Chalcolithic and Bronze Age Atlantic connections c. 2500–800 BC

• Autores: Aurélien Burlot
• Localización: Presenting Counterpoints to the Dominant Terrestrial Narrative of European Prehistory / coord. por John T. Koch, Mikael Fauvelle, Barry Cunliffe, Johan Ling, 2025, ISBN 9798888571859, págs. 31-47
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Exchange of exotic and precious materials along the Atlantic façade of Europe have occurred since at least the mid-5th millennium BC, evidenced in Atlantic France by the presence of beads of Iberian variscite in Early Neolithic tombs around the Gulf of Morbihan. Such exchange routes across the Bay of Biscay appear to have continued during the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC, with further evidence of Iberian influence on metal objects (copper, gold, and silver) in the Chalcolithic Beaker period from c. 2500 BC onwards.

    These maritime networks of metal exchange are not confined to Iberia and France, with strong evidence of connections not only to Ireland and Britain but also as far afield as Scandinavia. The appearance of Beaker goldwork, such as 'sun discs' and basket-shaped ornaments in Iberia, Ireland, and Britain, for example, clearly demonstrates Atlantic connections between these regions. These networks appear to shift and alter over time. This is particulary evident during the early Middle Bronze Age (mid-2nd millennium BC) with the widespread distribution of shield-pattern palstaves made of Great Orme copper across southern Britain, but also in Britany; the Low Countries, and western Sweden. At the end of Bronze Age (c. 1000-800 BC), further shifts in metal-exchanging networks can be detected, notably in the distribution of Carp's Tongue swords in Iberia, Atlantic France, and south-east Britain.

    Regarding the involvement of Scandinavia in the metal trade, it is suggested that Baltic amber may have played a significant role. While there are problems interpreting the origins of this material in certain contexts, the presence of Baltic amber as early as the mid-4th millennium BC in north-eastern Spain, provides strong evidence of early connections between nothern Europe and Iberia.