Preistoria Alpina Trento 2003 ISSN 0393-0157

Concepts of Copper Age mobility in the Alps based on land use, raw materials and a framework of contact

PHILlPPEDELLACASA

ABSTRACT - The paper discusses the evidencefor a substantial movement of colonization into the central and inner Alps at the beginning of the Copper Age around the mid-i" millennium cal BC. Settlement patterns, agricultural land use systems and economic strategies in the exploitation of specific raw materials are major topics of the research.A model of climatic and economic stress and subsequent population movement between the lowlands and the Alps is presented.

Key words: Alps, Copper Age, Colonization, Raw Materials, Mobility, Contacts. Parole chiave: Alpi, Calcolitico, Colonizzazione, Materie prime, Mobilita, Contatti.

Philippe Della Casa - University of Zurich, Dept. of Prehistory, Karl-Schmid-Str. 4, CH- 8006 Zurich. E-mail: [email protected]

1.INTRODUCTION How does it relate to previous and subsequent periods (e.g., the Mesolithic and Neolithic or the early Bronze Age)? We shall try to answer some ofthese questions The map ofneolithic expansion into Europe re­ with particular focus on patterns of land use and raw vea ls that the Alps, together with regions to the North materials, and on frames of supra-regional contac ts. and West ofthe continent, are marginal to an economy based on food production, especially agriculture . The­ re are limited areas suitable for large scale neolithic crop cultivation with regard to soils and climate, as 2. THE MESOLITHIC PRELUDE detected in the Central Alps by settlement patterns in the low valleys of Rhine, Ticino and Rhone (DELLA CASA, 1998; 2002). The Mesolithic evidence demonstrates that, Over the entire Alpine Range however, there is right from the beginning , mobility is a key component a marked increase ofacti vity from around the mid-d" ofalpine prehistory and history. There is growing evi­ millenium onwards. We refer to this period, using the dence of seasonal movements of mesolithic popula­ North Italian terminology, as "Copper Age" with re­ tions between prealpine lowlands and alpine valleys gard to cultural entities such as Remedello, Horgen, or high-altitude zones (CROTTI & PIGNAT, 1992; CURDY Tamins-Carasso, Corded Ware, Ferrieres, Fontbouisse et al., 1999; LANZINGER, 1996). One such case-study and C.S.R. as well as Bell Beakers (DELLACASA, 2002, has been presented for the site ofMesocco-Tee Nev in fig . 3.1). It can be assumed that this period marks the the Mesolcina (800m asl) where lithic raw materials first intensive and comprehensive colonization ofthe support the view of human groups moving from the central alpine marginal zones. Lake Varese hills to and beyond the central Alpine A couple ofimportant questions arise from this watershed (DELLA CASA, 2000a,b; 2002, fig . 4.3). situation: What can we say about the economic and In fact, lithic materials collected in the Mesoli­ social background ofthis colonization? What were the thic strata ofMesocco cluster into two distinct groups: causes for the colonization and where did it originate ? one consists of radiolarite and flysch silex, certainly 204

