Százhalombatta-Földvár is one of the biggest and most extensively studied Bronze Age tell sites in Hungary. Due to its location on a dry loessy high bluff zone on the Western bank of the river...Show moreSzázhalombatta-Földvár is one of the biggest and most extensively studied Bronze Age tell sites in Hungary. Due to its location on a dry loessy high bluff zone on the Western bank of the river Danube, a sedimentary environment that is appropriate for pollen preservation to conduct pollen analysis was not found around the site (Sumegi & Bodor, 2000). Instead, regional pollen analysis has been conducted to study the environment relating to the Százhalombatta-Földvár site. This regional sediment sample was obtained by coring from an oxbow lake about 500 m away from the site. During the Százhalombatta-Földvár excavation in 2022, however, the lithological examination of the floor sediment from [House] 9000 indicated the possibility for pollen preservation, followed by palynological investigation including the comparison to the regional pollen record. This unconventional method of pollen analysis was successfully conducted, yielding a well-preserved pollen assemblage. The methods of pollen analysis applied are pollen counts, taxonomic identification and states of preservation analysis. These methods indicate that the well-preserved pollen assemblage obtained from the unconventional context does not reflect the pollen assemblage from the oxbow lake pollen record. Especially the absence of arboreal pollen at the site compared to that recorded in the regional pollen data is conspicuous. These results allow us to discuss and investigate the sample from [House] 9000. Specifically, in the sample, taphonomic agents contributing to the absence of arboreal pollen in contrast with the regional palynological signal are analysed and the predominance of Poaceae is explained with taphonomic processes. Furthermore, the taphonomic agents causing the primary pollen preservation states are investigated and the taphonomic processes resulting in the preservation biases are explored in archaeological interpretation. In consequence, the investigation of the taphonomic processes suggests anthropogenic agents causing the discrepancy and bias in the pollen assemblage with the construction and materials used for [House] 9000. The pollen preservation state analysis revealed that the primary states of pollen preservation are degraded and folded. These in turn are evidence of the taphonomic processes of oxidisation and physical stress, which in combination with archaeological evidence suggests anthropogenic activities as cause. To conclude, this thesis could contribute to multi-disciplinary research and greater understanding of the Bronze Age site, Százhalombatta-Földvár. Moreover, it demonstrates new potential of palynological analysis employing an innovative sampling method that directly relates to the human activities at the site. The results of this thesis have the potential to stimulate further application of this new approach.Show less
During the Middle Neolithic, the first farmers in the present-day Netherlands cultivated their own food and kept animals while still hunting wild game. During this period, the people from the...Show moreDuring the Middle Neolithic, the first farmers in the present-day Netherlands cultivated their own food and kept animals while still hunting wild game. During this period, the people from the Funnel Beaker culture (3400- 2900 cal. BC) lived in the northern part the country while the people of the Vlaardingen culture (3400-2500 BC) lived in the south. Hunting animals was still a crucial part in the gathering of resources; the meat could be eaten, the bones were used to make tools and hides were processed to make clothes and other products. To remove the last of the fat and meat on a hide, the hide was scraped. This was done with flint scrapers, small tools with a rounded edge. This was a common practice, making these tools a common artifact found during excavations. The scrapers from a Funnel Beaker site called Haren- de Vork, located near the city of Groningen, would be used to collect data about the usage of these tools. During the excavation of this site, many scrapers were found, of which 49 would eventually be analyzed for use-wear traces. The goal was to better understand how these tools were damages and which materials the scrapers were used on. This data was used to gain a better understanding of this site. The use-wear traces on these scrapers would show how a variability of hide types were processed at the site of Haren- de Vork, while other traces suggest that some scrapers were hafted. This information has led to the interpretation that the site was used for a relatively long period of time, even though house plans have not been found during excavation. The information of Haren- de Vork is also compared to other Funnel Beaker sites, showing how the remains of these sites are not uniform and can wildly differ. These differences can be contributed to multiple varieties such as the type of landscape but also the function of a site. The dataset from Haren- de Vork was also compared to the Vlaardingen site of Wateringse Binnentuinen. Multiple differences in use-wear traces have been observed, an example of which is the ratio of dry- and fresh hide scrapers. The site of Haren- de Vork has a much larger amount of dry hide scrapers when compared to the VL site of Wateringse Binnentuinen. It can most likely be attributed to the landscape in which people lived and the available game which was predominantly hunted.Show less
