Beyond heterogeneities : New perspectives on social and cultural diversity from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age in the Carpathian Basin

Abstract

This volume presents various facets of recent archaeological investigations into Neolithic and Bronze Age societies in the Carpathian Basin spanning from the 7th and 2nd millennium BCE. It delves into population dynamics, settlement patterns, and the spread of the Neolithic way of life through methodological approaches such as demographic analysis and environmental modelling.

Moreover, the book explores social transformations and the development of inequalities, emphasizing the role of cultural complexes and technological advancements in shaping prehistoric societies. Interdisciplinary studies encompassing the spatial scales from the archaeological site up to the supra-regional level shed new light on domestic practices, subsistence strategies, and integration into regional socio-economic networks. Several contributions deal with enclosures and communal areas, which are reinterpreted to unveil their ritual significance and community dynamics. This is particularly evident in those cases that include burials. Ritual practices surrounding burial sites are seen as responses to social crises and complex situations, reflecting the negotiation of individuality and community identity.

Overall, the book underscores the multifaceted nature of Neolithic and Bronze Age societies, showcasing their adaptability, social complexity, and elaborate interactions with the environment and neighbouring communities.