Paneae

Paneae is a proposed Bronze Age cultural horizon identified from settlement remains in the Paneae Basin, a lowland area that lies between mountain ranges. The Paneae horizon is not a single unified culture in the sense of a political entity; rather, it denotes a cluster of communities sharing overlapping material traits.

The term was coined in the late 20th century by researchers studying a set of pottery, architectural remnants, and subsistence patterns across several sites in the basin and adjacent foothills. The name itself comes from the basin's name.

Archaeological evidence includes: pottery with combed and incised decorations, a mix of wheel-made and handmade wares, storage pits, oval to rectangular houses with clay floors, and a noticeable emphasis on agricultural and livestock production. Metal finds include bronzes and occasional copper alloys, suggesting long-distance exchange networks with coastal and upland communities.

Chronology: The Paneae horizon is generally dated to the late Bronze Age, roughly 1400–1100 BCE, with some sites showing earlier or later phases. The cultural attribution is debated; some scholars see Paneae as a regional expression within a broader cultural milieu, while others argue for more continuity with neighboring groups.

Legacy: The term Paneae remains a working label, used primarily in regional syntheses. Because of site heterogeneity and limited absolute dates, the Paneae concept continues to be refined as new excavations and dating methods become available.