Posters by Katja Kothieringer
Oppidum Závist south of Prague is a unique example of urban land use in Iron Age Central Europe. ... more Oppidum Závist south of Prague is a unique example of urban land use in Iron Age Central Europe. Today, its central part is a heavily forested heritage site, while the periphery is used for agricultural purposes. The summit of one of the longest-settled hilltop sites in Bohemia has already been intensively studied by the Czech Academy of Sciences. From the 1960s to the 1990s, an ensemble of geometric man-made stone structures was revealed by excavation, a cult place with supra-regional function today known as the “Acropolis.” However, large parts of the archaeological site that towers over the Vltava river still remain unexplored.
With “Oppidum Závist in the 21st Century – New questions and methods for research and education”, its prehistoric occupation has become focus of a comprehensive surveying campaign, by combining remote sensing and geophysical mapping techniques with minimally invasive test coring and small excavations. The Bavarian Czech Higher Education Agency (BTHA)-funded project investigates the multi-walled enclosure extending 150ha over two hills for its use of space through time. GPR surveys revealed on “Balda”, another extensive man-made platform south of the acropolis, massive structural support and potential building foundations, most recently verified by excavation. At the baily on the foot of the eastern slope, magnetic surveys had previously revealed pits and linear features. Here, GPR results provide additional insights and a depth component. At the slopes, erosion has left culturally rich deposits for soil coring. Uncovered material is being 14C and OSL dated, as well as geochemically and micromorphologically analysed to differentiate the areas by their time of use. Systematic metal detector surveys display a spatial distribution of artefacts.
The aerial remote sensing focus lies on the less forested space within the outer walls of Závist, which was identified by magnetometry as a living and farming space. In consequence, any woodless area within the enclosure was covered by a DJI Mavic 3M multispectral drone survey to analyse potential cultural features through vegetation growth differences. Previous flights at other locations in Europe have shown great potential but also the limits of this method, as its success is very dependent on preceding weather conditions, similar to traditional aerial photography. Pre-flight area coverage planning and rapid and fully autonomous, GPS-guided data recording have simplified data collection and processing immensely. Using Structure from Motion (SfM), digital surface models of 10 cm and orthophotos of 3 cm resolution were created for the complete areas. If available on site, the usage of drones allows regular systematic coverage of a predefined area. Due to different tasks to be completed, flights at Závist were currently limited to one full area coverage in May 2024. Bohemia had suffered a dry spring, which prevented crops to grow and prevented better survey results in some areas. Image enhancements and vegetation indices have improved the visualisation of results. For comparison purposes, aerial data was also collected at Stradonice, another large oppidum to the south-west of Prague. This location is mostly covered by agricultural fields, theoretically better supporting multispectral remote sensing for archaeological purposes.
http://www.lda-lsa.de/fileadmin/pdf/Tagungen/2200-BC.pdf
In diesem Posterbeitrag werden die Er... more http://www.lda-lsa.de/fileadmin/pdf/Tagungen/2200-BC.pdf
In diesem Posterbeitrag werden die Ergebnisse neuer Untersuchungen zum Einfluss des Klimas auf die alpine Hochlagennutzung am Übergang vom Neolithikum zur frühen Bronzezeit in den zentralen Ostalpen - Graubünden (CH), Tirol, Vorarlberg (beide A) und Vinschgau (I) – anhand archäologischer, paläoökologischer und pedologischer Proxydaten vorgestellt.
Der hochalpine Raum reagiert besonders sensibel auf sich verändernde Umweltbedingungen. Schon geringe klimatische Variationen können das Ökosystem stark beeinflussen. Die Klimabedingungen im Alpenraum ab dem zweiten Jahrtausend v. Chr. sind in etwa mit jenen zwischen Mitte des 19. und Mitte 2o. Jahrhundert n. Chr. vergleichbar (Nicolussi 2oo9, 121). Verschiedene Proxydatensätze deuten für diesen Zeitraum auf eine sich verändernde Niederschlagssaisonalität, hin zu mehr Niederschlag im Sommer (Nicolussi 2oo9, 119).
Aus archäologischer Sicht ist der Übergang vom Neolithikum zur frühen Bronzezeit in den zentralen Ostalpen durch einen massiven Siedlungsausbau gekennzeichnet, der auch peripher gelegene Talschaften miteinbezieht. Diese Landnahme zeichnet sich im archäologischen Fundbild in einer intensivierten Nutzung der alpinen Hochlagen ab, also der Gebiete oberhalb von 2ooo m.ü.M. Bestätigt wird dieses Bild durch neue palynologische und (paläo-)pedologische Untersuchungen aus der Silvretta-Region im Grenzgebiet zwischen Österreich und der Schweiz. Diese legen für diesen Zeitabschnitt verstärkten menschlichen Eingriff im Waldgrenzbereich in Form von Brandrodung nahe, der mit einer Zunahme von Weide- und Kulturzeigerpflanzen einherging.
Die hier präsentierten Forschungen zeigen auf, dass die Intensivierung der Hochlagennutzung in den zentralen Ostalpen zu Beginn der Bronzezeit parallel mit der Aufsiedlung der inneralpinen Talschaften verlief und nach heutigem Erkenntnisstand wohl weitgehend unabhängig von etwaigen klimatischen Stressoren vor sich gegangen sein dürfte.
