Rectangular Ditch Features from Central Europe: a Case Study of Domasław, Site 10/11/12 (pow. wrocławski / PL)

Abstract

Rectangular Ditch Features from Central Europe: a Case Study of Domasław, Site 10/11/12 (pow. wrocławski / PL)

On the multicultural site of Domasław 10/11/12 / Chrzanów 4, over 2500 features were associated with the use of the burial ground by the Urnfield population spanning the Bronze Age phases C / D to the end of the Ha D3 period. After this era, grave structures unknown in other cemeteries of Lower Silesia appeared in the cemetery. They are rectangular ditch features which, as indicated by many premises, were a local practice. The custom of digging narrow ditches to form a square feature on the ground lasted in the Domasław area until the B2-C2 phases of the Roman period. Based on the analysis of the burial rites, artefacts, horizontal stratigraphy, as well as 14C radiocarbon dating, we can determine the horizon of »post-Lusatian culture« interments at the burial ground, probably related to new arrivals. There are many indications that they were members of the La Tène population.