History Hidden in the Forest—Geoarchaeological Research on the Early Medieval Site in Samborsko (North-Western Poland)

Abstract

Forest archaeology is currently experiencing peak interest due to both good preservation of archaeological remains and the opportunities for research. The passage of Storm Eunice over northern Poland in 2022 enabled the exploration of Samborsko Site No. 21. We aimed to determine the site's extent, chronology and function using geoarchaeological methods (surface surveys, magnetometry, drillings and radiocarbon dating). As a result, four main magnetic anomalies were detected and interpreted as internal features of barrows, which was furthermore confirmed by drillings and stratigraphic observations. The chronology of the barrows was determined to the 10th–11th centuries ad, the same as that of nearby settlement sites, such as the adjacent early medieval stronghold - a tribal gord. Additionally, an anomaly with mound-like internal structure and a few pottery sherds were dated to the 7th century ad. While these results require further research, they may place the site among the oldest Slavic funeral sites in Pomerania. Our study also shows the important role of forests in both heritage preservation and archaeological research perspectives when it comes to extreme atmospheric events.