Piltisena

Piltisena, also known as the "Piltsenian culture," was a Bronze Age archaeological culture that flourished in the Baltic region, particularly in present-day Latvia, during the 13th to 10th centuries BC. The culture is named after the Piltsene hillfort in Latvia, where significant archaeological findings have been made. Piltisena is characterized by its distinctive pottery, which features intricate designs and a distinctive red slip. The pottery is often decorated with geometric patterns, animal motifs, and human figures, reflecting the culture's artistic and symbolic traditions.

The Piltisena culture is believed to have been influenced by the earlier Narva culture and to have had contact with the Seima culture to the east. The culture is known for its hillforts, which served as defensive structures and centers of settlement. These hillforts were often surrounded by earthen ramparts and ditches, and they typically contained multiple buildings, including houses, workshops, and storage facilities.

The Piltisena culture is also known for its metalworking skills, particularly in the production of bronze artifacts. These artifacts include weapons, tools, and decorative items, such as pendants and amulets. The culture's metalworking techniques were advanced for the time, and its artifacts are often found in graves and settlements, indicating their importance in the culture's social and religious practices.

The Piltisena culture is thought to have been succeeded by the Seima culture, which continued many of its traditions and practices. The culture's legacy can still be seen in the archaeological record, and it remains an important part of the study of the Bronze Age in the Baltic region.