Örni Akeret

Plant macrofossils and pollen in goat/sheep faeces from the Neolithic lake-shore settlement Arbon Bleiche 3, Switzerland

Over 300 goat/sheep faeces from the Neolithic lake-shore settlement of Arbon Bleiche 3 (3384–3370 bc) were analysed for macrofossils and 22 of them for pollen. Two main types of fodder could be detected, which were both consumed in winter. The more frequent type is characterized by remains of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus s. l.) probably showing the use of pasture in the near surroundings of the settlement. The second type is dominated by leaf fragments of silver fir (Abies alba) and by pollen and anthers of early-flowering shrubs such as hazel (Corylus avellana) and alder (Alnus sp.), pointing in the latter cases to additional foddering of twigs to livestock inside the settlement in times of shortage. Comparison with other Neolithic sites of Switzerland reveals differences that may indicate local adaptations in the keeping of goats or sheep.

Analysis of plant macrofossils in goat/sheep faeces from the Neolithic lake shore settlement of Horgen Scheller - an indication of prehistoric transhumance?

Abstract213 goat or sheep faeces from the Neolithic lake shore settlement of Horgen Scheller (Switzerland) were analysed for plant macrofossils. Only 51 (24%) of them contained identifiable remains. The most frequent finds were prickles of Rosaceae, probably blackberry (Rubus fruticosus s.l.). This is interpreted as food that was grazed from hedges, woodland edges or clearings in winter or spring. Faeces from summer or autumn are apparently not present. Explanations for this are discussed, among which trans-humance seems most probable.

On-site data cast doubts on the hypothesis of shifting cultivation in the late Neolithic (c. 4300–2400 cal. BC): Landscape management as an alternative paradigm:

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.

Layers rich in aquatic and wetland plants within complex anthropogenic stratigraphies and their contribution to disentangling taphonomic processes

There is an ongoing discussion about how organic material is preserved in settlement layers on lakeshores. Different scenarios have been suggested; was a permanent water cover needed at all times, or were there episodical water level fluctuations? In this paper, we use aquatic and wetland plants to shed light on layer formation processes of complex anthropogenic stratigraphies of the Neolithic lakeshore settlement Zug-Riedmatt (Central Switzerland). Botanical macroremains from the microarchaeologically investigated occupation layer were analysed and compared to modern analogue data from two lakes. Results suggest that the excavated area of the settlement was in a first phase located in the sublittoral zone (below water), with a massive input of anthropogenic waste material contributing to the layer formation, but then in a second phase, the shoreline shifted so that the excavated part of the settlement was located in the eulittoral zone and in a third phase probably even landwards of a reed belt. In a comparison with two previously investigated Neolithic lakeshore sites, we found that at least in one of these sites, such ‘drier’ conditions could also be found. This shows how important it is to know which part of the littoral zone is represented in an excavation, as conditions can differ within a settlement, and that there is very likely no universally valid ‘Pfahlbau scenario’.

Desiccated plant macrofossils from the medieval castle of Marmorera, Switzerland, with a note on the identification of leaves of Cyperaceae

Abstract During restoration work at the medieval castle of Marmorera, Graubünden canton, Switzerland, numerous desiccated plant remains were found — in a rock crevice that was protected from precipitation by a massive rock shelter. The identification of the remains showed that the majority could not have grown at the castle, but must have been transported to the site. Many of the plants came from warmer climates and were imported from lower lying regions, indicating the position of the castle at an important transalpine route. Among the finds was a lump of grass-like leaves for which for a method of preparation and identification was developed. The leaves turned out to be of Carex species that grow in wet habitats which were probably used as litter or as bedding material.

Vor den Toren von Vindonissa. Wohnen und Arbeiten in einem Handwerkerquartier in den canabae des Legionslagers (Windisch Zivilsiedlung West 2006 – 2008)

Erstmals erlaubt die Teilauswertung einer grossflachigen Ausgrabung einen vertieften Einblick in Entwicklung und Struktur der canabae legionis von Vindonissa. Im Westen des Lagers wurde um 30/40 n. Chr. ein romisches Graberfeld aufgehoben, das Gelande wird neu parzelliert und zugig uberbaut. Ein Grossbrand um 70 n. Chr zerstort das gesamte Quartier. Die Gebaude werden kurz nach 106 n. Chr. verlassen – annahernd gleichzeitig mit der Ankunft der XI. Legion in ihrem neuen Lager in Durostorum. Die Bewohner sind Handwerker – etwa Schmiede und Gerber. Sie durften vorwiegend fur das Lager produziert haben. Die von Legionsstandorten sonst bekannte Siedlungsdualitat mit canabae legionis und vicus scheint fur Vindonissa nicht zu existieren – die Zivilsiedlung ist insgesamt als canabae anzusprechen.