This thesis analysed the construction dates of early medieval forts in the Dutch Low Countries to determine their accuracy. The ringforts are generally dated to the last quarter of the 9th century...Show moreThis thesis analysed the construction dates of early medieval forts in the Dutch Low Countries to determine their accuracy. The ringforts are generally dated to the last quarter of the 9th century and placed in an overarching historical narrative that links them to Viking raids. However, recent archaeological research suggests that earlier dates are also possible. For example, the ringfort of Den Burg was recently dated to the 8th or early 9th century with the upcoming OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) method. I selected the forts of Den Burg, Oost-Souburg, Burgh, Domburg, Deventer, and Zutphen and analysed the construction dates based on excavation reports and subsequent data analysis. I also looked at the general characteristics of the forts like shape and the type of inhabitation to determine their similarity. I found that most of the forts, except for Deventer and Domburg, could be older than the late 9th century because they were dated with a terminus ante quem or the methods used indicated a broad construction date. This is because the construction phase of a ringfort is hard to date for 14C- analysis and dendrochronology are almost never possible. This highlights the importance of OSL research in the research of ringforts. I also found that ringforts in the Dutch Low Countries differ in general characteristics. Both findings challenge the narrative of a structured defence system against Viking raids, and show that ringforts have often been interpreted based on assumptions from the historical narrative. Instead, this thesis suggests that the structures were erected at different times, by different actors, and probably for different reasons. Thus, future archaeological research should apply OSL as a dating method and be wary of assumptions from the historical narrative. This way, we can establish accurate construction dates and get closer to uncovering the complex nature of these early medieval fortifications.Show less
In dit onderzoek wordt er gekeken naar neolithisatie in huidig rugklaseducatie en hoe het zich verhoudt tot wetenschappelijk onderzoek over dit onderwerp. Dit wordt gedaan omdat dit onderwerp van...Show moreIn dit onderzoek wordt er gekeken naar neolithisatie in huidig rugklaseducatie en hoe het zich verhoudt tot wetenschappelijk onderzoek over dit onderwerp. Dit wordt gedaan omdat dit onderwerp van belang is en goed behandeld moet worden. De geaccepteerde basiskennis wordt uit de afgelopen 10 jaar van onderzoek gehaald en vergeleken met wat er wordt gedoceerd op de MAVO, HAVO en het VWO. De basiskennis relateert zich aan de verspreidingsmethode van neolithisatie, de interacties tussen jager-verzamelaars en boeren en boeren onderling, en de impact die neolithisatie had op de omgeving. Verder worden er suggesties voor veranderingen in het onderwijs gedaan, zoals het verwijderen van incorrecte en gedateerde informatie en meer betrokkenheid van archeologen in het onderwijs. Verder worden er suggesties gedaan voor vervolgonderzoek. Uit dit onderzoek komt dat er overlap is tussen de huidige geaccepteerde basiskennis in de wetenschap en de lesmethodes, maar dat er ook punten zijn die missen en beter kunnen.Show less
This thesis serves as an overview of current research done on kinship relations during the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in North-West and Central Europe and provides a critical analysis...Show moreThis thesis serves as an overview of current research done on kinship relations during the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in North-West and Central Europe and provides a critical analysis of this research based on anthropological theory and archaeological evidence such as DNA analysis. The research found out that continental Europe has consistent evidence for patrilocality and female exogamy during this whole period with some regional differences. Although more research is needed to see exactly what those differences were. Most of the concrete evidence of this system comes from the Lech Valley in Southern Germany with additional research coming from Poland, Switzerland, France, Saxony, Czechia and Serbia. This fits in well with anthropological theories on kinship that view the exchange of women in marriage as an important element in the creation of a patriarchal society. This is further bolstered by the reliance on the patrilineal household as the cornerstone of society which further empowered men in the inheritance of status and wealth compared to women who could not make use of this as they were married to a family somewhere else. But an important point is made that in ethnographic evidence that we have of exogamous practices, women still hold a lot of influence in choosing marriage partners as well as in being a central part in knowledge transfers as well as in facilitating trade and relations between communities and their role should not be seen as passive but rather as active actors in this kinship environment. Meanwhile there is no evidence that patrilocality and female exogamy were the norm in Britain which does not show a singular system but rather all sorts of different evidence as well as more openly homosexual burial practices and the ability of women to achieve status independently of men. This is most likely due to the specific migration process that took place in Britain during the Bell Beaker period which allowed for earlier traditions to carry on for longer. Because of this it is possible to suggest that the rise of a patriarchal sex/gender system began only during the Bell Beaker period or other cultures related to Steppe migrations and continued into the Early Bronze Age in Europe where it solidified and it still carries on today albeit in a different form.Show less
