Prehistoric salt mining in Hallstatt, Austria. New chronologies out of small wooden fragments

A groundbreaking analysis of prehistoric salt mining at the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, Austria, has revealed new dendrochronological chronologies spanning from 1393 BCE to 425 BCE. These findings, derived from over 760 small wooden fragments, provide precise dating for various tree species—fir, spruce, larch, and beech—using advanced crossdating techniques and radiocarbon wiggle matching. The study sheds light on the Hallstatt period (800–400 BCE), a pivotal epoch in European prehistory, by leveraging the exceptional preservation of organic materials within rock salt deposits. This research not only refines our understanding of prehistoric mining activities but also offers unprecedented insights into ancient timber use and environmental conditions.

Grabner, M., Wächter, E., Nicolussi, K., Bolka, M., Sormaz, T., Steier, P., Wild, E. M., Barth, F. E., Kern, A., Rudorfer, J., Kowarik, K., Stöllner, T., & Reschreiter, H. (2021). Prehistoric salt mining in Hallstatt, Austria. New chronologies out of small wooden fragments. Dendrochronologia, 66, 125814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dendro.2021.125814