Chronology of multicultural site Sowinki in Greater Poland

Sowinki is a village located 35 km south of Poznań, where archaeological research has revealed the remains of settlement from different archaeological periods, ranging from the Mesolithic (ca. six thousand years BC) to the Late Medieval period (ca. 15^th century AD). This area, therefore, provides a record of the history of Greater Poland (Poznań) region, tracing back to about seven and a half thousand years ago. Samples of bones and wood were collected from different features, including mostly cellar pits, refuse pits and grave pits. Eight of the samples, all collected from grave pits, were selected for radiocarbon dating. The obtained ¹⁴C measurements have confirmed previous findings concerning different cultures registered in the studied area, and additionally, they have helped to clarify chronology of the early medieval cemetery. The presented results are the first isotopic measurements taken for the site of Sowinki. Previously, chronological frameworks of this site were determined on the basis of relative chronology, according to stratigraphy of sediments, examination of metal finds, pottery and flint objects. The deposition depth of the analysed charcoals did not exceed 100 cm below ground level. According to the analysis, all the samples date to the time of the early Piasts’ dynasty. The obtained data have allowed for defining two chronological phases of the early medieval cemetery. This is an important archaeological site both in terms of its spread and the long time of existence. In addition, it provides a valuable background for the study on the emergence of early medieval elites and the formation of the Polish “early feudal” state.