Bemmelcultuur

Bemmelcultuur refers to a specific archaeological culture that existed in the Netherlands during the Middle Bronze Age, roughly from 1800 to 1500 BCE. It is primarily identified through distinctive pottery styles found at burial sites in the Betuwe region, which gives the culture its name.

The pottery associated with Bemmelcultuur is characterized by its typically round-bottomed vessels, often decorated with impressed patterns or incised lines. These decorative elements can include cord impressions, zigzags, and geometric motifs. Vessels vary in size and form, with larger urns likely used for containing the cremated remains of the deceased, and smaller bowls or cups possibly serving as grave goods.

The people of the Bemmelcultuur were agriculturalists, relying on farming for their sustenance. Evidence suggests they lived in settled communities, though the exact nature of their settlements, such as the size and permanence of dwellings, is not fully understood due to limited archaeological findings. Burial practices involved cremation, with the ashes and bone fragments placed in urns that were then interred in tumuli or burial mounds. These burial sites, when discovered, provide the main source of information about the culture.

The Bemmelcultuur is considered part of a broader wave of cultural developments in northwestern Europe during the Middle Bronze Age, showing regional variations while sharing common traits with neighboring cultures. Its study contributes to understanding the social structures, material culture, and burial rituals of communities in the Netherlands during this period.