Literatur
K. Nicolussi, Klimaentwicklung in den Alpen während der letzten 7ooo Jahre. In K. Oeggl/M. Prast (Hrsg.), Die Geschichte des Bergbaus in Tirol und seinen angrenzenden Gebieten. Impulsreferat zum 3. Milestone-Meeting des SFB HiMAT vom 23.-26.1o.2oo8 in Silbertal. Innsbruck University Press, 2oo9, 1o9–24.
The poster will present the results of recent investigations into the impact of the climate on the use of high-altitude Alpine areas during the transition between the Neolithic period and the Early Bronze Age in the central Eastern Alps – Grisons (Switzerland), Tyrol and Vorarlberg (Austria), and Vinschgau Valley (Italy) – using archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and pedological proxy data.
High-alpine areas are particularly sensitive to environmental change. Even the slightest climatic variation can have a significant impact on the ecosystem. From the second 2nd millennium BC onwards, the climatic conditions in the Alps would have been comparable to those from the mid-19th to the mid-2oth centuries AD (Nicolussi 2oo9, 121). Various proxy datasets suggest that seasonal precipitation changed during this particular phase towards increased precipitation in summer (Nicolussi 2oo9, 119).
From an archaeological point of view the transition from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in the central Eastern Alps was characterised by a massive settlement expansion which also included peripheral valleys. In the archaeological record this expansion manifests itself in a more intense use of high-altitude areas, i.e. areas over 2ooo m a.s.l. This is supported by palynological and (palaeo) pedological investigations recently carried out in the Silvretta region in the border area between Austria and Switzerland. They suggest that the period was characterised by increased human impact in the treeline areas as attested to by land-clearances using the slash-and-burn method, along with an increase in pasture and anthropogenic indicator plants.
The research presented here shows that the increased use of high-altitude areas in the central Eastern Alps at the beginning of the Bronze Age occurred at the same time as the settlement expansion in the inner alpine valleys and, according to the current state of research, would largely have taken place independent of any climatic stressors.
References
K. Nicolussi, Klimaentwicklung in den Alpen während der letzten 7ooo Jahre. In K. Oeggl/M. Prast (Hrsg.), Die Geschichte des Bergbaus in Tirol und seinen angrenzenden Gebieten. Impulsreferat zum 3. Milestone-Meeting des SFB HiMAT vom 23.-26.1o.2oo8 in Silbertal. Innsbruck University Press, 2oo9, 1o9–24.
Poster contribution for AK Geoarchäologie, 2022
Since 2015, we have been investigating the prehistoric settlement and landscape history of the No... more Since 2015, we have been investigating the prehistoric settlement and landscape history of the Northern Franconian Jura, a karst upland region presumably unfavourable for ancient settlement e.g. due to water scarcity or soils of low quality. While the first part of the project comprised the detection of rural settlement sites and sinks suitable for sediment accumulation, we currently focus on two plateau sites to obtain a fine chronology and assess the extent and type of land use. This requires the combined use of various (geo-)archaeological methods, e.g. predictive modelling and electrical resistivity tomography prior to fieldwork, soil augerings and test pits, as well as extensive dating and pedological analyses.
In this paper, we present preliminary results from investigations at the Bronze to Iron Age settlement site of Weiden with the goal to better understand the small-scale distribution of colluvial deposits. The hypothesis that the major portion of deposits are to be found in a prominent down-slope depression had to be rejected soon. Deposits were unevenly distributed, probably due to the abundant presence of karst formations in the underground. First radiocarbon datings point to a strong Medieval overprint of the slopes; single depressions, however, must have served as sediment traps already in the Bronze and Iron Ages.
In order to reconstruct the three-dimensional extent of colluvial deposits in a supposed karst depression at Weiden, borehole-sampling was performed in a triangular pattern using a 10m-grid. The resulting 57 samples were combined with previously taken samples for predictive modelling, making a total of 80 samples. The approximation of the spatial extent of colluvial deposits in the depression was conducted using Spline and IDW interpolation types in ArcGIS. The accuracy of the modellings was statistically tested with χ2 -tests in R and the results of the methods were compared, some of which we will present at the conference.
online Jahrestagung des AK Geoarchäologie, 2021
Study area-Lower Engadine, Switzerland • Subalpine zone (1500-1800 m a.s.l.) of the mainly south-... more Study area-Lower Engadine, Switzerland • Subalpine zone (1500-1800 m a.s.l.) of the mainly south-facing, upper slopes of the Inn valley, above the modern settlement of Ramosch • Agricultural terraces of remarkable preservation • Vegetation: mires, patches of spruce-and larch forests (from former silvopasture), and grassland
In unserem Beitrag geht es um erste Ergebnisse einer geoarchäologischen Feldkampagne in Dzehkabtú... more In unserem Beitrag geht es um erste Ergebnisse einer geoarchäologischen Feldkampagne in Dzehkabtún, einer früh- bis postklassischen (ca. 300-1100 n. Chr.) Maya-Siedlung auf der Halbinsel Yucatán, Mexiko. Dieser Fundort wird bereits seit einigen Jahren archäologisch untersucht. Ziel des geoarchäologischen Forschungsprojekts ist die kleinräumige Untersuchung von Böden vor allem auf Freiflächen zwischen den einzelnen Hofgruppen der Siedlung, um anhand der Verteilung von Bodentypen räumliche und zeitliche Muster sowohl ungestörter Entwicklung als auch anthropogener Überprägung der Böden erkennen zu können.
