Baden culture

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The Baden culture was an archaeological culture of the Copper Age in the central Danube region, which is named after finds from Baden near Vienna . Their core area was in Eastern Austria and Hungary , but there are also sites in Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Germany. In particular, the Boleráz stage of the early Baden culture left its mark on other cultures. Older names were culture with fluted ceramics , strap handle culture , Ossarner culture , in Hungary Péceler culture or Baden-Pécel . In Poland it is also known as the Promienista culture . Radiocarbon dates for this culture are between about 3500 and 2800 BC. Chr.

Research history

The beginnings of Baden culture are based on archaeological finds from the Königshöhle near the Rauheneck castle ruins near Baden. In the 1920s, Oswald Menghin and Josef Bayer gave the title of the researched find material. However, a first complete treatise on Baden culture was not presented until 1956 by János Banner . In the following period, publications related primarily to the individual countries appeared. So who took Richard Pittioni on the Austrian finds. In the course of his investigations, he made an initial proposal for a periodization. Some time later Elisabeth Ruttkay devoted herself to the newer sites in Austria . In what was then Yugoslavia, research owes its first insights into Baden culture to Nikola Tasić and Stojan Dimitrijević. From 1959 to 1983 they carried out investigations of archaeologically relevant sites and during this time brought an overview of the current state of research as well as a proposal for the structure of the Yugoslav region. Hungary was represented here by Sándor Soproni , among others . Within nine years (1951–1962) he uncovered one of the most famous sites of Baden culture in the area of ​​the Budakalász-Luppa csárda. In 1973 Emilie Pleslová-Štiková published his results in Bohemia. This was followed in the same year by Jiri Pavelćik adding to the Moravian distribution area. Only a short time later (1978), with the publications of Petre I. Roman and Ioan Németi, the Romanian findings were incorporated into research on Baden culture. Important to mention at this point are the works of Evžen Neustupny from 1959 and 1973 that are relevant for the internal structure. The more recent literature deals largely with individual smaller regions and sites. In the course of this z. Partly split studies developed different names. The German-speaking countries, Yugoslavia and Romania are based on the name of the Baden culture , but in Hungary it is referred to as the Pécel culture . In the Czech Republic and Slovakia it is called culture with fluted ceramics , in Poland, however, culture radially decorated ceramics .

distribution

Extension of cultures 3200–2300 BC With the Cord Ceramics , the Jamnaja culture , spherical amphora culture and Baden culture

The core region of Baden culture is in the Hungarian Carpathian Basin and eastern Austria, with foothills as far as western Bohemia and parts of Bavaria . However, their influences extend far beyond that. East, the closed Lažňany-Hunyadihalom culture to western Romania on, north to Moravia and Silesia . There are imports of Baden culture in the Nordic funnel cup culture . In addition to the lower reaches of the Danube, finds are piling up in central Serbia and west of the Save , possibly as far as Bulgaria and northern Greece .

Sites of Baden culture:

Radiocarbon dating (cal. BC, 1σ)

  • 3519–3373: Earliest boleraz
  • 3325-3027: Boleraz
  • 3016–2900: Early classic bathing (levels IIB - III)
  • 2892–2687: Younger classic bathing.

Ceramics

Anthropomorphic vessel. Ceramics. Baden culture, approx. 3500–2800 BC From Ráckeve (Hungary). Museum of Prehistory and Early History (Berlin)

The Baden culture can be divided into four phases on the basis of ceramic investigations, which also show different characteristics within the respective stages. It is not uncommon for two phases to run side by side. As in other cultural groups, many of the levels also adopt elements of the preceding ones.

Level I. (Boleráz group)

In stage Ia there are both thick-walled and thin-walled ceramic types. The latter also have a particularly high-quality, gray-brown to dark-gray surface, which is usually polished and smoothed. We find undecorated cups. Thin ribbon handles contrast with the relatively large dimensions. The later cups can no longer be found in this size form. The level Ia jugs were also provided with ribbon handles. In addition to these, subcutaneous handles and a flat fluting emerged, which were integrated into the unadornment of the jugs. Bowls with a funnel-like mouth are also characteristic. On the other hand, indented and outwardly reinforced edges are rarer. Amphora-shaped vessels were also found in the complex. The most striking feature here are the decorative plastic dab strips. The incised pine branch ornament typical of the Boleráz group appears for the first time under the weakly profiled pot and bag-shaped ceramic vessels of this horizon (albeit only rarely).

The stage Ia finds come primarily from the western Carpathian Basin. Corresponding pottery was later discovered in the areas north and south of the Tisza.

