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Analysis of Charcoal and Wood from Czarnowko Site (Pomerania Region, Poland): 14C Dating Versus Relative Chronology Show Consistent Evidence of Wielbark Culture Presence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 March 2017

M Benysek ,
D Michalska ,
E Fabisiak  and
W Stawikowski
M Benysek
Affiliation:
Oxford Archaeology, Janus House, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0ES, United Kingdom
D Michalska*
Affiliation:
Adam Mickiewicz University, Department of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Institute of Geology, ul. Bogumila Krygowskiego 12, 61-680, Poznań, Poland
E Fabisiak
Affiliation:
Poznan University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Wood Technology, Department of Wood Sciences, ul.Wojska Polskiego 38/42, 60-627 Poznań, Poland
W Stawikowski
Affiliation:
Adam Mickiewicz University, Department of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Institute of Geology, ul. Bogumila Krygowskiego 12, 61-680, Poznań, Poland
*
*Corresponding author. Email: danamich@amu.edu.pl; danutamich@go2.pl.
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Abstract

This article presents the results of interdisciplinary analysis of samples from the Czarnówko archaeological site in northern Poland, reporting the first radiocarbon dates for the site in comparison with its relative chronology. The site is of high importance because of its scale and opulence of artifacts. It was used for over 900 yr, from the 7th century BC up to the 3rd century AD, by populations of different cultures (the Lusatian, Pomeranian, Oksywie, and Wielbark). Samples of charcoal, wood, and textile were collected from different features, most of them from burials. Charcoal was taken from cremation pits, while wood was sampled from coffins in skeletal burials. Among samples collected during archaeological excavations in 2008 and 2010, 20 were chosen for 14C dating and macro- and microscopic observations. Images taken using a scanning electron microscope revealed the microstructure and preservation level of the specimens. An emphasis was also placed on geomorphological and geological research of the site area to gain information about the environmental conditions influencing the samples’ preservation state, e.g. pH, type, origin and permeability of sediment, and accumulation of organic matter. The obtained calibrated 14C ages are in agreement with the relative chronology based on the typology of artifacts and stratigraphic site reconstructions.

Keywords

Iron AgeWielbark cultureRoman periodcharcoalpretreatment14C dating
Type
Research Article
Information
Radiocarbon , Volume 59 , Issue 1 , February 2017 , pp. 45 - 60
Copyright
© 2017 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona 

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