Urnfält

Urnfält, also known as Urnfield culture, refers to a late Bronze Age culture of Central Europe, named for its distinctive burial practice of cremating the dead and interring the ashes in urns. This culture flourished approximately between 1300 and 750 BC, succeeding the Unétice culture and preceding the Hallstatt culture. The Urnfield culture is primarily known through its archaeological remains, which include numerous urnfields—cemeteries where urns containing cremated remains were buried.

The Urnfield culture extended across a vast area, encompassing parts of modern-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and northern Italy. This culture is characterized by significant technological advancements, particularly in metallurgy. The people of this era were skilled in working with bronze, producing a variety of tools, weapons, and ornaments. The introduction of ironworking towards the end of the Urnfield period marked a significant transition to the subsequent Hallstatt culture.

Settlements of the Urnfield culture were typically located in defensible positions, such as hilltops or near rivers. These settlements often featured circular or oval houses constructed from wood and thatch. Agriculture and animal husbandry were the primary economic activities, supplemented by hunting and gathering.

The social structure of the Urnfield culture appears to have been hierarchical, with evidence suggesting the presence of elites who controlled trade and craft production. Burial practices varied, but the use of urnfields for collective burials was a defining feature. Wealthier individuals were often buried with grave goods, including pottery, jewelry, and metal objects.

The Urnfield culture eventually evolved into the Hallstatt culture, marking the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age in Central Europe. The study of Urnfield culture provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and technological developments of late Bronze Age Europe.