Continuity and Novelty in Metal Complexes of the South Eastern Europe of the Late Middle – Early Late Bronze Age

Abstract

The paper represents an analysis of metal complexes of the Late Middle – Early Late Bronze Age of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of Eastern Europe within the framework of the three-stage periodization. In the system of radiocarbon dating, this period covers 2300/2200 –1800/1700 cal BC and a number of the Post-Catacomb, the Post-Corded ware, the Chariot and the Srubnaya cultures. The source base of the study is the metal objects of the burial complexes. The most variable widespread numerous and chronologically significant categories of objects in the alterability of which new trends in shaping (fashion) are clearly traced (bladed tools, temple rings, string of beads, bracelets) were subjected to a detailed comparative morphological analysis. The analysis is carried out at the levels “territory – chronology – culture” in the context of data for metal production standards of the previous and subsequent periods. The author comes to conclusion that the metal complex of Post-Catacomb cultures is based on the traditions of the Middle Bronze Age with innovations of the Central European origin, mainly in the west, in the Babino cultural circle, and of the Caucasian origin, mainly in the southeast, in the Lola cultural circle. Metal inventory appearance in the chariot cultures was determined by innovations that spread from the north and east, while maintaining a number of archaic stereotypes of the Caucasian-steppe. At the early stage of the Srubnaya culture, metalworking continues this path of development taking into account actual trends of forming.