Megasites in Prehistoric Europe: Where Strangers and Kinsfolk Met

The authors use a relational, comparative approach to identify the characteristics of megasites in prehistoric Europe, including scale, temporality, deposition, monumentality, open spaces, performance, and congregational catchment. They argue that many of the largest megasites were congregational places.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Here is the rephrased text:

Prehistoric Europe is home to some of the largest sites ever discovered, yet they often go unnoticed due to a lack of theoretical and methodological tools necessary for their understanding. In this groundbreaking work, the authors employ a relational and comparative approach to unravel the secrets of these awe-inspiring megasites. By examining a representative megasite from each major period of prehistory, including the Neolithic, Copper, Bronze, and Iron Ages, the authors aim to identify the factors that contributed to their remarkable size and significance.

The relational approach adopted by the authors is a unique and powerful tool for understanding the megasites. It involves making explicit comparisons between smaller, more ordinary sites and the megasites using six key criteria: scale, temporality, deposition/monumentality, formal open spaces, performance, and congregational catchment. By analyzing these criteria, the authors shed light on the unique characteristics that set megasites apart from their counterparts.

One of the most striking findings of the study is that many of the largest European prehistoric megasites were congregational places. These sites were not merely ceremonial or administrative centers but were hubs of social and religious activity, serving as gathering places for communities of thousands or even millions of people. The authors argue that megasites were so large because they were necessary to accommodate the needs of large populations, providing access to food, water, shelter, and space for worship and ceremony.

The authors also explore the various factors that contributed to the development and maintenance of megasites. They discuss the importance of fertile land, access to resources such as water and timber, and the presence of strategic locations such as river crossings or trade routes. They also examine the role of political and social structures in the creation and management of megasites, as well as the impact of technological advancements on the size and complexity of these sites.

In addition to their analysis of megasites, the authors offer insights into the broader cultural and historical significance of these sites. They discuss the ways in which megasites have influenced our understanding of prehistoric societies, their social structures, and their religious practices. They also explore the ways in which megasites have been used as symbols of power and prestige, and the ways in which they have been preserved and protected over time.

Overall, this groundbreaking work provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the largest sites known in prehistoric Europe. By employing a relational and comparative approach, the authors have shed light on the factors that contributed to the development and significance of these awe-inspiring megasites, and have offered valuable insights into the broader cultural and historical context of these sites. This work is a must-read for anyone interested in prehistoric Europe, archaeology, or the study of human societies.

ISBN-13: 9781009096607