Explorations in Salt Archaeology in the Carpathian Zone

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.