Looking at demographics of the mass graves and corresponding settlements it is possible to investigate the social circumstances around the time of the downfall of the LBK. Certainly in some cases...Show moreLooking at demographics of the mass graves and corresponding settlements it is possible to investigate the social circumstances around the time of the downfall of the LBK. Certainly in some cases the mass graves show gaps of missing people when comparing the demographic composition of the grave to that of a stable living population. It is possible to argue cases of abduction, or certain people being absent at the time of the massacre. I further argue that the nature of the killings varies widely between sites, and differing levels of ritualism should be accounted for, as summarising LBK mass graves as raids fails to acknowledge multiple factors on the victim’s wounds and deposition. A demographic study of who is and who is not present in the graves can contribute to understanding the broader context at these sites of violence in addition to the general population sizes of the time.Show less
Neanderthals, once depicted as brutish and underdeveloped, have gained recognition and a more nuanced understanding in contemporary research. Recent advancements in archaeological tools and...Show moreNeanderthals, once depicted as brutish and underdeveloped, have gained recognition and a more nuanced understanding in contemporary research. Recent advancements in archaeological tools and methodologies, such as ancient DNA sequencing, fossil track analysis, and the study of cut marks and butchering practices, have shed light on the intelligence and social complexity of Neanderthals. However, these findings have not been synthesized into a cohesive framework, hindering a comprehensive up-to-date understanding of Neanderthal society. This thesis aims to address this gap by conducting a literature review of modern case studies that employ innovative methodologies, such as the ones previously mentioned. Drawing upon a primatological framework, which acknowledges the shared fundamental behavioural characteristics among both archaic and modern humans as primates, the study examines the social organization, social structure, and mating system of Neanderthals, which are terminology that can succinctly be used to describe any primate social system. Through the analysis of diverse case studies, it is estimated that Neanderthals lived in groups of fewer than 50 members, with some females migrating between groups for mating, while others staying in their natal group, leading to instances of incest. Genetic studies indicate that certain Neanderthal groups were isolated, suggesting a broad spatial cohesion among the groups with significant geographical separation, which likely resulted in close relatives mating with each other. However, this appears to be the case for Neanderthals living during a period of drastic climate changes, potentially bearing greater implications for their extinction. Regarding agonistic behavior, males exhibit lower intragroup aggression, while females display a dispersal-egalitarian pattern. Neanderthals demonstrated social integration capabilities with other hominid species, while the precise age and sexual composition of their groups remain a matter of future research. This study underscores the importance of current methodologies in uncovering the intricacies of Neanderthal society, providing valuable insights into their social organization and behaviour.Show less
In this thesis, the trade activities of two port sites, Berenike in Egypt and Thessaloniki in Greece, from their respective founding (275 BCE for Berenike and 316 BCE for Thessaloniki) until the...Show moreIn this thesis, the trade activities of two port sites, Berenike in Egypt and Thessaloniki in Greece, from their respective founding (275 BCE for Berenike and 316 BCE for Thessaloniki) until the early Byzantine era (~C.E. 700) have been researched through a comparative analysis. Both sites were important nodes in the trade networks of the ancient world, Berenike serving as a transit port between the areas of the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, and Thessaloniki focusing more on the creation, export, and import of luxury goods. While research into these networks has been growing in popularity in recent years, there has been a distinct lack of variables that can be used to identify nodes and hubs. The development of a set of variables is an important step in identifying these key features of ancient trade networks and will contribute towards a more complete understanding of complex systems like this. