Chronology, networks, society: the Münchshöfen culture at the enclosure site of Riedling, Lower Bavaria

• Applicant: Dr. Ludwig Husty
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2015 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 282751946

The Lower Bavarian Münchshöfen culture is one of several late Neolithic groups with long-distance contacts visible in a variety of media. However, so far both its relative and absolute chronology are badly understood, creating a knowledge gap at the European level: the transfer of new objects and practices, one of the key features of the late Neolithic, cannot be adequately characterised or synchronised between eastern and western Europe. In addition, even basic information on economy, exchange and ritual practices is virtually absent, making it impossible to compare the Münchshöfen culture to its neighbours. This situation has arisen because so far no larger Münchshöfen culture sites have been comprehensively analysed and published.The present project will exploit the exceptionally favourable conditions provided by the enclosure at Riedling, Lower Bavaria, to achieve the following aims:1. Provide a secure relative and absolute chronology for the latter part of the Münchshöfen culture, thus establishing the foundation for inter-regional comparison.2. Gain a basic understanding of Münchshöfen culture economy.3. Trace long-distance connections and networks, particularly concerning pottery production, lithic exchange and ritual innovations.By analysing and publishing Riedling in full, including all finds categories, this enclosure can become a reference site at the regional level and will facilitate and fundamentally influence research into the Münchshöfen culture in the long term. In addition, this project will provide a sound basis for contributions to the debate on the spread of innovations, cultural heterogeneity and the creation of new identity groups in the late Neolithic.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Norway
• Cooperation Partner: Professorin Dr. Daniela Hofmann