgelände Basel-Gasfabrik

Ein Lehmlager (Löss) in einer wenig tiefen Erdgrube unter einem Haus des 19. Jh. entpuppte sich dank geologischer Untersuchungen als mutmassliches Hafnerlehmdepot. Funde, insbesondere Ofenkeramik, datieren diesen Befund ins späte 13./ frühe 14. Jh. Ein neu interpretierter Altfund des Jahres 1906 aus der Aeschenvorstadt 2 (ehemals 10) erbrachte einen gleichartigen Befund.Weitere Überlegungen betreffen die Nutzung der Liegenschaft durch Hafner und Bäcker sowie die frühe Baugeschichte der Steinenvorstadt und ihren Namen.

Die vorgestellten Ofenkacheln stammen aus den Gebäuden des ehemaligen St. Leonhardsstiftes (Leonhardskirchplatz 7) . Die dazugehörigen Öfen wurden anlässlich eines Umbaus abgebrochen und als Bauschutt im Boden eingelagert. Die Kachelbruchstücke liessen sich mindestens 198 Kachelindividuen zuweisen. Aus 126 Kacheln konnte eine Ofenrekonstruktion vorgenommen werden. Die Besonderheit des Ofenkörpers besteht in der Kombination verschiedener Dekorationstechniken. So setzen sich die Sichtflächen der Eckkacheln aus zwei in Schablonentechnik aufgetragenen Kreismustern und einer reliefierten Ecklisene zusammen. Die Kacheln datieren aus der Zeit um 1600. Sie dokumentieren den hohen technischen Stand der baslerischen Hafnereiproduktion und liefern eine Fülle aufschlussreicher Informationen über dieses Handwerk.

Im Mittelpunkt des Artikels steht der ins Mittelalter datierende Latrinenschacht, der in der Südwestecke der Parzelle zum Vorschein kam. Die interdisziplinäre Aufarbeitung dieses Befundes umfasst die mikromorphologische Untersuchung von Bodenproben zur lokalen Charakterisierung der Sedimente, die Interpretation des osteologischen Materials und der botanischen Makroreste hinsichtlich Ernährungsgewohnheiten und landwirtschaftlicher Aktivitäten sowie die Datierung des Befundes anhand der geborgenen archäologischen Funde.

Die Inhalte von 12 spätlatènezeitlichen Gruben aus der Fundstelle Basel-Gasfabrik wurden mikromorphologisch untersucht, um Hinweise zur Genese und Taphonomie der Sedimente zu erhalten.

Un os parietal gauche pratiquement complet semblant appartenir en premiere analyse a un Homo erectus dont on peut estimer l'âge a environ 450 000 ans, a ete decouvert a la fin de la campagne de fouille 1996 dans un niveau acheuleen a bifaces ovalaires du site de plein air de Nadaouiyeh Ain Askar. Ce gisement renferme une exceptionnelle sequence acheuleenne ainsi que des niveaux yabroudiens et hummaliens. La stratigraphie est particulierement complexe en raison des variations de sedimentation et des deformations des couches dans une doline active occupee periodiquement par une source. La couche ayant livre les restes humains correspond a des sols d'habitats tres riches en materiel archeologique et restes de faune permettant d'interessantes observations palethnologiques.

Detrey Jean, Guélat Michel, Hauck Thomas, Rentzel Philippe, Vigreux Thomas. L’abri-sous-roche Paléolithique moyen de Mutzig, Rain (Bas-Rhin, F) : reprise des travaux. In: Bulletin de la Société préhistorique française, tome 107, n°3, 2010. pp. 581-584.

Pedological investigations in combination with luminescence dating have been used to reconstruct the genesis and chronology of a sediment succession at Sierentz, France. The sequence comprises loess and palaeosols on top of gravel attributed to the High Terrace of River Rhine. According to the dating results, three phases of soil development occurred during different warm phases of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7 (245–190 ka). Soil development on top of the gravel occurred either during early MIS 7 or during an earlier warm phase, possibly MIS 9. The results imply a minimum age of 250 ka for the formation of the High Terrace in this part of the Upper Rhine Graben, contrary to previous assumptions that correlated gravel sheet deposition with MIS 6 (ca. 150 ka). These results and recent findings at other sites suggest that the chronological setting of terrace formation north of the Alps is much more complex than previously assumed.