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to investigate, identify, and codify a set of variables that can be used for this express purpose. The variables were identified through a comparative analysis using the aforementioned port sites as case studies, taking an interdisciplinary approach, using sources like excavation reports, relevant literature, and museum exhibitions to create a clear picture. The theoretical framework applied to this research is Network theory, initially I intended to use Globalization theory but found that the latter did not fit the research as well as the former. This process resulted in the identification of five variables – diversity in religion, local material, non-local material, production centers, and warehouses – highlighting the importance of both ports, while at the same time not shying away from their differences. While most of the results were expected like Berenike having the transit of goods as its main objective, an unexpected result is that it seems likely that Thessaloniki took part in extra-Mediterranean trade before the Byzantine era, and thus earlier than previously assumed.Show less
In the post-medieval Netherlands (c. 1650 to 1850 CE), large socioeconomic differences within urban centres existed, which appear to correlate with the diet each socioeconomic group had access to....Show moreIn the post-medieval Netherlands (c. 1650 to 1850 CE), large socioeconomic differences within urban centres existed, which appear to correlate with the diet each socioeconomic group had access to. While low socioeconomic status (SES) often evokes the association of low body mass as a result of having little access to food, modern-day studies show that people living in poverty actually have a higher body mass than contemporaries of higher socioeconomic status. This thesis aims to study to what extend the relationship between body mass and socioeconomic status existed in the post-medieval Netherlands, with a focus on the role of diet and lifestyle. This was done by studying two post-medieval urban populations: one with a low SES from the Eusebiuskerk in Arnhem and one with a high SES from the Broerenkerk in Zwolle. Body mass was estimated by applying body mass estimation equations developed by Ruff et al. (2012) to measurements of the femoral head breadth. Statistical analyses were applied to compare the mean body mass between the high- and low SES samples. The males and females were compared separately. The results showed a positive relation between body mass and low SES. However, this relation was only statistically significant between the male samples. As males had more access to food because of their role in the household, the calorie-dense diet of low SES males could have allowed them to consume more calories than their high SES male counterparts who had access to a more varied diet with overall less calories. Low SES males furthermore performed more physically intense labour than the high SES males, increasing their muscle mass. Both female groups likely had less access to food in general, thus it is plausible that bottom line they consumed similar amount of calories. Also, both female groups would have mostly performed similar household tasks leading to no difference in muscle mass. Lastly, the femoral head is less responsive to changes in body mass in females which could attribute to these results. It can thus be concluded that that body mass can change as a result of status-differences in diet and labour. Based on the sites of Zwolle and Arnhem there seems to be a positive relation between low socioeconomic status and body mass in the post-medieval Netherlands.Show less
During an excavation in West Frisia, around the Westfrisiawg, many Bronze Age sites were found, containing a wealth of information about this region in the period. Among the finds were pound...Show moreDuring an excavation in West Frisia, around the Westfrisiawg, many Bronze Age sites were found, containing a wealth of information about this region in the period. Among the finds were pound/polishing ground stones showing use-wear traces of hide processing, likely done during leather making. In which step of the process these stones were used was still unclear however. Firstly the landscape, vegetation and fauna are discussed to get an idea of the region. Subsequently the sites where the finds were made are elaborated upon, showing life in the period. Both the house plans and settlement are discussed, as well as separate artifact categories that were found. The rest of the thesis is concerned with experimental archaeology, using similar pound/polishing stones to assess the practicality, prehistoric alternatives and macroscopic recognition of these pound/polishing stones. These ground stones are used to tan a cow hide to turn it into a fur. In three steps of this process the stones are used, with membraning, rubbing the fat tanning mixture (dressing) in, and lastly in the softening and stretching step. After this use-wear analysis is done, and the problems with the experiment are discussed, such as the age of the skin being too old, along with two out of the three pound/polishing stones not being useful, as they were more destructive than expected and wanted, especially while softening. The questions about practicality, usefulness and macroscopic recognition of these stones are answered.Show less
