Studia Antiqua et Archaeologica 27(2)-Supplement: 61-70
Radu BĂJENARU
ABSTRACT
The author discusses the problem of prehistoric metal daggers discovered in the Carpathian-Danubian area. Particular attention is paid to the contexts from which these daggers come, observing a certain differentiation during the Chalcolithic, Bronze and early Iron Age. Thus, in the Chalcolithic, early and middle Bronze Age, most daggers come from settlements and graves, a very small number being found in hoards and single depositions. On the contrary, in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, the ratio changes significantly, with most daggers being found in hoards and single finds. It is very likely that this differentiation will also reflect changes in the meaning and functionality of daggers within those prehistoric societies.
KEYWORDS
Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, Romania, Metal Daggers, Contexts, Significance, Functionality