scholarly journals Study on the Middle Bronze Age Disc-Butted Axe Ornament from Archaeometallurgical Point of View

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 9814
Author(s):  
Ioan Gabriel Sandu ◽  
Viorica Vasilache ◽  
Ion Sandu ◽  
Felix Adrian Tencariu ◽  
Andrei Victor Sandu
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Copper Alloys ◽  
Phase Variation ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Preservation Condition ◽  
The Social ◽  
Middle Bronze Age ◽  
Surface Decoration

Our research was conducted on a copper disc-butted axe, with a surface decoration made of a tin-based alloy, which was found east of the Carpathian Mountains in the Moldavian Plateau. This unique piece is thought to belong to the Middle Bronze Age in the Western Carpathians—Wietenberg, Suciu de Sus and Otomani–Füzesabony cultures. In order to evaluate the application process and the origin of the ores used, the surface and volume phase variation of the concentration of the metal components of the basic alloy (copper) and of the ornament was analysed using optical microscopy (OM), stereomicroscopy (SM) and SEM-EDX. The archaeometric features, formed both during its use and during its lying in the archaeological site, were identified and later used in archaeometallurgical evaluations and in determining the preservation condition of the two components (axe and ornament) on the surface, interface and in stratigraphic section. Experimental data revealed that, after its casting in porous silicon stone moulds, the object was coated with a thin film by immersion in an easily fusible tin alloy, which included copper as the major alloying component and arsenic and iron as minor components. After finishing the shiny white coat, a beautiful decoration was applied by incision and engraving. Used as a battle axe, it also had a rank function, as it belonged to the community leaders. The data prove the ability of ancient craftsmen to design and process copper alloys to obtain authentic extremely beautiful artefacts, which provide new possibilities to reveal the social and symbolic function of certain ancient bronze objects.

scholarly journals TESTING THE MIDDLE GROUND IN ASSYRO-ANATOLIAN MARRIAGES OF THE KĀRUM PERIOD

Iraq ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 71-83
Author(s):  
Yağmur Heffron
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Social History ◽  
Central Anatolia ◽  
Middle Ground ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Cultural Contact ◽  
The Social ◽  
History Of ◽  
Middle Bronze Age ◽  
Dynamic Time

Central Anatolia in the Middle Bronze Age is marked by a well-documented Old Assyrian presence during the kārum period (20th–17th century b.c.), a dynamic time of long-distance trade and cultural contact. One of the idiosyncrasies of the social history of this period is a special bigamous arrangement which allowed Assyrian men to enter second marriages on the condition that one wife remained at home in Aššur, and the other in Anatolia. In testing the extent to which a middle ground for cross-cultural compromise is recognisable in such Assyro-Anatolian marriage practices, this article considers whether the terminology used in reference to the first and second wives (amtum and aššatum respectively) can be interpreted as the crucial element of misunderstanding in middle ground formation.

Traditions of Metal-Working in the Later Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of Britain: Part I

1963 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 258-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Britton
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Bronze Age ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Other ◽  
Early Bronze Age ◽  
Metal Working ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Middle Bronze Age ◽  
The One

This paper is concerned with the earliest use in Britain of copper and bronze, from the first artifacts of copper in the later Neolithic until the transition from the Early to the Middle Bronze Age, as marked by palstaves and haft-flanged axes. It does not attempt to deal with all the material, but instead certain classes of evidence have been chosen to illustrate some of the main styles of workmanship. These groups have been considered both from the point of view of their archaeology, and of the technology they imply.Such an approach requires on the one hand that the artifacts are sorted into types, their associations in graves and hoards studied, their distributions plotted, and finally a consideration of the evidence for their affinities and chronology. On the other hand there are questions also of interest that need a different standpoint. Of what metals or alloys are the objects made? Can their sources be located? How did the smiths set about their work? Over what regions was production carried out? If we are to understand as much as we might of the life of prehistoric times, then surely we should look at material culture from as many view-points as possible—in this case, the manner and setting of its production as well as its classification.