This research paper explores migration and dietary patterns during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age at the Gomolava site in northern Serbia. The strontium and oxygen isotopes were used to...Show moreThis research paper explores migration and dietary patterns during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age at the Gomolava site in northern Serbia. The strontium and oxygen isotopes were used to study mobility, while carbon isotopes offered insights into dietary habits. The study focuses on 24 individuals from Gomolava, mainly females and juveniles. Additionally, eight modern plant samples were analysed. The site itself is a mass grave primarily consisting of female and juvenile remains. Two individuals in particular, SK53 and SK18, displayed distinct strontium values, indicating different places of origin. Comparative analysis of the Carpathian Basin further suggests that SK53 may not be indigenous to the region. However, further research is necessary to accurately determine the precise origins of these individuals. On the other hand, oxygen isotopes provide limited information in differentiating between local and non-local individuals. The dietary patterns of the Gomolava individuals were also examined through stable carbon isotope analysis. It was discovered that their diet consisted of a combination of C3 and C4 plants, with millet probably playing a significant role during this period. Two outliers, SK53 and SK42, displayed distinct dietary paths, with SK53 relying more heavily on C4 plants compared to SK42, which primarily consumed C3 plants. SK18 had a mixed diet, incorporating both types of plants. The heightened levels of mobility witnessed during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age in the Pannonian Basin can be plausibly linked to various factors, including climate fluctuations and societal upheavals. Additionally, the increased mobility observed among females may be attributed to the cultural practice of patrilocality, whereby women relocate to their husband's familial dwelling upon marriage. To attain a more comprehensive comprehension of the patterns of mobility, social dynamics, and dietary practices prevalent in ancient populations, further research incorporating a wide array of archaeological methodologies is necessary.Show less
Erfgoed is van ons allemaal. Burgerwetenschap geeft burgers de kans om actief deel uit de maken van onderzoek naar hun erfgoed. Erfgoed Gezocht is in 2019 het grootste burgerwetenschapsproject in...Show moreErfgoed is van ons allemaal. Burgerwetenschap geeft burgers de kans om actief deel uit de maken van onderzoek naar hun erfgoed. Erfgoed Gezocht is in 2019 het grootste burgerwetenschapsproject in de Nederlandse archeologie begonnen. Met als resultaat de ontdekking van honderden grafheuvels en tientallen hectares aan raatakker, maar ook de medewerking van 6500 vrijwilligers. Deze vrijwilligers hebben online en in het veld meegezocht naar nieuwe archeologische monumenten, hierbij hebben ze bijgedragen aan archeologisch onderzoek, het creëren van draagvlak en het delen en opdoen van (lokale) kennis. In huidige archeologische publieksparticipatieprojecten is de rol van burgers vaak nog te passief en zijn beperkte plaatsen en hoge kosten gekoppeld aan deelname. Burgerwetenschap kan dit omzetten naar een laagdrempelige manier om een breed scala aan mensen actief deel te laten nemen aan archeologisch onderzoek en erfgoedbeheer. Op basis van kwalitatief onderzoek is onderzocht hoe burgerwetenschap archeologisch onderzoek en erfgoedbeheer kan bevorderen. Belanghebbenden rond Erfgoed Gezocht, dat wil zeggen rijksoverheidsinstanties, provincies, gemeentes, lokale stichtingen en terreineigenaren, een cultuurinstantie en vrijwilligers, hebben hierin hun visies geuit over Erfgoed Gezocht, burgerwetenschap en de betrokkenheid van het publiek tot archeologie. Verschillende thema’s als betrokkenheid, doelgroep, alternatieven tot burgerparticipatie, communicatie en draagvlak zijn hieruit voorgekomen. Met als resultaat observeerbare trends en prioriteiten voor elke betrokken groep. Ook zijn discussies in het vakgebied van burgerwetenschap toegelicht en zijn vergelijkbare projecten aan Erfgoed Gezocht aangegeven. De grote discussies over natuurbehoud versus archeologische tentoonstelling en het openstellen versus het geheimhouden van archeologische data, worden ook toegelicht en ondersteunt door de interviews. Vrijwilligers in dit burgerwetenschapsproject voelden zich gewaardeerd door de wetenschap, onderdeel van een team, beter geïnformeerd en betrokken tot hun lokale erfgoed en hebben door Erfgoed Gezocht een hernieuwde interesse en vergrote kennis van archeologie en zouden vaker mee willen doen aan soortgelijke burgerwetenschapsprojecten. Alle belanghebbenden geven voornamelijk aan dat bescherming, beleving en beleid de drie belangrijkste factoren zijn in de toekomstige plannen voor de nieuwe grafheuvels en raatakkers. Ook wordt Erfgoed Gezocht geacht als een goed voorbeeld voor toekomstige burgerwetenschapsprojecten, door de succesvolle burgerparticipatie, samenwerkingen, goede communicatie, de naleving van de principes van burgerwetenschap en de archeologische resultaten die het project heeft opgeleverd.Show less
