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A Tale of Two Basins: Regional Variations and Changes in Funerary Practices Throughout the Bronze Age of Belgium

  • Leonard, H. (Speaker)
  • Capuzzo, G. (Contributor)
  • Guy De Mulder (Contributor)
  • Koen Deforce (Contributor)
  • Possum Pincé (Contributor)
  • Mathieu Boudin (Contributor)
  • Marine Wojcieszak (Contributor)
  • Philippe Crombe (Contributor)
  • Sophie Verheyden (Contributor)
  • Christian Burlet (Contributor)
  • Isabelle De Groote (Contributor)
  • Claeys, P. (Contributor)
  • Snoeck, C. (Contributor)

Activity: Talk or presentation › Talk or presentation at a conference

Description

This research looks diachronically at regional variations between the Meuse and Scheldt Basins of modern-day Belgium during the Early/Middle (E/MBA) and Late Bronze Ages (LBA). Through strontium isotope analysis, these sites are compared to understand the distinct cultural influences from the Atlantic and continent, and how this developed over time. Over 100 cremated individuals from 11 sites have been analysed, covering the entire Bronze Age period in both basins. 87Sr/86Sr revealed that cremated E/MBA individuals in the Meuse Basin were non-local, suggesting long-term patterns of mobility to funerary landscapes, not observed in the Scheldt. By the LBA, the so-called Urnfield cemeteries displayed considerably less mobility in both basins, through the presence of entirely local populations but remained archaeologically distinct through urned vs urnless burial types and funerary monuments. As part of the LEAP (LEArning from the Past) project, this research considers population changes during potential climatic and environmental shifts.
Period15 Nov 2025
Event titleBronze Age Forum 2025
Event typeConference
LocationDublinShow on map