Middle Neolithic/Early Copper Age, Continuity, Diversity, and Greater Complexity, 5500/5000–3500 BC

Abstract

We have seen that there was considerable cultural homogeneity among Early Neolithic farming societies, especially in central Europe. In contrast, the Middle Neolithic/Early Copper Age is a period of increasing cultural diversity and complexity. In traditional typology, the Middle Neolithic and Chalcolithic (Copper Age) fall within this period. In Germany, Poland, England, and Scandinavia, copper artifacts, mainly ornaments, are rare at most sites, thus it is difficult to talk about the so-called Copper Age. In Bulgaria, the Copper Age begins around 4800–4700 BC and in Hungary at 4600–4500 BC.