In the following phase Ib the settlement finds become more numerous. Accordingly, the ceramic ones too. The smaller cups are noticeable, their neck is lower and now swinging in cylindrically. The mostly vertical fluting of the lower part is new. The jugs are also shrinking in size. The neck tapers to an edge, on which three subcutaneous handles now appear next to the tape handle. Occasionally loop-like and grooved handles are also found. The jugs are mostly undecorated or have a vertical fluting or the wolf tooth pattern typical of Baden culture. The continuing funnel rim bowls are decorated for the first time on their inside. The other bowls now have a reinforced rim. On the amphora- and pot-like ceramics there are now more and more plastic dab strips, while the typical fir twigs with flat tubercles are increasingly applied to the surface.

The found complexes of level Ib are distributed throughout the entire area of ​​Baden culture.

The first stage ends with phase Ic. At the same time, it continues to run parallel to stage IIa for a while until it finally merges with it. In general, there is an increase in scratched and sculptural decorative elements on the thick-walled ceramic. There are now undecorated, cross-grooved and also serrated loop handles on jugs and cups, which are positioned slightly overhanging. In addition to various fluting, we also find plastic decorations on the jugs. These are expressed in vertically arranged ribs. Occasionally this can also be observed on amphora-like vessels in the area of ​​their bulge. The horizontally attached pine branch motifs on the outside of the funnel rim and other bowls, which are typical for phase IIa, can be seen for the first time in phase Ic.

Stage II.

The second phase of Baden culture (the Ossarn phase) follows on from the previous one. Part of the continuation of the elements of the Boleráz group takes place here. This is evident, for example, from the interior decorations of the funnel-shaped bowls, but also from the typical incised fir branch motif. The latter is used up to level III of Baden culture.

The thick-walled ceramic continues in phase IIa. There is now a different profile on the pitchers. They are actually made with a higher and cylindrically oscillating neck. Your shoulders stand out more. For the first time distinctive crosswise or oblique grooves (including serrated) adorn the loop handles. There is a peculiarity here, which is also noticeable on some cups. Often these are namely provided with a hump below the mouth edge. Smaller, hemispherical bowls are the successor to the Boleráz group. They also have an interior decoration. The funnel rim bowls of level IIa, on the other hand, are presented in larger dimensions. The typical pine twigs decorate their outside. Inside there are any fluting on the edges and walls as well as concentric circles or tightly rolled spirals on the floor. In addition to several plastic strips below the edge, one also encounters the incised fir branch motif here. The remaining elongated, amphora-shaped vessels were often worked with groups of three made of vertical plastic ribs on the shoulder zones. In the interstices one discovers decorated and undecorated surface scratches.

Although the number of settlements is decreasing, it is scattered throughout the Carpathian Basin.

Phase IIb is characterized by a new theory of forms and ornamentation. It breaks away from the traditional appearances of the Boleráz group from the first stage. The jugs are for the first time low in their bulge and have a depressed shape. This is a trend that can be found even more frequently in Baden III. The decorated and undecorated loop handles of the cups and mugs remained largely unchanged. Still with a hump, the narrow ribbon handles on the top now also come to the fore. The decorations on the inner and outer surfaces of any bowl are becoming rarer. On pot-shaped vessels, the plastic edge strips are detached and replaced by two, occasionally also by several rows of stitches. These are separated from one another with the help of rough and opposing humps and ridges. Little by little, grid pattern scratches that are typical for this phase become established. In addition to this, the first hanging vessels with flat base rings appear.

Stage III.

In the third phase of Baden culture, the ceramic character is split into individual regions. The Transdanubian and West Slovak areas are represented by the Nevidzany type. A type can also be found in the Tisza region and in eastern Slovakia, which is characterized by the Viss site. In addition to northern Yugoslavia, northern Hungary, central Slovakia and southern Poland represent the last ceramic region (Ózd type).

