A new Early Bronze Age wagon model from the Carpathian Basin

Abstract

This study offers a brief overview of the main directions in the research into prehistoric wagon models and the appearance of wheeled vehicles. A new Early Bronze Age clay model found recently in Hungary is presented as part of the study. A discussion of the analogies to the model and the interpretation of its design are followed by a review of new European finds proving the early use of wagons. The dates strongly suggest that wheeled vehicles appeared more or less simultaneously in several places.

Keywords:

• Clay wagon model
• Bronze Age
• prehistoric symbolism
• wheel
• secondary products
• problems of origin and dating

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the helpful and critical comments made by two anonymous reviewers. Thanks are due to Ágnes Vida for the drawings, to Béla Kiss for the photo and to György Sípos for the TL dates.