6,800-year-old Serbian settlement was large, with little social inequality
11 hours ago
- A 6,800-year-old settlement in Serbia, Opovo Ugar-Bajbuk, was found to be nearly twice as large as previously estimated, covering 9.4 hectares instead of 5.
- New research estimated a peak population of up to 711 people, up from the earlier estimate of about 200.
- Radiocarbon dating refined the main occupation period to between 4850 and 4725 BCE, slightly longer than earlier dates.
- The settlement grew in phases: an early enclosed area of 4.3 hectares around 4850 BCE, then expansion around 4820 BCE with larger ditches.
- Up to five enclosing ditches were found, suggesting community cooperation rather than forced labor for construction.
- House sizes showed low material wealth inequality (Gini index 0.22), indicating minimal social divisions.
- The reasons for abandonment around 4725 BCE remain unclear, with environmental, economic, or social factors possible.
- The study used geomagnetic surveys, core samples, and radiocarbon dating without large-scale excavation.
- Opovo is now classified as a medium-sized Vinča culture settlement, with future work planned on ditch construction and production areas.