• DOI:10.5194/EGQSJ-70-1-2021
• Corpus ID: 231839079

Towards timing and stratigraphy of the Bronze Age burial mound royal tomb (Königsgrab) of Seddin (Brandenburg, northeastern Germany)

@article{Nykamp2021TowardsTA,
  title={Towards timing and stratigraphy of the Bronze Age burial mound royal tomb (K{\"o}nigsgrab) of Seddin (Brandenburg, northeastern Germany)},
  author={Moritz Nykamp and Jacob Hardt and Philipp Hoelzmann and Jens May and Tony Reimann},
  journal={EG Quaternary Science Journal},
  year={2021},
  volume={70},
  pages={1-17}
}

• Moritz Nykamp, Jacob Hardt, +2 authors T. Reimann
• Published 12 January 2021
• Environmental Science, Geography
• EG Quaternary Science Journal

Abstract. This study uses an integrated multi-method
geoarcheological and geochronological approach to contribute to the
understanding of the timing and stratigraphy of the monumental burial mound royal tomb (Konigsgrab) of Seddin. We show that the hitherto
established radiocarbon-based terminus post quem time frame for the
construction of the burial mound of 910–800 BCE is supported by optically
stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. The radiocarbon samples were obtained
from a substrate directly underneath the burial mound which supposedly
represents the late glacial/Holocene soil that was buried below the
structure. We use sedimentological (grain-size analyses) and geochemical
analyses (element analyses, carbon, pH, and electric conductivity
determinations) to reassess and confirm this hypothesis. In addition to the
burial age associated with the last anthropogenic reworking during
construction of the burial mound, the OSL dating results provide new
insights into the primary deposition history of the original substrates used
for the structure. In combination with regional information about the middle
and late Quaternary development of the environment, our data allow us to
provide a synoptic genetic model of the landscape development and the
multiphase stratigraphy of the royal tomb of Seddin within the Late Bronze
Age cultural group “Seddiner Gruppe” of northern Germany. Based on our
initial experiences with OSL dating applied to the sediments of a burial
mound – to the best of our knowledge the first attempt in Europe – we
propose a minimal invasive approach to obtain datable material from burial
mounds and discuss related opportunities and challenges.