Abstract
The aim of this study is to present a full characterization and catalogue of the graves of the early medieval inhumation necropolis that was recently found at the edge of the loess uplands in the western part of Malopolska (Lesser Poland) – specifically, in Grodowice, Kazimierza Wielka district. The second aim is to determine the matrilineal genetic structure and to present the first medieval population-level human DNA study from Malopolska. The necropolis, which was excavated in 2005-2008 at site 1, is situated in an open field on the culmination of a broad, flat hill being part of a longitudinal range of hills separating the valleys of two larger rivers – namely, the Nidzica and Mlynska. The excavations resulted in the discovery of 35 inhumation graves, partly arranged in regular rows, dating to the early medieval period. The deceased were placed mostly in regular pits with their heads to the west. Very few traces of wooden coffins were recorded. 32 skeletons were classified in anthropological analysis. They present all age classes: Infans/Juvenis (13 graves), Juvenis/Adultus (8 graves, incl. 3 females and 3 males), Adultus/Maturus (9 graves, incl. 3 females and 3 males), and Senilis (1 grave). Various pathological changes and injuries were recorded: teeth plaque, enamel hypoplasia, caries, spine and long bone degenerations, cribra orbitalia, Schmorl’s nodes. Thirteen mtDNA sequences were made which encompass almost the entire range of Western Eurasian macro-haplogroups. Artefacts were recorded in 11 graves, such as: temple rings, coins, finger rings, beads, and coins. They occurred infemale, male, and child graves alike. The cemetery at Grodowice, like the majority of inhumation cemeteries in Malopolska, was probably founded in thesecond half or towards the end of the 10th century. Graves with coins indicate that it still functioned in the late 11th century. It cannot be ruled out that the Grodowice necropolis ceased to function as a result of the construction of churches in nearby Kazimierza Mala (probably as early as in the 11th century) and Bejsce (12th century or the first half of the 13th century).
Highlights
The development of lands in the upper Vistula basin, which were the core of Małopolska (Lesser Poland) as formed during the early Middle Ages when the Polish state emerged, is reconstructed on the basis of two main categories of sources
Our knowledge is significantly enhanced especially by sepulchral anna kubica-grygiel finds, including the large amount of inhumation burial data that are at centre stage of at least two scientific disciplines – archaeology and physical anthropology
The aim of this study is to present the full characteristics along with a catalogue of the graves of an early medieval inhumation necropolis that was recently found on the margin of the loess uplands in the western part of Małopolska during excavations conducted at site 1 at Grodowice, Bejsce commune, in the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship
Summary
The development of lands in the upper Vistula basin, which were the core of Małopolska (Lesser Poland) as formed during the early Middle Ages when the Polish state emerged, is reconstructed on the basis of two main categories of sources. It is interesting to note the chronological position of grave 103, which consisted of two relatively early forms of small brass temple rings made of thin wire (average size: inner diameter – 9-10 mm, thickness 1.8 mm) and a silver coin, presumably a German denarius of Bishop Bernold, issued in the years 1046-1054 AD. On the other hand one of the arguments suggesting the longer use of the cemetery is the presence of graves with temple rings made of thick, silver wire (grave 52 and the grave from the test trench), whose long-use-period in Małopolska is confirmed by a dozen assemblages with coins, especially relatively late emissions issued during the last quarter of the 11th century, in the 12th century, and even the beginning of 13th century
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