The article features an image of a European pond turtle, akin to the specimen found in an age-old grave associated with Poland’s Wielbark culture. Recent scholarly work indicates that these turtles were not integral to the Wielbark’s funeral customs but could have entered the graves after the burial, possibly due to accidental entry or for the purpose of hibernation.
A review of European pond turtle relics unearthed from a Polish gravesite sheds fresh light on the burial traditions of the Wielbark culture.
The unearthing of a European pond turtle’s remains in an archaic grave in northern Poland potentially offers fresh perspectives into the Wielbark culture, which thrived during the Roman Iron Age. This culture has historical ties to the Goths and various Germanic tribes that resided in the Barbaricum region — territories situated beyond the Roman Empire’s borders from the 1st to the 5th century AD.
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Archaeological Investigation and Climatic Context
In an academic article published in Praehistorische Zeitschrift, researcher Kalina Skóra of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology at the Polish Academy of Sciences examines the 2010-discovered remains from a burial ground in Czarnówko. Her analysis focuses on the post-burial disruption of the grave as well as its relation to other similar discoveries in the central and eastern European Barbaricum region.
The discovered remains belong to the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), a medium-sized species of freshwater turtle currently found across much of Europe. During the Roman Period, northern Poland would have offered a hospitable environment for the species. The discovery provides clues about the climatic conditions of the region during that period, as pond turtles necessitate dry, warm summers for reproduction.
Rare Discovery and Hypothetical Interpretations
Such turtles are infrequently discovered in graveyards in the central and eastern European Barbaricum, making this find in Czarnówko exceptional. The remains were located in what is termed a secondary (or ‘robber’) trench, which is a sort of pit that is dug when a grave is re-opened for various reasons such as removal of personal items from the deceased or common post-burial activities. In Czarnówko, approximately 90% of the burial graves have been subject to disturbance.
Although no conclusive evidence suggests that turtles were consumed or utilized in funeral rites, historical records indicate they were occasionally kept as domestic animals. Skóra points out that this particular turtle was situated near a child’s skull in the grave. It may have been deliberately positioned as part of a burial ceremony or may have been displaced when the grave was disturbed. Given that secondary trenches often remain open for extended periods, the turtle might have entered the trench either to hibernate or may have accidentally fallen in and became trapped.
Final Observations on the Role of Turtles in Wielbark Culture
Skóra concludes that the available evidence robustly suggests that pond turtles generally entered these burial sites after the original interments. “Without compelling evidence to the contrary, pond turtles should be excluded from the list of animal offerings employed in Wielbark cultural rituals,” she states. This conclusion is also applicable to other graves found in the central and eastern Barbaricum. In all instances where turtle remains have been archaeologically documented, they were located in graves that had been subsequently opened, indicating signs of post-funeral disturbances.
Reference: “Post-Burial Interference and the Presence of Pond Turtles in Graves: A Study on the Wielbark Culture’s Cemetery in Czarnówko” by Kalina Skóra, 9 September 2023, Praehistorische Zeitschrift.
DOI: 10.1515/pz-2023-2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wielbark culture’s turtle remains
What is the main subject of the article?
The main subject of the article is the discovery and analysis of European pond turtle remains found in an ancient grave associated with Poland’s Wielbark culture, which thrived during the Roman Iron Age.
What does the recent research suggest about the turtle remains?
Recent research indicates that these turtle remains were not part of Wielbark’s burial customs. Instead, the turtles might have entered the graves after the burial had taken place, possibly due to accidental circumstances or for hibernation.
Who conducted the research?
The research was conducted by Kalina Skóra of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology at the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Where were the remains discovered?
The turtle remains were discovered in a burial site in Czarnówko, northern Poland.
What kind of climatic indications does the find offer?
The discovery of European pond turtle remains in this geographical context suggests that during the Roman Iron Age, northern Poland would have had climatic conditions favorable for such turtles, which require dry, warm summers for breeding.
Are turtles commonly found in Wielbark culture graves?
No, pond turtles are rarely found in burial sites related to the Wielbark culture or in the broader central and eastern European Barbaricum region.
What is the significance of the location within the grave where the turtle remains were found?
The turtle remains were found near the skull of a child in the grave, situated in what is termed a secondary or ‘robber’ trench. Although it could have been deliberately positioned as part of a burial ceremony, there is no definitive evidence to support this claim.
What is the broader implication of the research findings?
The broader implication is that pond turtles should be excluded from the list of animal offerings used in Wielbark cultural rituals unless compelling evidence emerges to the contrary. This conclusion also applies to other graves in the central and eastern Barbaricum region.
More about Wielbark culture’s turtle remains
- Original Research Article in Praehistorische Zeitschrift
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology at the Polish Academy of Sciences
- Overview of Wielbark Culture
- European Pond Turtle Habitat and Biology
- Roman Iron Age in Northern Europe
- Burial Practices in Ancient Civilizations
- Climatic Conditions during the Roman Iron Age
- Archaeological Discoveries in the Barbaricum Region
7 comments
honestly, gotta say I’m surprised. Who’d have thought the little critters would be part of something so old and significant.
Excellent read! But now I’m curious, what other animals might have been misinterpreted in archaeological finds? Would love to read a follow-up.
Wow, never thought turtles would make it to ancient graves. kinda makes you rethink what we know bout history, huh?
So if I get this right, the turtles weren’t actually part of the burial ritual? Makes me wonder what else we’ve got wrong in our textbooks.
This changes the game for Wielbark culture studies. It’s not just about human remains anymore, animals are part of the story too. Fascinating stuff.
Im just here thinking about how a turtle ends up in a grave. Did it just wander in? So many questions!
This is fascinating stuff! Always thought archaeology had some hidden gems, and this research proves it. What’s next, dinosaurs in the pyramids?