Metal consumption of a middle-range society in the late 3rd millennium BC Anatolia: A new socioeconomic approach

PLoS One. 2022 Jun 3;17(6):e0269189. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269189. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

This article discusses the socioeconomic dynamics of metal consumption patterns in the 3rd millennium BC north-central Anatolian site of Resuloğlu (Çorum, Turkey). The socio-political structure of the site confirms a nonstate, socially complex community with a range of hierarchical and heterarchical expressions. This study presents the results of archaeological, compositional (n = 307), and isotopic (n = 45) analyses of the complete metal collection of Resuloğlu uncovered through two decades of systematic excavations with a well-established chronology. The elemental compositions of metal objects obtained with pXRF combined with lead isotope analysis denote a high diversity in alloy types and sources. The compositional analysis highlights the consumption of various binary and ternary alloys for different object types. The lead isotope ratios confirm the use of both in proximity to metallic sources and access to macro-regional trade extending from the Black Sea coast towards the Taurus Mountain range. The site appears as a part of linkages whereby goods and valuables were exchanged within decentralized networks of middle-range societies. The diversity in metal consumption suggests group-driven choices and networks rather than top-down control of social elites. This allows us to confront the conventional approach to the role of metals as the primary motivator for social complexity and inequality in all parts of the 3rd millennium BC Anatolia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alloys
  • Archaeology* / methods
  • Isotopes / analysis
  • Metals*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Turkey

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Isotopes
  • Metals

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the Istanbul University Research Fund (no: SBA-2021-37596) received by GD. https://bap.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/_ This research was supported by the Strategic research initiative 5K grant of the British Institute at Ankara (BIAA) received by GD (as PI). https://www.biaatr.org The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.