The larger jugs of the Danubian Nevidzany type are characterized by their necks swinging in, a now arched bulge and shoulders positioned at different heights. The smaller ones, however, continue the appearance and texture of phase IIb. They are primarily fluted vertical. Occasionally, however, horizontal fluting also occurs on the neck area. In level III there are only strap handles. Jugs and funnel-shaped cups were characterized by different, diagonally hatched triangular fluting. On the underside of the neck of jugs, the tips point upwards, while on the bottom of bowls with funnel rim they point in the opposite direction. The latter are still decorated with ribbons on the inside and concentric circles on the bottom. In addition, for the first time there are tunnel or wider strap handles on the edge of the shells. There is usually a, but often a whole group of humps on the edges. As in the earlier phases, the pot-like ceramics had a plastic strip on the edge. The pouch shape of these vessels became characteristic of the third phase of Baden culture. Small amphora-like vessels were also produced with tunnel handles on the shoulders. In addition, there are also those without or with two massive strap handles. They were on the neck and were often decorated in different ways. The Ózd type did not differ significantly from the Danube-country areas. It was merely an addition to the bowls area. These were made with a higher round, often square foot. (Small) jugs with wide ribbon handles and vertical or angled fluting were found in the Tisza region and eastern Slovakia. At the edge these were decorated with three or more pointed humps. Cups and bowls are part of this design. The latter had a retracted mouth. The funnel-rim bowls remained in their classic shape, but now recorded several rows of stitches in vertical or diagonal hatching.

In level III of Baden culture there are some ceramics that fall out of the usual repertoire. This includes ladles with wide, raised handles. Flat floors were characteristic. In addition, the so-called Ossarner cups (Ossarner stage in the first of Baden's culture) with handles appear here for the first time.

Stage IV.

The main form of phase IVa of Baden culture are small jugs. Primarily these are decorated with a row of stitches under the lower part of the neck. The associated strap handle is shown in variously combined fluting. The funnel rim bowls were made in larger dimensions. The ladle vessels, which were still special in phase III, developed a wider or completely narrow base. Ogival trowels of this type were added.

The last phase of Baden culture, stage IVb, cannot yet be precisely classified in the context of the find. In research one discusses on the one hand the coexistence with the Kostolac group, on the other hand the further development to it. The classic fluting had been abandoned. Initially, engravings were preferred, and later grooved decorations. The so-called fish hips were also typical and widespread throughout the Carpathian Basin. These were elongated, almost pointed vessels that had two handles on their shoulders.

metal

Copper was used to make jewelry items.

"Car models"

Among the important finds are the square clay table vessels, interpreted as wagon models , as found in grave 177 in the Hungarian Budakalász - Luppa csárda ( Pest county ).

Funeral rite

The burial customs and customs in Baden culture cover a diverse spectrum. However, only a few burial grounds are known. Instead, there are heaped individual burials or small groups of graves. Two large burial grounds were uncovered in Hungary and Moravia. The primary funeral rite was cremation. In level Ia, it predominates in the Boleráz group. Important in this context are the Pilismárot -Basahárc burial ground (northern Hungary) and a tumulus field of the Ohrozimer type in Moravia. The corpse burn was dumped in different ways. In addition to being deposited in vessels, they were used for T. stored next to these. The cremation lasts until the end of phase IIa. In the west of the Carpathian Basin, body burial began in parallel. Budakalász in Hungary is the largest cemetery in Baden culture. 439 body burials were found here. The skeletons were lying on their side stools. The alignment was irregular. Burials and laying down in settlement pits have also been common since level II. If a few dead people were deposited in an extreme stool position, a large number seem to have simply been thrown into the pits. She was found lying on her back or stomach. It is primarily individual burials. An accumulation of cattle and other animal bones was discovered in the garbage pits. In Svodín (Slovakia) these occurred together with human remains. The importance of the animals or the people buried with them is unclear. Nevizánsky interprets the findings as resting places of important and respected personalities in society. The graves were located both inside and on the edges of the settlements.

Settlements

location

The settlements of Baden culture are primarily located in the lowlands of the Carpathian Basin . The Boleráz group is represented in the western part of the Danube plain. The entire Carpathian Basin is densely populated, especially in the first stages of development. Although many settlements did not exist at the same time, there were often several settlements within one district. Central places of Baden culture in Austria were settlements on hilltops, such as those in the Vienna Woods , on the Buchberg near Alland , the Eichkogel near Guntramsdorf , the Jennyberg and the Hirschkogel near Mödling , the Hochberg near Perchtoldsdorf , the Gemeindeberg in Vienna-Hietzing and the Simonsberg near Weidlingbach .

Settlement types

A uniform type of settlement in Baden culture could not be proven. There are lowland settlements on terraces or on slopes. The location on watercourses is noticeable, e.g. Sometimes also dunes. In addition, there were tell-like settlements, as found in southern Hungary and Yugoslavia, as well as spur or hilltop settlements. Just as different as the types are the dimensions of the find complexes. In Štúrovo (southern Slovakia), for example, singular clay pits or settlement objects extend over an area of ​​one hectare. This contrasts with settlements of several hectares. Excavations in Svodín (by Němejcová-Pavuková) in 1986 brought such a finding to light. In addition to larger settlement centers, there were smaller hamlet-like groups of farmsteads that had remained largely hidden from archaeological research. The use of caves is u. a. occupied by the Königshöhle near Baden .

