4th Century AD Research Articles

Radiocarbon dating of samples connected to rock-cut features at Myrina Kastro (Lemnos Island, Greece) and calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect in the Late Bronze Age in the Aegean Sea

AbstractThe Kastro peninsula constitutes the extension towards the West of Myrina, the Lemnos capital, on the western coast of the island, in the North Aegean Sea. The ongoing research project on rock-cut features and rock-art of this complex site included a five-year (2002–2007) subsurface investigation, during which, among other mobile finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected, associated in situ to rock-cut features. Subsequently, in an attempt to bring about information on the dating of the rock-cut site, an investigation based on 14C has also been undertaken. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is the AMS dating of the unearthed anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the end of the Late Bronze Age. Our results show that the age of the deposits is spanning from the 13th century BC till the 6th century AD. Moreover, the 14C ages of two pairs of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the mean marine reservoir age R(t) in this region from the 13th to the 10th centuries BC is 175 ± 59 14C yrs and the mean local sea surface reservoir deviation ΔR is found to be –288 ± 108 14C yrs (within 1σ).

Depositing skeletal remains in Czech and Moravian ossuaries and associated climatic variations

AbstractSamples of the bones of 47 individuals from 46 Czech and Moravian ossuaries were dated by the 14C method and analyzed for the collagen isotopic composition of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). Most of the data for the ages of the remains corresponded to the cooler and damper periods described over the past 1000 years. Of the studied samples, the greatest number of remains corresponded to the Spörer (1400–1570), Dalton (1790–1830) and Wolf minima (1280–1350). One sample studied falls within the Maunder minimum (1645–1715). It can be assumed that these minima are connected with a reduced production of food and fodder, that may have initiated famines, epidemics and armed conflicts. Individual climatic minima showed positive correlations between δ13C and δ15N values, indicating that the individuals studied consumed complementary plant or animal diets to different degrees. The elevated δ15N values in our studied samples compared to the skeletal compositions of the population of the La Tène period (380 – 150 BC) and Germanic inhabitants in the territory of Bohemia (5th–6th centuries AD) and Great Moravia (9th–early 10th centuries AD) might reflect the effect of greater consumption of animal proteins or the proteins of omnivorous animals and fish, which compensated for the lack of plant foodstuffs during the colder periods.The isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen of the bone collagen for the Spörer and Dalton minima differs from the Wolf minimum. The younger minima show higher δ15N values for a given δ13C value.

Fibulae in the Form of Overlays in the Archeology of the Western Balts of the Merovingian Age

The article is devoted to a unique phenomenon in the archeology of the Baltics – Aestii and Prussian brooches imitating belt linings and details of a horse headband. They date from the early 5th – early 8th century AD. According to its shape, these brooches are divided into two variants. Fibulae var. 1 of the early phase of the era of the Great Migration of Peoples are associated with the Aestii of Sambia on the threshold of the emergence of the Prussian archaeological culture, and the clasps of var. 2 came out of the workshops of the western part of the Masurian Lake District in the final phase of the mentioned era. The sizes and shapes of the studied brooches directly point to their prototypes: linings of various accessories. By searching for such analogies, the origin and dating of brooches-overlays obtained as a result of excavations of burial grounds on the western outskirts of the Baltic world is clarified. The brooches of both of the aforementioned variants, belonging to the bearers of the cultures of various Western Baltic tribes, were made over the course of three centuries (with interruptions). Fasteners var. 1 were included in male and female burial complexes. Fasteners var. 2 belonged exclusively to male complexes. The social affiliation of the owners of brooches var. 2 can be defined as members (or relatives) of a squad group. It was professional warriors who had luxurious horse headbands with fours, imitating the Frankish models of the Merovingian era. A similar phenomenon was noted on the example of women’s pendants with retinue symbols in Eastern European antiquities of the Viking Age, which was not previously noted in Russian archeology.

