The phenomenon of medieval “easter eggs”: types of artifacts, probable ways of their distribution and functions (based on finds from the territory of Belarus in the European context)

The paper is devoted to such type of artifacts as “Easter eggs”, also known in the scientific literature as egg-shaped rattles or pisanki. The study considers such problems as the provenance of these artifacts and their function and meaning. In addition to glazed ceramic egg-shaped rattles, imitation eggs made of other materials are considered as part of the same phenomenon. The artifacts from the territory of Belarus were mostly found in towns and do not have a specific context. The majority of the finds dates back to a later period in comparison with the neighboring territories of Old Rus’. The distribution and occurrence of egg-shaped objects in towns and villages corresponded to the period of active spread of Christianity and church building, which indicates that it will be more appropriate to consider these finds in the context of Christianity.The paper is devoted to such type of artifacts as “Easter eggs”, also known in the scientific literature as egg-shaped rattles or pisanki. The study considers such problems as the provenance of these artifacts and their function and meaning. In addition to glazed ceramic egg-shaped rattles, imitation eggs made of other materials are considered as part of the same phenomenon. The artifacts from the territory of Belarus were mostly found in towns and do not have a specific context. The majority of the finds dates back to a later period in comparison with the neighboring territories of Old Rus’. The distribution and occurrence of egg-shaped objects in towns and villages corresponded to the period of active spread of Christianity and church building, which indicates that it will be more appropriate to consider these finds in the context of Christianity

Dental caries and antemortem tooth loss in Late Antique caucasian Iberia: A bioarchaeological study of Dusheti municipality and Great Mtskheta

This bioarchaeological study investigates the prevalence of dental caries and antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) in Late Antique populations of Dusheti municipality and Great Mtskheta in the Caucasus region of Georgia. Dental health data from 75 individuals and 666 examined teeth were analyzed to understand the relationships between dental pathologies, sex, age, and geographical location. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to assess differences in caries and AMTL frequencies between sexes and regions. The results revealed significant disparities in dental health between Dusheti and Mtskheta, with higher AMTL prevalence observed in Dusheti. Furthermore, age and sex disparities in dental health were identified, with middle-aged adults exhibiting higher AMTL frequency and males demonstrating a higher prevalence of dental caries. These findings highlight the importance of considering historical, socio-economic, and geopolitical factors in understanding oral health outcomes in Late Antique populations. Further interdisciplinary research is recommended to enhance our understanding of oral health dynamics in ancient societies.This bioarchaeological study investigates the prevalence of dental caries and antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) in Late Antique populations of Dusheti municipality and Great Mtskheta in the Caucasus region of Georgia. Dental health data from 75 individuals and 666 examined teeth were analyzed to understand the relationships between dental pathologies, sex, age, and geographical location. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to assess differences in caries and AMTL frequencies between sexes and regions. The results revealed significant disparities in dental health between Dusheti and Mtskheta, with higher AMTL prevalence observed in Dusheti. Furthermore, age and sex disparities in dental health were identified, with middle-aged adults exhibiting higher AMTL frequency and males demonstrating a higher prevalence of dental caries. These findings highlight the importance of considering historical, socio-economic, and geopolitical factors in understanding oral health outcomes in Late Antique populations. Further interdisciplinary research is recommended to enhance our understanding of oral health dynamics in ancient societies

Elementy scytyjskiego dziedzictwa kulturowego upamiętnione na ukraińskich monetach okolicznościowych

The Scythians were people living in the steppe areas of the Black Sea. They did not leave direct successors but their cultural heritage is a part of the Ukrainian historiography. Ukraine emphasizes its own cultural traditions, including that of the steppe peoples, and seeks its identity among them. In this connection, they refer to the barrow burials of the Scythian aristocracy containing numerous valuable items, including those imported from the Greek workshops and which could indicate high social status. Under the grave embankments, archaeologists discovered numerous gold wares of high craftsmanship, considered works of ancient art. Some of these were commemorated on 9 Ukrainian commemorative coins from 2000–2018. Coins issued by the National Bank of Ukraine are an expression of historical policy based on the heritage of Scythian culture.The Scythians were people living in the steppe areas of the Black Sea. They did not leave direct successors but their cultural heritage is a part of the Ukrainian historiography. Ukraine emphasizes its own cultural traditions, including that of the steppe peoples, and seeks its identity among them. In this connection, they refer to the barrow burials of the Scythian aristocracy containing numerous valuable items, including those imported from the Greek workshops and which could indicate high social status. Under the grave embankments, archaeologists discovered numerous gold wares of high craftsmanship, considered works of ancient art. Some of these were commemorated on 9 Ukrainian commemorative coins from 2000–2018. Coins issued by the National Bank of Ukraine are an expression of historical policy based on the heritage of Scythian culture