, .....'". " .' , \ . '1 I

Fig. I - The Alps. Map ofsites cited in the text: I Mesocco-Tec Nev (Mesolithic, Copper Age, Bronze Age); 2 Castaneda­ Pian del Remit (Copper Age); 3 -Castel Grande (Neolithic, Bronze Age); 4 Sion-Planta/Tourbillon (Neolithic); 5 Alp Hermettji (Mesolithic to Bronze Age); 6 Castelaz di Cagno (Late Neolithic); 7 Bessans-Rocher du Chateau (Late Neolithic, Copper Age); 8 Villaretto-Balm 'Chanto (Copper Age); 9 Cazis-Petrushiigel (CopperAge, Bronze Age); 10Wartau- Ochsenberg (Neolithic, Copper Age, Bronze Age). ' of foreign origin and most probably from the area of the Valais (CARAZZETTI & DONATI, 1990; MULLER, 1995). Varese, the other of local alpine rock crystal (DELLA However, there is evidence for a continous use oftran­ CASA,2000a: 125). Both groups amount to nearly 50% salpine contact routes (e.g., in the Zermatt valley with within the sample. It can be argued that the presence the Alp Hermettji site on 2600m asl; CURDY et al., of these materials reflects seasonal movements of 1998). Mesolithic populations into the alpine valleys (e.g. the Is has been noted that in Mesocco and else Mesolcina) and up to the areas ofnatural alpine gras­ where, Copper Age finds seem to cluster in areas sland beyond the tree limit. Evidence of this move­ already used in the Mesolithic, indicating a possibly ment is also supported by numerous high altitude cam­ similar spatial setting (e.g., in zones used for deer psites on the Pian dei Cavalli in the upper Spluga val­ hunting) (BAGOLINI & PEDROTTI, 1992). Use ofalpine ley, more or less contemporary to the Mesocco valley pastures is a plausible scenario, with increasing pa­ bottom site. Animal exploitation, in particular red deer laeoecological evidence from both pollen and char­ hunting, appears to be a major focus ofthese activities coal analyses in Tyrol, Engadine, Valle Spluga and (FEDELE & WICK, 1996; FEDELE, 1999). Maurienne (FEDELE & WICK, 1996; ZOLLER et al., 1996; CARCAILLET & THINON, 1996; BURGA & PERRET, 1998: 668). In the western Alps, the "grottes berge­ ries" (cave stables) make a strong case for at least 3. COPPER AGE COLONIZATION OF THE CEN­ partial higher elevation mobility along with move­ TRALALPS ments offlocks (BROCHIER et al., 1999) . Transhuman­ ce however, in the historical sense (i.e., the seasonal transfer of domesticates between different ecotopes This pattern of alpine colonization ceases with in and around the Alps) is still a matter ofdebate (see the onset ofthe Neolithic (ca.5000 cal BC; DELLA CASA, Spindler, this volume). 2000c) and its new soil-based subsistence economy, Settlements of the later 4th/3rd millenium are as evidenced by the sites ofBellinzona-Castel Grande typically located on hilltops and terraces, limited in in the Ticino valley or Sion-Planta and Tourbillon in surface and structure, and are often ofrather seasonal 205 or temporary character (DELLA CASA, 2002) . A typical 5. WARTAU-OCHSENBERG, COPPER AGE SITE example is provided by the site ofCastaneda-Pian del IN THE RHINE VALLEY Remit, situated on a gentle terrace at 780m asl above the Mesolcina and Ca1anca valleys (Fig. 2). With its pithouse, hearths and random ceramic and lithic arti­ Similar situations are known in the Piemont fact scatters, Castaneda reflects a permanent though (Villaretto-Balm'Chanto; NISBET& BIAGI, 1987), in the not necessarily year-round settlement in an ideal cli­ (Cazis-Petrushiigel; PRIMAS, 1985), and in the matic location. As in Mesocco, local quartz slightly Rhine valley south ofLake Constance on the Ochsen­ predominates prealpine flint and radiolarite ofVarese berg of Wartau. This site occupies a remarkable pro­ origin. Ceramics (Fig. 3) belong to the Tamins-Caras­ montory at 660m asl famous for its ruins ofa medie­ so group (PRIMAS, 1982), albeit with wide-ranging val castle (Fig. 6). The structures and finds found in typological affinities to CopperAge wares in Piemont, the lowest levels ofthe multi-period settlement are of Graubiinden and Horgen groups north of the Alps a late 41h-millenium dwelling and working area with (VOGT, 2000). Traces ofploughing and charred seeds rich flint, greenstone, bone and antler industries (PRI­ indicate on-site agriculture in accordance with regio­ MAS et al., in press). Bones ofboth wild and domesti­ nal pollen evidence (ZOLLER, 1960). cated species (deer, bovines, ovicaprines) are abundant. Complete "chaines operatoires" of axes and sockets from regional greenstones - mostly serpentinite - and antler can be reconstructed (Fig. 7). They indicate that 4. TERRITORIES AND RAW MATERIALS Wartau was part ofthe supply network for local settle ­ ments in the Rhine valley and Liechtenstein, and pos­ sibly further North towards Lake Constance. As oppo­ Contemporary cereal pollen evidence is recor­ sed to the situation in the French Alps, the petrographic ded from the lower Rhine valley north ofthe San Ber­ and chemical analysis ofgreenstone raw materials has nardino alpine pass (BURGA, 1980). This region is one not yet been accomplished for the zones concerned. ofthe major prehistoric North-South transit routes now However, detailed analysis ofthe silex raw ma­ emerging as an axis ofcommunication between preal­ terials reveals even wider operational networks. There pine and alpine Copper Age groups that share a com­ is a significant amount ofchert from Eastern and Nor­ mon set ofmaterial culture. It is noted that the number thern origins, along with "selce veronese" (south alpine of recorded sites isnot yet really substantial (PRIMAS , flint) that must have reached Wartau across the Alps 1985; DELLACASA, 1998, fig. 2). (Fig. 8). One piece is particularly interesting, as it clear­ Territorial organization is visible through sites ly belongs to a flint dagger ofso-called "remedellian" located in strategic and naturally defended positions, type made ofLessini silex. The piece is not isolated in many of which - such as Castelaz di Cagno - are north-alpine contexts ofthe later 4th-millenium, as si­ known in the Trentino-Alto Adige (Fig . 4; DELLA milar finds are known in Opfikon and Feldmeilen (can­ CASA, 2002 : 32). Additionally, rock-shelters and open ton Zurich), in the Rhine valley (SCHINDLER, 2001), and land sites with typically abundant traces of raw ma­ Arbon-Bleiche 3 on the shores of Lake Constance terial working - in particular quartz, greenstone and (LEUZINGER,2002). antler - are known from almost all regions within the Alps. In the western range, they spread up to altitu­ des of 1800m asl, well beyond the supposed agricul­ tural frontier, and are ofclearly seasonal or semi-per­ manent nature. Good examples are provided by Bes­ sans-Rocher du Chateau (1830m asl; Fig. 5) and Grot­ te des Balmes in Sollieres-Sardieres (1350m asl) in the upper Maurienne valley (REY & THIRAULT, 1999; BENAMOUR, 1993; DELLA CASA, 2002: 45). These two sites can be set within a wider network of later Neo ­ lithic and Copper Age lithic resource exploitation (THlRAULT et al., 1999). As Thirault and colleagues have suggested, the aforementioned alpine sites can be interpreted as primary working zones for local franco-piemontese serpentinites and eclogites within a furnishing network of polished greenstone axes to Fig. 2 - Castaneda-Pian del Remit, MesolcinalVal , the areas ofthe prealpine lakes and Rhone valley (op. . Situation ofthe archaeological site within the cit., fig. 8). actual village. 206

