A man buried in Germany in the Early Bronze Age era

ALT_4
Portrait reconstruction
Disclaimer: The portrait shown is a speculative reconstruction and not the actual face of the ancient sample. It represents an artistic interpretation based on archaeological data.
Specimen Details
Sample ID:
ALT_4
Date:
2573 BCE - 2356 BCE
Biological Sex:
Male
mtDNA:
U5a1a1
Y-DNA:
R-P310
Cultural Period:
Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany
Location
Country:
Germany
Locality:
Althausen
Coordinates:
49.4683, 9.7441
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

The Corded Ware culture, which spanned a significant portion of Northern and Central Europe during the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age (approximately 2900–2350 BCE), represents a crucial phase in the prehistoric era marked by significant cultural transformations and the spread of Indo-European languages. In the context of the Tauber Valley in Germany, the Corded Ware culture showcases a fascinating intersection of agriculture, craftsmanship, and societal organization, reflective of the broader cultural dynamics of this period.

Geography and Environment

The Tauber Valley, with its scenic landscapes comprised of fertile valleys, rivers, and rolling hills, provided an ideal environment for the Corded Ware peoples. The abundance of natural resources supported agricultural activities, while the river facilitated transportation and trade. The valley's fertile soils would have been conducive to the cultivation of crops, which was central to the subsistence strategies of the Corded Ware communities.

Material Culture

The Corded Ware culture is named after its distinctive pottery, characterized by the use of cord-like impressions for decoration. This unique ceramic style was widespread across their settlements and served both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes. The pottery from the Tauber Valley exhibits these features, often found in burial sites and domestic contexts, indicating a sophisticated level of craftsmanship and aesthetic appreciation.

Burial Practices

Burials are a significant aspect of the Corded Ware culture, providing insights into their societal structure and spiritual beliefs. In the Tauber Valley, graves were typically single inhumations, often in a crouched position, with the deceased placed on their side. Grave goods, including pottery, stone tools, and personal ornaments, were frequently included as offerings, highlighting a belief in an afterlife and the importance of status and identity in death.

Economy and Subsistence

Economically, the Corded Ware peoples of the Tauber Valley engaged in mixed farming, combining crop cultivation with animal husbandry. This dual approach allowed for a stable and adaptable subsistence economy. Evidence of domesticated cattle, sheep, and pigs has been discovered, alongside remains of cereals such as barley and wheat. This agricultural base supported a semi-nomadic lifestyle, with seasonal movement facilitating hunting and gathering as supplementary food sources.

Social Structure

The nature of Corded Ware society is inferred from both their burial practices and settlement patterns. The presence of burial mounds suggests a hierarchical social organization, possibly governed by chieftains or influential families. Such leadership structures would have been necessary to oversee the complex interactions involved in agriculture, trade, and conflict resolution.

Indo-European Connections

The Corded Ware culture is integral to the discussion of the spread of Indo-European languages in prehistoric Europe. Linguistic and genetic studies indicate that the movement of Corded Ware peoples played a significant role in the dissemination of Indo-European speech across the continent. The Tauber Valley, along with other regions, served as a conduit for cultural and linguistic exchange during this transformative period.

Technological and Cultural Exchange

The Tauber Valley Corded Ware communities were part of widespread networks evident in their lithic and metal artifacts. Flint tools, including axes and arrowheads, were crafted with advanced techniques, while the introduction and use of copper signify the beginnings of the Bronze Age and increased technological sophistication. Trade routes likely converged in this region, facilitating the exchange of materials and ideas with neighboring cultures.

Legacy and Impact

The legacy of the Corded Ware culture in the Tauber Valley is seen in its influence on subsequent cultural developments. As the early Bronze Age emerged, these communities laid the groundwork for more complex social structures and technological advancements. The intermingling of Corded Ware traditions with those of adjacent cultures helped forge the dynamic prehistoric landscape of Europe, setting the stage for future cultural and technological evolution.

In summary, the Corded Ware culture in the Tauber Valley exemplifies a pivotal era in European prehistory, characterized by its distinctive material culture, complex social dynamics, and the spread of Indo-European languages. Its nuanced interaction with the environment and neighboring cultures underscores its importance in understanding the prehistoric narrative of Europe.

