EAA2021: Abstract

Numerous new 14C data from different Tripolye settlements enable settlement-related analyses on house, village and town biographies as well as information on the relationship of different Tripolye regions to each other. The results are correlated with archaeological data, primarily stratigraphy and typology of pottery, and the presence of imports. A reassessment of e.g. the data from Maidanestke, Nebelivka and Talianky informs about demographic and cultural processes.
We observe different processes. The emergence of megasites is linked to the depopulation of other regions and the concentration of population in a previously sparsely populated area. In the process, previously separate communities are obviously drawn together. There is also a strong demographic interaction between megasites, through which moments of fluid societies can be identified. In particular, the relocation of large settlements through gradual demographic exchange is discernible. Radiocarbon data can also be used to better assess different phenomena. Some mega-settlements, e.g. Nebelivka, were never settled and abandoned early, while others, e.g. Maidanetske, represent a typical populous mega-settlement. This explains some misinterpretations of the megasite phenomenon of the past.

Tripolye, Radiocarbon dating, house duration, archaeo-demography, mobility patterns

 Abstract (PDF)

Johannes Mueller¹

Hofmann Robert¹
Rene Ohlrau¹
Knut Rassmann²
Mila Shatilo¹
Andreea Terna¹
Vitalii Rud³
Marta dal Corso¹
Wiebke Kirleis¹
Mykhailo Videiko⁴