Neolithic rondels in Central Europe and their builders: an analysis of multi-rondel sites

Abstract

Monumental enclosures are a widespread phenomenon of the European Neolithic. One category of enclosure is the mid-fifth-millennium BC rondel sites of Central Europe. In parts of this region, rondel sites are grouped, drawing attention to notable differences in individual rondel forms. Here, we use Bayesian modelling of radiocarbon dates from the ditches of two rondels at Praha-Krč, Bohemia, to demonstrate their contemporaneity. In turn, this informs interpretations of the role played by multi-rondel sites in symbolic competition between regional communities, who invested in rondels as part of translocal negotiation. The concept of translocality may prove fruitful for the investigation of the monumental architecture of other periods and regions.

Multiscale and Multitemporal Remote Sensing for Neolithic Settlement Detection and Protection—The Case of Gorjani, Croatia

“…The datation and duration of the Gorjani Topole rondel and settlement are also in accordance with other European rondels between 4800 and 4500 cal BC [28,[30][31][32] (Table 2 in this paper). The orientation of the houses is northwest-southeast (Figure 7), which is common for the area and the time period as defined in recent research, where detailed analysis shows patterns in house orientation throughout Central and Southeastern Europe during the Middle and Late Neolithic period [32].…”

“…So far, the most southern expansion of rondels has been considered the Drava River [31]. Our research suggests that the area of expansion is somewhat larger, at least to the Sava River to the south.…”

“…In the Central European context, rondels are classified into two major groups-Western and Eastern [31]. The Eastern group covers the area from the Southern Czech Republic to Southern Hungary.…”

“…This research is complimentary with recent results, where it has been proven that remote sensing enables the discovery of many Neolithic rondel sites in an area where they have not been previously documented, like Poland [33], and it represents an efficient and reliable methodology for new site detection providing better insight into cultural landscapes and enabling research on a bigger scale. Multi-rondel sites are also documented in a wider Central European context [31]. Sites with multiple enclosures and rondels quite close to each other are documented at multiple places through the continuous monitoring explained in Figure 11, which enabled the observation of new sites [34].…”

Revealing the extent of Neolithic rondel enclosures in Lower Silesia using non-invasive prospection

“…Bylany; Křivánek 2020). These multi-rondel sites are argued to have played a role in symbolic competition between regional communities, who invested in these enclosures as part of translocal negotiation (Vondrovský et al 2022).…”