Exchange Networks and Local Transformations. Interaction and local change in Europe and the Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age

Edited by Maria Emanuela Alberti & Serena Sabatini

City: Oxford & Oakville

Year: 2013

Publisher: Oxbow Books

Description: Paperback, xi & 180 p., b/w illustrations

Abstract

Throughout the local Bronze and Iron Age, European and Mediterranean societies appear to have been involved in complex systems of exchange networks which invariably affected local customs and historical developments. Archaeological evidence suggests social and economic phenomena, cultural expressions and technological skills stemmed from multifaceted encounters between local traditions and external influences. Examples of cultural openness and transcultural hybridisation seem to be more of a norm than an exception.

The articles in the volume explore the dynamic relationship between regionally contextualised transformations and inter-regional exchange networks. Particular effort has been put in approaching the issue in a multi-disciplinary perspective. Continental Europe and the Mediterranean may be characterised by specific development and patterns of relations, but the authors draw attention to how those worlds were not alien to each other and illustrate how common interpretative tools can be successfully applied and a comprehensive approach including both zones adopted.

Contents

List of Contributors [v]
Abstracts [vii]
Preface [xi]

Maria Emanuela Alberti & Serena Sabatini, Introduction: Transcultural interaction and local transformations in Europe and the Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age [1-5]

1. Kristian Kristiansen, Theorising exchange and interaction during the Bronze Age [6-8]

2. Nikolas Papadimitriou & Demetra Kriga, “Periphery versus core”. The integration of secondary states into the World System of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East in the Late Bronze Age (1600-1200BC) [9-21]

3. Maria Emanuela Alberti, Aegean trade systems: overview and observations on the Middle Bronze Age [22-43]

4. Salvatore Vitale & Teresa A. Hancock, The Minoans in the south-eastern Aegean? The evidence from the “Serraglio” on Kos and its main historical implications [44-59]

5. Francesco Iacono, Westernizing Aegean of LH III C [60-79]

6. Alberto Cazzella & Giulia Recchia, Malta, Sicily and southern Italy during the Bronze Age: the meaning of a changing relationship [80-91]

7. Luca Lai, External role in the social transformation of nuragic society? A case study from Sarrala, Eastern Sardinia, between the Middle Bronze and the Iron Ages [92-101]

8. Cristiano Iaia, Metalwork, rituals and the making of elite identity in central western Italy at the Bronze-Iron Age transition [102-116]

9. Francesca Fulminante & Simon Stoddart, Indigenous Political Dynamics and Identity from a Comparative Perspective: Etruria and Latium vetus [117-133]

10. Serena Sabatini, Local and transcultural burial practices in Northern Europe in the Late Bronze Age: face, house and face/door urns [134-145]

11. Sophie Bergerbrant, Migration, Innovation and Meaning: sword depositions on Lolland, 1600-1100 BC [146-155]

12. Jutta Kneisel, Long and close distance trade and exchange along the Baltic coast during Early Iron Age [156-168]

13. Attila Kreiter, Szilvia Szöllosi, Bernadett Bajnóczi, Izabella Havancsák, Mária Tóth & György Szakmány, Ceramic technology and the materiality of Celtic pottery [169-180]