Past and Future Impacts of the Relative Sea Level Rise on the Seafront of Ancient Delos (Cyclades, Greece) and Flooding Scenarios by 2150

Sea level rise due to global warming is a continuing and, disappointingly, accelerating process which has already affected and will further impact coastal lowlands and the social and economic activities in these areas. Delos Island, situated in the middle of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, was considered the most sacred of all islands in ancient Greek culture and was a trading hub for the entire eastern Mediterranean. Uninhabited since the 7th century AD, and consistently the focus of research and touristic attention, the island is designated as an archaeological site and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Previous studies on the relative sea level (rsl) changes suggest a steadily rising rsl during the last 6300 years, starting from a sea level of −4.80 ± 0.20 m in the Late Neolithic. The seafront of the ancient city of Delos is subject to the effects of rsl rise, which have caused significant coastline retreat and exposure to the northerly winds and waves, whereas parts of the coastal lowland, where the remains of the ancient city lie, are inundated, forming extended wetlands. The future impacts of rsl rise on the seafront of ancient Delos are illustrated on very-high-resolution digital surface models, evaluating both the flooding risk under different climatic projections, as provided by the IPCC AR6 report, and the ongoing land subsidence, as recorded by GNSS data. An rsl rise ranging from 87 cm (SSP1-2.6 scenario) to 148 cm (SSP5-8.5 scenario) is anticipated by 2150, requiring both resilience strategies and adaptation solutions as well as mitigation policies to cope with the effects of climate change.

Impact of coseismic uplifting on relative sea level change in the Southern Adriatic during the past 4.500 years – New evidence from Dubrovnik epicentral area based on analysis of algal rims and tidal notches

The Southern Adriatic is recognized as one of the most seismically active regions of the Central Mediterranean. It hosted the strongest historically known and instrumentally recorded earthquakes in Croatia and Montenegro. We conducted a detailed study of algal rims and tidal notches along the Dubrovnik–Konavle coastal area, aimed to contribute in reconstruction of relative sea level (RSL) change, palaeoearthquakes and neotectonics during the last 4500 years. The RSL reconstruction based on high-resolution geochronology showed that the spatial variability of RSL change is largely controlled by local tectonics, leading generally to an alternation of periods of RSL rise and rapid falls caused by coseismic uplift events. During the interseismic periods RSL rose at rates from 1.03 to 0.7 mm/yr before AD, followed by a slowdown to ~0.43 mm/yr, and reaching ~1.3 mm/yr after 1850s. The only exception relates to a period of slow RSL drop probably related to the 3.2 ka cold event. Rapid RSL falls caused by coseismic uplift indicate the occurrence of several large-scale events during the 4th–6th centuries AD, the 800–1360 cal AD period, and in 1395, with hints of earlier events between 1395 cal BC and 565 cal AD. These instances correspond to either unknown or insufficiently documented earthquakes. Conversely, the earthquakes in 1520 and 1667 have been clearly identified. The most compelling evidence of coseismic uplift is associated with the 1667 Dubrovnik earthquake, with an estimated uplift of 40–60 ± 15 cm documented along 40 km of coastline. Analyses of multiple sites with the same high-resolution marker show that Holocene tectonic deformations vary along different fault segments with minimum uplift rates ranging from ~0.3 to ~0.9 mm/yr over ~1.5 ka. The main seismogenic source responsible for coseismic uplifts is attributed to the Dalmatian unit basal thrust and its NE-dipping splays at the Adria-Dinarides boundary.

A New Example of Early Medieval Multiculturalism: The Tomb of Qu Qing and His Wife in Anyang

The materials of a new burial complex in Anyang (Henan Province, China) combining features of the tombs of Northern Qi and Sui, and of the “Sogdian” tombs of the 6th century AD are presented. From the text of the epitaph placed in the burial chamber it is known that aristocrat Qu Qing and his wife Lady Han were buried there. Qu Qing was the grandson of Qu Jia, the founder of one of the ruling dynasties of the Gaochang Kingdom. His wife came from a noble family, possibly with Wuhuan roots. The set of stone items, including door leaves, an engraved panel above them, an engraved screen, and a burial bed decorated with engravings, reliefs and paintings, serves as a valuable source of information about the heterogeneous culture of Early Medieval China. The images on the door and the panel above it are similar in content and style to the murals of the Northern Qi tombs. The plots of the compositions on both sides of the stone screen came from early collections of xiaoshuo prose, that can be classified as zhiguai xiaoshuo (“tales of the miraculous”). The stone bed is similar in design and partly in decorative motifs to the objects from the “Sogdian” burials of the Northern dynasties and Sui. The tomb demonstrates an example of adaptation and transformation of borrowed elements of funeral rites under the influence of Han culture. The combination of Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist and Zoroastrian images and motifs reflects the situation of religious syncretism typical of the early Middle Ages.

