Re: [tied] Danubian homeland?

Funnel Beaker villages also consisted of rectangular longhouse-style buildings of variable size, supported by a framework of posts, with wattle-and-daub walls. As opposed to the relatively homogeneous Linear Pottery architecture and the "elongated trapezoid" style of the Lengyel culture, there is more regional and local stylistic variation, sometimes involving "annexes", ovarhanging eaves, etc. In the large Funnel Beaker villages of SE Poland there are examples of still more sophisticated constructions resembling those of Tripolye and possibly having two storeys as well as a loft. I'll try to find out if there is documented continuity of longhouse traditions anywhere (N Germany and Scandinavia?).

The less sedentary or outright transhumant Globular Amphora and Corded Ware communities preferred relatively simple square or trapezoid structures (10-55 sq m). Their villages (as opposed to temporary camps) are rarely found, and much smaller than typical Funnel Beaker settlements.

Meanwhile, here's an interesting article, with further refs:

http://www.princeton.edu/~bogucki/mosaic.html

Piotr

----- Original Message -----
From: Joseph S Crary

To: cybalist@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001 9:10 AM

Subject: Re: [tied] Danubian homeland?

I found a number of other references with detailed information on Linear Pottery and Lengyel Culture Longhouses. The posthole, wall trench, and barrow patterns of the LP and Lengyel house types indicate that these were initially established as a relatively small rectangular structure that was extended by one or two architectural additions. Overall the general shape is a long rectangle or trapezoid. This is formed by a founder's house (an assumption) often indicated by a continuous wall trench. A shallow ill defined hearth is often centered within this section. The entry appears to have been placed at the far short wall opposite the founder's house. This basic plan appears very similar to the porch- house or megaron-like structure. The extensions were constructed of waddle-and-daub walls stabilized by upright posts (used as tertiary roof supports). The primary roof beams were supported by a line of closely spaced posts as indicated by a line of postholes that run the length of the structure. The secondary beams were similarly supported by two parallel lines of posts on either side of the primary roof support post line. Again the tertiary roof beams were supported by the wall posts. Collectively this pattern would provide the roof with a 35 to 40 degree pitch, which would direct nearly all of the dead weight stress to the wall posts. There also are examples with a central hall-like section that lacks the secondary roof support posts, immediately adjacent to the founder's or the porch house. This may indirectly indicate that the combination of primary and secondary roof support posts, as well as the wall posts also supported lofts for increased and/or elevated storage. Although the Linear Pottery and Lengyel Culture structures are basically similar to the LBA longhouses there are also design differences. I also see that late Lengyel Culture longhouses where replaced in the Corded Ware Culture period by small rectangular structures. When longhouse architecture reappears in the transition from MBA to LBA it consists of a central hall/residential section with a formal hearth, flanked by one or two storage/livestock sections. The entry was centrally located along one of the long walls to provide access to the central hall/residential section. The roof support system consisted of two parallel rows of posts centered and aligned along the long axis that supported two main roof beams with the secondary beams supported by the wall posts. There appears to be some type of relationship, I'm just not sure what it is. The culture of the Corded Ware Culture appears to represent a significant break with the Lengyel Culture patterns. I don't think there is a good case for architectural continuity here. I suggest that the Urnfield longhouses may be more closely associated the general rectangular design of the north central European MBA. More data needed. JS Crary