Pillerhöhe: Difference between revisions

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== Commentary ==
== Commentary ==
The Pillerhöhe is the transition point of the connection between the Upper Inn valley near Prutz and [[index::Fliess]] and the Pitz valley, which forms a more direct connection to Imst in the Inn valley that the course of the Inn via Landeck; this old road is known as ''Alter Weg'' (see image below). The archaeological site is situated on the crest of a plateau, at an altitude of 1560 m a.s.l., close to a high, steep drop which is clearly visible from afar. ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 227; {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 637–639)


=== Topography ===
On 6 May 1992, the laymen Kassian Erhart and Franz Neururer reported the discovery of about 70 objects on the Pillerhöhe to the [[index::Abteilung Ur- und Frühgeschichte Universität Innsbruck|Institute of Classical Archaeology of the University of Innsbruck]]. After a survey, excavations were started immediately. Since then, annual excavations are undertaken by the University of Innsbruck. ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 227; {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 636f.)
The findspot [[Pillerhöhe]] is the transition point of the connection between the Upper Inn valley near to Prutz resp. [[index::Fliess]] and the Pitz valley and in further consequence the Tyrolean town Imst. The crest [[Pillerhöhe]] is situated at an altitude of 1560 m and is clearly visible from afar. The findspot is around 80 km distant from [[index::Innsbruck]]. It is a flat area and situated in immediate proximity to an already in prehistoric times existing way which runs from [[index::Fliess]] resp. Prutz in the Upper Inn valley to Imst ("''Alter Weg''"). Cp. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 227; {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 637–639.


=== History of the excavations and interpretation ===
On 6 May 1992 the laymen Kassian Erhart and Franz Neururer report the discovery of several findings on the [[Pillerhöhe]] to the [[index::Abteilung Ur- und Frühgeschichte Universität Innsbruck|Institute of Classical Archaeology of the University of Innsbruck]]. In consequence of this announcement a survey was performed; immediately after the survey excavations were instructed. Since 1992 annual excavations accomplished by the [[index::Abteilung Ur- und Frühgeschichte Universität Innsbruck|University of Innsbruck]] are proceeded now. Cp. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 227; {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 636–637.<br>Concerning the archaeological records the findspot [[Pillerhöhe]] can be considered a sanctuary.
=== Sanctuary "[[Pillerhöhe]]" ===
The sanctuary was used over a long period of time. The findings indicate a cultic pratice from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Antiquity resp. to the Early Middle Ages (cp. i.e. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 234–240).<br>Concerning the finds it can be stated that the sanctuary was used by men as well as by women (cp. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 665).<br>During an initial period the offerings were primarily sacrifices of animals or vegetables. Around the end of the Hallstatt period resp. the beginning of the La Tène period an augmentation of object sacrifices can be noted. Between the 4th resp. the 3rd and the 1st centuries BC appear exclusively object offerings (cp. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 652–664). Since the 1st century BC also offerings of value in monetary form come in addition (cp. for the different periods: {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 639–652).<br>The object sacrifices comprise all fields of the daily life: jewellery, components of the attire, weapons (resp. symbolic pars pro toto sacrifices in form of bronze plaques which imitate e.g. shields; cp. for this pars pro toto offerings i.e. [[index::NO-3 plaque|the bronze plaque in shield form]] coming from [[index::Mechel / Meclo]]), implements and pottery. Moreover, there are objects which were produced exclusively for the sacrifice, e.g. the anthropomorphic bronze plaques (cp. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 657–661, fig. 10).<br>The entire sanctuary can be divided into two large areas (cp. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 230–234, fig. 2: map of the sanctuary on the [[Pillerhöhe]]; {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 638, ig. 2: map of the sanctuary on the [[Pillerhöhe]]): The area of the fairground (''Festwiese'') and the area of the altar where the acts of sacrificing took place. The fairground serves as whereabouts for the participants at the sacrifices, but in this area were also deposited objects offerings {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 231). The deposit of objects as offerings reasons the fact that these objects do not indicate burn marks (cp. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 665).
{| class="gallery"
{| class="gallery"
{{gallery_image||site plan of the sanctuary Pillerhöhe.JPG}}
{{gallery_image||site plan of the sanctuary Pillerhöhe.JPG}}
|}  
|}


===  Inscribed objects ===
The site is a sanctuary, which was used over a long period of time. The finds indicate its active use from the Middle Bronze Age to Late Antiquity and even to the Early Middle Ages ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 234–240). Judging by the types of finds, the sanctuary was used by men as well as by women ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 665). During an initial period, the offerings were primarily sacrifices of animals or vegetables. Around the turn from the Hallstatt to the La Tène period, more object sacrifices begin to appear, to become exclusive in the 4<sup>th</sup> to 3<sup>rd</sup> and the 1<sup>st</sup> centuries BC ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 652–664). From the 1<sup>st</sup> century BC onwards, offerings in monetary form are made as well (details in {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 639–652). The object sacrifices comprise items from all areas of daily life: jewellery, components of attire, weapons, tools, and pottery. Moreover, there are objects which were produced exclusively for the sacrifice, such as the anthropomorphic bronze plaques (cf. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 657–661, fig. 10) and symbolic pars pro toto weapon sacrifices in form of bronze plaques which imitate shields (cf. [[index::IT-9 fragment]]).
The three objects with Raetic inscriptions and/or characters listed in the ''{{SITENAME}}'' were discovered in the area of the fairground: [[index::IT-8 potsherd]], [[index::IT-9 bowl]], [[index::IT-10 potsherd]] (cp. site plan of the sanctuary above).  
 
