The environment of the Neolithic archaeological sites in Šventoji, Western Lithuania

Geological–geomorphological, palaeobotanical (pollen and diatoms) and palaeozoological (bone) studies have been carried out in relation to archaeological excavations in Šventoji, on the coast of western Lithuania. Here, several Neolithic settlement sites existed in an area of wetlands and lake systems, which is today the Pajūris bog. Investigations show minor influence of sea water after the maximum Litorina Sea regression in the Early Neolithic, and habitats for a range of fresh/brackish water fishes existed in the area. During the Neolithic, mixed forest vegetation and wetland communities dominated the area, and development of the fauna followed this pattern, with a dominance of open woodland mammals and wetland birds which were exploited by people. Four seal species present in the region were probably decisive for the settlements in Šventoji during the Neolithic. Indications of agriculture in the area are few, but include anthropogenic species such as Plantago lanceolata from ca. 4000 cal. BC, scattered finds of cereals from ca. 3600 cal. BC, and a few bones of domesticated animals in Neolithic contexts. These indicate that some agricultural activity took place in the region, but not within the settlement area of the Pajūris bog.