Many settlements were fortified. Today only the trenches are preserved. Pointed trenches of various widths and depths formed the core of such systems. Evidence for this can be found u. a. in Svodín and Stránska in Slovakia. Hill settlements were also discovered in the north and north-east of Slovakia. There is a fortified spur settlement in Stránska (central Slovakia). In 1986, Kovács and Nevizánsky were able to identify houses with remains of floors and stoves. The latter were usually in the middle of the respective dwelling.

Houses

The large buildings continued to resemble the early and middle Neolithic long buildings, but the floor plan is not rectangular, but trapezoidal. Although the nave was the predominant architecture of the Neolithic, apse-shaped floor plans with post structures were discovered in Sarvaš and Vučedol . It is believed that this shape has its origin in the southeast. In addition, there are multi-phase settlements in Moravia with remains of houses in block construction, in which clay was used for the walls. Remains of a house were discovered in Pottenbrunn (Lower Austria).

Pits and other sunk objects

The Baden culture hardly provides any traces of habitation. Commercial objects and clay pits predominate. Clay pits are very variable in shape, size and depth. Furthermore, circular cylindrical objects were excavated. The third group consists of round bell-shaped pits, probably around granaries. Post holes, as in Svodín, indicate a possible roofing. Dome ovens made of baked clay were sometimes buried deep, sometimes flat and directly below the surface of the earth. All that is known is the addition of these rare stoves to the range of house stoves and fireplaces. Examples of such objects can be found in Nitriansky Hrádok- Zámeček (Western Slovakia).

literature

  • Richard Pittioni: Prehistory of the Austrian area. Deuticke, Vienna 1954.
  • János Banner: The Péceler Culture. Publishing house of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest 1956.
  • N. Tasić: Badenski i vučedolski kulturni kompleks u jugoslaviji. Belgrade 1967.
  • Karl Narr:  Baden culture. In: Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde (RGA). 2nd Edition. Volume 1, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin / New York 1973, ISBN 3-11-004489-7 , p. 579.
  • Bohuslav Chropovsky (Red.): Symposium on the origin and chronology of Baden culture. Publishing house of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 1973.
    • E. Neustupný: The Baden culture . Pp. 317-352.
    • E. Ruttkay: About Baden culture in Lower Austria and Burgenland. Pp. 441-452.
  • Petre I. Roman, Ioan Németi: Cultura Baden în România. Academiei Republicii Socialiste România, Bucharest 1978.
  • Z. Sochacki: Kultura ceramiki promienistej w Europie. Warszawa 1980.
  • Jörg Petrasch: The absolute dating of Baden culture from the point of view of the southern German Early Neolithic. In: Germania. 62, 1984, pp. 269-287.
  • Chr. Mayer, H. Friesinger (Hrsg.): The position of the finds from Grasberg near Ossarn in the context of Baden culture. Publishing house of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1996, ISBN 3-7001-2185-7 .
  • EM Wild, Peter Stadler, M. Bondár, S. Draxler, H. Friesinger, W. Kutschera, A. Priller, W. Rom, E. Ruttkay, P. Steier: New Chronological Frame for the Young Neolithic Baden Culture (4th millennium BC) . In: Radiocarbon. 43 (2001), Nr2B, pp. 1057-1064.
  • Martin Furholt: The northern Baden ceramic styles in the context of the Central European Late Neolithic (3650-2900 BC). Habelt, Bonn 2009, ISBN 978-3-7749-3526-6 .
  • Claudia Sachße: Investigations into the funeral customs of Baden culture. Habelt, Bonn 2010, ISBN 978-3-7749-3648-5 .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b Josef Bayer : The Ossarner culture - an Eeolithic mixed culture in eastern Central Europe. In: Eiszeit und Urgeschichte , Vol. 5, 2, 1928, pp. 60–92.
  2. ^ Tünde Horváth, S. Éva Svingor, Mihály Molnár: NEW RADIOCARBON DATES FOR THE BADEN CULTURE. RADIOCARBON, Vol 50, No. 3, 2008, p 447-458. © 2008 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona.
  3. ^ Sándor Soproni : A budakalászi kocsi (The Budakalász Chariot). In: Folia archaeologica 6, 1954, pp. 29-36 and 198-199, plates 6-8.