The Eastern Zone of the Przeworsk culture – and what it comprehends

Abstract

In phase B1, and very prominently – in phase B2 of the Roman Period, tribal groups of the north-eastern territories of the Przeworsk culture displayed a number of characteristic regional elements. These elements are mostly seen in female outfits that become much richer and more varied than elsewhere within the Przeworsk culture territory. The features specific for the Eastern Przeworsk Zone, like e.g., a very high frequency of dress elements made of copper alloys, would be largely the effect of mutual relations of these people with communities of the Wielbark culture from Eastern Pomerania. Though outwardly only ethnographic, this specificity of the material culture may have deeper underlying causes, since starting with phase B1, there is evidence of two basic types of Eastern Przeworsk cemeteries. In both cases, the women’s grave furnishings display general Eastern Przeworsk characteristics. In cemeteries of the first group weapon graves disappear already in early phase B1. These cemeteries fell out of use before the end of phase B2 and reflect the full, or nearly full withdrawal of the ‘Przeworsk’ community from that area. The second group form Przeworsk cemeteries with ‘standard’ weapon graves. From phase B2/C1 on, the Wielbark culture newcomers continued to use many of these cemeteries. Many of them were then continuously used from phase B2/C1 by the Wielbark culture newcomers. It appears that a part of the Przeworsk population from the Eastern Zone probably joined Gothic (Wielbark) tribes then moving south. Recently many brooches recognized traditionally as definitely ethnographic markers of the Przeworsk culture (types Almgren 43 and Almgren 129) have been registered in the western provinces of nowadays Ukraine. However, these finds are already much more numerous than those from the ‘core’ territory of the Przeworsk culture – for the time being, this phenomenon seems to be inexplicable.

First results of metallographic analysis and absolute dating of iron finds from Nowe Brzesko, site 26, Proszowice District

“…Deposits of iron tools are also found in the area occupied by a population linked with the Przeworsk culture, a cultural unit that was developing in central and southern Poland between second century BCE to fifth century AD (Andrzejowski, 2010). These assemblages are dated mainly to third–fourth century AD, and they contain variable categories of accessories, including agricultural, blacksmithing, and carpentry tools (Kolenda & Chrzan, 2012; Rodzińska‐Nowak, 2012; Żygadło, 2002).…”

“…Most of the finds are connected with the Przeworsk culture. It is one of the largest and long‐lasting cultural units that developed in La Tène period, lasting through the Roman period up to Early Migration period (second century BCE–fifth century AD) in the area of present‐day Poland (Andrzejowski, 2010).…”

Finds of Gold and Silver Ornaments of the People of the Wielbark Culture From the Area of the So-Called Eastern Zone of the Przeworsk Culture

“…The aforementioned distinctiveness is mostly evident in a specific style, combining features typical of the Przeworsk culture with elements derived from other cultural areas. Influences from the Wielbark culture environment undoubtedly played a major role here; however, West Scandinavian, Elbe River, and West Baltic influences are also clear (Andrzejowski 2001;2020;Madyda-Legutko et al 2021: 91;Olędzki 2022: 71). During the B1 phase, the new stylistic trend associated with Roman influences has a strong effect on many areas, unifying the inventory of the Przeworsk culture throughout its entire territory.…”