The Urnfield Culture brought the Bronze Age era to a close. In this volume man is subjected to
a comprehensive examination from his environment to his lifestyle right through to burial.
Lower Austria is presented as a core area of central Europe. Aspects considered include the
landscape and environmental conditions as well as the cultural and economic significance of
this era. Presenting the current state of the art in research and pointing out the limitations
and possibilities connected with interpreting archaeological phenomena is a core concern for
this interdisciplinary team. Starting in the 13th century BC history entered a climatically
favourable era which engendered an increase in population. A new cultural group was established
in Central Europe in which cremation of the dead was the predominant practice and which has
therefore been named the Urnfield Culture. The rural farming economy continued to be the
defining social element. Households were characterised by a marked variety in ceramic shapes
and decoration. It was also a period in which bronze metalworking reached its high point.
Extensive trade relations and fortified central places are evidence of the level of prosperity
at the end of the Bronze Age. Furthermore it was in this period that the first iron objects
were produced initiating the transition to the Iron Age.
