Archaeobotanical Analysis of “Liburnian” Pottery from the Nadin – Gradina site

U radu su analizirani biljni makroostaci na glinenim ulomcima s organskim primjesama s nalazišta Nadin – Gradina u sjevernoj Dalmaciji. Ulomci keramičke posude većih dimenzija skladišne namjene potječu iz jednog zatvorenog naseobinskog konteksta (SJ 419) datiranog radiokarbonskom metodom u razdoblje starijeg željeznog doba, odnosno u vremenski okvir posljednje četvrtine 9. st. pr. Kr. do sredine 8. st. pr. Kr. Organske primjese korištene su od najranijh vremena u smjesi za izradu keramike kako bi se utjecalo na svojstva konačnog keramičkog produkta. Takvi sušeni ili pečeni keramički predmeti sadrže tragove korištenja biljnih primjesa u vidu otisaka i biljnih ostataka. Identificirani biljni ostaci većim dijelom potječu od ostataka vršidbe žitarica: pšeno, stabljike i listovi te pljeve i ostaci klasa. Na temelju analize otisaka i ostataka biljnih primjesa bilo je moguće determinirati krupnozrne žitarice: ječam (Hordeum sp.) i pšenicu (Triticum sp.) te sitnozrne: proso/muhar (Panicum/Setaria sp.). od ostalih nalaza pronađeni su tragovi masline (Olea europaea) i drijena (cf. Cornus mas) te skupine trava (Poaceae). Otisci i ostaci biljnih primjesa u keramici često ostaju nezamijećeni, iako predstavljaju vrijednu dopunu klasičnoj analizi biljnih makrofosila, a time i dodatne podatke o gospodarskim strategijama i okolišu zajednice koja je keramiku proizvela.The paper analyses plant macroremains on clay sherds containing organic inclusions from the Nadin – Gradina site in northern Dalmatia. Sherds of a large pottery vessel intended for storage have been found in a closed settlement context (SU 419), dated using radiocarbon method to the Early Iron Age, that is, to the period between the last quarter of the 9th century BC and the middle of the 8th century BC. Organic inclusions in pottery pastes have been used since the earliest times with the intention of influencing the properties of the final ceramic product. Such dried or fired pottery contains traces of the plant temper employed, in the form of imprints and plant remains. The identified plant remains consist mainly of remains of cereal threshing: grains, stems and leaves, glumes and remains of ears. The analysis of the imprints and remains of plant temper allowed us to identify large-grained cereals – barley (Hordeum sp.) and wheat (Triticum sp.) – and small-grained cereals: broomcorn/foxtail millet (Panicum/Setaria sp.). Among other finds, there are traces of olive (Olea europaea) and cornelian cherry (cf. Cornus mas), and of grasses (Poaceae). The imprints and plant inclusions in pottery often remain unnoticed, but they are a valuable complement to the classical analysis of plant macrofossils, and provide additional information on the economic strategies and environment of the community which produced the pottery

Tourist\u27s Perception of Safety in the Republic of Croatia in 2019

This research has examined the attitudes and perceptions of tourists that visited the Republic of Croatia (RH) during the summer of 2019 about the perception of safety in RH, especially on general security, as well as food safety, personal safety, epidemic safety, and natural disasters. Also, we have examined the confidence in Croatian services, such as the police, rescue services, medical emergency, etc. Almost all the safety components were above 4, which indicates that the tourists in Croatia feel safe and trust the services. This research could be a significant tool for improving the policies for attracting the tourists during and after the pandemic

Triticum timopheevii s.l. (‘new glume wheat’) finds in regions of southern and eastern Europe across space and time

