The Urnfield Culture

The Urnfield culture, named for its practice of cremating the dead and placing their ashes in urns, emerged in the Upper Danube region around 1580 BCE. This marked the beginning of the early Urnfield phase, characterized by the appearance of the first cremation cemeteries with bronze urns.

Cremation Practices

The Urnfield people's cremation practices were a significant departure from the previous burial customs. The deceased were cremated, and their ashes were placed in specially crafted bronze urns. These urns were then buried in designated cremation cemeteries, creating the 'urn fields' that give this culture its name.

Bronze Urns

The bronze urns used in these early cremation cemeteries were often beautifully decorated, reflecting the skill and artistry of the Urnfield people. The use of bronze, a valuable material at the time, suggests that these urns were not only functional but also served as status symbols.

Sources

• The Urnfield Culture in Central Europe
• Cremation Practices in the Bronze Age
• The Role of Bronze in Early European Societies