On the Origins of the La Tene Culture in Silesia (original) (raw)

At the end of the Hallstatt and in the beginning of the La Tène period (Lt A), a gradual depopulation of Silesia can be observed. In the mentioned time, the region was inhabited by local Lusatian and Pomeranian culture communities, which were in contact with the La Tène cultural zone. This is indicated by the presence of Celtic craft products in the area. The available archaeological sources do not allow any conclusions concerning the coexistence of indigenous societies and Celtic settlers. The earliest burial finds, which might reflect the influx of Celtic settlers to Silesia can be dated to the phase Lt B1a. However, they were only recorded in Lower Silesia, while graves of Lt B1b were found in the whole region. Settlement finds from the early La Tène period are scarce and might suggest that the population inhabiting the area at that time was not numerous.