Explorations in Salt Archaeology in the Carpathian Zone

Book excerpt: This book presents research on the archaeology of salt in Central and Eastern Europe, based on fieldwork carried out between 2003 and 2012. The authors conducted a detailed examination of sites in several countries, concentrating particularly on an area of northern Transylvania where extensive wooden remains are preserved in salt streams. A hitherto unknown technology for salt production is described; a long series of radiocarbon dates places this production predominantly in the Bronze Age with later phases of activity in the Iron Age and early medieval periods. The book represents a milestone in salt research. It presents a detailed picture of salt production technology where little such research has previously been carried out; and for the first time it provides clear evidence for the date at which the production occurred. Specialist contributors add detailed information on a range of related topics.