Back

From Matrilineal Neolithic to Patrilineal Bronze Age? Revisiting »Old Europe«

AWA Workshop

Monday 24.08.2026 , duration: 2 days
© Two anthropomorphic vessels from Neolithic Svinjarička Čuka (after B. Horejs & A. Bulatović 2025).

More than 50 years ago, archaeologist Marija Gimbutas proposed that major social changes transformed communities in southeastern Europe and Anatolia around 4000 BC, including a shift from matrilineal and egalitarian societies to more patriarchal and hierarchical ones. Today, archaeologists question this simple picture, but evidence suggests that significant changes did occur during this period. This workshop brings together international scholars to revisit these transformations using new archaeological evidence, ancient DNA, isotope analysis, and studies of settlement, economy, mobility, and social relationships.

Information

 

Date
24 – 25 August 2026

Location
American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Wiener Laboratory, Athens

Organizer
ÖAW-ÖAI

Contact
Sabina Cveček
Barbara Horejs