Podstawy datowania grodów kultury łużyckiej na ziemiach polskich

The article contains a detailed analysis of 116 verified Lusatian culture stronghold sites from Polish lands, more or less archaeologically surveyed and with published research results. 64 of these have been identified as the remains of defensive settlements, and on 52 sites traces of later early medieval fortified settlement have also been discovered. These were investigated by surface, probing and excavation (in the case of 8 fortified settlements, the method of archaeological investigation used was not specified). The chronology of most of the sites has not been determined using all known dating methods, but mostly on the basis of pottery analysis. The article discusses the state of research from the 2nd half of the 19th century to the present day.The article contains a detailed analysis of 116 verified Lusatian culture stronghold sites from Polish lands, more or less archaeologically surveyed and with published research results. 64 of these have been identified as the remains of defensive settlements, and on 52 sites traces of later early medieval fortified settlement have also been discovered. These were investigated by surface, probing and excavation (in the case of 8 fortified settlements, the method of archaeological investigation used was not specified). The chronology of most of the sites has not been determined using all known dating methods, but mostly on the basis of pottery analysis. The article discusses the state of research from the 2nd half of the 19th century to the present day

Wybrane motywy archeologiczne z zakresu pradziejów i wczesnego średniowiecza na monetach europejskich z lat 1992-2022

Coins are not only a means of payment, but also a means of cultural communication. Both their obverses and reverses contain epigraphic and iconographic elements that together create an image. Among the iconographic elements, there are motifs understood as a repeating decorative element, but also as an expression of a certain type of idea. Archaeological motifs reflect their form of archaeological monuments or their elements, while their subject matter commemorates not only the monument itself, but also various related aspects researched by archaeologists. The aim of the considerations was to examine the numismatic form of commemorating archaeological heritage. The presented prehistoric and early medieval motifs appearing on European coins in the years 1992–2022 were first analyzed in terms of the form of their depiction on coins, then the archaeological themes with which these motifs are connectedwere taken into account, and on this basis axiological considerations were possible, aimed at answering the question – why a given motif was placed on the coin.Coins are not only a means of payment, but also a means of cultural communication. Both their obverses and reverses contain epigraphic and iconographic elements that together create an image. Among the iconographic elements, there are motifs understood as a repeating decorative element, but also as an expression of a certain type of idea. Archaeological motifs reflect their form of archaeological monuments or their elements, while their subject matter commemorates not only the monument itself, but also various related aspects researched by archaeologists. The aim of the considerations was to examine the numismatic form of commemorating archaeological heritage. The presented prehistoric and early medieval motifs appearing on European coins in the years 1992–2022 were first analyzed in terms of the form of their depiction on coins, then the archaeological themes with which these motifs are connected were taken into account, and on this basis axiological considerations were possible, aimed at answering the question – why a given motif was placed on the coin

Działalność Hunów w Europie jako przykład zderzenia cywilizacji

The result of the military, political and economic activity of the Huns in Europe was the depopulation of vast areas, massive ethnic changes, and the destruction of many previous political organisms. The question arises as to why they were so successful. They had knowledge and skills that were alien to the European civilization of that time but perfectly known among the nomadic population of Central Asia and China. Therefore, their activity can be seen as a confrontation of different cultural models. In this sense, it was a clash of civilizations – almost in a sense proposed by S. Huntington.The result of the military, political and economic activity of the Huns in Europe was the depopulation of vast areas, massive ethnic changes, and the destruction of many previous political organisms. The question arises as to why they were so successful. They had knowledge and skills that were alien to the European civilization of that time but perfectly known among the nomadic population of Central Asia and China. Therefore, their activity can be seen as a confrontation of different cultural models. In this sense, it was a clash of civilizations – almost in a sense proposed by S. Huntington

