Relics discovered in the Carpathians

Archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology of the Jagiellonian University discovered a 4 thousand years old fragment of anthropomorphic idol and an unusual stone structure from the Bronze Age in Myszkowice (Ma?opolska). This year's excavations, which took place during the summer, were preceded by non-invasive geomagnetic tests and geological drilling in 2009 and 2010. It allowed the archaeologists to learn the geological structure of the area and select a site for regular work. "The most interesting finds undoubtedly include a piece of a clay idol statuette, with a form typical for the cultures of the Anatolian - Aegean area in the Middle and Late Bronze Age. The statuette was found at a depth of more than one metre below the present ground level, in dark, organic layer of house floor remains from earliest stages of settlement of the castle-town Myszkowice" - said excavation director Dr. Marcin S. Przyby?a. In these layers, archaeologists found upon numerous fragments of pottery, decorated with characteristic spiral- knob ornament, which could indicate their ritual purpose. On the edge of the site researchers found a structure made of large sandstone blocks, of up to 80 cm in diameter. They formed a kind of shaft or a wall built without mortar. Most likely they were the settlement fortifications in the Bronze Age. Scientists took several samples to perform analysis of plant macroremains and radiocarbon dating. Most were subjected to flotation (rinsing) already during the course of the study. Currently they are at the Institute of Botany PAS. In addition, Dr. Aldona Bieniek will perform palynological analysis. "With these methods, we will not only determine precise dates of functioning of the settlement, but also learn what plants its residents ate and how the surrounding natural environment changed" - said Dr. Przyby?a. Fortified settlement from the Bronze Age was previously studied in the 1960s and 1970s, however, a comprehensive study was never performed. Tasks of the team, which currently conducts excavations, also include the analysis of finds from several decades ago and creating a comprehensive, computerized database. Students and graduates of the Institute of Archaeology, Jagiellonian University also participated in excavations. The work was financed entirely by the Faculty of History of the Jagiellonian University.