Being “elite” among Goths: multi-proxy analysis of a Roman period cremation princely grave from Czarnówko (Pomerania, North Poland)

Abstract

Interactions with the Roman Empire presumably enhanced social differentiation and caused the emergence of an elite class among Gothic communities in present-day northern Poland (Pomerania) in the first centuries AD. Arguably, the process is documented archaeologically by the presence of exceptional burials, richly furnished with imported artefacts. Such features were discovered at the Wielbark culture cemetery in Czarnówko, however, due to poor preservation neither their infills nor the interred human remains have previously been fully examined. We studied (by means of osteological, Sr isotope, anthracological and soil analyses) a newly-found, well-preserved cremation grave in order to assess (1) the biological profile, geographical origin and mobility of the buried individual, (2) details of the multi-stage funerary practice, and (3) the formation of the grave-pit infill. Most probably, the grave belonged to a senilis woman who was born and spent her final years in Pomerania, seemingly living in good health. Except for outstanding grave goods, her funeral reassembled other Wielbark culture cremation interments: the body was burned shortly after death on a birch-wood pyre, together with single artefacts, at high temperatures, with good oxygen supply, until the calcination of bones. The burned remains were separated from the pyre debris and randomly deposited in the urn. The vessel was placed at the bottom of a pit and covered with sand containing charcoals. Subsequently, the grave was re-opened and backfilled once again. This singular cremation burial reflects the idea of “eliteness” in the local Gothic community – Roman-influenced but rooted in Wielbark culture traditions. However, to address the issue of social stratification comprehensively, similar research focused on graves of “common people” is required.