Humanities

Inequality in relational wealth within the upper societal segment: evidence from prehistoric Central Europe

J. Marzian, J. Laabs, et al.

This groundbreaking research examines inequality in relational wealth among the elite of prehistoric Central Europe over the first four millennia BCE. By analyzing a unique dataset of burial mounds, the study uncovers trends of increasing inequality influenced by factors such as technological advancements and sociopolitical changes. This captivating work is brought to you by Johannes Marzian, Julian Laabs, Johannes Müller, and Tilman Requate.

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Abstract

This paper investigates inequality in relational wealth within the upper societal segment of prehistoric Central Europe (first four millennia BCE). Using a novel dataset of 5000 single-funeral burial mounds and their volume as a proxy for relational wealth, the analysis reveals consistently high inequality, exhibiting a wave-like pattern with an increasing trend over time. Temporal shifts in the size of the upper societal segment are also observed. These changes are potentially explained by technological progress, climate and population dynamics, trade networks, and sociopolitical transformations.

Publisher

Humanities & Social Sciences Communications

Published On

May 02, 2024

Authors

Johannes Marzian, Julian Laabs, Johannes Müller, Tilman Requate

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