The settlement of Sopron-Krautacker (western Hungary) in the Younger La Tène period

Abstract

The Late La Tène period of the Sopron-Krautacker settlement can be divided into four different occupation horizons. Large-scale pit-houses and pits from horizon 1 (Ha D to Lt B1) were replaced in horizon 2 (Lt B2 to Lt B2/C1) by smaller pit-houses and elongated buildings. At the same time, the settlement was reduced in size and enclosed, and metalworking and especially pottery became more specialized. This process continues into horizon 3 (Lt B2/C1 to Lt C2/D1) and ends at the latest during horizon 4 (Lt C2/D1 to Lt D1). At this point the settlement is reduced to small hamlets without any appreciable amounts of manual activities aside from farming, whereas the neighbouring hilltop settlement Sopron-Várhely/Burgstall assumed centralized functions.