Dr. Neil Carlin introduces us to the Beaker People in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 6

Dr. Neil Carlin introduces us to the Beaker People in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 6

The first metal objects began to be made in Ireland from around the middle of the third millennium BC, from approximately 2500 BC onwards. This coincides with a particular sort of material culture, that includes evidence of archery and a particular sort of pottery vessel known as Beakers, as well as the first copper and gold objects. These artefacts are found elsewhere in Europe, and the prevalence and distinctive nature of the pottery has led to it being known as the Beaker Period or the Beaker Phenomenon. But are these objects evidence of people from outside moving into Ireland?  If so, who were the Beaker People? And just how far does technology change culture?

In this episode of the Amplify Archaeology Podcast Neil had the opportunity to discuss this with Dr. Neil Carlin of UCD School of Archaeology, who has recently produced a superb publication on the Beaker Phenomenon for Sidestone Press. The book uses an innovative approach that reassesses some of the assumptions we have about this era, by interlinking the study of the famous Beaker pottery and other artefacts with the context of their discovery to better understand social practices within settlements, funerary monuments, ceremonial settings and natural places. It also places the Irish evidence of the Beaker period in its international context. The publication: ‘The Beaker Phenomenon? Understanding the Character and Context of Social Practices in Ireland 2500–2000 BC’ is available from Sidestone Press, and thanks to the generosity of Neil and Sidestone Press it can be read online for free from this link.

AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST

AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST

Title: Meet the Beaker People

Duration: 40 mins.

Summary:

During this podcast series we will meet some of Ireland’s archaeologists to discuss the key periods, places and people that tell the story of Ireland, and we’ll gain new insights into the practice and techniques of modern Irish archaeology.  This is the sixth instalment of Amplify Archaeology, previous episodes have featured discussions on the History of Food, Passage Tombs, Castles, Mesolithic Ireland and Glendalough.

I’d love some feedback, so please do leave a comment below – and if you have any questions about Irish archaeology please do let me know, we can try to answer them in forthcoming episodes.  Finally if you enjoyed this podcast I’d be really grateful if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, or please share it and tell your friends.

The podcast is an Abarta Heritage production.  It was recorded on location by Neil Jackman (the interviewer), with Dr Neil Carlin.  We are so grateful to Neil for his generosity with his time and insights.

Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on

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The post Amplify Archaeology Podcast – Episode 6 – Beaker People appeared first on Abarta Heritage Home.