The vegetational and settlement history in Sysmä, central South Finland, interpreted on the basis of two pollen diagrams

Abstract

The Flandrian vegetational history of the parish of Sysmä has been enlightened at two sites by pollen analysis and eight 14-C datings. Indications of settlement around 6900—5500 B.P., i.e. at the end of the pre-ceramic Stone Age and the beginning of the ceramic period, are found in pollen data. This is associated with Stone Age settlement in the area of the ancient Lake Päijänne. Also the human activity in the area during the Bronze Age is reflected. The indicators point to a culture based on the grazing of animals, which may be comparable with the Early Metal Age finds elsewhere. The commencement of permanent settlement may be dated to the Merovingian period (1270 ± 130 and 1360 ± 120 radiocarbon years B.P. respectively). This is supported by existing archaeological finds and confirms earlier theories on the origins and direction of migration of this agricultural population.