Studia Lednickie, tom XIV (2015)

This publication discusses the Early Medieval cemetery in Gołuń, which was examined in its entirety. 44 inhumation burials were discovered there and the remains of another 10 persons from destroyed graves were gathered. Furthermore, 5 unused grave pits and 2 bonfires were recorded, which testify to additional rites. The analysis of the grave inventories and C14 dating allowed to assess the chronology of the cemetery as originating in the period from the late 10th to the mid11th c. The necropolis in Gołuń belongs to a type of Early Medieval row cemeteries, which were not located next to churches. One’s attention is particularly attracted to graves with weaponry, which testify to the formation of a group of warriors of the Early Piast monarchy, which was coming into existence at that time.

Based on anthropological analysis it can be said that the inhumation burials and stray human bones which were acquired as a result of the archaeological research in Gołuń at Site 23/24 belong to no less than 54 individuals (Table 1). 10 skeletons (or skeleton fragments) of children were identified. Seven children died at the age of Infans I, while three — at the age of Infans II (in one case the age of the dead individual was assessed at 13–15 years, i.e., the end of Infans II and the beginning of Juvenis). There were 4 burials of juvenile persons, who died at the age of Juvenis: these were three females and one male. 13 individuals died at the age of Adultus: three females and 10 males. Yet another woman died at the age of Adultus–Maturus. 13 individuals died at the age of Maturus: four females and nine males. One man died at the age of Maturus–Senilis. Seven persons died at the age of Senilis: three females and four males. Overall, it was possible to assess the gender for 39 adult or juvenile individuals. 14 female individuals and 25 male individuals were isolated. In the case of 5 individuals their age was assessed as “Adult.”