Generell wird die Struktur von Maya-Siedlungen dominiert von locker gestreuten Hofgruppen, in denen Wohn- und Wirtschaftsgebäude auf einer gemeinsamen Plattform um einen Hof gruppiert sind. Zwischen den Hofgruppen finden sich Freiflächen, für die eine intensive gartenbauliche Nutzung angenommen wird. Eine solche setzt geeignete Böden voraus, doch wurden Böden in Maya-Siedlungen bisher kaum untersucht. Erste bodenkundliche Untersuchungen in Dzehkabtún zeigen, dass die Bodenbildung zwischen den Hofgruppen kleinräumig dispers verläuft: es finden sich durch Bodenerosion überprägte Böden (Kolluvisole) mit Keramik-, Holzkohle- und Grobbodenfragmenten, sowie tiefgründige rote Böden (Luvisole) ohne offenkundigen anthropogenen Einfluss. Hohe Tongehalte (50-70%) in den Bt-Horizonten der Luvisole weisen auf autochthone Entstehung durch Verwitterungsprozesse hin; jedoch sind recht hohe Schluffgehalte ein Indiz für Bodengenese mit äolischem Eintrag. Die Luvisole können daher als polygenetisch eingestuft werden. Im Rahmen künftiger Kampagnen soll dies mittels mikromorphologischer Analysen überprüft werden. Eine zeitliche Einordnung der Bodenentwicklung soll mittels eines umfassenden Datierungsprogramms (14C, OSL) erfolgen. Aus dem Verbund an archäologischen und bodenkundlichen Daten sollen letztlich Zusammenhänge zwischen Siedlungs- und Bodenentwicklung erschlossen werden.
Untersuchungsgebiet: • Hochflächen am Nordrand des Fränkischen Jura (ca. 450 km²) • Bronze-und Ei... more Untersuchungsgebiet: • Hochflächen am Nordrand des Fränkischen Jura (ca. 450 km²) • Bronze-und Eisenzeit (Ende 3. -Ende 1. Jt. v. Chr.) • Höhensiedlungen, Grabstätten, Ritualorte gut erforscht, ländliche Siedlungen dagegen kaum bekannt Fragestellung: • Siedlungsgeschichte: Wo befanden sich die ländlichen Siedlungen der Bronze-und Eisenzeit? Welche regionalen Siedlungsmuster lassen sich rekonstruieren, und wie sind diese zu interpretieren? • Landschaftsgeschichte: Wie hat sich die Landschaft während der Metallzeiten und seither unter dem Einfluss des Menschen verändert? Welche Folgen hat dies für Erhaltungs-und Auffindungsbedingungen? Vorgehensweise: • Identifikation potenzieller Siedlungsplätze anhand günstiger Geofaktoren • Regionale Fundstellenprospektion (Feldbegehung, Magnetometrie, Sondagen) • Bodengeographische Feldbegehung und Sondierungen • Flächengrabung an bekanntem Siedlungsplatz Bisherige Ergebnisse (Vorprojekt): • Mehrphasige bronzezeitliche Siedlung bei Kaspauer am Auslauf eines Nebentals zwischen Hochfläche und Talaue • Siedlungsbefunde im Magnetogramm bei Wunkendorf • Kolluvien mit Holzkohle in Muldenlagen auf Hochflächen als Anzeiger von Brandrodung und Ackerbau zur Bronzezeit Literatur: • Falkenstein, Frank. Hrsg. 2012. Hohler Stein, Rothensteine und Jungfernhöhle: Archäologische Forschungen zur prähistorischen Nutzung naturheiliger Plätze auf der Nördlichen Frankenalb. Würzburg:
Papers by Katja Kothieringer
European journal of archaeology, Feb 15, 2024
In this article, the authors present the salient archaeological results of a diachronic, interdis... more In this article, the authors present the salient archaeological results of a diachronic, interdisciplinary research project on rural settlement and land use in a region of low mountains in southern Germany. Despite clear locational disadvantages, in particular great distances to drinking water sources, archaeological excavations and an extensive dating programme document an unexpectedly long continuity of prehistoric settlement in the area.
Land, 2023
Current climate and environmental changes have brought unprecedented rates of change to mountain ... more Current climate and environmental changes have brought unprecedented rates of change to mountain ecosystems. These changes are impacting the provisioning of ecosystem services. Despite the increase in academic publications on ecosystem services, research on cultural ecosystem services (CES) and their availability in mountain regions has largely been neglected. Here we analyse how important different CES are for inhabitants and visitors in the Lower Engadine region (Switzerland). We use questionnaires and maps to identify the most important CES for individual and collective wellbeing as well as their geographical location in the region. We had 48 participants in this study of which 28 grew up in the Lower Engadine. Our results show that the most important (i.e., ‘Highly important’) CES are: ‘The view of mountains, rivers or glaciers’; the presence of plants typical for the region, for example Fire Lily and Edelweiss (i.e., Lilium bulbiliferum subsp. croceum, Edelweiss-Leontopodium alpinum); ‘Hiking’; ‘Local customs’; ‘Watching large mammals’; and the importance of ‘Terraces for traditional Agriculture activities’. Results from the spatial analysis show that identical geographical locations in the Lower Engadine provide multiple CES and bring health benefits to the users.
