This study found that copper from the southern Alps (Trentino region, Italy) was the primary source for bronze objects in the western and central Balkans during the Late Bronze Age (14th-9th c. BC), challenging previous assumptions about local ore usage. This suggests a vast, sustained raw material procurement network from the Alps to the Balkans, despite limited evidence for other cultural exchange during this period.

None identified.

This is a well-researched paper that uses a solid methodology (chemical composition, lead isotope analysis) to reach a significant new finding - the dominance of southern Alpine copper in Balkan metal objects. It acknowledges the current state of research and formulates research perspectives. While the small sample size and lack of comparative data are limitations, these don't invalidate the core findings. The paper could improve with some more in-depth discussion of mixing/recycling and further exploration of some outlying data points, but overall it provides valuable insights into Late Bronze Age metal exchange networks. Given the methodological soundness and the significance of the findings for our understanding of the LBA, this work deserves a rating of 4.