... .. ~ \ \ \ \ \ \ :., . \ ~~ - \ "-----1,--,,,,' ,,,",,,;,;;;,

1\ \ ~,- , I

Fig. 3 - Castaneda-Pian del Remit. Copper Age pottery (scale 1:3).

6. MODELS AND PROSPECTS also appears as a major transgression of lake levels between roughly 3600 and 3200 cal BC, as a result of prolonged cold and/or humid climatic phases. The question of why and where Copper Age A number of sites of the late Pfyn-Cortaillod colonization began in the Alps must be briefly addres­ groups show substantial shifts in their economy towards sed. It is now widely accepted that the initial phase of intensified deer hunting and wild plant collection as the movement - the early mid-d" millennium - is secondary subsistence strategies (JACOMET et al., 1995). marked by climatic deterioration and economic crisis The actual lake level transgression corresponds to a in the North alpine and Jura lake dwellings of Swit­ known settlement hiatus between Pfyn-Cortaillod and zerland and France (JACOMET et al., 1995; ARBOGAST et Horgen. From the 32nd century cal BC onwards, Hor­ aI., 1996). The climatic oscillation in question, called gen and Ferrieres settlement expansion into the Swiss "Piora 2" or "Chalain", has been identified with help Plateau and French Jura becomes evident (ARBOGAST of various climate and vegetation parameters such as et al., 1996, fig. 11). pollen profiles, movements of alpine glaciers or pat­ Consequently, based on the ecological and econo­ terns oftree ring growth (BuRGA& PERRET, 1998: 721; mical proxy-data, a shift ofstressed populations towards MIRAMONT et al., 1999; DELLA CASA, 2000a: 172). This marginal uninhabited zones and the consistent adoption 207

Fig. 5 - Bessans-Rocher du Chateau, Maurienne, France. Situation ofthe archaeological site in the rock shelter facing the river.