This study investigates the current state of archaeological research performed on the mummified human remains of the Nazca culture in Peru. At the time of writing, there is a lack in the archiving...Show moreThis study investigates the current state of archaeological research performed on the mummified human remains of the Nazca culture in Peru. At the time of writing, there is a lack in the archiving of archaeological research of the Nazca mummified remains as well as the datedness of the used research techniques. To improve the research on mummified human remains in the Nazca region, a bioarcheological comparison of research techniques is carried out between the Nazca region and the arid regions most similar to Nazca, in this case the regions of China and the Nile. A database was created with the research techniques utilized in the Nazca, China and Nile region. After comparing the different research techniques utilized in the different regions, the study concludes that eleven research techniques are not used in the Nazca region. Of these research techniques seven are suitable for future research on site. The findings of this study demonstrate that there is potential for the creation of a database for archiving reports of the mummified human remains and corresponding research techniques, as well as the utilization of newer and more modern research techniques. Both are expected to have a positive impact on the research of mummified human remains in Nazca. This research can be used as a guideline for future archaeological research on the Nazca human mummified remains.Show less
Toward the end of the Late Bronze Age, conflicts, widespread migrations and climate change culminated in the collapse of centers of political power across the Aegean and the Near East. The period...Show moreToward the end of the Late Bronze Age, conflicts, widespread migrations and climate change culminated in the collapse of centers of political power across the Aegean and the Near East. The period that followed, the Early Iron Age, was marked by a decrease in settlement size, population, and interregional contact. These large changes are associated with a change in diet, toward a subsistence strategy of diversification rather than intensification. During the Archaic Period, climate improved, poleis start to form and a period of regeneration begins. By the Hellenistic Period, centralized power in the form of large kingdoms and highly populated urban centers exist, and long distance contact with Egypt and the Near East reaches an unprecedented scale. The question arises therefore if these large societal changes once again are mirrored by a change in diet within Greece. In order to investigate this, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis is done on human skeletal remains from the Early Iron Age sites of Halos in Thessaly, and Makrigialos in Greek Macedonia. From those same locations, skeletal material dating to the Hellenistic Period in the case of Halos and the Classical Period in the case of Makrigialos is also investigated. Using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, assessment and comparison of diet within and between the sites is done. Diet reconstruction based on skeletal isotopic data suggests that diet did indeed change from the Early Iron Age into later periods. All examined groups were agropastoral, with a diet based on C3 plant consumption and terrestrial animal products. At Halos, millet was consumed during the Early Iron Age, but not in the Hellenistic Period. As the climate became wetter, millet was no longer a necessary food source. Instead, there is evidence of marine food intake and increased consumption of processed secondary animal products, and possibly greater consumption of luxury goods. This could indicate import of food, as this would alleviate stress related to food production and allow for effort to go toward a more varied diet with luxury additions. At Makrigialos, millet remained a substantial dietary component from the Early Iron Age into the Classical Period, but animal protein intake increased.Show less
In deze bachelor scriptie is een selectie van gietijzeren kanonskogels uit de collectie van het Maritiem Archeologisch Depot van Batavialand onderzocht met het doel de oorzaak vast te stellen voor...Show moreIn deze bachelor scriptie is een selectie van gietijzeren kanonskogels uit de collectie van het Maritiem Archeologisch Depot van Batavialand onderzocht met het doel de oorzaak vast te stellen voor de waargenomen degradatie in deze objecten. De kogels zijn onderzocht doormiddel van visueel onderzoek, het lezen van oude archeologische- en conserverings-documentaties en door vergelijkingen in conditie te trekken tussen de kogels in het verleden en heden, om zo de oorzaak van de degradatie te achterhalen. Uit dit onderzoek is gebleken dat het overgrote deel van de kanonskogels actief aan het corroderen is. Na verder onderzoek naar de eerdere conservering is gebleken dat een deel