The Prehistoric World; Or, Vanished RacesAllen, Emory Adams
History
The Prehistoric World; Or, Vanished Races
Allen, Emory Adams
Archaeology; Indians; Prehistoric peoples
It is evident there was no great and sudden change from the
culture of the Stone Age to that of Bronze. It was as if the
darkness of night had given place to the roseate light of dawn,
to be shortly followed by the full day of historic times. It was
probably introduced by trade. The articles introduced in this way
would consist of simple implements, weapons, and ornaments.
Following after the trade would be found the smelter with his
tools, and, where the conditions were favorable, local
manufactories would be set up. But this home industry would not
prevent importation of more pretentious articles from abroad.
This would account for the rich collections of shields, swords,
and golden cups found in Denmark that betray an Etruscan origin.
Investigations of recent scholars show that the bronze of the
early Bronze Age came from Asia Minor. Subsequently there were
three great centers of bronze production, each having certain
styles. These were the Russian on the east, the Scandinavian on
the north, and the Mediterranean on the south. If this view be
correct, bronze must have been in use in the South of Europe long
before it was in the North. This view of the introduction of
bronze is, we think, that of the best scholars in Europe. Others,
however, think bronze was brought in by the invasion of the Aryan
tribes. Mr. Keary says: “The men of the Bronze Age were a new
race, sallying out of the east to dispossess the older
inhabitants, and if, in some places, the Bronze men and the Stone
men seem to have gone on for a time side by side, the general
characteristic of the change is that of a sudden break.”9 We have
shown that it was carried to England by an invasion, and it was,
perhaps, so introduced into Denmark, but in other countries of
Europe by trade.10
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account