Archäologie Graubünden, 2021
Die gut erhaltene Terrassenlandschaft oberhalb von Ramosch hat eine lange Geschichte, deren acker... more Die gut erhaltene Terrassenlandschaft oberhalb von Ramosch hat eine lange Geschichte, deren ackerbauliche Nutzung im Mittelalter durch historische Quellen belegt ist. Doch bereits die prähistorische Siedlung auf der Mottata beweist, dass sie in eine stark vom Menschen überprägte Landschaft eingebettet war. Um der Frage nach der Entwicklung der Terrassen nachzugehen, engagiert sich seit einigen Jahren ein interdisziplinäres Forschungsprojekt mit dem Ursprung dieser Anlagen.
In: Letzte Jäger, erste Hirten: Hochalpine Archäologie in der Silvretta, Hrsg. Thomas Reitmaier, pp. 191-203. , 2012
Germany appears to be one of the few industrialized countries which are on track to fulfill the t... more Germany appears to be one of the few industrialized countries which are on track to fulfill the targets defined in the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. The EU-internal “burden sharing” requires that Germany ...
Welches Baumaterial wurde auf den Hochflächen der Frankenalb zum Mauerbau verwendet und welche Re... more Welches Baumaterial wurde auf den Hochflächen der Frankenalb zum Mauerbau verwendet und welche Ressourcen wurden dafür genutzt? War außer den Steintürmen und -kastellen am Raetischen Limes auch die Grenzmauer verputzt? Und wie hat man sich die Bauabfolge von Palisade und Graben zur Limesmauer konkret vorzustellen? Diesem nach wie vor nur eingeschränkt geklärten Fragenkomplex widmeten sich die jüngsten Feldforschungen der Universität Bamberg in Kooperation mit der Römisch-Germanischen Kommission und dem Bayerischen Landesamt für Denkmalpflege bei Zandt im Landkreis Eichstätt.
Palyno-Bulletin Vol. 3, 2015, 75-78, Sep 2015
Articles in peer-reviewed journals by Katja Kothieringer
European Journal of Archaeology, 2024
In this article, the authors present the salient archaeological results of a diachronic, interdis... more In this article, the authors present the salient archaeological results of a diachronic, interdisciplinary research project on rural settlement and land use in a region of low mountains in southern Germany. Despite clear locational disadvantages, in particular great distances to drinking water sources, archaeological excavations and an extensive dating programme document an unexpectedly long continuity of prehistoric settlement in the area.
The beginnings of the continuous human presence and of pastoral activities in the high mountainou... more The beginnings of the continuous human presence and of pastoral activities in the high mountainous region of Central Europe have recently become a frequently discussed topic in both archaeology and palaeoecology. In extreme environments such as the high Alpine main ridge and adjacent areas, highly adaptive subsistence strategies were required to exploit natural resources available in the subalpine and alpine zones. Such strategies were determined by changing environmental, social, and economic conditions. To investigate the relationships between settlement dynamics, human impact, and Holocene climatic changes, we studied the valleys of the Silvretta Massif in the central Eastern Alps between the Paznaun (Austria) and Lower Engadine valleys (Switzerland). We are presenting new archaeological, palaeoecological, and pedological evidence of continuous human activities from the Early Neolithic Period to the Bronze Age (∼ 5,500–800 BC). This evidence sheds new light on the beginnings of intensified human impact on the high mountainous landscape, i.e. activities beyond Mesolithic hunting along the timberline. Archaeological data suggest a shift in subsistence strategies from hunting to herding at the end of the Neolithic Period (∼ 2,800–2,500 BC). While palaeoecological data confirm this trend, they also indicate potentially earlier human and livestock impact through forest clearances by fire and grazing from about 4,200 BC onwards. In addition to archaeological sites and peat bogs, soils in high-altitude regions prove to be appropriate archives indicating former vegetation cover, shifts of timberline altitudes as well as disturbance of soil formation by human activity such as by slash-and-burn and by livestock grazing.
Authors: Katja Kothieringer, Christoph Walser, Benjamin Dietre, Thomas Reitmaier, Jean Nicolas Haas and Karsten Lambers
Uploads
Posters by Katja Kothieringer
With “Oppidum Závist in the 21st Century – New questions and methods for research and education”, its prehistoric occupation has become focus of a comprehensive surveying campaign, by combining remote sensing and geophysical mapping techniques with minimally invasive test coring and small excavations. The Bavarian Czech Higher Education Agency (BTHA)-funded project investigates the multi-walled enclosure extending 150ha over two hills for its use of space through time. GPR surveys revealed on “Balda”, another extensive man-made platform south of the acropolis, massive structural support and potential building foundations, most recently verified by excavation. At the baily on the foot of the eastern slope, magnetic surveys had previously revealed pits and linear features. Here, GPR results provide additional insights and a depth component. At the slopes, erosion has left culturally rich deposits for soil coring. Uncovered material is being 14C and OSL dated, as well as geochemically and micromorphologically analysed to differentiate the areas by their time of use. Systematic metal detector surveys display a spatial distribution of artefacts.
