Rethinking time, culture and socioeconomic organisation in Bronze Age Transylvania. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quinn, Colin P.; Ciugudean, Horia; Bălan, Gabriel; Hodgins, Gregory
• Is Part Of: Antiquity. Volume 94:Number 373(2020)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Romania, -- Transylvania, -- Wietenberg Culture, -- Bronze Age, -- Bayesian analysis, -- exchange; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Antiquities -- Periodicals; 930.05
• DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2019.231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-598X

Abstract

Abstract: Abstract : South-west Transylvania was an important source of metal and other natural resources for Bronze Age Europe, helping to facilitate the development of increasingly hierarchical societies. The absence of a radiocarbon-based chronology for Transylvania, however, has impeded understanding of the region's role within broader socioeconomic networks. Here, the presentation of the first radiocarbon chronology for the Wietenberg Culture in south-west Transylvania allows the authors to highlight the importance of interregional exchange and reliable access to metal for Bronze Age European societies, and emphasise that resource-procurement zones follow unique trajectories of socioeconomic organisation.