The Chalcolithic, the phase in prehistory when the important technical
development of adding tin to copper to produce bronze had not yet taken
place, is not a term generally used by British prehistorians and whether
there is even a definable phase is debated. Is There a British
Chalcolithic? brings together many leading authorities in 20 papers
that address this question.
Papers are grouped under several headings. 'Definitions, Issues, and
Debate' considers whether appropriate criteria apply that define a
distinctive period (c. 2450 - 2150 cal BC) in cultural, social, and
temporal terms with particular emphasis on the role and status of metal
artifacts and Beaker pottery. 'Continental Perspectives' addresses
various aspects of comparative regions of Europe where a Chalcolithic
has been defined. 'Around Britain and Ireland' presents a series of
large-scale regional case studies where authors argue for and against
the adoption of the term. The final section, 'Economy, Landscapes, and
Monuments', looks at aspects of economy, land-use and burial tradition
and provides a detailed consideration of the Stonehenge and Avebury
landscapes during the period in question.
The volume contains much detailed information on sites and artifacts,
and comprehensive radiocarbon datasets that will be invaluable to
scholars and students studying this enigmatic but pivotal episode of
British Prehistory.
