The First 'Urnfields' in the Plains of the Danube and the Po
Overview
Paper Summary
The spread of the urnfield custom during the Bronze Age in Europe was a complex and non-linear process, characterized by regional variations in adoption and timing. The earliest examples are found in the Carpathian Basin around 2000 BC, gradually spreading across Europe over the next millennium, with the Po plain and the Sava/Drava/Lower Tisza plains showing radical adoption, while other areas were more gradual or even resistant to the new custom. The varied responses may relate to interconnectedness and homophily within and between local communities.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists found that a long, long time ago, people started burying their dead in pots in special fields. This new idea spread across Europe, but some places tried it quickly while others took a long time or didn't, often because of how much they talked to other groups.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This paper presents a thorough and well-researched analysis of the spread of the urnfield custom across Europe during the Bronze Age. The authors carefully examine the archaeological and osteological evidence from different regions, highlighting the variability in the adoption of this funerary practice. The study uses an innovative theoretical framework based on social network theory and the concept of homophily to explain the complex dynamics of cultural transmission. While there are some limitations related to the chronological framework and the interpretation of funerary data, the overall quality of the research is high.
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