A farewell to arms: a deposit of human limbs and bodies at Bergheim, France, c. 4000 BC. (7th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chenal, Fanny; Perrin, Bertrand; Barrand-Emam, Hélène; Boulestin, Bruno
• Is Part Of: Antiquity. Volume 89:Number 348(2015)
• Page Start: 1313
• Page End: 1330
• Publication Date: 2015-12-07
• Subjects: France, -- Late Neolithic, -- human remains, -- circular pits, -- amputation, -- violence; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Antiquities -- Periodicals; 930.05
• DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2015.180
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-598X

Abstract

Abstract: Abstract : Between c. 4500 and 3500 BC, the deposition of human remains within circular pits was widespread throughout Central and Western Europe. Attempts at forming explanatory models for this practice have proven difficult due to the highly variable nature of these deposits. Recent excavations at Bergheim in Alsace have revealed a particularly unusual variant of this phenomenon featuring a number of amputated upper limbs. The evidence from this site challenges the simplicity of existing interpretations, and demands a more critical focus on the archaeological evidence for acts of systematic violence during this period.