specialized breeding (pig or likewise sheep/goat), and Fig. 4 - Castelaz di Cagno, Val di Non/Trentino, Italy. agricultural mobility, with regards to both soil and space. rd Situation of the archaeological site on top ofthe naturally Intriguingly, the late 3 millenium and the very fortified promontory. start ofthe Bronze Age are badly represented in many regions ofthe centralAlps (DELLA CASA, 2002). Again, larger valleys such as the Valais make an exception ofspecific alpine and mobile subsistence strategies, can (CURDY et al., 1999) . Whether this is due to changing be proposed as a model for the transition from the first to patterns ofland use and a loss ofrecognizable archaeo­ the second halfofthe 4th millennium (Fig. 9).The model logical sources, or to the abandonment of previous takes into account that lowland Horgen and alpine Cop­ activity zones and sequential breaks in the historical per Age groups share a couple ofeconomic traits such as record, is open to debate.

Fig. 6 - Wartau-Ochsenberg, Rheintal, Switzerland. Situation ofthe archaeological site left ofthe castle hill. 208

Fig. 7 - Wartau-Ochsenberg, Green stone (serpe ntinite) industry from the Copper Age levels (scale ea. 1:3).

/

~~. . - : ~ 7 . / Jurahornstefn d rv // ..

Fig. 8 - Wartau-Ochsenberg. Proveniance ofsilex raw materials in the CopperAge : Jurassic flint, quartzite,jasper, radiolarite, South Alpine flint, rock crystal. 209

cal. BC 4000 3700 3300 3000 ...... _ · · · · , · ··· · ···· ··· ~·~·~· ~;· :~~~ : ~ ~ ;·~~·i ; ~ ··· · · · · · ·· · ·· -j-- --!- .

plough agriculture resident agriculture with var ious crops plant collection (wheats) diversified agriculture with prealpine zones intensified hunting emmer, peas, flax (lake-sides) (deer) and poppy animal breeding for meat consumption mobility intensified breeding (pigs)

., , ...... _ > ecological/economical pressure > L . (climate, resources, population) i

use of marginal zones

small scale agriculture inner alpine main valleys used for agriculture agricultural mobilily zones (climate , soils) (alpine pastures) spec ialized breeding (sheep, goats)

specialized hunting (deer, roedeer , ibex)

use of local lithic resources

Fig, 9 - Settlement and Mobility: eco-dynamic scenario for the prealpine and alpine CopperAge, based on climatic parameters and archaeobiological investigations.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG - Der Beitrag diskutiert die Nachweise fur einen bedeutenden Besiedlungsschub in die zentralen und inneren Alpen zu Beginn der Kupferzeit urn die Mitte des 4. Jahrtausends cal BC. Siedlungsmuster, Systeme landwirt­ schaftlicher Landnutzung und wirtschaftliche Strategien der Rohstoffgewinnung und -verarbeitung sind die wichtigen The­ men der Untersuchung. Ein Modell fur eine klimatische und okonomische Krise mit nachfolgender Bevolkerungsbewegung zwischen Flachland und Alpen wird vorgestellt.

RIASSUNTO - Il contributo presenta la documentazione comprovante una significativa spinta di colonizzazione nelle Alpi centrali ed interiori all'inizio del Ca1colitico, attomo alla meta del IV millennio cal BC. Temi principali dell'indagine sono i modelli insediativi, i sistemi di sfruttamento delle risorse ambientali a fini agricoli e le strategi e economiche per l'acquisizio­ ne e 10 sfruttamento delle materie prime. Viene inoltre presentato un modello esplicativo di una sistuazione di crisi climatica ed economica con i conseguenti movimenti migratori delle popolazioni tra le aree di pianura e le Alpi.