Nowoczesna archeologia Profesora Jana Żaka (1923-1990). W 100. rocznicę urodzin

On March 23rd, 2023 the 100th anniversary of Professor Jan Żak’s birth was marked with an exhibition and a seminar meant to present the modern archeology he had been creating. In addition to Professor’s scientific achievements, there were fragments presented of three documentaries to illustrate his involvement into popularization of archeology. The article discusses also Professor’s work and scientific activities in the field of early medieval archeology, methodology of archaeology and general prehistory, widely recognized and appreciated not only in Poland but also abroad. In 1945 Jan Żak took part in the military operations of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, and his professional life took place in the realities of the People’s Republic of Poland. Particularly important were his organizational achievements as well as scientific contacts with researchers from Western Europe. The article also presents the direction of contemporary archeology methodology established by J. Żak, continued by his students and subsequent generations or archaeologists.On March 23rd, 2023 the 100th anniversary of Professor Jan Żak’s birth was marked with an exhibition and a seminar meant to present the modern archeology he had been creating. In addition to Professor’s scientific achievements, there were fragments presented of three documentaries to illustrate his involvement into popularization of archeology. The article discusses also Professor’s work and scientific activities in the field of early medieval archeology, methodology of archaeology and general prehistory, widely recognized and appreciated not only in Poland but also abroad. In 1945 Jan Żak took part in the military operations of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, and his professional life took place in the realities of the People’s Republic of Poland. Particularly important were his organizational achievements as well as scientific contacts with researchers from Western Europe. The article also presents the direction of contemporary archeology methodology established by J. Żak, continued by his students and subsequent generations or archaeologists

Andrzej Sikorski (1953–2023). Archeolog, wykładowca, poeta

On November 11th, 2023 died Andrzej Sikorski, an archaeologist, a university teacher, and a poet. The three nouns, however, appear to be insufficient to describe his intensive presence in the Archaeology Faculty at Adam Mickiewicz University and in numerous other places in Poznań. The paper is an attempt to introduce some of his achievements in various fields, and a farewell to a friend.On November 11th, 2023 died Andrzej Sikorski, an archaeologist, a university teacher, and a poet. The three nouns, however, appear to be insufficient to describe his intensive presence in the Archaeology Faculty at Adam Mickiewicz University and in numerous other places in Poznań. The paper is an attempt to introduce some of his achievements in various fields, and a farewell to a friend

Nieformalna ekspozycja materialnego dziedzictwa kulturowego - archeologicznego na terenach leśnych w Polsce

The article initially and cross-sectionally discusses the phenomenon of non-formal exhibitions and visiting of tangible cultural heritage in forest areas in Poland. The publication also shows certain processes that authenticate cultural resources, which are outside the register of monuments, as well as processes that inscribe certain cultural assets in public space, especially tourist space. The text has an introductory character to the problematic and at the same time recognizes the phenomenon.The article initially and cross-sectionally discusses the phenomenon of non-formal exhibitions and visiting of tangible cultural heritage in forest areas in Poland. The publication also shows certain processes that authenticate cultural resources, which are outside the register of monuments, as well as processes that inscribe certain cultural assets in public space, especially tourist space. The text has an introductory character to the problematic and at the same time recognizes the phenomenon

„Tutaj zmarli śpią” - historia, archeologia i etnografia chojnickiej Doliny Śmierci Doliny Śmierci

Death Valley in Chojnice, Poland, is a mass murder site from World War II where Germans and various officials of the Third Reich organised and carried out mass executions of Poles. The site and the events that took place there have been the subject of scholarly research and war crimes prosecutions since 2020. This paper intends to outline three aspects of them: 1) how playing in Death Valley as a child determined the later scholarly interest in the site, 2) how reading of a book Chojnice 1939–1945, about World War II and the crimes committed in the region, drew attention to undiscovered aspects of the site, 3) the last parts present the course and preliminary results of three seasons of scientific research and prosecution of war crimes committed on the northern outskirts of the town.Death Valley in Chojnice, Poland, is a mass murder site from World War II where Germans and various officials of the Third Reich organised and carried out mass executions of Poles. The site and the events that took place there have been the subject of scholarly research and war crimes prosecutions since 2020. This paper intends to outline three aspects of them: 1) how playing in Death Valley as a child determined the later scholarly interest in the site, 2) how reading of a book Chojnice 1939–1945, about World War II and the crimes committed in the region, drew attention to undiscovered aspects of the site, 3) the last parts present the course and preliminary results of three seasons of scientific research and prosecution of war crimes committed on the northern outskirts of the town