Prehistoric Europe

The study of European prehistory has been revolutionized in recent years by the rapid growth rate of archeological discovery, advances in dating methods and the application of scientific techniques to archaeological material and new archaeological aims and frameworks of interpretation. Whereas previous work concentrated on the recovery and description of material remains, the main focus is now on the reconstruction of prehistoric societies and the explanation of their development. This volume provides that elementary and comprehensive synthesis of the new discoveries and the new interpretations of European prehistory. After and introductory chapter on the geographical setting and the development of prehistoric studies in Europe, the text is divided chronologically into nine chapters. Each one describes, with numerous maps, plans and drawings, the relevant archaeological data, and proceeds to a discussion of the societies they represent. Particular attention is paid to the major themes of recent prehistoric research, especially subsistence economy, trade, settlement, technology and social organization.

Preface. The Study of European History. Earliest Humans in Europe. Subsistence and Society in Paleolithic Europe. Post-Glacial Developments. Hunters. Gatherers and Beyond. Early Farming Societies. Seventh to Fourth Millennia BC. Settlement. Expansion and Socio-Economic Change. 3200-2300BC. Prestige. Power and Hierarchies. 2300-1400BC. The Rise of the State in Mediterranean Europe. Town and the State in Temperate Europe. References. Index.

Timothy Champion is Professor of Archaeology at University of Southampton Clive Gamble is Professor of Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London Stephen Shennan is Director of the Institute of Archaeology, University College London Alasdair Whittle is Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University, Wales