Elisabeth Nowotny Livres

The burial ground on the Obere Holzwiese in Thunau am Kamp, consisting of 215 burials, is the largest uncovered Carolingian burial site in Lower Austria north of the Danube. Archaeological investigations conducted from 1987 to 1993 are presented in this volume, alongside scientific analyses that include archaeobotanics, material studies, metallography, textiles, and leather, significantly enhancing our understanding of the site. The Schanzberg of Thunau am Kamp was home to a fortified central settlement, a notable power center in Early Medieval times, and is the only extensively excavated site of its kind in Lower Austria. This burial ground was associated with a ‘manor farm’ that formed the core of the site, representing a prestigious burial area integral to the political centers at the eastern edge of the Carolingian Empire. Burial customs reflect social affiliations influenced by the conditions and perceptions of the deceased, their families, and the local society. The investigation emphasizes social identities and relationships, particularly regarding social status and age-specific gender roles. Unconventional burial practices and multiple burials provide insights into underlying motivations. Thunau's location between the Carolingian Empire and the (Great) Moravian Empire during the 9th century raises questions about the political affiliations of Lower Austria north of the Danube, prompting a focus on the community's cultu