van de conserveringstechnieken die zijn gebruikt voor de kogels achterhaald en minder effectief zijn in vergelijking met huidige technieken. Een van de voornaamste verouderde technieken die een grote invloed hebben op de huidige conditie van de canonskogels, zijn het ontzouten van het ijzer doormiddel van gloeien tot 800°C, en het aanbrengen van een dikke coating van epoxyhars op het oppervlak van de kanonskogels. Ook is gebleken dat de huidige wijze van opslag in Batavialand ontoereikend is voor de opslag van maritiem archeologisch ijzer. Deze conclusie is getrokken uit onderzoek naar de opstelling, relatieve luchtvochtigheid (RV), temperatuur, licht en verontreinigende stoffen in de opslagruimte. Hiervan was vooral de RV zeer verontrustend omdat deze sterk schommelt: ’s winters tussen de 20-50%, en ’s zomers tussen de 55-85%. Aan de hand van deze onderzoeksuitslagen is geconcludeerd dat de gietijzeren kanonskogels interventie nodig hebben om te voorkomen dat deze verder degraderen en zo archeologische informatie verloren gaat. Tot slot zijn aanbevelingen gegeven voor aanpassingen in het collectiebeheer van Batavialand om deze voortdurende degradering te voorkomen.Show less
This research aims to study the trade networks of the Roman period in three different Italian regions: the Pontine region, the Potenza valley and the Metapontine region. A database was created...Show moreThis research aims to study the trade networks of the Roman period in three different Italian regions: the Pontine region, the Potenza valley and the Metapontine region. A database was created previously, consisting of the compiled data on ceramics sherds encountered during three surveys in each respective region. Assessing where these ceramics were produced, and how the different provenances are distributed throughout the landscape, gives insight into how the regions connected to trade routes, and how ceramics imported along these routes were distributed throughout the landscape. To this end, the proportions of ceramic provenances were visualised for each region and subsequently broken down for the Archaic, Republican, Imperial and Late Antique periods. The patterns observed in provenance proportions and sherd distributions across regions suggest that different regions were affected differently by the changes associated with the increased integration of the Roman economy in the Imperial Period. These changes appear to be reflected in the increased consumption of imported African ceramics. This is in contrast to more locally produced Italian sherds, which maintain a more consistent presence. These trends can be observed to a certain degree in all regions, although the changes are particularly pronounced in the Pontine region. These results lead to the following tentative theory: the Pontine region, as a more centrally located destination, was better connected to more distant trade routes, and thus affected more readily by the large-scale societal and political shifts of the Imperial period. Another notable observation is the increased variance in sherds provenances in the Potenza valley as compared to the Pontine region. This could be potentially explained by the theory that the Potenza valley, as a more isolated and decentral region, relied more on more “off the cuff” trade, while the Pontine region relied more on centrally organised, “streamlined” trade networks. Finally, ceramics imported from outside the Italian peninsula tended to be found at or near the coast in all regions, indicating that ceramics traded along more distant routes were exchanged less in intraregional networks extending further inland. Despite multiple weaknesses, which were mainly related to the necessary standardisation of the database and the resulting loss of detail, this research has granted new insight into the discussion around the degree of integration in the Roman economy and paints a more nuanced image that differs from region to region.Show less
Pollen grains and spores have a highly resistant wall than can preserve over thousands of years. Using this characteristic, palynologist research the past environments and human-environment...Show morePollen grains and spores have a highly resistant wall than can preserve over thousands of years. Using this characteristic, palynologist research the past environments and human-environment relations. For archaeology this is crucial information and often a general part of research on a site. As was the case at the Bronze Age burial landscape at Oss-Gewandeweg. At this site, only remains of burial mounds were left due to agricultural levelling. The remaining features, circular ditch fills were sampled for palynological analysis. However, the samples were taken from a sandy depositional context which is unideal for pollen and spore preservation. In this thesis, the reliability of these samples is assessed. If the samples are not reliable they will portray an false vegetational reconstruction. This has scientific and social implications. Palynology is plays a role in the climate change debate and should be used wrongly because of this societal value. Two research questions have been formulated in order to fulfil this goal. The first research question was aimed to study the taphonomy