The rise and decline of the central settlement of Fidvár near Vráble (Southwestern Slovakia) - Studies on the economy, social structure and political organization of a social unit within its wider surroundings

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The results of the investigations at the fortified settlement and nearby burial ground at Fidvar near Vrable (southwest Slovakia) yielded rich data which allow the reconstruction of the history of the site in the context of its surroundings and environment. This data suggests the presence of a small fortified settlement of about 0.4 ha around 2050 B.C. which had increased to a 12 ha spread at circa 1850 B.C. The data collected to date allows for the reconstruction of groups of 8-12 houses which reflect the social structure of the settlement. Most probably, the expanded 12 ha settlement originated from the coalition of autonomous settler groups. The decline of Fidvar around 1730 B.C. might be explained by the exodous or extinction of several social groups. Although the human inhabitation at Fidvar continued after this point, it was within a significantly smaller (1.2 ha), strongly fortified settlement. With only two exceptions, the 30 graves which have been excavated at present were subject to secondary openings. This potentially ritualistic damage seems to have occurred at the same point in time during which the large settlement was being abandoned. It is probable that the cemetery was used and established by a small group, possibly the initial founders of the settlement. The concomitous decline of the settlement and the opening of the graves could hint at the presence of either exogenous or endogenous conflict. The potential of external causes can be analyzed by an assessment of the wider environment. Endogenous causes can be measured via the study of the similarities and differences between the various domestic groups identified at the site (centre, edge and periphery). The interdisciplinary analysis, especially that regarding the close association of archaeobotanical and archaeological data enables for a unique means of accessing the process of settlement change at the site. The site at Fidvar is doubly unique because it offers the opportunity for scientists to investigate both a settlement as well as the cemetery with which that settlement was directly associated. The concurrent examination of both settlement and graveyard at Vrable has brought new information to the table regarding differences in the continuity and discontinuity of settlements and funerary practices in the surrounding region as well. By means of anthropological analyses, aDNA analyses and the measurement of isotopes, it will be possible to address socioarchaeological questions with greater precision, an key methodolocial step in understanding this impressive and important site.