{| class="gallery"
The sanctuary can be divided into two large areas ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 230–234; {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 638): the more norherly area of the fairground (''Festwiese'') and the area of the altar where the burnt offerings took place. The image above shows stone piles (SA1, SA2) and fireplaces (F1–8). The fairground was the site of the ritual banquet performed by the participants of the offering, and also the place where sacrificed objects were deposited ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998}}: 231). That the deposition of objects was independent of the burning at the altar is indicated by the fact that these objects do not have burn marks ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 665).
{{gallery_image||IT-08 photo 1.jpg}}
 
{{gallery_image||IT-09 photo 1.jpg}}
The handle of a Henkelbecher [[index::IT-8 potsherd]] as well as two bowls with script-like marks (EX-114, EX-115; see [[index::Non-script notational systems]]) were discovered in the area of the fairground. The exact find spot of the miniature shield fragment [[index::IT-9 fragment]] will become known when the relevant material is published archaeologically.
{{gallery_image||IT-10 photo 1.jpg}}
 
|}
Find spots from the environs of the Pillerhöhe which have not yielded any inscribed objects include the hoard from [[index::Fliess]] which dates to the Hallstatt period (cf. the marks on bronze axes kept at [[index::Archäologisches Museum Fliess]] mentioned [[index::Non-script notational systems|here]]; see also {{bib|Sydow 1995}}), the weapon deposits from the Piller and from Wenns, as well as the remains of a prehistoric settlement somewhat to the south of the sanctuary site. All these find spots are located near and must be associated with the ''Alter Weg'' from Prutz/Fliess to Imst ({{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 639).
In the museum exhibition a photo on a poster presents the discovery of the bowl listed in the ''{{SITENAME}}'' with [[index::IT-10 potsherd]].  


=== Significance of the site ===
Because of the long duration of the sanctuary the findspot [[Pillerhöhe]] is of particular importance.<br>Probably the sanctuary on the [[Pillerhöhe]] must be related to the hoard from [[index::Fliess]] which dates to the Hallstatt period (cp. the marks on bronze axes kept at the [[index::Archäologisches Museum Fliess]] indicated in the ''{{SITENAME}}'' [[index::Non-script notational systems|here]] below EX-82; furthermore {{bib|Sydow 1995}}), the weapon deposits from Piller and Wenns as well as the remains of a prehistoric settlement situated more southern. All these findspots are located near the way which runs from [[index::Fliess]] resp. Prutz to Imst ("''Alter Weg''") (cp. {{bib|Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002}}: 639).
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Revision as of 23:31, 30 January 2020

Field name
Site: Fliess [from first object]
Coordinates: 47° 7' 8.40" N, 10° 40' 1.20" E [from first object]
Objects found here:

Map

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Commentary

The Pillerhöhe is the transition point of the connection between the Upper Inn valley near Prutz and Fliess and the Pitz valley, which forms a more direct connection to Imst in the Inn valley that the course of the Inn via Landeck; this old road is known as Alter Weg (see image below). The archaeological site is situated on the crest of a plateau, at an altitude of 1560 m a.s.l., close to a high, steep drop which is clearly visible from afar. (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998: 227; Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 637–639)

On 6 May 1992, the laymen Kassian Erhart and Franz Neururer reported the discovery of about 70 objects on the Pillerhöhe to the Institute of Classical Archaeology of the University of Innsbruck. After a survey, excavations were started immediately. Since then, annual excavations are undertaken by the University of Innsbruck. (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998: 227; Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 636f.)

The site is a sanctuary, which was used over a long period of time. The finds indicate its active use from the Middle Bronze Age to Late Antiquity and even to the Early Middle Ages (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998: 234–240). Judging by the types of finds, the sanctuary was used by men as well as by women (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 665). During an initial period, the offerings were primarily sacrifices of animals or vegetables. Around the turn from the Hallstatt to the La Tène period, more object sacrifices begin to appear, to become exclusive in the 4th to 3rd and the 1st centuries BC (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 652–664). From the 1st century BC onwards, offerings in monetary form are made as well (details in Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 639–652). The object sacrifices comprise items from all areas of daily life: jewellery, components of attire, weapons, tools, and pottery. Moreover, there are objects which were produced exclusively for the sacrifice, such as the anthropomorphic bronze plaques (cf. Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 657–661, fig. 10) and symbolic pars pro toto weapon sacrifices in form of bronze plaques which imitate shields (cf. IT-9 fragment).

The sanctuary can be divided into two large areas (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998: 230–234; Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 638): the more norherly area of the fairground (Festwiese) and the area of the altar where the burnt offerings took place. The image above shows stone piles (SA1, SA2) and fireplaces (F1–8). The fairground was the site of the ritual banquet performed by the participants of the offering, and also the place where sacrificed objects were deposited (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 1998: 231). That the deposition of objects was independent of the burning at the altar is indicated by the fact that these objects do not have burn marks (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 665).

The handle of a Henkelbecher IT-8 potsherd as well as two bowls with script-like marks (EX-114, EX-115; see Non-script notational systems) were discovered in the area of the fairground. The exact find spot of the miniature shield fragment IT-9 fragment will become known when the relevant material is published archaeologically.

Find spots from the environs of the Pillerhöhe which have not yielded any inscribed objects include the hoard from Fliess which dates to the Hallstatt period (cf. the marks on bronze axes kept at Archäologisches Museum Fliess mentioned here; see also Sydow 1995), the weapon deposits from the Piller and from Wenns, as well as the remains of a prehistoric settlement somewhat to the south of the sanctuary site. All these find spots are located near and must be associated with the Alter Weg from Prutz/Fliess to Imst (Tschurtschenthaler & Wein 2002: 639).

Bibliography