Dating mortars and bricks of Santalla de Bóveda Monument (Lugo, NW Spain)

Santalla de Bóveda Monument (Lugo, NW Spain) is a small semi-buried building, under the Bóveda parish church, built in the 18th century, with an apsidal quadrangular floor plan, which was divided into three naves, a small vaulted apse and a rectangular floor plan vaulted, where paintings depicting birds and plant elements have been well preserved. The monument has aroused great interest since its discovery, but its chronology and functionality has always been the subject of controversy. Several hypotheses have suggested that the monument was built in the Roman period and some others around the 5h, 8th or 9th century AD. However, any direct evidence or absolute age has been provided until today. The stratigraphic analysis of the building suggests five constructive phases. Bricks and mortars of all phases were sampling to perform absolute dating techniques and to get a precise and accurate chronology. Radiocarbon dating of mortars and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of bricks and mortars have been used to this purpose. A total of 34 samples were taken, being 20 used for luminescence (mortars and quartz aggregates) and 15 used for 14C ages (charcoal fragments of lime mortars). 5 brick samples were also dated by Thermoluminescence (TL). The obtained ages have allowed, for the first time, stablishing an accurate and precise chronology being the first phase assigned to the 4th Century AD. Alterations of the building and the vault paintings were performed in the early 7th century, while the construction of the second floor and occasional repairs were performed during the 10th-12th centuries.

The animal remains from Calle Almendralejo nr. 41 (Mérida, Spain): A contribution to our understanding of animal husbandry in the capital of Roman Lusitania

The study of zooarchaeological collections from Mérida is still rare, lacking above all information on the Romans diet and animal management. Here we present the description of the fauna found in a dump next to the northern part of the Roman wall, which also includes some contexts of ritual nature, dated to the 1st century AD until the beginning of 5th century AD. The osteological remains of animals have shown that most of them come from food waste and worked bones. We can see that there is a temporal evolution in the use of that space and in the species used, with smaller animals being preferred in the first phase and cattle being more abundant in the 4th century. Some improvement indicators were also identified, as would be expected for a provincial capital, such as Emerita Augusta. Also, ritual burials of numerous dogs as well as a skeleton of the oldest specimen in Iberia of Egyptian mongoose, camel and an edible dormouse, constitute interesting discoveries in this assemblage, demonstrating that this is an exceptional sample.

Cilician Amphorae from the Tarsus Zeytin Pazarı Excavation

Rescue excavations were carried out in and around the remains of the Roman reservoir uncovered during the renovation works of the Zeytin Pazarı in the north of the city center of Tarsus. In particular, piles of ceramic sherds were recovered from the fill inside the reservoir remains, and commercial amphorae constitute the most dense group among these finds. Spread over a long period of time during the Roman Period and Late Antiquity, the amphora also includes types from different geographical regions. Among these, amphorae, which were apparently imported from the cities of the Cilicia Region, were categorized. In this way, information was obtained about the regional trade connections of Tarsus in the above-mentioned period. The amphorae, which have been handled with the names commonly accepted in the literature, have been typologically defined and dated by analogy method. Thus, Pompei V and Agora G 198 amphorae from Aigeai were dated to the 1st-2nd centuries AD, Zemer 41 amphorae from Bıçkıcı, Antiochia ad Cragum and Syedra to the 1st-3rd centuries AD and Proto Late Roman 1 amphorae from Elaiussa Sebaste to the second half of the 4th century AD.

