2750-750 BC Bronze Age

Bronze Age Europe was largely peopled by farming communities who made use of a variety of inorganic materials, most notably bronze. A shared dependency on agriculture for food and bronze for tools and weapons did not, however, lead to a homogeneous state of culture across Europe. Incredibly varied small regional cultures developed – some belonging to larger culture ‘families’. They resulted from innumerable variations in economy, technology and styles of artefacts. General belief systems probably covered larger zones of Europe, but even here there was ample room for local interpretations in a world where all knowledge had to be passed on by word of mouth or practical demonstration.

The idea of a ‘Bronze Age’ that succeeded a ‘Neolithic’ (New Stone age) and preceded an ‘Iron Age’ was first developed in the early 19th century AD. Initially the period was known through its fabulous repertoire of bronze and gold artefacts and the widespread occurrence of distinctive burials. Modern archaeology has, however, paid more attention to finding settlement sites and understanding patterns of land-use. Through this more balanced approach it is possible to chart a complex picture of the fluctuating fortunes of individual communities, broader cultures, technologies, trade patterns, modes of warfare and religious beliefs.