The research subject of this thesis is the Continuity of Christianity in Jordan during the rise of the Islam. Christianity itself has a long and complex history in Jordan that can be dated back to...Show moreThe research subject of this thesis is the Continuity of Christianity in Jordan during the rise of the Islam. Christianity itself has a long and complex history in Jordan that can be dated back to the early days of the religion. The subject of this thesis is based on an excavation of a church in Udhruh (Jordan) that was converted into a mosque; the church showed signs of being in longer Christian use during the Muslim reign. This inspirited the will to research Christianity and its continuity in Jordan because of the assumption that Christianity disappeared or stopped when the Islamic reign begun. The purpose of this research was to provide future researchers with a clear story about this transition and providing certain products than can be used for further research. The products that resulted from this research are: a database that consists of information about the churches, multiple spreading maps consisting of all the collected churches, a spreading map consisting of the churches that stayed in use after 630/640 AD, a spreading map that consists of the churches converted into mosques, a spreading map that shows the ‘stayed in use’ churches and the converted churches combined, a table that consists of the collected bishops and a table that consists of the collected monasteries. The results and information about the research goal were retrieved during an extensive literature research. Before starting this research the amount of 7 research questions were formulated: 1. How many churches were present in Jordan before the Islamic reign? 2. How many churches were present in Jordan during the Islamic reign? 3. How did the organizational structure of Christianity develop during the emergence of the Islam? 4. How is it noticeable that a church is converted into a mosque? 5. Which churches in Jordan show signs of being converted into mosques? 6. Which churches in Jordan have been partly used as monasteries? 7. What kind of archaeological remains are proof of the conversion of churches into mosques? The 7 research questions were used as handles in answering the main question: What is the continuity of Christianity in Jordan during the rise of the Islam? During this research 173 churches were collected and researched. The number of 100-165 churches were present before the start of the Islamic reign and the amount of 33 churches were present in Jordan during the Islamic reign. This can indicate that the amount and therefore use of churches did decline during the rise of the Islam. In addition to that seven churches were discovered that showed signs of being converted into a mosque by closing of the apse and/or installing a mihrab (a nice in the wall that shows which way to face during prayer). In the early stages of the research several bishops were collected during the literature study, the amount of 10 bishops were counted in Jordan. When researching the location that the bishops were seated, the information could be used as additional proof for an interesting statement that Udhruh became the new capital of Jordan and Petra became a place of exile. The time of the end of bishopric can also be suggested of being during the time of the rise of the Islam, this is because the seat of the bishop moved to Udhruh and when the church of Udhruh became converted into a mosque it can be suggested that the bishopric also ended there. Furthermore, none of the churches that were collected during the early stage of the research were partly used as monasteries, the monasteries that were found during the research all showed signs of being a separate building from the churches. Some information that was gathered during the research does suggest that Christianity did end or declined very rapidly when the Islam started to rise; the decline in churches, the end of bishopric and the converting of churches into mosques can be seen as ‘proof’. However, the opposite can also be suggested when taking into account the signs that Christianity was still practised during the rise of the Islam; several Christian texts were found at the church in Udhruh that indicate this, new churches were built and 33 churches stayed in use. Together with the statements of several researchers that Christianity continued and even throve during the Islamic rise and the suggestion by for example an inscription that marks a renovation of a church during the Muslim rule, according to researchers it appeared that Christians and Muslims lived peacefully, side by side during the rise of the Islam in the country of Jordan. The results could spark a discussion, this is because the results are based on several English literature sources and only one French source however the native tongue of Jordanians is Arabic and French. More of these publications have not been taking into consideration because of the fact that it was hard to find because the titles of these publications would have been in those two languages and therefore, not that easy to find when these are not languages that are mastered. Furthermore, when these publications would have been found there also would have been a need to find a translator that could help with decipher of the contests of these publications. In addition to the previous statement it could also be discussed if the result that was given during this research can be seen as a final result for the overall subject. This can be argued because the subject is broad and consists of researching a whole country, this takes time. The recommendation is to research this subject in further extent and to perceive the result that was given in this document as a start in answering this big and complex subject.Show less