The aerial remote sensing focus lies on the less forested space within the outer walls of Závist, which was identified by magnetometry as a living and farming space. In consequence, any woodless area within the enclosure was covered by a DJI Mavic 3M multispectral drone survey to analyse potential cultural features through vegetation growth differences. Previous flights at other locations in Europe have shown great potential but also the limits of this method, as its success is very dependent on preceding weather conditions, similar to traditional aerial photography. Pre-flight area coverage planning and rapid and fully autonomous, GPS-guided data recording have simplified data collection and processing immensely. Using Structure from Motion (SfM), digital surface models of 10 cm and orthophotos of 3 cm resolution were created for the complete areas. If available on site, the usage of drones allows regular systematic coverage of a predefined area. Due to different tasks to be completed, flights at Závist were currently limited to one full area coverage in May 2024. Bohemia had suffered a dry spring, which prevented crops to grow and prevented better survey results in some areas. Image enhancements and vegetation indices have improved the visualisation of results. For comparison purposes, aerial data was also collected at Stradonice, another large oppidum to the south-west of Prague. This location is mostly covered by agricultural fields, theoretically better supporting multispectral remote sensing for archaeological purposes.
In diesem Posterbeitrag werden die Ergebnisse neuer Untersuchungen zum Einfluss des Klimas auf die alpine Hochlagennutzung am Übergang vom Neolithikum zur frühen Bronzezeit in den zentralen Ostalpen - Graubünden (CH), Tirol, Vorarlberg (beide A) und Vinschgau (I) – anhand archäologischer, paläoökologischer und pedologischer Proxydaten vorgestellt.
Der hochalpine Raum reagiert besonders sensibel auf sich verändernde Umweltbedingungen. Schon geringe klimatische Variationen können das Ökosystem stark beeinflussen. Die Klimabedingungen im Alpenraum ab dem zweiten Jahrtausend v. Chr. sind in etwa mit jenen zwischen Mitte des 19. und Mitte 2o. Jahrhundert n. Chr. vergleichbar (Nicolussi 2oo9, 121). Verschiedene Proxydatensätze deuten für diesen Zeitraum auf eine sich verändernde Niederschlagssaisonalität, hin zu mehr Niederschlag im Sommer (Nicolussi 2oo9, 119).
Aus archäologischer Sicht ist der Übergang vom Neolithikum zur frühen Bronzezeit in den zentralen Ostalpen durch einen massiven Siedlungsausbau gekennzeichnet, der auch peripher gelegene Talschaften miteinbezieht. Diese Landnahme zeichnet sich im archäologischen Fundbild in einer intensivierten Nutzung der alpinen Hochlagen ab, also der Gebiete oberhalb von 2ooo m.ü.M. Bestätigt wird dieses Bild durch neue palynologische und (paläo-)pedologische Untersuchungen aus der Silvretta-Region im Grenzgebiet zwischen Österreich und der Schweiz. Diese legen für diesen Zeitabschnitt verstärkten menschlichen Eingriff im Waldgrenzbereich in Form von Brandrodung nahe, der mit einer Zunahme von Weide- und Kulturzeigerpflanzen einherging.
Die hier präsentierten Forschungen zeigen auf, dass die Intensivierung der Hochlagennutzung in den zentralen Ostalpen zu Beginn der Bronzezeit parallel mit der Aufsiedlung der inneralpinen Talschaften verlief und nach heutigem Erkenntnisstand wohl weitgehend unabhängig von etwaigen klimatischen Stressoren vor sich gegangen sein dürfte.
Literatur
K. Nicolussi, Klimaentwicklung in den Alpen während der letzten 7ooo Jahre. In K. Oeggl/M. Prast (Hrsg.), Die Geschichte des Bergbaus in Tirol und seinen angrenzenden Gebieten. Impulsreferat zum 3. Milestone-Meeting des SFB HiMAT vom 23.-26.1o.2oo8 in Silbertal. Innsbruck University Press, 2oo9, 1o9–24.
The poster will present the results of recent investigations into the impact of the climate on the use of high-altitude Alpine areas during the transition between the Neolithic period and the Early Bronze Age in the central Eastern Alps – Grisons (Switzerland), Tyrol and Vorarlberg (Austria), and Vinschgau Valley (Italy) – using archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and pedological proxy data.
High-alpine areas are particularly sensitive to environmental change. Even the slightest climatic variation can have a significant impact on the ecosystem. From the second 2nd millennium BC onwards, the climatic conditions in the Alps would have been comparable to those from the mid-19th to the mid-2oth centuries AD (Nicolussi 2oo9, 121). Various proxy datasets suggest that seasonal precipitation changed during this particular phase towards increased precipitation in summer (Nicolussi 2oo9, 119).
From an archaeological point of view the transition from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in the central Eastern Alps was characterised by a massive settlement expansion which also included peripheral valleys. In the archaeological record this expansion manifests itself in a more intense use of high-altitude areas, i.e. areas over 2ooo m a.s.l. This is supported by palynological and (palaeo) pedological investigations recently carried out in the Silvretta region in the border area between Austria and Switzerland. They suggest that the period was characterised by increased human impact in the treeline areas as attested to by land-clearances using the slash-and-burn method, along with an increase in pasture and anthropogenic indicator plants.
The research presented here shows that the increased use of high-altitude areas in the central Eastern Alps at the beginning of the Bronze Age occurred at the same time as the settlement expansion in the inner alpine valleys and, according to the current state of research, would largely have taken place independent of any climatic stressors.