LITERATURE

ARBOGAST R.-M ., MAGNYM. & PETREQUINP., 1996 - Climat, BRO CHIER 11. et alii, 1999 - Les grottes-bergeries des cultures cerealieres et densite de population au Prealpes et le pastoralisme alp in durant la fin de la Neolithique: le cas des lacs du Jura francais de 3500 cl Prehistoire. In: Beeching A., Circulations et identites 2500 av. I-C. Arch. Korr.bl., 26: 121-144. culturelles alpines cl la fin de la prehistoire. Bilan du BAGOLI NI B. & PEDROTTI A., 1992 - Vorgeschichtliche programme CIRCALp, Valence : 77-114. Hohenfunde im Trentino-Siidtirol und im Dolomitenraum BURGA C., 1980 - Pollenanalytische Untersuchungen zur vom Spatpalaolithikum bis zu den Anfangen der Metal­ Vegetationsgeschichte des Schams und des San lurgie . In: Hopfel E, Platzer W & Spindler K. (eds.), Der Bernardino-Passgebietes (Graubiinden, Schweiz). Diss. Mann im Eis 1. Veroff. Univ. Innsbruck, 187: 359-377. Bot., 56, Vaduz. BEECHINGA. (ed.), 1999 - Circulations et identites culturelles BURGA C. A. & PERRETR., 1998 - Vegetation und Klima der alpines cl la fin de la prehistoire. Bilan du programme Schweiz seit dem jiingeren Eiszeitalter, Thun. CIRCALP, Valence . CARAZZETTI R. & DONATI P. , 1990 - La stazione neolitica di BENAMOUR P., 1993 - Depuis 3000 ans avant notr e ere ... Caste1Grande. In: Die ersten Bauem 1. Pfahlbaufunde Les Balmes cl Sollieres-Sardieres, site d'altitude et Europas, Ziirich : 361-167. passage obige . In: La Savoie avant l'histoire. Mem . Doe. CARCAILLET C. & THINON M., 1996 - Pedoanthracological Soc. Savois. Hist. Arch., 95: 37-46. contribution to the study of the evolution of the upper 210