scholarly journals Novos dados sobre os hipogeus do Bronze Pleno de Torre Velha 3 (Serpa): contextos sepulcrais e estudo do espólio osteológico humano

2016 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Daniel Ferreira Fidalgo ◽  
Eduardo Porfírio ◽  
Ana Maria Silva
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Human Remains ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Late Neolithic ◽  
Male Adult ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Middle Bronze Age ◽  
Masticatory System

O presente trabalho incide sobre a análise antropológica do espólio ósseo humano recuperado de 21 hipogeus do arqueossítio de Torre Velha 3 (TV3; São Salvador, Serpa), datados entre os meados e a segunda metade do II milénio a.C.. Dezasseis hipogeus são individuais, três duplos (uma inumação in situ com uma redução associada) e um triplo (enterramento duplo com uma redução associada) e dois contextos funerários inconclusivos. Todos os restos ósseos humanos foram recuperados da câmara funerária. Para além destes, um hipogeu continha um enterramento com uma redução associada na câmara e uma inumação primária na antecâmara. Destes sepulcros foram exumados 28 indivíduos, 22 adultos (11 do sexo feminino, nove do masculino e dois casos indeterminados), cinco não adultos e um em que não foi possível atribuir uma faixa etária. Nas inumações primárias e individuais, as oferendas cárneas encontram-se associadas a adultos de ambos os sexos. Por sua vez as cerâmicas e punções surgem somente em enterramentos do sexo feminino, com a excepção de um punção associado ao adulto do sexo masculino [2007]. Recorrendo à análise estatística de componentes principais, foi possível observar que as diferenças na morfologia dentária de TV3 em comparação com outras amostras da Pré-História recente Peninsular são mínimas, e podem ser explicadas por mudanças genéticas associadas a possíveis contactos e interações interregionais. Foram ainda identificados padrões de desgaste dentário atípico que sugerem o uso parafuncional do sistema mastigatório de adultos do sexo feminino. Relativamente à patologia oral, a incidência de lesões cariogénicas na amostra é de 5,85% (29/495), e afecta cerca de 57% dos indivíduos analisados (n=21). Estes valores são superiores à maioria das amostras comparadas do Neolítico Final/Calcolítico do actual território Português, mas semelhantes aos registados para outras comunidades da Idade do Bronze. New data on the Middle Bronze Age hypogea of Torre Velha 3 (Serpa): burial contexts and the study of the human osteological remains - The present work focuses on the anthropological analysis of the human remains exhumed from 21 hypogea of the archaeological site of Torre Velha 3 (TV3; São Salvador, Serpa), which is dated between the middle and second half of the II millennium B.C. Sixteen hypogea were individual, three double (one in situ burial with an associated reduction) and one triple (double burial with associated reduction) and two inconclusive funerary contexts. The human remains were collected unearthed from the chambers of the tombs. Besides these, one hypogeum displayed an in situ burial with an associated reduction in the chamber and other in situ burial in theantechamber. From these tombs were exhumed 28 individuals, 22 adults (11 females, nine males and 2 inconclusive), five non adults and one unknown. In primary and individual burials, meat offering were found in association with adults from both sexes. Ceramic vessels and awls are found only in female burials, with the exception of one awl found in association with the male adult [2007]. Using a principal component analyses, it was possible to observe that the differences in dental morphological traits found in TV3, in comparison with other samples from the Iberian Peninsula’s recent pre-history, are minimal and can be explained by genetic changes derived from possible inter-regional contacts and interactions. Some atypical dental wear patterns were also identified, mostly in adult females, and these suggest the parafunctional use of the masticatory system. Finally, the incidence of cariogenic lesions found is 5.85% (29/495), affecting around 57% of the individuals analysed (n=21). These values are higher than Late Neolithic/Chalcolithic samples from nowadays Portugal, but similar to the values found in Bronze Age samples.

scholarly journals Mesopotamian cylinder seal from Lori Berd (Armenia): An object in an unusual location?

