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The Bell Beaker site near Brodek u Prostějova (Czechia) has yielded remains of a large timber construction accompanied by four symmetrical ritual deposits with numerous artefacts, including more than fifty ceramic vessels. Their decoration consists of incised patterns, in nineteen cases with preserved white inlaid incrustations. To investigate the social relations at this extraordinary site, a multi-analytical and micro-destructive approach was employed to determine the provenance and technology of the pottery and the composition of the white incrustations. The results indicate various origins for the pottery within the region and the presence of extra-regional fabrics and graphitic temper. The main raw materials for the white inlays were calcium carbonate (calcite), hydroxyapatite (bone), and bright clay. The mixing of decorative motifs and the variation in the shape and size of the beakers suggest unique manufacturing processes. These results lend support to the monumental site of Brodek serving as a ritual place for several communities from both local and wider areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this contribution is to critically assess the research of the period of Urnfield culture (Late Bronze Age) in the area of the White Carpathian Mountains in the context of the landscape as it was then and its utilisation. For this reason natural conditions as they were at that time are outlined and a complex comparison was conducted of archaeological components on both the Moravian and Slovakian sides of the researched region. The number of observed sites is considerably distorted due to different research activities along both sides of the state border. While on the Slovakian side of the region in question there were more archaeologists in the past who routinely did field prospections, on the Moravian side of the region the situation is less favourable. Most of the archaeological finds were discovered by chance and the proportion of settlements and burial sites is lower than in the Slovakian part of the region. In the Moravian part of the region it is necessary to expect higher density of archaeological components compared to the current stage of the research. Equally, on the terraces in the area of alluvial plain of the river Vah, there did not necessarily to be a continuous network of settlements within the 500 years period of the existence of the Urnfield culture. The alluvial plain itself may not have been used as extensively as the adjacent foothills and the landscape surrounding the hillforts. From the Late Bronze Age we observe heightened activity in the mountains, linked to settlement activity in higher levels and formation of hillforts. This activities were associated with elimination of the original wooded areas and subsequent change of species - succession of original trees by different species. Specifically, in the White Carpathian Mountains we can for instance see linden tree (Tilie) replaced by beech (Fagus). It is also necessary to take into account and utilisation of higher location for seasonal transhumance or other extensive character of farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]