of the palynomorphs and the effect the sandy depositional context had on the preservation. Besides the typical production bias and dispersal bias, the preservation context increases the differential degradation bias. The sand grains provide gaps through which water can leach and oxidize the pollen. The more oxidized the pollen are, the more susceptible to micro-organism attack. Biological degradation is thus also increased. The preservation states of the pollen in the samples also illustrated the poor preservation. The second research question included a comparative analysis between the ecological reconstruction based on the samples form Oss-Gewandeweg and Oss-Mettegeul, just five kilometres apart. The lower taxa diversity, absence of certain taxa and lower proportionality of certain taxa all point to a worse preservation context compared to the samples at Oss-Mettegeul. Recommendations for future research is to sample sediment which is dark-coloured and fine-grained. If samples from the Bronze Age ditch fill are required, phytolith analysis would be a great alternative. Phytoliths are inorganic and preserve better than pollen, spores and macrofossils.Show less
Great Zimbabwe is an imposing site located to the north of the border between modern day ZImbabwe and South Africa. This site has long been an interest in academia, which has led to differing views...Show moreGreat Zimbabwe is an imposing site located to the north of the border between modern day ZImbabwe and South Africa. This site has long been an interest in academia, which has led to differing views of the socio-political nature of the city. Where one sees it as a capital city of a kingdom, some else sees it as a lone standing polity in the ZImbabwe cultural zone. However what does become clear are the large trading networks this site is a part of. There are imports of Chinese porcelain, coins minted on the Swahili coast, and an abundance of glass beads. Not only that but there are beads produced from gold, ostrich eggshell and Achatina (land snail) shells. All of these beads have been studied on their own, but the results from this research often point to the exchange networks. This research tries to combine the different types of beads recovered from sites associated with the Zimbabwe culture, in a literature review to gain a better understanding of what the socio-political dynamics in Great Zimbabwe looked like and how they may have played out. The data gathered for this research mainly point to the divide between social classes. Where golden beads were solely for the elite classes, glass beads and shell beads do show that these objects were not only for the elite groups, but could have been worn by non-elite groups as well. The glass beads further indicate the control that the ruling class had on the trade of beads, while they might have had the best looking version, these beads did trickle down to the rest of the inhabitants as well,, while shell beads were accessible to anyone. This research will not offer an answer to what the exact political nature was of the Great Zimbabwe government, but it opens up the discourse on this topic, in the hopes that it might be developed further, to get to the point in which beads can give an answer to this questionShow less
This thesis studies the, by the Museum of London Archaeological Services (MoLAS) analyzed and shared, open source osteological database of the Chelsea Old Church cemetery site OCUoo. Based on this...Show moreThis thesis studies the, by the Museum of London Archaeological Services (MoLAS) analyzed and shared, open source osteological database of the Chelsea Old Church cemetery site OCUoo. Based on this data set, the study aims to research whether there is a correlation between obesity associated diseases, such as: osteoarthritis, gout, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and body mass. In addition, it attempts to research whether there's a sex-based difference that may influence such a correlation. It does so by creating three subsidiary question that are meant to lead to answering the main question. Subsequently, a sample selection according to the criteria required for this study (adult, sex determined, availability of femoral head breadth metric data). This sample selection will be further tailored by implementing the revised Ruff et al. (2012) body mass estimation equation, before it will undergo statistical data analysis with the use of the SPSS statistics program. The result depicts a data set that's relatively balanced and has a normal distribution. It may be noted that the mean of the body mass (kg) of those with pathological diagnoses lies higher than for those without. As well as that the pathologies follow suit as expected in regard of their prevalence in a certain sex. Osteoarthritis is more common among female individuals while gout and DISH are more common among male individuals. These notions could indicate that there may be a correlation; however, the statistical analyses resulted in the acceptance of the null hypothesis as there's no statistical significance. Therefore, against expectations and contemporary studies, it can be assumed that there's no correlation between obesity-associated diseases and body mass.Show less