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OBKR_2 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2026 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
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OBKR_50 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2114 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_66 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2029 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_67 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2026 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_73 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2027 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_80 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2136 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_81 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2027 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
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OTTM_151ind2 Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1617 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_152 Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1620 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_165 Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1736 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_81 Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1620 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_84 Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1622 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_87 Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1687 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
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POST_1 Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2027 BCE Haunstetten-Postillionstraße, Germany View
POST_28 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2027 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
POST_32 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2034 BCE Haunstetten-Postillionstraße, Germany View
POST_35 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2035 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
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POST_50 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2199 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
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UNTA58_152 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2011 BCE Haunstetten-Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany View
UNTA58_153 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2008 BCE Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany View
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UNTA58_68Sk1 Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany 2500 BCE Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany View
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WEHR_1192SkB Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1926 BCE Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany View
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AITI_40 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1883 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
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OTTM_154 Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1943 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
ALT_1 Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany 2572 BCE Althausen, Germany View
AITI_36 Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 2011 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_62A Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany 1886 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
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HUGO_171 2397 BCE Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany View
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HUGO_190 2275 BCE Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany View
WEHR_1192SkB 1926 BCE Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany View
AITI_36 2011 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_40 1883 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_50 1926 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_86 1894 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
OTTM_141A 1671 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_154 1943 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_156 1606 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
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AITI_65adult 1885 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_66 1917 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_77A 2016 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_77B 1890 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_92 1890 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
AITI_95 1872 BCE Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany View
ALT_1 2572 BCE Althausen, Germany View
ALT_2 2600 BCE Althausen, Germany View
ALT_3 2600 BCE Althausen, Germany View
ALT_4 2573 BCE Althausen, Germany View
AMP_1 2473 BCE Königsbrunn-Ampack, Germany View
HUGO_180Sk2 2461 BCE Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany View
OBKR_117 2022 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_2 2026 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_47 2139 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_50 2114 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_66 2029 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_67 2026 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_73 2027 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_81 2027 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_86 2035 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_93 2112 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_95 2029 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_96 2016 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OBKR_9A 2026 BCE Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany View
OTTM_142 1687 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_151ind2 1617 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_152 1620 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
POST_1 2027 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
POST_12 2193 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
POST_131 2127 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
POST_32 2034 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
POST_35 2035 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
POST_99 2133 BCE Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany View
UNTA58_147 2035 BCE Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany View
UNTA58_152 2011 BCE Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany View
UNTA58_68Sk2 2468 BCE Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany View
UNTA85_1336 2463 BCE Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 85 I (northern group), Germany View
WEHR_1193 1947 BCE Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany View
WEHR_1414 2026 BCE Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany View
WEHR_1415adult 2014 BCE Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany View
WEHR_1474 2030 BCE Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany View
WEHR_1564 2021 BCE Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany View
WEHR_1586 1952 BCE Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany View
OTTM_142 1687 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_152 1620 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
OTTM_151ind2 1617 BCE Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany View
Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
ALT_3 Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany 2600 BCE Althausen, Germany View
ALT_4 Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany 2573 BCE Althausen, Germany View
ALT_1 Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany 2572 BCE Althausen, Germany View
ALT_2 Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany 2600 BCE Althausen, Germany View
Scientific Papers References
Kinship-based social inequality in Bronze Age Europe
Authors:
Mittnik A, Massy K, Knipper C
Abstract:

Revealing and understanding the mechanisms behind social inequality in prehistoric societies is a major challenge. By combining genome-wide data, isotopic evidence, and anthropological and archaeological data, we have gone beyond the dominating supraregional approaches in archaeogenetics to shed light on the complexity of social status, inheritance rules, and mobility during the Bronze Age. We applied a deep microregional approach and analyzed genome-wide data of 104 human individuals deriving from farmstead-related cemeteries from the Late Neolithic to the Middle Bronze Age in southern Germany. Our results reveal individual households, lasting several generations, that consisted of a high-status core family and unrelated low-status individuals; a social organization accompanied by patrilocality and female exogamy; and the stability of this system over 700 years.

Link:
View Publication
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