This thesis explores how websites can be utilized as tools in archaeological public outreach, using a commercial excavation in Iceland as an example. A website was created around the commercial...Show moreThis thesis explores how websites can be utilized as tools in archaeological public outreach, using a commercial excavation in Iceland as an example. A website was created around the commercial excavation in Seyðisfjörður, eastern Iceland named Fjörður. The research takes place where avalanche protection walls will damage archaeological sites. The archaeology found at the site is represents Icelandic archaeology in a nutshell from the Viking Age to Modern Times. A landslide hit the village of Seyðisfjörður in December 2020. When the archaeologists started excavating the site they found large landslide layers in between cultural phases. What narrative can be told about the long-term history of the archaeological site Seyðisfjörður, including the ongoing influence of the landslides, and how can we translate that narrative to the general public? The narrative reflects how the deep history of Seyðisfjörður shows the inhabitants’ resilience against the environment and would illustrate 61 the chronology of the site in a relatable way. The relationship between outreach websites and social media is explored and how strategy in outreach is a key factor in a successful outreach campaign. The narrative also displays the work that archaeologists undertake and how they collect and research this knowledge. This has the potential to increase the awareness and benefits of the work that archaeologists do and the importance of public outreach. It increases valuation and engagement of (archaeological) heritage. Without public outreach archaeological research has no future.Show less
This study aimed to investigate the restricted public access to individual objects in museums, which has not been explored in detail despite previous research on facilitating public access to...Show moreThis study aimed to investigate the restricted public access to individual objects in museums, which has not been explored in detail despite previous research on facilitating public access to museum collections. The study specifically focused on the restricted access to the Venus of Dolní Věstonice and sought to understand why such a significant object is only occasionally accessible to the public. The research utilised qualitative methodology and found varying opinions on the matter. The Moravian Museum deliberately chooses to keep its highlight object away from the public in order to maintain its attractiveness, and some respondents preferred this approach. The study also observed the Venus's agency and its influence on people, including the repetitive actions during transportation and installation. This thesis aims to raise awareness of the issue concerning the public's right to participate in cultural heritage, which is at odds with the Moravian Museum's current approach. Despite the universal human right to have access to cultural heritage, the most famous object of the Moravian Museum remains hidden from sight.Show less
This master's thesis aims to explore the relationship between humans and dogs during the Roman period around the Dutch Rhine Delta and take a small step towards increasing the current knowledge of...Show moreThis master's thesis aims to explore the relationship between humans and dogs during the Roman period around the Dutch Rhine Delta and take a small step towards increasing the current knowledge of how people interacted with and utilised their dogs. To gain further insight into this matter, osteometric data from archaeological dog remains were collected and examined. Additionally, literary records and iconographic sources were examined. Within research, certain key elements are of great importance, comprising of the functionality of the dog, their morphology, their pathologies and how the dogs were treated. In addition to examining bone material from the dogs included in the research, several factors have been added to the study to gain a better understanding of the relationship between humans and dogs in the Roman period in the Dutch Rhine Delta. It also evaluates variations between the research sites included. An interdisciplinary approach is employed since a combination of historical, archaeological and archaeozoological information is used. This type of research has already been conducted in other countries than the Netherlands, see reference list, but this type of research has not yet been applied in Dutch studies. Other research has proven that the relationship between humans and dogs is more complex than previously thought. In particular, the treatment of dogs at the time of death has resulted in a diversity of observations (Gene, 2018; Grieve, 2012).Show less
Archaeological heritage are under threat by climate change all over the world and its resulting impacts are happening so quickly and within so many different physical and socio-cultural contexts,...Show moreArchaeological heritage are under threat by climate change all over the world and its resulting impacts are happening so quickly and within so many different physical and socio-cultural contexts, that it is impossible for any single organization or discipline to combat. For this reason, many researchers around the world have developed various methods and options in engaging the public’s help through community-based and citizen science research, including community archaeology and community-based heritage projects to better preserve our cultural heritage. This thesis presents five diverse case studies from Alaska, Scotland, Florida, Australia, France and Guadeloupe to highlight how collaboration and community archaeology are building better practices to manage coastal archaeological heritage. The case studies are compared and analyzed with a five-part methodology, based on underlying components they all share. In the end I will determine the most common factors attributing to a successful community archaeology project and discussing how we can enlist the public’s help in our battle against climate change.Show less