treeline in the Maurienne valley (North French Alp s): adattamento agli ambienti montani alpini. In:Colloquia XIII methodology and preliminary data. Rev. Palaeobot. intern . congr. UISPP, 7: Mesolithic, Forli: 125-140. Palynol., 91: 399--416. LEUZINGER 0. , 2002 - Steinartefakte. In: de Capitani A. et CROTTJ P. & PIGNAT G., 1992 - L'utilisati on des etages alii, Die jungsteinzeitliche Seeufersiedlung Arbon­ montagnards durant le Mesolithique dan s les Alpes Bleiche 3. Funde, Frauenfeld : 22-75. suiss es. Preist. Alpina, 28: 275-284. MlRAMONT C. et alii, 1999 - Reconstitut ion des paleoen­ C URDY P., DAVID-ELBIALI M. & HONEGGER M., 1999 -Le vironnements holocenes alpins et prealpins - Evaluation peuplement du Mesolithique a la fin de l'age du Fer dans des pararnetres climatiques et anthropiques responsables les Alpes de Suisse occidentale. In: PAESE'97: 47-59. de l'evolution. In: PAESE ' 97: 189-196. CURDYPH. , LEUZI NGER-PICCANDC. & LEUZI NGERu., 1998 ­ M ULLER K., 1995 - Le site de Sion-Tourbillon (VS): Ein Felsabri auf2600m ii.M. am Fusse des Matterhorns nouvelles donn ees sur le Neolithique ancien valaisan. - Jager, Handler und Hirten im Hochgebirge . Arch . Arch. Schweiz, 18: 102-108. Schweiz, 2 1: 65- 71. N ISBET R. & BIAGI P., 1987 -Balm' Ch an to : un riparo DELLA CASA PH., 1998 - Reli ef, Boden, Klima - Zusam­ sottoroccia dell 'eta del Rame nelle Alpi Coz ie. Arch. Ita­ menhange zw ischen Landsch aften und Siedlungsmuster lia setten., 4, Como. am Beispiel der Tal er nordlich und siidlich des San PRIMAS M., 1982 - Lago di Garda - Lago di Costanza, rap­ Bernardino. In: Han sel B. (Hrsg.), Mensch und Umwelt porti inte rregiona li di eta neoliti ca superio re ed in der Bronzezeit Europas, Kiel: 367- 372 eneolitica. In:Studi in onore di F Ritt atore Vonwiller, DELLACASA PH.,(ed.), 1999 - Prehistoric alpine environment, Como: 571-583. society, and economy. In: Papers of the int. coil. PAESE PRIMAS M., 1985 - Cazis-Pet rushiige l in Graubiinden: ' 97 in Zurich . Univ.forsch. prdhist. Arch 55, Bonn. Neolithikum, Bronzezeit, Spatrnittelalter, Ziircher Stud. DELLACASA PH. , 2000a - Me solcina praehistorica . Mensch Arch., Ziirich. und Naturraum in einem Biindner Siid alpental vom PRIMAS M. et alii, (in press) -Wartau - ur- und friihges­ Mesolithikum bis in romische Zeit. Univforsch.priihist. chichtliche Siedlung und Brandopferplatz im Alpen­ Arch., 67, Bonn. rheintal (Kanton St. Gall en, Schweiz). H. Bronzezeit, DELLA CASA PH., 2000b - Lo strato inferiore di Mesocco­ Kupferzeit, Mesolithikum., Univforsch. prdhist. Arch., Tee Nev nei Gr igi oni (Svizzera): co nsi de razioni sui Bon n. popolamento dell e vallate sud-alpine fra Mes olitico e REY P.-J. & THIRAULT E., 1999 -Le peuplement des vallees Neolitico. Preist. Alpina, 31(1 995): 61- 89. alpines au Neolithique : les exemples de la Maurienne et DELLACASA PH., 2000c - Le site de Mesocco (Grisons) et de la Tarentaise (Savoie). In: Beeching A., Circulations la transiti on meso-zneolithique dans les vallees au nord et identites culturelles alp ines a la fin de la prehistoire, des lac s insubriens . In :Cro tti P. (Hrsg.), MESa '9 7, Bilan du progr amm e CIRCALP, Valence: 501-51 8. Ac tes de la table ronde de Lau sann e 1997. CAR, 8 1: SCHI NDL ER M.P., 200 1 - Zwei Dolche aus Monti-Lessini­ 249-258. Silex von Sargans SG und Wartau SG-Azmoos.JbSGUF, DELLA CASA PH., 200 1 - Natural and cultura l landscapes: 84: 132-1 35. models of Alpine land use in the Non Valley (I) , THIRAULTE., SANTALLl ERD. & VERAR., 1999 - Les materiaux Mittelbiinden (CH ) ans Maurienne (F). Preist. Alpina, lithiques polis du Neo lithique rh6 ne-alpin de la 35(1999): 125-140. caracterisation a I'Interpretation archeologique . In : DELLA CASA PH., 2002 - Landsch aften , Sie dlungen, Beechin gA.,Circulations et identites culturelles alpines Ressourcen - Langzeitszenarien menschli cher Akt ivitat a la fin de la prehistoire, Bilan du programme CIRCALP, in ausgewahlten alpinen Gebieten der Schweiz, Italiens Valence: 259-296. und Frankreichs . Preh istoires, 6, Montagnac. VOGT S., 2000 - Der spatneolithis che /kupferzeitliche FEDELE F , 1999 - Economy and territory of high-altitude Siedlungsplatz Castaneda-Pian del Remit. In : Della Mesolithic land use: the Central Alps. In: PAESE '97: Casa Ph ., M esolcina praeh istorica . Mensch und 25-36. Naturraum in ei ne m Biindner Siid alpental vom FEDELEF G. & WICKL., 1996 - Glacial/Postg lacial transition Mesolithikum bis in rornische Zeit. Univforsch. prdhist. south ofSpliigen Pass: environment and hum an activity. Arch., 67: 97- 111. Jl Quaternario, 9(2): 541-550. ZOLLER H., 1960 - Pollenanalytische Untersuchunge n zur JACOMET S., MAGNY M. & BURGA c., 1995 - Klima- und Veg et ationsg esch ichte der in subrischen Sch weiz. Seespiegel schwankungen im Verlauf des Neolithikums Denks chr. Schweiz. Natjorsch. Ges., 83. und ihre Auswirkung auf die Besiedlung der Seeufer. ZOLLERH., ERNy-RODMANN CH. & PUNCH AKUNNELP., 1996­ In: Stockli w.,Niffeler U. & Gross-Klee E. (Hrsg.), SPM The history of vegetation and land use in the Lower H:Neolithikum Basel : 53-58. Enga dine (Switze rland). Pollen record ofthe last 13000 LANZINGERM., 1996 - Sistemi di insediamento mesolitico come years. Nat.park-Forsch. Schweiz, 86, Zernez.