How can we investigate the socio-economic structure of the Cucuteni-Tripolye mega-sites?

Houses as Snapshots and Pits as Durable Narratives

Abstract

How can we investigate the socio-economic structure of the Cucuteni-Tripolye mega-sites? Houses as Snapshots and Pits as Durable Narratives

The article addresses the problem of the organization of groups of houses in the Copper Age mega-sites regarding the western area of the Cucuteni-Tripolye culture distribution. Based on data from older excavations at the settlement of Brînzeni VIII in Northern Moldova, it is argued that differences in house areas may be reflected in the household inventories and, therefore, point to social differentiation. The necessity of targeted pit investigation as a valuable research tool for future investigations of the socio-economic structure of the mega-sites is argued.