References
K. Nicolussi, Klimaentwicklung in den Alpen während der letzten 7ooo Jahre. In K. Oeggl/M. Prast (Hrsg.), Die Geschichte des Bergbaus in Tirol und seinen angrenzenden Gebieten. Impulsreferat zum 3. Milestone-Meeting des SFB HiMAT vom 23.-26.1o.2oo8 in Silbertal. Innsbruck University Press, 2oo9, 1o9–24.
In this paper, we present preliminary results from investigations at the Bronze to Iron Age settlement site of Weiden with the goal to better understand the small-scale distribution of colluvial deposits. The hypothesis that the major portion of deposits are to be found in a prominent down-slope depression had to be rejected soon. Deposits were unevenly distributed, probably due to the abundant presence of karst formations in the underground. First radiocarbon datings point to a strong Medieval overprint of the slopes; single depressions, however, must have served as sediment traps already in the Bronze and Iron Ages.
In order to reconstruct the three-dimensional extent of colluvial deposits in a supposed karst depression at Weiden, borehole-sampling was performed in a triangular pattern using a 10m-grid. The resulting 57 samples were combined with previously taken samples for predictive modelling, making a total of 80 samples. The approximation of the spatial extent of colluvial deposits in the depression was conducted using Spline and IDW interpolation types in ArcGIS. The accuracy of the modellings was statistically tested with χ2 -tests in R and the results of the methods were compared, some of which we will present at the conference.
Generell wird die Struktur von Maya-Siedlungen dominiert von locker gestreuten Hofgruppen, in denen Wohn- und Wirtschaftsgebäude auf einer gemeinsamen Plattform um einen Hof gruppiert sind. Zwischen den Hofgruppen finden sich Freiflächen, für die eine intensive gartenbauliche Nutzung angenommen wird. Eine solche setzt geeignete Böden voraus, doch wurden Böden in Maya-Siedlungen bisher kaum untersucht. Erste bodenkundliche Untersuchungen in Dzehkabtún zeigen, dass die Bodenbildung zwischen den Hofgruppen kleinräumig dispers verläuft: es finden sich durch Bodenerosion überprägte Böden (Kolluvisole) mit Keramik-, Holzkohle- und Grobbodenfragmenten, sowie tiefgründige rote Böden (Luvisole) ohne offenkundigen anthropogenen Einfluss. Hohe Tongehalte (50-70%) in den Bt-Horizonten der Luvisole weisen auf autochthone Entstehung durch Verwitterungsprozesse hin; jedoch sind recht hohe Schluffgehalte ein Indiz für Bodengenese mit äolischem Eintrag. Die Luvisole können daher als polygenetisch eingestuft werden. Im Rahmen künftiger Kampagnen soll dies mittels mikromorphologischer Analysen überprüft werden. Eine zeitliche Einordnung der Bodenentwicklung soll mittels eines umfassenden Datierungsprogramms (14C, OSL) erfolgen. Aus dem Verbund an archäologischen und bodenkundlichen Daten sollen letztlich Zusammenhänge zwischen Siedlungs- und Bodenentwicklung erschlossen werden.
Papers by Katja Kothieringer
Articles in peer-reviewed journals by Katja Kothieringer
Authors: Katja Kothieringer, Christoph Walser, Benjamin Dietre, Thomas Reitmaier, Jean Nicolas Haas and Karsten Lambers
With “Oppidum Závist in the 21st Century – New questions and methods for research and education”, its prehistoric occupation has become focus of a comprehensive surveying campaign, by combining remote sensing and geophysical mapping techniques with minimally invasive test coring and small excavations. The Bavarian Czech Higher Education Agency (BTHA)-funded project investigates the multi-walled enclosure extending 150ha over two hills for its use of space through time. GPR surveys revealed on “Balda”, another extensive man-made platform south of the acropolis, massive structural support and potential building foundations, most recently verified by excavation. At the baily on the foot of the eastern slope, magnetic surveys had previously revealed pits and linear features. Here, GPR results provide additional insights and a depth component. At the slopes, erosion has left culturally rich deposits for soil coring. Uncovered material is being 14C and OSL dated, as well as geochemically and micromorphologically analysed to differentiate the areas by their time of use. Systematic metal detector surveys display a spatial distribution of artefacts.
The aerial remote sensing focus lies on the less forested space within the outer walls of Závist, which was identified by magnetometry as a living and farming space. In consequence, any woodless area within the enclosure was covered by a DJI Mavic 3M multispectral drone survey to analyse potential cultural features through vegetation growth differences. Previous flights at other locations in Europe have shown great potential but also the limits of this method, as its success is very dependent on preceding weather conditions, similar to traditional aerial photography. Pre-flight area coverage planning and rapid and fully autonomous, GPS-guided data recording have simplified data collection and processing immensely. Using Structure from Motion (SfM), digital surface models of 10 cm and orthophotos of 3 cm resolution were created for the complete areas. If available on site, the usage of drones allows regular systematic coverage of a predefined area. Due to different tasks to be completed, flights at Závist were currently limited to one full area coverage in May 2024. Bohemia had suffered a dry spring, which prevented crops to grow and prevented better survey results in some areas. Image enhancements and vegetation indices have improved the visualisation of results. For comparison purposes, aerial data was also collected at Stradonice, another large oppidum to the south-west of Prague. This location is mostly covered by agricultural fields, theoretically better supporting multispectral remote sensing for archaeological purposes.
