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Culinary traditions of central Europe
A new study in Germany has analysed the fat residues in a collection of over 100 pottery vessels from various sites across Europe, all of which date to between 5450 and 1000 BC. The results revealed the first evidence of widespread consumption of dairy products in the Baalberge region in the 4th millenium BC, and that the people in this area appeared to be using specific cups for dairy. Furthermore, the lipids revealed an increase in the consumption of pork by Corded Ware groups by the 3rd millenium BC.
The full study can be found in PLOS ONE: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301278 (open access).
Purple dye factory discovered on Aegina
Recent excavations on Aegina, Greece, have uncovered a factory for Tyrian purple dye. Dating back 3,600 years, the factory would have created this prized dye from sea snails. The function of the site was identified by the large quantity of crushed mollusc shells found, as well as tools such as grinding and pounding stones and facilities includ- ing a waste pit. Other finds included deposits of animals, which may have been sacrificed to ensure the success of the business. Findings from the excavation have been published in PLOS ONE: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304340 (open access).
Viking ship burial in Norway
A large Viking ship burial has been identified during excavations at Jarlsberg Manor in south-east Norway. Metal-detecting in 2018 uncovered rivets, and a follow-up ground-penetrating radar survey revealed a burial mound on the site. Excavations have now unearthed around 70 more rivets, with a size indicative of a large vessel from the Viking period. A horse crampon has also been found, suggesting that other grave goods may yet be uncovered.
The excavation of the site has increased understanding of the wider cultural landscape of Jarlsberg, and despite the few remains recovered from the burial, it is clear that this was a noteworthy site during the Viking Age.
Text: Rebecca Preedy / Photo: State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt; Matthias Zirm
