The main purpose of the article is to present various forms of costume decoration in Wielbark culture. The analysis was based on well-known burials with an intact arrangement of monuments in the burial cavern. On this basis, decorations made of beads were highlighted. In addition to the necklaces that adorned the area of the neck and chest, vertical compositions are particularly noteworthy, in which the beads were discovered in a line from the level of the neck to the waist level. In addition, beads were used to trim robes in the form of applications. Another type are beads decorating belt and sachets or purses.

The presented paper is based on my study related with my master’s thesis entitled Palaeolithic of Asia in the light of the international series of the conferences Suyanggae and Her Neighbours. This article focuses on presentation of the results of research concerning one of the biggest Paleolithic site in South Korea. The Suyanggae site is located at Aegok-ri, Jeokseong-myeon, Danyang County, Chungbuk Province, by the South Han River. This site was investigated by Chungbuk National University Museum led by Professor Lee Yung-jo, and the work is still ongoing. It is one of the biggest Palaeolithic site in East Asia. This complex contains over 100.000 lithic artifacts, excavated from three Palaeolithic localities (I, III, VI). The continuity of flint processing is shown in several cultural layers of each locality of Suyanggae complex, started from Lower through Middle to Upper Paleolithic. Moreover, the Suyanggae site shown a large number of lithic assemblages with 50 flint workshops for tool production found in Suyanggae locality I and a few more workshops found in locality VI. The quartz, obsidian, rhyolite and siliceous shale was the main raw material which was utilized to make tools, and the lithic assemblage contains handaxes, cores, blades, flakes, side-scrapers, end-scrapers, tanged points, tanged tools among the others. These findings can confirm this open site to be a huge workshop. In addition, Suyanggae complex probably was used as seasonal camp in warmer periods and the surrounding caves may have been used as shelters when the climate was cooler.

During the rescue research carried out in 1987, a box grave of Pomeranian culture dating back to the Hallstatt D. Found in it, in addition to numerous attachments and lids 36 large vessels, including 23 typical, referred to as urns. Bone remains were preserved only in 21 vessels. Anthropological analysis has shown that human bones come from 21 people, that is, 11 children (under 6 years), 2 children in infans II age (6–14 years), 7 adults (3 men, 3 women and one adult). Only in four cases, lesions were observed.

The settlement in Biskupice is located on the left bank of the Warta river, about 7 km north of Sieradz. It is a headland elevated about 10 m above the valley floor, and limited to the west and north by a drainage valley (Fig. 1). The first excavations in Biskupice were carried out in 1954 in the area of two small trenches. There was recorded a blackening of soil of considerable size, now defined as feature 1 (Fig. 2, 3). No subsequent materials were obtained until 2010, when a storage pit with a pear-shaped profile was discovered – feature 2. During the field studies, a total of 374 fragments of ceramic vessels and 655 animal bones were acquired. The collection from Biskupice included vessels decorated with the use of a single, all-round plastic strip (Fig. 4: 1–3, 6, 8, 9; 5: 2, 4; 6: 3–6; 8: 1, 3, 4) as well as a double one (Fig. 6: 5; 8: 4); a single strip decorated with finger impressions was also recorded. Two types of knobs were discovered: 1 – oval/round (Fig. 7: 2, 8), and longitudinal (Fig. 4: 4; 5: 1; 6: 7; 7: 7). The finds characterised by the imprint technique included the “textile ornament” combined with the motif of a single all-round strip with finger impressions. Vessels with rims of A type – non-thickened prevail, thickened rims (type B) and thinned (type C) were sporadically noted. The main form of containers in Biskupice were pots of G111 variant with two types: G111a with almost cylindrical rim (Fig. 4: 3, 9; 5: 2; 6: 5; 8: 2) and G111b with rim turned outside (Fig. 4: 1, 2, 6, 8; 5: 1, 4; 6: 4; 8: 1). Their ornamentation includes single, as well as double smooth all-round strip with finger impressions and knobs. Other finds included vases with conical necks/rims, decorated with knobs (Fig. 4: 4; 5: 7; 6: 10) and an amphora (Fig. 6: 1). The list of forms is complemented with mugs and bowls in the hemispherical variation M1 (Fig. 5: 5, 6; 6: 2; 7: 7) and profiled M3 (Fig. 7: 1). There were distinguished two stylistic groups. One was assigned to the Trzciniec culture and it was represented by complexes of HT3–HT4 type in Kuyavia. The other group contained vessels decorated with a textile ornament, as well as a single strip decorated with fingernail impressions. Due to the tectonics, these vessels were included to the Mad’arovce- Veterov-Únetice circle (generally, the Older Únetice circle). On the basis of the existing elements among the ceramic forms, the duration of the settlement in Biskupice falls between the end BrA2 and the 1st half of BrB2, which is dated to 1750–1450 BC. However, taking into account the result of 14C, the duration of the settlement in Biskupice should be located in the years 1750–1600 BC and it should be clearly attributed to the population of the Trzciniec culture, in whose vicinity the materials originating from the Older Únetice circle were recorded. Moreover, which is perhaps the most important matter, the coexistence of materials with such a different cultural provenance suggests a possibility of the existence of a syncretic cultural Trzciniec-Older Únetice group in Biskupice (or in its region).

