3 - The Eneolithic period in the Central Balkan Area

Summary

The Eneolithic period, which came between the Neolithic Age and the age when metal was fully in use, covered a great length of time. It brought in its wake revolutionary changes in the life of prehistoric man, as he became more and more acquainted with metal and its properties. The production of various metal objects required the acquisition of skills in the working of metal and the learning of techniques for their improvement and perfection. This of necessity caused a series of significant changes in his way of life and altered the nexus of relationships within a social group. For instance, mining and metallurgy inevitably led to new, specialized forms of activities. The haphazard distribution of mines in different territories disrupted the balance between the Neolithic groups which had been based on primitive agriculture. A feeling of insecurity developed and clashes occurred frequently. On the other hand, intensive trading developed for the same reasons, though exchange of goods had not been unknown to Neolithic man. The altered relations, in their turn, resulted in the greater significance of the male in social units and in the development of a patriachal system. Finally, the working of iron and its greater use meant an increase of wealth in the hands of the outstanding personalities of a primitive society. In short, it inaugurated the beginning of social stratification.

Another event of decisive significance for the history of Europe and of the Balkans in particular was a number of great migrations of tribes from the Russian steppes, the Pontic basin and the Lower Danube. In archaeology these migrations are dated to the Neolithic Age, and they are linked with the process of Indo-Europeanization, which was decisive for the further development of society in these regions.