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben Davtyan
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Prestige Goods ◽  
Unusual Location ◽  
Middle Bronze Age

Archaeological Site: Lori Berd (Northern Armenia); cemetery, dating from Middle Bronze Age till Achaemenid period.Tomb No. 106: stone chamber. Ceramic and part of the finds date to Achaemenid period. Also a pinkish chalcedony cylinder seal with gold caps on gold pin. Iconography: standing figure, seizing two upstanding caprids surrounded by symbolic fillings.Dating: a Neo-Babylonian cylinder seal of late 8th till 7th century BC.Similar example: usage of Neo-Assyrian/Babylonian cylinder seal by Irtashduna (wife of Darius I) around 500 BC.Interpretation: suitable for reciprocity of gifts in prestige-goods system of Achaemenid period. Perhaps a gift from satrap to local chief.

scholarly journals Necropolis on Bor lake: New reports on Bronze age burial

Starinar ◽  
2011 ◽  
pp. 141-153
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Kapuran ◽  
Natasa Miladinovic-Radmilovic
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Copper Production ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Mutual Dependence ◽  
The Social ◽  
Metallurgical Furnaces ◽  
Middle Bronze Age ◽  
Burial Rituals ◽  
Melted Metal

This article deals with the social and anthropological aspects of burial rituals during the Middle Bronze Age in Timocka Krajina. Decades of systematic research of necropolises and reconnaissance in the basin of the Crni Timok proved an increase in number of sites around ore - rich areas of the east Kucaj mountains as well as around Romuliana site and the fertile valleys of Dzanovo polje (Map. 1). The quantitative increase in settlements was reflected by the emergence of large necropolises, only three of which have been systematically explored; those in Trnjani, Magura and Bor Lake (Fig. 1; Plan 1). Analysis of geographical features of many settlements and their position in relation to natural resources helped define two communities, one of which carried out mining and metallurgical activities, while the other group engaged in the production of food. Both groups lived in the immediate vicinity and mutual dependence, functioning within a developed market for copper production. During the exploration of the necropolis near Bor Lake in 1997, the remains of burnt skeletons were collected from burial structures 2/97 and 13/97 (Fig. 2; Plans 2 and 3). Anthropological analysis of the cremated remains of the deceased showed that high temperatures were used during the cremation process, which we assume could have only been achieved in metallurgical furnaces. This is confirmed by the fact that the skeletal fragments contain traces of melted metal, as well as finds of bronze slag inside urns and grave structures in the necropolis in Trnjani (Figs. 3 and 4; Tables 1-4). Burial ritual of this kind was not proved by systematic archaeological research of necropolises in the basin of Crni Timok, although anthropological data collected from necropolises linked to metallurgical settlements may indicate some guidelines in the ritual cremation of prominent members of these communities.

The Relief of Harput

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Eşref Abay ◽  
Bülent Demir ◽  
Veli Sevin
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Eastern Turkey ◽  
Early Dynastic ◽  
Old Babylonian ◽  
Stone Slab ◽  
Middle Bronze Age

Abstract In the spring of 2016 a unique stone slab carved in relief was accidentally discovered on Kurey Tepesi near Harput/Elazığ in eastern Turkey. The relief depicts the capture of a heavily fortified city in horizontally arranged registers. At first sight it comes to recognition that the Harput Relief stands in the tradition of Mesopotamian victory steles, starting with the Eannatum Stele (Stele of Vultures) in Early Dynastic Sumer (c. 2900–2350 BC) and continuing with the kings of Akkad (c. 2350–2150 BC). From a stylistic and iconographic point of view, the relief seems closer to the victory stele of Daduša of Ešnunna and the Mardin Stele of the early Old Babylonian period (c. 2000–1600 BC). The subsequently excavated archaeological context, a heavily burned architectural layer, contained Middle Bronze Age I pottery typical of the Elazığ-Malatya region, corroborating a date in the early second millennium BC.

