2012/02/22 by Olivier Lemercier · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Classical Antiquity Studies #Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History #Beaker #Phenomenon #Cultural phenomenon #Acculturation #Analogy #Archaeology #History #Geography #Immigration #Sociology #Anthropology #Physics
paper · doi:10.1017/s0003598x00062505
openalex publication_date 2012/02/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
The author offers a new descriptive explanation of the Beaker phenomenon, by focusing on Mediterranean France and making reference to the Greek influx in the same area 2000 years later. In the Iron Age, the influence began with an exploratory phase, and then went on to create new settlements and colonise new areas away from the coast. The Beaker analogy is striking, with phases of exploration and implantation and acculturation, but adjusted to include a final phase where Beaker practice was more independent. Comparing the numerous models put forward to explain it, the author shows that immigration and a cultural package are both aspects of the Beaker phenomenon.