Evaluation of the rate of wood degradation at the Iron Age archaeological site of Biskupin, Poland

• Published in: Archaeometry 2020-02, Vol.62 (1), p.141-156
• Main Authors: Zborowska, M., Babiński, L., Czaczyk, K., Pawlicka‐Kaczorowska, J., Prądzyński, W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: archaeological pine wood; Archaeology; Carbohydrates; Cellulose; chemical composition; Degradation; Historic buildings & sites; Iron Age; Lignin; Peat; physical properties; Pine trees; Porosity; Water content; Wood; wood degradation
• ISSN: 0003-813X; 1475-4754
• DOI: 10.1111/arcm.12504

A study was made of the degradation of archaeological Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) at the Iron Age archaeological site of Biskupin, Poland. Wood degradation was evaluated after 10 years of deposition of samples in different burial conditions (mineral soil, peat and water) and at different depths (25, 50 and 100 cm) at the location of the original archaeological wood from the Lusatian culture settlement. Changes in the wood samples were assessed on the basis of selected physical (maximum water content, basic density and porosity) and chemical (chemical composition, structure of cellulose and lignin) properties. The observed degradative changes were different for samples deposited in different locations of the archaeological site and at different depths. They relate mainly to carbohydrates—both cellulose and hemicelluloses—although the structure of lignin also underwent changes. The experiment using wood that had been degraded to a similar degree to the Biskupin wood enabled identification of the actual danger of degradation of the latter. It was found that the remains of the wooden structure of the Biskupin settlement are degrading, despite the favourable physicochemical conditions prevailing at the site, and it is necessary to take measures to prevent its further decomposition.