Chapter IV
Story
The narrative of this ancient life
The Krems-Wachtberg 1 site in Austria is an important archaeological location that offers invaluable insights into the European Paleolithic era, particularly concerning the Upper Paleolithic period. Situated near the town of Krems an der Donau in the Wachau Valley of Lower Austria, this site has yielded significant findings that shed light on the lifestyle, environment, and cultural practices of early Homo sapiens in Europe.
Geographical and Environmental Context: The Krems-Wachtberg 1 site is located in a region known for its rich prehistoric archaeological record, thanks to its favorable environmental conditions during the Paleolithic. The site is nestled within the Wachau Valley, along the Danube River, which would have provided ample resources such as water, flora, and fauna, supporting human habitation. The area's landscape during the Paleolithic period was likely a mosaic of forested regions, open plains, and riverine environments, which facilitated a variety of subsistence strategies, including hunting, gathering, and fishing.
Chronology: The site is primarily associated with the Gravettian culture of the Upper Paleolithic, dating back approximately 30,000 to 24,000 years ago. This timeframe corresponds with a period of significant human development and innovation in tool technology, artistic expression, and social organization across Europe.
Archaeological Significance: The Krems-Wachtberg 1 site is particularly renowned for its remarkable preservation and the diversity of its finds. Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including stone tools, ornaments, and evidence of habitation structures. The lithic assemblage predominantly consists of finely worked blades and points typical of Gravettian technology, characterized by its sophisticated flintknapping techniques.
One of the most remarkable discoveries at Krems-Wachtberg 1 is the presence of ivory and bone ornaments, indicating a complex symbolic and social world. These artifacts suggest that the site's inhabitants engaged in the production and exchange of decorative items, perhaps as markers of social identity or status.
Additionally, the site is famous for the discovery of a double infant burial, one of the earliest known ceremonial burials in Europe. This burial, adorned with beads and red ochre, points to ritual practices and beliefs concerning the afterlife, reflecting a complex spiritual and cultural life.
Cultural Practices and Lifestyle: The Gravettian people at Krems-Wachtberg 1 would have led a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, adapting to the changing climates and resources of the Upper Paleolithic. Their diet was diverse, relying on hunting large mammals such as reindeer, mammoth, and bison, complemented by gathering plant materials, small game, and fishing.
The presence of structures, possibly used as dwellings or temporary shelters, suggests an organized approach to settlement and an ability to manipulate environments to suit their needs. Social organization might have been relatively egalitarian, with cooperative hunting and shared tasks integral to survival.
Artistic and Symbolic Expression: Art and symbolic behavior are defining features of the Upper Paleolithic, and Krems-Wachtberg 1 is no exception. The site has yielded numerous personal adornments, suggesting an appreciation for aesthetic and symbolic expression. These items, made from materials like ivory and jet, may have played roles in social communication or ritualistic contexts.
Conclusion: The Krems-Wachtberg 1 site in Austria provides an exceptional window into the European Upper Paleolithic era. Its well-preserved archaeological record reveals the advanced technological, cultural, and social practices of its inhabitants, underscoring the complexity and adaptability of early modern humans in prehistoric Europe. The site continues to be a vital source of information, offering insights into the deep history of human occupation and cultural development along the Danube corridor.