Old Traditions and New Innovations. The Late Middle Neolithic in Scania, the Southernmost Part of Sweden

Lars Larsson

doi:10.23858/APa63.2025.4158

Published: 2025-12-29

Vol. 63 (2025)

Old Traditions and New Innovations. The Late Middle Neolithic in Scania, the Southernmost Part of Sweden

Lars Larsson

Archaeologia Polona

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.23858/APa63.2025.4158

Abstract

The Corded Ware Culture complex in Sweden involves a special form of social structure called the Battle Axe Culture. Among well-known features, such as single graves, there are also other forms of expression. A special form of find is illustrated by a place with a significant accumulation of deliberately burned or otherwise destroyed objects. This mass deposit includes both well-known object forms and items indicative of far-reaching contacts. This kind of deposit practice has continuity dating back more than a millennium.

The earliest part of the Late Middle Neolithic (Younger Neolithic I) appears to be a period of multicultural elements that included a continuation of the Funnel Beaker Culture with evident influences from the Pitted Ware Culture. Another form of expression relates to the so-called palisade constructions. Aspects of relations within southern Scandinavia, involving influences from the Corded Ware Culture and older cultural forms, are discussed. It is suggested that a tradition based on Funnel Beaker Culture has a longer existence in parts of Scania, the southernmost part of Sweden, than in the rest of southern Sweden.

Keywords:

Southern Scandinavia, Middle Neolithic, Battle Axe Culture, Funnel Beaker Culture, Single Grave Culture

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Larsson, L. (2025). Old Traditions and New Innovations. The Late Middle Neolithic in Scania, the Southernmost Part of Sweden. Archaeologia Polona, 63, 23–43. https://doi.org/10.23858/APa63.2025.4158

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