Triticum timopheevii sensu lato (‘new glume wheat’, NGW) was first recognised as a distinct prehistoric cereal crop through work on archaeobotanical finds from Neolithic and Bronze Age sites in northern Greece. This was later followed by its identification in archaeobotanical assemblages from other parts of Europe. This paper provides an overview of the currently known archaeobotanical finds of Timopheev’s wheat in southeastern and eastern Europe and observes their temporal span and spatial distribution. To date, there are 89 prehistoric sites with these finds, located in different parts of the study region and dated from the Neolithic to the very late Iron Age. Their latest recorded presence in the region is in the last centuries BCE. For assemblages from the site as a whole containing at least 30 grain and/or chaff remains of Timopheev’s wheat, we take a brief look at the overall relative proportions of Triticum monococcum (einkorn), T. dicoccum (emmer) and T. timopheevii s.l. (Timopheev’s wheat), the three most common glume wheats in our study region in prehistory. We highlight several sites where the overall proportions of Timopheev’s wheat might be taken to suggest it was a minor component of a mixed crop (maslin), or an unmonitored inclusion in einkorn or emmer fields. At the same sites, however, there are also discrete contexts where this wheat is strongly predominant, pointing to its cultivation as a pure crop. We therefore emphasise the need to evaluate the relative representation of Timopheev’s wheat at the level of individual samples or contexts before making inferences on its cultivation status. We also encourage re-examination of prehistoric and historic cereal assemblages for its remains

Archaebotanical analysis of layers of the Liburnian settlement in Nadin

Arheobotanička analiza željeznodobnih slojeva iz kv. B 8/10 u naselju na lokalitetu Nadin–Gradina uključuje makrobotaničku analizu sedimenta kojoj je pridružena analiza makrobotaničkih ostataka s keramičkih ulomaka iz sloja 419. Izdvojeni su karbonizirani i mineralizirani biljni ostaci, kao i oni indirektni – biljni otisci na keramici. Brojnost nalaza krupnozrnih žitarica (Cerealia) i pojavnost u svim proučavanim slojevima ukazuje kako su upravo one činile osnovu prehrane. Iako ih je većina u fragmentiranom obliku, detektirana su i cjelovita pšena od kojih su identificirani ječam (Hordeum vulgare) i njegove tri podvrste: dvoredni ječam (Hordeum vulgare var. distichum), četveroredni ječam (Hordeum vulgare var. tetrastichum) i šesterororedni ječam (Hordeum vulgare var. hexastichum). Zabilježene su četiri vrste pšenice: jednozrna (Triticum monococcum), dvozrna (Triticum dicoccum), pravi pir (Triticum spelta) i tvrda pšenica (Triticum durum grupa) u dvije varijante – labavog i gustog klasa. Sitnosjemene žitarice, proso (Panicum miliaceum) i klipasti muhar (Setaria italica) također su evidentirane, ali u manjem broju u odnosu na krupnozrne žitarice. Kultivacija krupnozrnih žitarica na nalazištu potvrđena je kroz starije željezno doba pronalaskom tragova ostataka od vršidbe žitarica na keramičkim ulomcima lokalne izrade, dok su sitnosjemene žitarice najvjerojatnije bile kultivirane po potrebi, ali nisu bile dominantne u ishrani, što potvrđuju izotopske analize što može upućivati na korištenje u druge svrhe. Detektirani su i raznovrsni korovi te ruderalne biljke među kojima se ističe ražasti ovsik (Bromus secalinus) koji se teško uklanjao putem vršidbe zbog čega se ponovno zasijavao, ali i konzumirao. U vrlo malom broju izdvojene su i mahunarke poput leće (Lens culinaris), boba (Vicia faba) i lećaste grahorice (Vicia ervilia). One su bile uzgajane, a potom i korištene u prehrani s obzirom kako su pronađene u skladišnim kontekstima zajedno sa žitaricama. Identificirane su i razne drvenaste biljke poput vinove loze (Vitis vinifera), masline (Olea europaea), smokve (Ficus carica), žira (Quercus sp.), trešnje (Prunus avium), trnine (Prunus spinosa) i drijena (Cornus mas) koje svjedoče sakupljačkim aktivnostima van naselja. Dok se za vinovu lozu s obzirom na učestalost pronalaska i veći broj fragmenata možemo pretpostaviti kultivaciju već tijekom starijeg željezng doba, a za maslinu tek od mlađeg željeznog doba. Udruživanjem podataka provedenih analiza dobili smo širu sliku gospodarskih praksi i vegetacije u okolici.Archaeobotanical analysis of the Iron Age layers from unit B 8/10 in the settlement at the Nadin–Gradina site includes a macrobotanical analysis of the sediment, which is accompanied by an analysis of macrobotanical remains from ceramic fragments from layer 419. Carbonized and mineralized plant remains, as well as plant impressions on ceramics, were isolated. The great number of large-grained cereals (Cerealia) and their occurrence in all layers indicate that they were staple foods. Although most of them are in fragmented form, whole seeds were also detected. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and its three subspecies were identified: two-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare var. distichum), four-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare var. tetrastichum), and six-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare var. hexastichum). Four types of wheat were recorded: Einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum), Emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum), spelt wheat (Triticum spelta), and durum wheat (Triticum durum group) in two varieties: lax-eared and dense-eared. Small-seeded cereals, broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were also recorded, but in smaller quantities compared to large-grained cereals. Cultivation of large-grained cereals at the site was confirmed in the Early Iron Age by finding traces of grain threshing remains on locally made ceramic fragments, while small-seeded grains were most likely cultivated as needed, but were not dominant in the diet, as confirmed by isotopic analyses, which may point to their use for other purposes. A variety of weeds and ruderal plants were also detected, among which stands out the ryegrass (Bromus secalinus), which was difficult to remove by threshing, which is why it was re-sown but also consumed. Legumes such as lentils (Lens culinaris), broad beans (Vicia faba), and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) were also identified, although in very small quantities. They were found in storage contexts together with cereals, which suggests that they were cultivated and consumed. Various woody plants such as grapevine (Vitis vinifera), olive (Olea europaea), fig (Ficus carica), acorn (Quercus sp.), cherry (Prunus avium), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and dogwood (Cornus mas) were also identified, which testifies gathering activities in the vicinity of the settlement. While for the vine, considering the frequency of finds and the greater number of fragments, it can be assumed that cultivation began already during the Early Iron Age, and for the olive only from the Late Iron Age. By combining the data of the conducted analyses, we obtained a broader picture of economic practices and vegetation in the surrounding area

