Social articulation in the Early Bronze Age of the central Mediterranean

The third millennium witnessed fundamental changes in social articulation in the central Mediterranean. In Italy the material remains of the Early Bronze Age (EBA) reveal the first clear indications of individuals of distinction. Based on analysis of the archaeological record, a general model for understanding social articulation in the Italian peninsula can be formulated. This model is as follows: society was organized according to family groups with one individual at the head of the group. These individuals are distinguished in the archaeological record by metal daggers. The ritual contexts of these daggers suggest that the status of these individuals had its basis in ritual activity.; A parallel development can be seen in the social organization of the EBA of the Aegean. Theoretical models applied to developments in this region concentrate on the connection between agricultural development and emerging social complexity. This complexity had its roots in the development of metallurgical technology, and the connection of metal objects to social status is suggested by EBA funerary contexts. However, the best reflection of differentiation in the archaeological record, particularly in the central and southern Greek mainland, is the monumental architecture of the Early Helladic II period. The combination of monumental architecture and funerary evidence suggests the division of society according to kin-based groups, some of which would have had greater status than others. Additionally, the importance of ritual activity can be seen in connection to monumental architecture. A connection between metallurgy, ritual activity, and social articulation is the common thread which links the prehistoric central Mediterranean. In both EBA Italy and the Aegean, metallurgy was the principal impetus for the emergence of rank in society. In turn, metal objects, especially daggers, reflect the formation and establishment of this rank. Daggers were used by individuals with power in a ritual or religious sphere. While the importance of ritual activity can be seen in connection to monumental architecture in the Aegean, evidence for particular individuals of upper status is lacking. Therefore, the archaeological record of EBA Italy presents a clearer picture of rank in society at this time.