Research study (pdf available)
(Fun fact, This journal has a share on Mastodon option)
Snippets:
South-Eastern Europe and the Balkans are a key region for understanding the European Neolithic. Many new ways of life and economic systems, which continue to shape our lives today, first emerged there in Europe and later spread across the entire continent. A archaeological culture named after the Vinča site in present-day Serbia marks a late phase of the Neolithic period in the region. More than 6,500 years ago, people there lived in large settlements for extended periods for the very first time. They maintained extensive trade networks. Pottery and stoneworking demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of materials, as well as a wide range of decorative styles.
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The large-scale geophysical surveys also provide new insights into the settlement’s social structure. “An analysis of the different house sizes suggests a relatively low level of inequality in material wealth. There were probably economic differences, but these did not lead to significant social stratification,” says Professor Martin Furholt, speaker for the ROOTS Cluster of Excellence and co-author of the study.
Furthermore, the presence of up to five perimeter ditches suggests a well-organised community capable of coordinating large-scale labour efforts. There is no evidence of coercion, suggesting that these were cooperative rather than hierarchically organised undertakings.
“With these new data and interpretations of the Opovo site, future studies and fieldwork can contribute to a deeper understanding of the social structure, settlement development and the role of Opovo in the region. When viewed in conjunction with other sites, this will refine our picture of a region that is crucial to our understanding of the Neolithic period,” says Fynn Wilkes.
The archaeologist adds: “Apart from the new insights into the Late Neolithic settlement at Opovo, the study demonstrates, more generally, how precise, minimally invasive investigative methods can be used to re-evaluate old excavation findings and thus yield significantly expanded insights.”