In diesem Posterbeitrag werden die Ergebnisse neuer Untersuchungen zum Einfluss des Klimas auf die alpine Hochlagennutzung am Übergang vom Neolithikum zur frühen Bronzezeit in den zentralen Ostalpen - Graubünden (CH), Tirol, Vorarlberg (beide A) und Vinschgau (I) – anhand archäologischer, paläoökologischer und pedologischer Proxydaten vorgestellt.
Der hochalpine Raum reagiert besonders sensibel auf sich verändernde Umweltbedingungen. Schon geringe klimatische Variationen können das Ökosystem stark beeinflussen. Die Klimabedingungen im Alpenraum ab dem zweiten Jahrtausend v. Chr. sind in etwa mit jenen zwischen Mitte des 19. und Mitte 2o. Jahrhundert n. Chr. vergleichbar (Nicolussi 2oo9, 121). Verschiedene Proxydatensätze deuten für diesen Zeitraum auf eine sich verändernde Niederschlagssaisonalität, hin zu mehr Niederschlag im Sommer (Nicolussi 2oo9, 119).
Aus archäologischer Sicht ist der Übergang vom Neolithikum zur frühen Bronzezeit in den zentralen Ostalpen durch einen massiven Siedlungsausbau gekennzeichnet, der auch peripher gelegene Talschaften miteinbezieht. Diese Landnahme zeichnet sich im archäologischen Fundbild in einer intensivierten Nutzung der alpinen Hochlagen ab, also der Gebiete oberhalb von 2ooo m.ü.M. Bestätigt wird dieses Bild durch neue palynologische und (paläo-)pedologische Untersuchungen aus der Silvretta-Region im Grenzgebiet zwischen Österreich und der Schweiz. Diese legen für diesen Zeitabschnitt verstärkten menschlichen Eingriff im Waldgrenzbereich in Form von Brandrodung nahe, der mit einer Zunahme von Weide- und Kulturzeigerpflanzen einherging.
Die hier präsentierten Forschungen zeigen auf, dass die Intensivierung der Hochlagennutzung in den zentralen Ostalpen zu Beginn der Bronzezeit parallel mit der Aufsiedlung der inneralpinen Talschaften verlief und nach heutigem Erkenntnisstand wohl weitgehend unabhängig von etwaigen klimatischen Stressoren vor sich gegangen sein dürfte.
Literatur
K. Nicolussi, Klimaentwicklung in den Alpen während der letzten 7ooo Jahre. In K. Oeggl/M. Prast (Hrsg.), Die Geschichte des Bergbaus in Tirol und seinen angrenzenden Gebieten. Impulsreferat zum 3. Milestone-Meeting des SFB HiMAT vom 23.-26.1o.2oo8 in Silbertal. Innsbruck University Press, 2oo9, 1o9–24.
The poster will present the results of recent investigations into the impact of the climate on the use of high-altitude Alpine areas during the transition between the Neolithic period and the Early Bronze Age in the central Eastern Alps – Grisons (Switzerland), Tyrol and Vorarlberg (Austria), and Vinschgau Valley (Italy) – using archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and pedological proxy data.
High-alpine areas are particularly sensitive to environmental change. Even the slightest climatic variation can have a significant impact on the ecosystem. From the second 2nd millennium BC onwards, the climatic conditions in the Alps would have been comparable to those from the mid-19th to the mid-2oth centuries AD (Nicolussi 2oo9, 121). Various proxy datasets suggest that seasonal precipitation changed during this particular phase towards increased precipitation in summer (Nicolussi 2oo9, 119).
From an archaeological point of view the transition from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in the central Eastern Alps was characterised by a massive settlement expansion which also included peripheral valleys. In the archaeological record this expansion manifests itself in a more intense use of high-altitude areas, i.e. areas over 2ooo m a.s.l. This is supported by palynological and (palaeo) pedological investigations recently carried out in the Silvretta region in the border area between Austria and Switzerland. They suggest that the period was characterised by increased human impact in the treeline areas as attested to by land-clearances using the slash-and-burn method, along with an increase in pasture and anthropogenic indicator plants.
The research presented here shows that the increased use of high-altitude areas in the central Eastern Alps at the beginning of the Bronze Age occurred at the same time as the settlement expansion in the inner alpine valleys and, according to the current state of research, would largely have taken place independent of any climatic stressors.
References
K. Nicolussi, Klimaentwicklung in den Alpen während der letzten 7ooo Jahre. In K. Oeggl/M. Prast (Hrsg.), Die Geschichte des Bergbaus in Tirol und seinen angrenzenden Gebieten. Impulsreferat zum 3. Milestone-Meeting des SFB HiMAT vom 23.-26.1o.2oo8 in Silbertal. Innsbruck University Press, 2oo9, 1o9–24.
In this paper, we present preliminary results from investigations at the Bronze to Iron Age settlement site of Weiden with the goal to better understand the small-scale distribution of colluvial deposits. The hypothesis that the major portion of deposits are to be found in a prominent down-slope depression had to be rejected soon. Deposits were unevenly distributed, probably due to the abundant presence of karst formations in the underground. First radiocarbon datings point to a strong Medieval overprint of the slopes; single depressions, however, must have served as sediment traps already in the Bronze and Iron Ages.