Neolithic manifestations of cults on the eastern Adriatic coast

Istraženi lokaliteti iz razdoblja neolitika na istočnoj obali Jadrana govore u prilog postojanju posebnog duhovnog života u kojem su se prakticirali različiti kultovi i rituali. Specifičan odnos prema pokojnicima karakterističan za ovo razdoblje očituje se kroz malobrojne cjelovite ukope djece i odraslih te sekundarne i parcijalne ukope lubanje i drugih kostiju. Također na ovom području pronalazimo kultne predmete u vidu plastičnih figuralnih izrađevina od kojih razlikujemo ljudske realistične i zvonaste likove, te zoomorfne figurine s pločicom i one s posudicom koje se dovode u vezu s kultnim posudama na četiri noge ili ritonima. U instrumente korištene pri ritualima ubrajaju se i pintadere koje pronalazimo u svim neolitičkim fazama na istočnoj obali Jadrana. Iz razdoblja kasnog neolitika potječu oslikani keramički ulomci s prikazima motiva sunca i mjeseca. Takvi prikazi na keramici, zajedno s ostalim predmetima kojima se pripisuje kultna namjena, barem donekle dočaravaju svjetonazor neolitičkih stočarsko – zemljoradničkih zajednica ovog područja. One su ovisile o blagonaklonosti prirode, a u suživotu s njom razvijale su poseban duhovni aspekt života svojstven upravo ovom području.The excavated sites from neolithic period on eastern Adriatic coast speak in support of the existence of a special spiritual aspect of life in which various cults and rituals were practiced. A specific relationship to the deceased, characteristic only for this period, is evident through the discoveries of a few complete burials of children and adults and secondary burials of the skull and other bones. Also in this area we find plastic figural constructions in shape of human realistic figures and human bell-shaped characters, and zoomorfic figurines with pots and plates which are similar to the cult pots on four legs or „rhytons“. Instruments which we connect with rituals are also „stamp – seals“ that we find in all stages of the neolithic on the eastern Adriatic. Ceramic fragments painted with motives of the sun and the moon are dated back to the late neolitihic period. Such depictions on ceramics, together with other objects, which are attributed to cult purposes, provide the worldview of neolithic ranching-agricultural community in this area at least at some point. This community was depended on nature's benevolence, and in harmony with it, developed the special spiritual aspect of life peculiar to just this area