The aim of the presented research is to verify the correctness of the dating of the motte structures which, as a result of earlier excavations, were considered the earliest defensive knight’s seats in Poland – that is, they were dated to the 13th century. So far, the absolute dates were obtained for scarcely a few/a few dozen(?) such structures. However, they were not considered the oldest features. As a result of the literature research, several sites representing typical motte- and-bailey castles which in the previous excavations were dated to the 13th century, were selected. Three of the sites in question were located in the Masovia region: Kielbów Stary, Stara Blotnica commune; Orszymowo, Mala Wies commune and Wilkanowo (formerly Nakwasin), also located in the Mala Wies commune. The next two sites are located in the Lódzkie region – Witów, Burzenin commune and Malków, Warta commune. A further study was conducted in Sedziszów (now in the territory of the village of Pila) in the Swietokrzyskie region, in Piekary – Greater Poland, Dobra commune and in Szczekociny, Silesia. A new geodetic surveying showed some changes in the state of preservation of the study features. Unfortunately, most of them reveal some traces of deepening destruction. The excavations undertaken at six sites yielded samples for the dating studies. The only sites whose excavations provided no materials that could be subjected to laboratory dating tests were in Witów and Sedziszów. Attempts were made to collect samples for dendrochronological, radiocarbon (14C) and thermoluminescence tests. No wood for dendrological research was found at any of the study sites. The samples obtained from six sites were used to measure the 14C radioactive isotope. A series of dating was performed for the study sites. As a result, 4 dates were obtained for Kielbów Stary and Malkowo, 6 – for Piekary and 5 – for Szczekociny. The highest number – 9 dates – were obtained for Orszymowo, whereas for Wilkanowo only 2 dates were produced. The results showed that only in the case of two sites the obtained dates confirm their functioning in the 13th century – they are Malkowo and Orszymowo. Another two sites – Szczekociny and Kielbów Stary – can be dated back to the 14th century, while the dates obtained for the materials from Piekary justify placing the functioning of the feature in the 15th century. In the case of Wilkanowo, the standard calibration calculations produced dates which suggest that the sites represent the modern times. One of the samples, however, may be dated to the 15th century (probability: 91%). Nonetheless, these dates are rather controversial, because Wilkanowo and Orszymowo are the sites situated several kilometres away from each other whilst the excavated pottery materials seem to be very similar. A solution to this problem requires further scrutiny. The attempt to verify the dates produced for the earliest defensive knight’s seats succeeded in part. Only two of the researched sites can in fact be considered to be the 13th century manors. Ipso facto we confirmed that such early dates may be correct, and that already in the thirteenth century, the nobles founded defensive motte-and-bailey castles. Our study clearly shows that the chronology of the earliest Polish knight’s manors, determined on the basis of the previous excavations, should be verified. The results of our work prove that the traditional dating methods used for archaeological artefacts are not precise enough to be used in modern science. We need to put more emphasis on the matter of collecting samples for dating and providing adequate financial resources necessary to perform laboratory tests.