The archaeology of shellfishing practices on Ua Huka, Marquesas Archipelago (French Polynesia)

AbstractShellfish remains are ubiquitous to coastal archaeological sites in the Marquesas but have seldom been the focus of dedicated investigations into their contribution to past diet and daily life. On the island of Ua Huka, in the northern group of the archipelago, people have consumed a variety of shellfish since their arrival on the island around the early 12th century AD. By analysing assemblages from five coastal sites spanning from the early settlement until the 18th century and using an archaeomalacological approach (precise taxonomic identification, coupled quantification methods, observation of taphonomic processes, biometry), we attempt to recount the exploitation processes of this resource, from the initial gathering stage to the final discarding of the shell. We further explore inter‐site and temporal variability in prey choice. Coupled with ethnographic accounts from European observers and insightful testimonies from current inhabitants of the island regarding present‐day practices, we highlight the persistence of choices regarding species selection, breakage patterns and cooking processes on an island that has seen major subsistence changes since European contact.

KONTESTASI KUASA DALAM PERDAGANGAN REMPAH DI PANTAI BARAT DAN SELATAN ACEH ABAD KE 18 HINGGA 19 M

The spice route has become a national discourse in the context of strengthening the Indonesian nation's maritime cultural identity. As one of the big nations, the archipelago was once a cross-national melting pot in the context of hunting and trading spices on an international scale. After all, spices were the prima donna commodity of their time, which raised the name of the archipelago to the international trade stage. This research was conducted to find out the history of the spice route in one of the archipelago regions, especially in Aceh. After all, Islam and the spice trade have become a part of the civilization of Aceh and the Archipelago. This research is a qualitative research, with an historical and anthropological method approach, in order to understand firsthand how the description of the spice trade route in Aceh, especially the western and southern regions of Aceh. The results showed that the West and South Coasts of Aceh had become the locus of one of the archipelago's spice trading centers from the late 18th century to the end of the 19th century AD. The progress of the spice trade was marked by the emergence of ports on the west coast, including the old Singkel port, Trumon , Susoh, Kuala Batu, Meulaboh, to Bandar Rigaih. The presence of the Trumon Kingdom, which was built from the rapid trade in spices and pepper, and the weakening influence and power of the Aceh Darussalam Kingdom, shows that there is a contestation of power between the Aceh Darussalam Kingdom, Dutch Colonial and local powers on the West coast. Among the spice commodities on the west coast of Aceh include; pepper, cloves, nutmeg, resin, and silk. However, the presence of spices on the West coast of Aceh contributed to the emergence of power contestation between the Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam, the Netherlands and the kingdoms on the West coast of Aceh, especially in the context of power struggles and spice commodities.

New Insights in Metallurgical Manufacturing in the Caucasian Area: The Case Study of Artefacts from the Samshvilde Citadel Ruins (South Georgia)

An archaeometric approach was applied to the study of the hoard found in the Samshvilde fortress, one of the richest areas of archaeological artefacts in Caucasian Georgia, since it is representative of the historical events from the Neolithic period until the most recent epochs. In this context, four coins dated back to the 12th–13th centuries AD to the reign of King Giorgi III, Queen Tamar, and King Giorgi IV of Georgia underwent different analytical methods to collect information about the technological production process, the probable forge location, and their conservation state. Optical microscope observations provided details about the decorations, the stylistic aspects, and a preliminary evaluation of the conservation state. Portable X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed a composition consisting almost exclusively of copper with a lower amount of tin, lead, and silver. Moreover, degradation products (copper chlorides and sulphates) and cuprite patina were identified. The metal-supplying areas could be related to the nearby Bolnisi Mining District, and the forge location could coincide with the hoard location in Samshvilde, but further data and analyses are necessary.

