New excavation of the prehistoric mining fields at Bílý kámen near Sázava, Central Bohemia

Abstract

The article presents a current view of the issue of the Neolithic mining site of Bílý kámen near Sázava (Czech Republic, Benešov district). The results are based both on an analysis of earlier finds and on the finds from a new archaeological excavation. The findings show that the traditional idea of one of the most important monuments of prehistoric mining activities of non-silicate rock in Central Europe will need to be substantially revised. The fact that it is not the main source of the raw material of marble bracelets during the period of the Stroked Pottery culture (5100/5000–4500/4400 cal BC) opens new space in a seemingly long-resolved discussion. Radiocarbon data enrich our knowledge of the activities taking place at Bílý kámen in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern period.