Documenting the Neolithic in Central Europe

The conference proceedings present a current state of research, methodological and theoretical concepts and new starting points for scientific research in the area. The contributions are divided into four thematic areas, which build upon a long research tradition and reflect the new needs and directions of archaeology. Attention is paid especially to issues related to a deeper understanding of the way of life and everyday activities of a Prehistoric man as well as broader economic and social relations. The volume is divided into four sections on excavations and field surveys; chronology; man as a social and economic being; and theoretical and methodological approaches in the Neolithic and Eneolithic. The first section gives a general overview of the results of field activities at various levels - from the archaeological site to the whole micro-regions. The emphasis is laid on the characteristics of the method, archaeological features and artefacts associated with their dating, and setting the research results in the broader context. The second section deals with major issues of relative and absolute chronology. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of the current state of research and future perspective as well as on the presentation of finds and methods that significantly change the current state of knowledge. The third section explores the reconstruction of human life in the Neolithic and Eneolithic. It often exceeds the boundaries of a single discipline in addressing issues of social status, health, dietary composition, as well as economic relations within a community or over long distances, climate, etc. The final section discusses partial issues, such as taphonomy, metallurgy, public archaeology), using computer applications or theoretical approaches.