Neolithic manifestations of cults on the eastern Adriatic coast

Istraženi lokaliteti iz razdoblja neolitika na istočnoj obali Jadrana govore u prilog postojanju posebnog duhovnog života u kojem su se prakticirali različiti kultovi i rituali. Specifičan odnos prema pokojnicima karakterističan za ovo razdoblje očituje se kroz malobrojne cjelovite ukope djece i odraslih te sekundarne i parcijalne ukope lubanje i drugih kostiju. Također na ovom području pronalazimo kultne predmete u vidu plastičnih figuralnih izrađevina od kojih razlikujemo ljudske realistične i zvonaste likove, te zoomorfne figurine s pločicom i one s posudicom koje se dovode u vezu s kultnim posudama na četiri noge ili ritonima. U instrumente korištene pri ritualima ubrajaju se i pintadere koje pronalazimo u svim neolitičkim fazama na istočnoj obali Jadrana. Iz razdoblja kasnog neolitika potječu oslikani keramički ulomci s prikazima motiva sunca i mjeseca. Takvi prikazi na keramici, zajedno s ostalim predmetima kojima se pripisuje kultna namjena, barem donekle dočaravaju svjetonazor neolitičkih stočarsko – zemljoradničkih zajednica ovog područja. One su ovisile o blagonaklonosti prirode, a u suživotu s njom razvijale su poseban duhovni aspekt života svojstven upravo ovom području.The excavated sites from neolithic period on eastern Adriatic coast speak in support of the existence of a special spiritual aspect of life in which various cults and rituals were practiced. A specific relationship to the deceased, characteristic only for this period, is evident through the discoveries of a few complete burials of children and adults and secondary burials of the skull and other bones. Also in this area we find plastic figural constructions in shape of human realistic figures and human bell-shaped characters, and zoomorfic figurines with pots and plates which are similar to the cult pots on four legs or „rhytons“. Instruments which we connect with rituals are also „stamp – seals“ that we find in all stages of the neolithic on the eastern Adriatic. Ceramic fragments painted with motives of the sun and the moon are dated back to the late neolitihic period. Such depictions on ceramics, together with other objects, which are attributed to cult purposes, provide the worldview of neolithic ranching-agricultural community in this area at least at some point. This community was depended on nature's benevolence, and in harmony with it, developed the special spiritual aspect of life peculiar to just this area

Triticum timopheevii s.l. ('new glume wheat') finds in regions of southern and eastern Europe across space and time

Triticum timopheevii sensu lato ('new glume wheat', NGW) was first recognised as a distinct prehistoric cereal crop through work on archaeobotanical finds from Neolithic and Bronze Age sites in northern Greece. This was later followed by its identification in archaeobotanical assemblages from other parts of Europe. This paper provides an overview of the currently known archaeobotanical finds of Timopheev's wheat in southeastern and eastern Europe and observes their temporal span and spatial distribution. To date, there are 89 prehistoric sites with these finds, located in different parts of the study region and dated from the Neolithic to the very late Iron Age. Their latest recorded presence in the region is in the last centuries bce. For assemblages from the site as a whole containing at least 30 grain and/or chaff remains of Timopheev's wheat, we take a brief look at the overall relative proportions of Triticum monococcum (einkorn), T. dicoccum (emmer) and T. timopheevii s.l. (Timopheev's wheat), the three most common glume wheats in our study region in prehistory. We highlight several sites where the overall proportions of Timopheev's wheat might be taken to suggest it was a minor component of a mixed crop (maslin), or an unmonitored inclusion in einkorn or emmer fields. At the same sites, however, there are also discrete contexts where this wheat is strongly predominant, pointing to its cultivation as a pure crop. We therefore emphasise the need to evaluate the relative representation of Timopheev's wheat at the level of individual samples or contexts before making inferences on its cultivation status. We also encourage re-examination of prehistoric and historic cereal assemblages for its remains