Social Networks and Regional Identity in Bronze Age Italy

This work explores the origins of Italian regional identities during the Bronze Age. Social Networks and Regional Identity in Bronze Age Italy highlights previously unrecognized exchange networks.

In Social Networks and Regional Identity in Bronze Age Italy, Emma Blake presents a groundbreaking examination of the archaeological record, focusing on the origins of Italian regional groups dating back to the Bronze Age. This period, often shrouded in ambiguity, is reinterpreted through the lens of social network analysis, revealing intricate regional exchange networks that have previously gone unnoticed. By utilizing this innovative methodology, Blake uncovers connections that bridge the gap between prehistory and the Classical world, challenging long-held assumptions about the development of regional identities in Italy.

The author meticulously applies social network analysis to the distribution of imports and distinctive artifacts, uncovering the foundations of early networks that may have influenced the emergence of notable groups such as the Etruscans and the Veneti. Through detailed regional case studies, Blake employs quantitative methods to reconstruct these early networks, offering insights into the dynamics that shaped the interactions among various groups. The analysis suggests that the initial structures of these networks significantly impacted the subsequent success or failure of the communities inhabiting those regions during later periods.

Ultimately, Social Networks and Regional Identity in Bronze Age Italy not only enriches our understanding of Italian prehistory but also posits that regionalism in Italy has roots that extend much further back in time than previously acknowledged. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in archaeology, history, and the complexities of social networks in ancient societies.