Science

Archaeologists shed new light on wealth and status among Europe's early herders

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Briefings

Researchers at the University of Oxford have proposed a new method to estimate wealth and social status in prehistoric Europe using the distribution of animal bones found in archaeological sites. This approach allows for the reconstruction of economic structures in cultures lacking written records. The study highlights significant wealth disparities among early herders, suggesting that material goods were a primary indicator of social hierarchy.

Key points

• A new method using animal bone distribution allows archaeologists to estimate wealth in prehistoric societies without written records.
• The study suggests significant wealth disparities among early herders in Europe, with specific bone types indicating status.

Context

This research addresses a major gap in understanding prehistoric economies, as written records are absent. The method relies on analyzing the ratio of different animal bones in burial sites to infer consumption patterns and resource access.

Limitations

The study relies on limited archaeological data from specific sites, with no comprehensive coverage of the entire prehistoric period. Results are preliminary and subject to further validation.

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