A Late medieval motte-and-bailey timber castle in Gieczno was recognized by an analysis of the LiDAR derived Digital Terrain Model in 2014. The stronghold’s remnants are situated in the Moszczenica River valley, on a small hillock – most probably the residual terrace. It is preserved as a small mound, elevated no more then 1,5 m above the surrounding floodplain in the bottom of the valley. The mound has dimensions of 31 x 33 m and an area of about 890 m2. It is surrounded by a moat, about 8 to 10 m wide, and an adjacent low rampart not exceeding the height of 0.5 in relation to the bottom of the moat. The course of the rampart is interrupted in the south-eastern part. Another small, oval hillock with dimensions of approximately 23.4 x 37.9 m is noticeable there. This find should be interpreted as remains of a motte and bailey castle with an economic area which supplemented the mound. In 2015, a field investigation was run by Jerzy Sikora from the Institute of Archaeology of University of Lódz. During two weeks of field work, two trenches were explored: Trench 1 (with dimensions of 1,5 x 35 m) cut the mound from its center to the South through the moat and the outer rampart in order to obtain a cross section of the feature. Trench 2 (with dimensions of 12 x 1,5 m) was situated on the hillock (supposedly – motte) with the aim to recognize its stratigraphy. During the excavation, a collection of Late Medieval potsherds was obtain (1472 pieces) together with a small number of metal finds, bones, slag pieces and a carved wooden artefact – a part of the Late Medieval furniture piece. An analysis of the collection helped to establish its chronology to the 14th and first half of 15th centuries. The collection was distinguished by a significant number of potsherds made with the use of traditional methods and a relatively low amount of potsherds fired in a reducing (oxidizing) atmosphere. This indicates ties with the local, rural workshops rather than with the advanced manufacturing known in towns. The excavations of the Gieczno stronghold revealed two phases of the feature: • Phase I – the timber ringwork, protected with a small inner rampart, a palisade, a moat and an outer rampart can be dated by the radiocarbon analysis supported by an analysis of the finds to the 1st quarter of the14th century.

There is no possibility to talk about medieval Poland without Zaremba z Kalinowy family. Nowadays Kalinowa is a small village with gothic church and the XIX century looking palace surrounded by moat and lake from a north side. In XIV or beginning of XV century first manor house was build on the island. During our excavations in 2011 we discovered that in XV century new mansion was constructed on a mainland area. Inside there were beautiful late medieval tiled stoves, and rare artefacts (i.e. axe shaped badge) mostly known from large cities like Gdansk or Kraków. In the XVII century Kalinowa was sold to Lubienscy family. After that they build new palazzo in fortezza residence which was totally rebuilt in XVIII and XIX century.

The article presents brief characteristics of protective gloves, based on an example of an artifact excavated during archaeological exploration of a „Babel” granary at Zytnia street in Gdansk. The object was treated and reconstructed in The Documentation and Conservation Laboratory of The Institute of Archaeology, NCU in Torun. The article includes conservation issues, the program and description of treatments implemented working on the object, as well as the problem of importance of archaeological objects’ reconstruction to demonstrate technological processes and crafts of creating the items, especially to the public not being involved in scientific problems and having difficulties in perception of destroyed artifacts, deprived of their cultural contexts.

In 2011, an archaeological supervision was carried out in the town of Lowicz, related to construction works. In the course of works, a small number of artefacts was found, dated to the late Middle Ages and the early modern period. The most interesting find is a group of 9 temple rings deposited in the excavation unit no. III, upon which organic remains of textile products were found. The discovered decorative artefacts are temple rings representing the type III according to the classification by K. Musianowicz or the variant B according to the classification by H. Kócke-Krenz. The textile remains have been preserved in residual form on six out of nine temple rings. These are small fragments of threads and remains of mineralized fibres. On four artefacts, both thread and fibre parts were visible. All thread fragments were produced of plant fibre, most probably, the universally employed linen. The threads are Z-twisted, the twist being very weak. The state of preservation of other fibres surviving on the surface of the temple rings was too poor to enable detailed technological analyses. The described temple rings were most probably originally deposited in a grave that was destroyed in unknown circumstances. It can be stated that the textile evidence does not differ from other finds of this type from the discussed period.

