Between the 3rd and 2nd Millennia BC: Exploring Cultural Diversity and Change in Late Prehistoric Communities

Between the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC, Exploring Cultural Diversity and Change in Late Prehistoric Communities explores the cultural reconfigurations that occurred in western Europe. It brings together seven texts focusing on the evidence from the West of the Iberian Peninsula and one on the South of England. The contributions look at key aspects of these grand narratives through regional perspectives, arguing that regional specificities resist a general interpretation of the historical process. The book emphasizes the recognition of singularities challenges grand narratives but also carries the potential to expand our understanding of the changes that occurred during this key moment of Late Prehistory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2021
Publisher: Archaeopress

Between the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC, a remarkable period of cultural diversity and transformation unfolded in western Europe. This captivating collection of studies delves into the intricate reconfigurations that took place during this pivotal era, shedding light on the rich tapestry of late prehistoric communities. Spanning from the West of the Iberian Peninsula to the South of England, these seven insightful texts come together to explore the grand narratives that explain the distinctions between traditionally categorized Chalcolithic (or Late Neolithic) and Bronze Age societies.

The origins of this groundbreaking meeting can be traced back to November 2018, when scholars gathered at the University of Coimbra to delve into the core aspects of these narratives. Their objective was to examine the profound differences between these two epochs, seeking to unravel the intricate threads that connected them. Through regional lenses, the contributions in this book examine key elements of these grand narratives, raising thought-provoking questions such as:

Is there concrete evidence to support the notion of a significant escalation in social complexity leading to the emergence of Bronze Age chiefdoms?

What role did monumental architecture play in this transformative process?

How can we effectively discuss the varying levels of architectural visibility during this period?

How do we interpret collective and individual burials in relation to the rise of individual/territorial powers?

In answering these critical inquiries, the papers in this collection explore regional diversity, emphasizing the resilience of regional specificities against a general interpretation of the historical process at hand. Recognizing singularities, however, poses a challenge to grand narratives but also holds the potential to broaden our understanding of the profound changes that unfolded during this pivotal moment in Late Prehistory.

This book serves as a valuable resource for readers, inviting them to engage in thoughtful contemplation about the remarkable diversity of archaeological evidence. It encourages us to explore the complexities of cultural change, challenge prevailing narratives, and expand our horizons of knowledge. By delving into the rich tapestry of late prehistoric communities, Between the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC: Exploring Cultural Diversity and Change in Late Prehistoric Communities offers a profound insight into the human past, providing a foundation for further exploration and discovery in the field of archaeology.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 203 x 289 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789699227