In order to reconstruct the three-dimensional extent of colluvial deposits in a supposed karst depression at Weiden, borehole-sampling was performed in a triangular pattern using a 10m-grid. The resulting 57 samples were combined with previously taken samples for predictive modelling, making a total of 80 samples. The approximation of the spatial extent of colluvial deposits in the depression was conducted using Spline and IDW interpolation types in ArcGIS. The accuracy of the modellings was statistically tested with χ2 -tests in R and the results of the methods were compared, some of which we will present at the conference.
Generell wird die Struktur von Maya-Siedlungen dominiert von locker gestreuten Hofgruppen, in denen Wohn- und Wirtschaftsgebäude auf einer gemeinsamen Plattform um einen Hof gruppiert sind. Zwischen den Hofgruppen finden sich Freiflächen, für die eine intensive gartenbauliche Nutzung angenommen wird. Eine solche setzt geeignete Böden voraus, doch wurden Böden in Maya-Siedlungen bisher kaum untersucht. Erste bodenkundliche Untersuchungen in Dzehkabtún zeigen, dass die Bodenbildung zwischen den Hofgruppen kleinräumig dispers verläuft: es finden sich durch Bodenerosion überprägte Böden (Kolluvisole) mit Keramik-, Holzkohle- und Grobbodenfragmenten, sowie tiefgründige rote Böden (Luvisole) ohne offenkundigen anthropogenen Einfluss. Hohe Tongehalte (50-70%) in den Bt-Horizonten der Luvisole weisen auf autochthone Entstehung durch Verwitterungsprozesse hin; jedoch sind recht hohe Schluffgehalte ein Indiz für Bodengenese mit äolischem Eintrag. Die Luvisole können daher als polygenetisch eingestuft werden. Im Rahmen künftiger Kampagnen soll dies mittels mikromorphologischer Analysen überprüft werden. Eine zeitliche Einordnung der Bodenentwicklung soll mittels eines umfassenden Datierungsprogramms (14C, OSL) erfolgen. Aus dem Verbund an archäologischen und bodenkundlichen Daten sollen letztlich Zusammenhänge zwischen Siedlungs- und Bodenentwicklung erschlossen werden.
Authors: Katja Kothieringer, Christoph Walser, Benjamin Dietre, Thomas Reitmaier, Jean Nicolas Haas and Karsten Lambers
L’aménagement précoce et l’exploitation économique des zones alpines de haute altitude par l’homme préhistorique suscitent depuis longtemps l’intérêt dans la recherche archéologique. Deux projets caractérisés par une forte interdisciplinarité ont été consacrés à ces thèmes au cours des dernières années à la Silvretta (CH/A) et au Montafon (A). Plusieurs sites d’abris sous roche ainsi que des structures de bâtiments en pierres sèches, allant du Néolithique à l’époque romaine, en passant par l’âge du Bronze et du Fer, ont notamment été étudiés. Cet article présente les résultats des analyses géoarchéologiques et micromorphologiques complémentaires de ces structures, ainsi qu’un contexte off-site. À partir de cette analyse, la détectabilité et la dynamique du pastoralisme préhistorique dans les régions (sub)alpines, de même que l’influence des hommes et des animaux sur les sols alpins, sont abordées.
La prima utilizzazione e lo sfruttamento economico degli altopiani alpini da parte degli uomini preistorici interessano da tempo la ricerca archeologica. Negli ultimi anni due progetti, fortemente interdisciplinari fin dall’inizio, sono stati dedicati a questi temi: nel Silvretta (CH/A) e nella Montafon (A). Sono stati esaminati tra l’altro diversi ripari sotto roccia e strutture edilizie con muri a secco, realizzati dal Neolitico fino all’epoca romana, passando per l’età del Bronzo e l’età del Ferro. Il presente articolo propone i risultati delle analisi geoarcheologiche e micromorfologiche di questi ritrovamenti e degli aspetti off-site. Sulla base di questo studio sono discussi la verificabilità e la dinamica della gestione dei pascoli preistorici nelle località (sub)alpine, nonché l’impatto di uomini e animali sui suoli alpini.
The early occupation and exploitation of the Alpine region by prehistoric people has been an area of interest for archaeological researchers for some time now. In recent years, two projects with a special emphasis on interdisciplinary working, one in the Silvretta region (CH/A), the other in the Montafon Valley (A), have dealt with these themes. Various rock shelters and dry stone constructions ranging from the Neolithic period and the Bronze and Iron Ages to the Roman period were examined as part of these projects. This paper presents the results obtained from geoarchaeological and micromorphological analyses carried out on the features and in one off-site setting. The insight gathered is used as a basis upon which to discuss the traceability and dynamics of the prehistoric pasture economy in (sub-)Alpine areas on one hand and the impact of humans and animals on Alpine soils on the other.
Jura between the cities of Bayreuth and Bamberg. Our research aims at the reconstruction of settlement patterns and strategies of land use during the Metal Ages (Bronze Age and Iron Age) in the catchment area of the river Weismain. The project is designed as a case study for research into the settlement and landscape history of a rural region of the Central German Uplands during the last two millennia before our era.