A CRITICAL VIEW ON THE USE OF SALT IN THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF UNETICE SOCIETIES IN THE CIRCUMHARZ REGION IN EASTERN GERMANY
A CRITICAL VIEW ON THE USE OF SALT IN THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF UNETICE SOCIETIES IN THE CIRCUMHARZ REGION IN EASTERN GERMANY

Summary/Abstract: It has long been assumed that there is a connection between the rich graves and hoards in the Unctice Circumharz Region during the Bronze Age and extraction of salt1. This is a plausible interpretation as it is well attested that salt was produced with briquelage technique in the area throughout the Bronze Age including Unfilice times2, and that salt has been an important source for wealth in other contexts3 4. But how easily could this resource be exploited to create unequal wealth for a few? This paper discusses some general aspects of social power and control over resources, including a critique of the notion that monopolisation was important for creating wealth and establishing a social power base. This is followed by an analysis of the possible significance of salt within the political economy during the Early Bronze Age in the Circumharz Region in eastern Germany.

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