Makt och samhälle: politisk ekonomi under bronsåldern i Karpaterbäckenet

This thesis examines social power in tell-building societies during the Early and Middle Bronze Age (circa 2200 to 1400 BC) in the Carpathian Basin. The interpretative framework is based on the notion that social power in stratified prestate societies was based on control over economic, ideological and military sources of power, and the ability to combine these in power networks. In order to describe these conditions are material from different parts of the Carpathian Basin analysed, with a focus on the fortified tell-settlement Százhalombatta-Földvár and the surrounding Benta valley. In this thesis it is argued that the tell-building societies were involved in a welldeveloped intra-regional exchange system, that they had effective subsistence production, and that several communities specialised in the production of different goods. This situation enabled the use of two interrelated economic power strategies fashioned from control over staples and valuables respectively, which could be used to finance political activities and governing organisations through a political economy. The tell-building communities shared the same general ideology that emphasised a close connection between the elites and the middle class. It is also argued that the tell-settlements had an important ideological role. These settlements served as monuments, material representations of social unity and tradition, where a large tell signified a successful society with a long history. This situation made it possible for leaders, who were able to assert control over a tell with military and economic means, to use the community’s cultural traditions and history in ideological power strategies. The use of military might was an integral part of social power strategies. The material culture shows that members of the elite had military roles and that warfare was common during the Middle Bronze Age. Coupled with the economic and ideological conditions it is maintained that leaders were able to combine military and economic power strategies. Specifically, economic control made it possible to finance military specialists, who could be used in strategies to assert control over the economy. Altogether, the sources of power were interrelated and could be used to support each other. Economic power enabled leaders to control ideological and military instruments. Military might was used to secure economic and ideological resources, while the ideology legitimised and institutionalised the stratified social system

The Teleac hillfort in Southwestern Transylvania: the role of the settlement, war and the destruction of the fortification system

Geophysical prospection and excavations show that the heavily fortified Teleac hillfort was densely occupied with a population reaching the low thousands. In this article it is argued that Teleac was a local political centre that acted as a hub for transportation and trade in a region that is rich in mineral resources. Recent investigations also reveal that Teleac was attacked in the late 10th century in an event that breached and destroyed the formidable northern defensive system. This attack suggests that the level of military threat was quite severe in the eastern Carpathian Basin. The attacking forces must have had significant offensive capabilities in order to tackle Teleac’s defences. It is also a strong indication that not only Teleac, but contemporary fortified settlements in the surrounding region were at least in part erected to resist serious military threats

Siedlungsstruktur und Demographie in Teleac: eine spätbronzezeitliche – früheisenzeitliche Befestigung in Siebenbürgen

Recent investigations at the Teleac hillfort in south-western Transylvania have generated new data on the spatial organisation and history of the settlement. A combination of excavations and geophysical prospection revealed that Teleac was a dense and well organised settlement with a substantial population, and that some sections of the hillfort likely were used for different activities. It is also argued that Teleac likely dominated the open settlements and acted as a hub for transportation and trade throughout the region.Jüngste Untersuchungen in der befestigten Höhensiedlung von Teleac im südwestlichen Siebenbürgen haben neue Daten zur räumlichen Organisation und Siedlungsgeschichte erbracht. Ausgrabungen in Kombination mit geophysikalischer Prospektion konnten zeigen, dass Teleac eine dichte und gut organisierte Siedlung mit einer erheblichen Bevölkerung war und dass einige Bereiche der befestigten Höhensiedlung für unterschiedliche Aktivitäten genutzt wurden. Es wird auch argumentiert, dass Teleac wahrscheinlich die offenen Siedlungen beherrschte und als Drehkreuz für Transport und Handel in der Region fungierte

Archaeological Prospection in Wetlands—Experiences and Observations from Ground-Penetrating Radar Surveys in Norwegian Bogs

Wetlands are of immense importance for archaeological research due to excellent preservation conditions for organic material. However, the detection and registration of archaeological remains in waterlogged areas, such as peatlands, bogs, mires, or lakeshores are very challenging. Alternative methods that can support traditional archaeological registrations and that can help to survey wetlands more efficiently are needed. One goal of the “Arkeologi på nye veier” (Archaeology on new ways) project, initiated by Nye Veier AS, was to develop and test a practical solution for non-invasive geophysical surveys in wetland environments in support of traditional archaeological investigations. For that purpose, a custom GPR system for wetland investigations was assembled, tested and applied at Gausdal (Flekkefjord municipality, Agder county) in Norway within the E39-southwest infrastructure project. The GPR survey resulted in promising data, clearly showing the buried remains of an old road within the investigated area. This case study demonstrated the potential of GPR measurements in peatlands as a valuable asset for archaeological registration projects in such environments. However, despite these first encouraging results, wetlands remain very challenging environments, and realistic expectations, as well as a good understanding of the potential and limitations of this approach are a prerequisite for meaningful surveys