In 2005, in Piotrków Trybunalski, at 4 Pijarska Street, rescue excavations were conducted by Dr Janusz Pietrzak from the University of Lódz. During the archaeological works, remains of a woollen sack were found. Owing to the fact that both the textile and seeds were discovered in one layer, it is justifiable to assume that the sack was used to store loose materials. The discussed textile remains were found in the layer of an object dated to the period from the mid-16th o the early 17th century. In the 16th century, Piotrków Trybunalski was one of the leading centres of broadcloth industry in the area of the Sieradz Voivodship. At that time, broadcloth production in Piotrków Trybunalski was organized within a guild. In order to protect the selling markets, a ban was introduced in 1532 that prevented foreign merchants from selling cloth of worse quality than the one produced by local craftsmen. Actions intended to control the trade in the town were mainly targeted against rural producers. The analyzed textile could be described as of simple execution. The material for the production of the Piotrków sack is sheep wool. The textile’s weave is tabby. Additionally, partly preserved brocading is found on two fragments of the textile. It cannot be excluded that the discussed textile remains are remains of a sack that was produced of a reused piece of garment, for instance, a coat.

Krótko po zakonczeniu drugiej wojny swiatowej archeolodzy i historycy podjeli szeroko zakrojone badania nad poczatkami panstwa polskiego, popularnie zwane badaniami milenijnymi. Dzialania zaplanowane dla róznych dyscyplin mialy na celu pozyskanie róznorodnych zródel, które rzucilyby swiatlo na geneze i funkcjonowanie panstwa pierwszych Piastów. Ze wzgledu na potrzeby naukowe, spoleczne i polityczne, badania milenijne korzystaly ze wsparcia wladz panstwowych (finansowego i organizacyjnego).

In 2015, during the reconstruction of Nadrzeczna Street and Bohaterów Getta Square, in the area of the intersection with Jaskrowska Street, it was made the discovery of human bone remains. As a result of the rescue investigations undertaken, an area of approximately 550 square meters was tested. They were discovered among others relics of foundations, made of broken limestone and remains of the cemetery. The historical research showed that these foundations were relics of the St. Barbara church, around which there was a churchyard cemetery called „the cemetery outside the city” in the sources. At the remains they were found rosary beads, medallions, crosses, single glass beads, iron buttons, bronze and bone coins, hooks, buckles, pieces of cloth and textile and haberdashery ornaments. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of religious items. The collection of devotional items includes 14 exhibits. It is a diverse collection in terms of morphological and stylistic, and above all iconographic. Metal medallions and crosses were made from non-ferrous metals in casting or minting techniques. The minted medallions were made from thin badges. Glass medallions were made from two glass panes, bound in a metal frame, between which there was an image reflected on the paper. The remains of rosaries are beads, differing in terms of size, colors and shapes. Only in 9 graves it was managed to set the position of devotional items on the remains of the deceased. Most often, devotions were found at the height of clasped hands folded in the lap. Other places where devotional items are found are: around the head, around the clavicle, around the thigh – above the knees and at the feet level. The subject of images on medallions and crosses is diverse. The sets of images on the obverses and other sides are also interesting. On one picture of a glass medallion it was identified the figure of Saint Josef. The figure of St. Benedict was on two medallions. The figure of St. John the Baptist was presented on one of the most carefully made cast medallions. On its other side it was recognized St. Nicholas. On the next medal, the figure of St. Francis of Paola was identified. St. Francis of Assisi appears on a very poorly legible paper picture. On the medal lion we can see St. Wojciech. On its other side there is a figure of the Guardian Angel holding the child by a hand. Burning Hearts are presented on a cast medal, on the other side of the medal with St. Wojciech. The most popular were the medallions with images of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The Polish images of the Mother of God should be taken in account, first of all, Madonna of Jasna Góra from Czestochowa. On the medallions and crosses except the characters, there are legends – inscriptions, only in Latin, made them by majuskula with sheriffs. Most often, the medallions were „signed” by the name of the saint. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, they were gladly supplied with medallions with the patrons of good death. In determining the chronology of devotional items from the church cemetery at the church of Saint Barbara, a wide chronological framework was adopted, corresponding to the period of use of the cemetery and the church, from the 17th century to probably the beginning of the 19th century. Czestochowa was the center of worship of Our Lady of Jasna Góra. It can be assumed that most of the medallions with images of the Virgin of Czestochowa, and perhaps even all of them, were probably created in Czestochowa.