The Boian culture is a middle Neolithic culture originated in the south-east territory of today’s
Romania. It is named after the eponym site at Lake Boian in Munteria, Romania. Members of
the Boian culture can be considered as one the earliest farmers on European ground. The term
Boian culture includes rich decorated pottery, an evolved lithic industry, a changing
architecture and a Neolithic subsistence strategy. We´ll face repeated burial rites with grave
goods, early metallurgy, bigger settlements than in the previous times and probably signs of
social- and gender differentiation. Research on the Boian culture and on the Romanian
Neolithic in general comes from many different countries in Europe like Great Britain, France
or Germany and is therefore written and published in different languages and influenced by
different schools. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the Boian findings, the
history of research and tries to find an answer to the question what the Boian culture stands
for on the wide landscape of European Neolithic cultures.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Chronology
3. Geography
4. Archaeological record
4.1 Lithic industry
4.2 Architecture
4.3 Burials
4.4 Ceramics
5. Subsistence
7. Conclusion
8. Literature
9. Appendix
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the middle Neolithic Boian culture in southeastern Romania. It examines existing archaeological findings and historical research to characterize the culture's development, social structure, and settlement patterns, while critically discussing the current state of academic research and the challenges in obtaining absolute chronological data.
- Chronological classification and developmental phases of the Boian culture.
- Geographical distribution and environmental settlement preferences.
- Analysis of material culture, including lithic industries, architecture, and ceramics.
- Examination of social differentiation through burial rites and grave goods.
- Investigation into subsistence strategies and the "Neolithic package" in the Danubian region.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Abstract
The Boian culture is a middle Neolithic culture originated in the south-east territory of today’s Romania. It is named after the eponym site at Lake Boian in Munteria, Romania. Members of the Boian culture can be considered as one the earliest farmers on European ground. The term Boian culture includes rich decorated pottery, an evolved lithic industry, a changing architecture and a Neolithic subsistence strategy. We´ll face repeated burial rites with grave goods, early metallurgy, bigger settlements than in the previous times and probably signs of social- and gender differentiation. Research on the Boian culture and on the Romanian Neolithic in general comes from many different countries in Europe like Great Britain, France or Germany and is therefore written and published in different languages and influenced by different schools. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the Boian findings, the history of research and tries to find an answer to the question what the Boian culture stands for on the wide landscape of European Neolithic cultures.
Summary of Chapters
1. Abstract: Provides an overview of the middle Neolithic Boian culture, its geographical origins in Romania, and the core archaeological features being investigated.
2. Chronology: Outlines the four developmental phases of the Boian culture—Bolintineanu, Giuleşti, Vidra, and Spanţov—and discusses the difficulties in establishing precise radiocarbon dating.
3. Geography: Describes the distribution of Boian sites along the Danube River within the greater Wallachia plain, emphasizing the concentration of settlements near water systems.
4. Archaeological record: Serves as a central chapter analyzing the material evidence, including lithic technology, architectural shifts, burial practices, and ceramic styles.
4.1 Lithic industry: Details the transition from microliths in early phases to larger tools and sickle blades in later periods, reflecting changing production techniques and trade.
4.2 Architecture: Tracks the evolution from subterranean oval huts to rectangular, above-ground houses and discusses theories regarding intentional house burning.
4.3 Burials: Analyzes burial rites at cemeteries like Cernica and Sultana, using grave goods and orientation to infer social stratification.
4.4 Ceramics: Discusses the coarse and fine ware traditions, highlighting the distinct decorative techniques such as meanders and "wolf teeth" motifs.
5. Subsistence: Examines the mixed-farming strategy, detailing the reliance on domestic animals like Bos taurus and agricultural plant cultivation.
7. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, reflecting on the fragmentary nature of current research and suggesting a more processual approach for future studies.
8. Literature: Lists the academic sources and archaeological reports utilized for this research.
9. Appendix: Provides supplementary data, including radiocarbon dates, maps of site distribution, and detailed tables of bones and burial coordinates.
Keywords
Boian culture, Neolithic, Romania, Danubian prehistory, lithic industry, burial rites, architecture, ceramics, mixed-farming, social differentiation, sedentary society, archaeological record, Bolintineanu, Giuleşti, Spanţov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper offers a comprehensive overview of the middle Neolithic Boian culture, analyzing its developmental phases, material findings, and the challenges faced by archaeologists in studying the Romanian Neolithic.
Which geographical region does the Boian culture occupy?
The culture is primarily situated in the south-eastern areas of modern Romania, specifically within the historical region of the greater Wallachia plain along the Danube River.
What are the key developmental phases of the Boian culture?
The culture is divided into four distinct phases: Bolintineanu, Giuleşti, Vidra, and Spanţov, the latter being considered a transitional phase.
What methodology is employed to analyze the culture?
The author employs an archaeological survey of existing literature, examining findings such as lithic remains, burial site statistics, and archaeozoological data to synthesize the "Neolithic package" characteristics.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body focuses on the chronological progression, geographical distribution, architectural and technological changes, burial rituals, and the agricultural subsistence strategies of the Boian people.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include Boian culture, Neolithic, Romania, Danubian prehistory, social differentiation, sedentary society, and various phase-specific identifiers like Bolintineanu and Giuleşti.
What is the significance of the Cernica cemetery findings?
The Cernica cemetery is significant for its large number of burials, providing insights into social stratification through the presence or absence of grave goods and specific burial orientations.
How does the author interpret the phenomenon of intentional house burning?
The author discusses this as a potential symbolic act within the Danubian Neolithic, noting that experimental archaeology suggests some igniting points might be physical rather than cultural, thus urging caution in interpretation.
Why does the author consider the current state of Boian research to be "patchwork"?
The author finds that information is often scattered across smaller, disparate sources and languages, and that there is a lack of comprehensive, centralized works, making it difficult to form a clear, unified picture.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Patrick Boll (Autor:in), 2011, The Boian Culture - An Overview, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/202620