PHARMACEUTICO ANALYTICAL STUDY ON GUNJA -ASHWAGANDHA DENTAL GEL – A MODIFIED FORMULATION FROM HARAMEKHALA

Dental caries is a chronic infectious condition caused by tooth-adherent cariogenic bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans. A common oral disease hinders achieving and maintaining oral health in all age groups. Because of dental caries, teeth lose their strength and may form cavities if not controlled. Ayurveda explains many Krimighna Dravyas, which will help provide a solution for all Krimija Vyadhis. Haramekhala is one of the ancient Ayurvedic texts written by Mahuka between the 6th and 11th centuries AD. This book explains different formulations for the diseases of oral cavities in the form of Kavala, Gandoosha, Dhoopana and Danta Dhavana. Chewing the roots of Gunja and Ashwagandha is mentioned in the text as an easy remedy to cure Krimidanta, thereby reducing the pain. Many preparations, like toothpaste, powders, dental gels, etc., are used for curing dental diseases and prevention. Chewing the roots is not feasible for the patient and is not user-friendly. Hence, the formulation is modified into a dental gel form and subjected to an analytical study for product standardisation. The results of the drug design and product development and its analytical study are encouraging.

Comparison of Different Methods for Ancient Ship Calm Water Resistance Estimation

The remains of ancient ships from various time periods are commonly found on land and under the sea in conditions that make it difficult to reconstruct their original form and structure. For this reason, the reconstruction should be supported by other data, such as data on similar ships, but also by certain assumptions. The results of the reconstruction are significant not only in a historical sense but are of exceptional importance when building floating replicas. Two ships, Nin 1 and Nin 2, today for promotional purposes known as Condurae Croaticae, were found in Nin (Croatia) at the end of the 1960s. They are about 8 to 10 m long, and tentatively dated to the 11th century AD, although there are indications that they could be dated two centuries later. Based on archaeological finds exhibited in the Museum of Nin Antiquities, hull line drawings were created, according to which two floating replicas were made at the end of the 1990s. Considering the problem of hogging that appeared in both ships, a new proposal for the reconstruction of the original hull lines was performed based on the available documentation. The aim of this paper is a systematic analysis of its calm water resistance. Based on the established credibility of experimental testing, a scale model (1:4 ratio) of the Nin 1 vessel is constructed and evaluated through towing tank experiments. The second approach, the CFD method, is a reliable numerical method for calm resistance estimation, but it is rarely used in the analysis of ancient ships. Finally, the widely used empirical Holtrop method is also applied, but it was developed for ships of larger dimensions and with large parts of flat bottoms and, therefore, the more appropriate Delft Hull Yacht Series method is also tested. The results obtained by applying the four mentioned methods are compared and discussed.

SWARN BHASM IS A TRADITIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICINE, SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND USES OF SWARN BHASM AS A NANOPARTICLES

Nanotechnology is an emerging technology which involve advance study of particles having size between 1 to 100 nm. In Indian continents an advanced medical science exists from a very long-time 7th century AD. During ayurvedic treatment mostly bhasm was used, these were prepared reducing by particle size by calcination process. In calcination process pure metal that are zero valent changed into multi- valent. in this study gold bhasm was prepared and particle size was studied by using XRD, FTIR, UV-VIS and SEM spectra and confirmed by laser particle size distribution, and it has found it was 10 nm. elemental analysis of bhasm (ash) was done by atomic absorption spectrophotometer for the determination of gold purity. During study the size of gold particles was 45 nm and purity of gold was 99 %.

ALTAI IN THE PRE-TURKIC PERIOD: HISTORICAL FATE OF THE NOMADS OF THE DYALYAN TRADITION OF RITUAL PRACTICE

The article presents the study of the Dyalyan tradition of ritual practice characteristic of one of the groups of the Bulan-Koby archaeological culture of Altai in the last quarter of the 1st millennium BC – the first half of the 1st millennium AD. The key features of this tradition are identified, the most significant of which is the burial of an individual oriented to the western sector of the horizon, accompanied by a horse laid “above” or “at the feet” of the buried individual. 45 similar burials localized in the northern and central Altai have been excavated to date. These burials demonstrate the features of the formation and evolution of the Dyalyan tradition throughout the entire period of the existence of the Bulan-Koby culture. This group of the population had the greatest importance in the pre-Turkic period (second half of the 4th – first half of the 5th centuries AD). New materials from the excavations of the Choburak-I necropolis, one of the demonstrative objects of which is published and analyzed in the article, confirm that in the nomads of Dyalyan tradition were representatives of the local elite in the Northern Altai. This is evidenced by the composition of the accompanying inventory from the studied burials which included advanced models of weapons and defensive armament, equipment for a person and a riding horse. The possibilities of reconstructing the historical fate of the Dyalyan tradition bearers are presented. It should be stressed that the characteristic features of the rite were not continued in the funeral practice of the early medieval Turks. The available rather fragmentary materials make it possible to outline the western direction of the migrations of the “Dyalyans” (probably as part of the Rouran community), as well as to make an assumption about their participation in the formation of certain population groups of the Srostki culture of the Forest-Steppe Altai.

