Between the Danube and the Deep Blue Sea: Zooarchaeological Meta-Analysis Reveals Variability in the Spread and Development of Neolithic Farming across the Western Balkans

摘要: The first spread of farming practices into Europe in the Neolithic period involves two distinct ‘streams’, respectively around Mediterranean littoral and along Danube corridor to central Europe. In this paper we explore variation animal use within between these streams, focusing on region which they are clearly (and yet still close proximity): western Balkans. We employ rigorous reproducible meta-analysis all available zooarchaeological data from test hypotheses (a) that each stream featured a coherent ‘package’ herding hunting earliest Neolithic, (b) subsequently diverged response local conditions changing cultural preferences. results partially uphold hypotheses, while underlining Neolithisation was complex varied process. A coherent, stable, caprine-based is seen coastal stream, albeit with some diversification linked expansion northwards inland. Accounting for severe, systematic bias bone recovery methodology show sheep goats also played major role across continental (c.6100–5800 BC). This followed by geographically staggered transition over c.500 years an economy focused cattle, significant levels areas – pattern interpret terms gradual adaptation conditions, perhaps mediated varying degrees conservatism. Subsequent westward carried it elements new pattern, persisted through middle late Neolithic.