In this thesis a use-wear study has been done on the Mesolithic submerged Stone Age sites around Hjarnø. During there where three focus points. The first point of focus is the possibilities of use...Show moreIn this thesis a use-wear study has been done on the Mesolithic submerged Stone Age sites around Hjarnø. During there where three focus points. The first point of focus is the possibilities of use-wear on flint from submerged sites. The second is the activities for which the flint has been used. And lastly the excavation techniques and the damage it might do was looked into. In order to get a better idea of possible traces the sea and shell middens might leave several experiments have been carried out.Show less
Biological kinship is a phenomenon inherent in all people. Therefore, it is no wonder that it is an often-researched topic in bioarchaeology. Even though a living person could speak about their kin...Show moreBiological kinship is a phenomenon inherent in all people. Therefore, it is no wonder that it is an often-researched topic in bioarchaeology. Even though a living person could speak about their kin, the bones of people long passed have another way of saying who their relatives are. The approach used in this research examines cranial non-metric traits, the morphological variants appearing on the skull. This study investigated the relationship between biological kinship and cranial non-metric traits in the Middenbemster skeletal collection. Examining these traits aimed to gain further insight into familial connections within the cemetery, adding to previous studies that only focused on dental non-metric traits and foot anomalies. To estimate the familial relationships in the Middenbeemster skeletal collection, the data on 27 cranial non-metric traits were collected in 213 adult individuals. The traits were visually scored as present, absent, or unobservable if skeletal material was missing or poorly preserved. After collection, data were statistically analyzed. Analysis of traits revealed that most traits were represented in the sample and that there is inconsistency in the sex dependence of the traits. The principal finding of this research was the identification of precondylar tubercle as a basis for further hypothesizing about kinship, as it appeared in a significantly higher frequency in the Middenbester sample compared to the reference sample. This finding was further used to form a hypothetical kinship group, which may further be used to explore kinship through the archival data. Moreover, this research adds to the previous research conducted on this topic in Middenbeemster and provides a fresh perspective.Show less
In this thesis, the main research question: ”Which visualisation techniques of remote sensed data results in the best visibility of Neolithic Circular Enclosures” is investi- gated. To answer this...Show moreIn this thesis, the main research question: ”Which visualisation techniques of remote sensed data results in the best visibility of Neolithic Circular Enclosures” is investi- gated. To answer this question, multiple visualisations were performed on a dataset of 75 sites where NCEs are confirmed or expected to be located. Two types of remote sensing data were used for this investigation. RGBN and LIDAR recordings. At the sites where neolithic circular enclosures were visible, each visualisation technique used was given a score of between 0 (not visible) to 3 (clearly visible). An attempt was made to quantify visibility through automated contrasts measurements, but this was ultimately unsuccessful. However, the approach might inspire or be used as a base for further research. Next, the mean, standard deviation and score distribution of the human quantification were were calculated of the scores per visualisation technique and remote sensing data type. This study showed that the MSTPv3 visualisation scored best among all visualisa- tion techniques. However, other visualisations also score well. These include within the multispectral data the RGB, NIR and NDVI visualisations, and for the LIDAR data all but the local dominance visualisation. For this reason, it is recommended to design some kind of cross-referencing system that could potentially confirm new sites found with the MSTPv3 with other visualisation techniques.Show less
Locally produced incised impasto ware is known to dominate the necropoleis and settlement contexts of Falerii Veteres, modern Civita Castellana, northern Lazio, during the Orientalizing period (8th...Show moreLocally produced incised impasto ware is known to dominate the necropoleis and settlement contexts of Falerii Veteres, modern Civita Castellana, northern Lazio, during the Orientalizing period (8th – 7th centuries). Falerii Veteres is recognized as the main town of a small peripheral region, acting as a middle ground between the Sabine, Capenate, Latin and Etruscan regions. Within this well connected ancient cultural landscape the Faliscan incised impasto production remains crucially its own, adopting the decorative repertoire of the Orientalizing and bucchero wares as the artisans or consumers saw fit. The research of this thesis revolves around the main question “How did potters’ technological choices develop at Falerii during the Orientalizing period (8th – 7th centuries BCE) when it comes to the traditionally produced incised impasto ware?”. Using techniques and methodologies developed by the Archaeological Sciences, pXRF analysis was performed on an assemblage of incised impastos (n = 45). The results confirmed suspected imported vessels, proving its validity, and offered surprising results, showing two different artisanal recipes were used, either contemporaneously or possibly throughout time. These results have offered a first look into the chemical composition of the incised impasto wares and the decorative pastes which filled their incisions from the city of Falerii Veteres and its necropoleis. The results offer high potential for the study of change throughout time of raw material usage and potential provenancing of locally produced impasto for the entire region of the Ager Faliscus and beyond.Show less
