Toward a Realistic Understanding of the Bronze Age (Comment to Ling, Earle & Kristiansen: Maritime Mode of Production Raiding and Trading in Seafaring Chiefdoms)

Abstract

Given the available space, I will focus on the Nordic Bronze Age (BA). Rich data, evolving methods, and conceptual rejuvenation of continental perspectives, politics, conflict and society, and an appreciation of the diversity and scale of BA economy. Ling et al. aim to pull this body of knowledge together and comparatively interpret it. Factors like the Bell Beaker Culture’s (BBC) expansion, maritime capacity, trade, slavery and warriors are essential analytical components, recasting the scale and structure of BA economy, networks and society.