Sejarah Islamisasi dan Pengaruhnya Terhadap Kebudayaan Masyarakat Jambi

The Islamization process that occurred in Jambi coincided with the growth and development of the Islamic kingdom of Jambi around the 15th century AD. This article explains the history of Islamization which has had an influence on the culture of the Jambi people to this day. The method used in this research is a historical research method which is divided into four parts, namely Heuristics, Source Criticism, Interpretation and Historiography. The entry of Islam into the Jambi community was brought by adherents of the Islamic faith who came from Arab ethnicity, through trade that passed through waterways by sailing along the Batanghari river. The Islamization process in Jambi has had a big influence on the cultural development of the local community. The influence of Islamization on culture in Jambi can be seen from religious ceremonies commemorating Islamic holidays, marriage practices, art, social systems and architectural styles.

Barbarian Imitations of Bosporan Staters and Roman Denarii from Phanagoria

Two groups of barbarian imitations circulated together with the original Bosporan staters and a small number of Roman coins in the currency of Phanagoria, as well as the Bosporan Kingdom as a whole. The first group consists of imitations of Thothorses and Rhescuporis VI, which were presumably produced by tribes in the Western Kuban region. The second group is composed of the North Caucasian imitations of Roman denarii of the walking Mars type. In the mid-3rd to first half 4th century AD, such coins arrived from the southeastern periphery of the Bosporan Kingdom, where they were minted by the Sarmatian-Alans. The paper deals with new finds of imitations from 2008‒2018 excavations at Phanagoria.

Blade Weapons of Altai Population in Rouran Period (by the materials of the Choburak-I complex)

The article presents the study of the collection of bladed weapons, obtained during the excavations of the Rouran period burials on Choburak-I necropolis. This site is located in the Chemal district of the Altai Republic. The analyzed series of weapons includes three swords and six combat knives found in the burials of four adult men and one teenager. It has been established that the complex of long-bladed weapons is represented by single-edged blades without crosshairs and pommel, with a semi-segmental tip. The surviving combat knives with a triangular blade section are divided into two types, distinguished by a straight handle and a handle inclined towards the blade. The published collection demonstrates typical examples of weapons of the nomads of Central Asia of the 4th – 5th centuries AD. New excavation materials confirm the thesis that swords were a status category of weapons among the population of Altai during the Great Migration period. Burials with such items, investigated as part of the Choburak-I necropolis, differed in the representative composition of the inventory, and, judging by the available data, belonged to military leaders or especially distinguished professional soldiers.

Bustanaevo Burial Mound – a New Great Migration Era Monument in the North-West of Bashkortostan

The article publishes preliminary results of archaeological research on mound No. 45, the Bustanaevsky burial mound, located on the territory of the Buraevsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The monument was discovered in 2011, archaeological research began in 2015 under the leadership of A.G. Kolonskikh. Currently, excavations of the necropolis continue in the course of joint research by the Institute of Ethnological Research named after. R.G. Kuzeev and the Institute of Archaeology named after A. Kh. Khalikov Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. During excavations, one single burial was discovered under the mound. Along with the poorly preserved skeleton, the burial contained archaeological material represented by two vessels, arrowheads and elements of a belt set made in the heraldic style, horse bones and iron bits. The data obtained allow us to assume that the necropolis was left by the bearers of the Kushnarenkovo archaeological culture. The preliminary dating of the burial is the end of the 6th - beginning of the 7th century AD.