scholarly journals Reconstructing genetic histories and social organisation in Neolithic and Bronze Age Croatia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Freilich ◽  
Harald Ringbauer ◽  
Dženi Los ◽  
Mario Novak ◽  
Dinko Tresić Pavičić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Social Organisation ◽  
Early Neolithic ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Genome Data ◽  
The Social ◽  
Middle Bronze Age ◽  
Genetic Continuity ◽  
The Bronze Age ◽  
Shed Light

AbstractAncient DNA studies have revealed how human migrations from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age transformed the social and genetic structure of European societies. Present-day Croatia lies at the heart of ancient migration routes through Europe, yet our knowledge about social and genetic processes here remains sparse. To shed light on these questions, we report new whole-genome data for 28 individuals dated to between ~ 4700 BCE–400 CE from two sites in present-day eastern Croatia. In the Middle Neolithic we evidence first cousin mating practices and strong genetic continuity from the Early Neolithic. In the Middle Bronze Age community that we studied, we find multiple closely related males suggesting a patrilocal social organisation. We also find in that community an unexpected genetic ancestry profile distinct from individuals found at contemporaneous sites in the region, due to the addition of hunter-gatherer-related ancestry. These findings support archaeological evidence for contacts with communities further north in the Carpathian Basin. Finally, an individual dated to Roman times exhibits an ancestry profile that is broadly present in the region today, adding an important data point to the substantial shift in ancestry that occurred in the region between the Bronze Age and today.

Stock Raising and the Origins of the Hill Fort on the South Downs

1971 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Early Iron Age ◽  
The South ◽  
Economic Basis ◽  
The Social ◽  
Cultural Implications ◽  
Middle Bronze Age ◽  
The Hill ◽  
The Impact

SummaryThe first part of this paper is a discussion of the basic pattern of land use on the South Downs from the Middle Bronze Age to the early Pre-Roman Iron Age. In the second part, the impact upon this pattern of a group of Bronze and Iron Age stock enclosures is considered, and it is argued that these developed directly into a number of small hill forts. A contemporary group of larger, early Iron Age, hill forts is also defined, and it appears that these too grew up upon an economic basis of stock raising. The social and cultural implications of these developments are discussed, and tentative contrasts are drawn with the nature of later hill forts in the region.

scholarly journals Chalcolithic and Bronze Age (4th to 3rd Millennia BC) Burials with Gold Ornaments in the Caucasian Mineral Waters Area

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-32
Author(s):  
S. N. Korenevskiy
Keyword(s):  
Social Structure ◽  
Bronze Age ◽  
Mineral Waters ◽  
North Caucasus ◽  
Social Models ◽  
The North ◽  
The Social ◽  
Central Caucasus ◽  
Middle Bronze Age ◽  
The Military

This article presents a brief overview of Maikop-Novosvobodnaya assemblages with gold ornaments. Special attention is paid to symbolism. Gold ring pendants were found in four Middle Bronze Age burials near Meneralnye Vody, central north Caucasus. One of them (burial 4 under kurgan 3 at Lysogorsky-6) is very unusual. It was arranged under a seven-meter-high mound and contained a set of weapons and implements placed on wooden dishes. Among the stones heaped on the burial, an offering was found — two crania of bulls. Burials of warriors with bronze and stone axes, excavated in central Caucasus, are discussed. The Maikop-Novosvobodnaya people (4th millennium BC) and those of the North Caucasian culture (3rd millennium BC) differed with regard to social structure mirrored by the burials. While both those societies were on the early pre-state stage, the social models were different. The Chalcolithic society was marked by the military and production symbolism, specifi cally that related to carpentry, and the ranking was super-elitary, with abundant gold placed in burials. In the Middle Bronze Age society, symbols related to carpentry were still used, but along with bronze axes of the Transcaucasian (Nacherkezevi) type. Stone axes were associated with smithcraft. The higher degree of military elite stratifi cation at that stage is revealed by assemblages with impact weapons and golden pendants attached to the headgear.

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