History of Croatia Flashcards
(55 cards)
Name two locations where traces of pre-Neanderthal people were found?
Šandalja Cave near Pula and Punikve near Ivanec.
Where have the remains of Neanderthal prehistoric humans been found (Northern Croatia)?
In Hušnjakovo near Krapina
Who discovered the remnants of Neanderthals, later named Homo krapinensis? When?
Dragutin Gorjanović – Kramberger, in 1899.
Name three archaeological sites where finds from the Palaeolithic Age have been found.
Hušnjakovo, Vindija Cave, Veternica.
How old are the human remains found in the Vindija Cave?
Older than 44 000 years.
What were the Neanderthals like?
They were more muscular than homo sapiens, better adapted to cold climate, good hunters, knew tools and fire and took care of the elderly and sick members of their group.
According to the admixture theory, what happened to the Neanderthals?
As Homo sapiens started to populate the Earth, they interbred (=mixed) with other species such as the Neanderthals. This is supported by DNA evidence stating that 1-4% of modern-day people in Europe and the Middle East carry Neanderthal genes.
Explain the replacement theory.
The replacement theory states that when Homo sapiens encountered (=came to) Neanderthals their genetic differences were too big to produce viable offspring. Homo sapiens was a better hunter and the Neanderthals couldn’t compete, so their population declined (=died out) either due to loss of food, or even because of genocide.
When did the Vučedol culture exist?
3000-2200 BC
Why was the Vučedol culture important?
It was one of the most advanced Bronze Age cultures in Europe.
What is the Vučedol culture famous for?
Sophisticated pottery (Vučedol Dove), ability to produce advanced metal tools and weapons. They may also have developed one of the earliest known European calendars, based on star observations (Vučedol vase).
What are some other cultures that existed at the same time as Vučedol?
Sumer (Mesopotamia), the Early Dynastic Period (Egypt) and the earliest settlements of Troy.
How many inhabitants did Bronze Age Vučedol have?
About 3000.
At its peak, how many modern European countries did the Vučedol culture cover (partially or completely)?
14 (Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, Greece)
In the Vučedol culture, who was in charge of the settlement?
The shaman-smith
What did the shaman-smith do?
He was in charge of coppersmithing; he had the knowledge of avoiding poisonous arsenic gas.
What were the physical consequences of coppersmithing for the shaman-smith?
Loss of body movement coordination (limping) and stronger sexual potency.
According to recent interpretations, which animal does the Vučedol Dove actually represent?
The partridge.
Why is the Vučedol Dove actually not a dove, but a partridge?
The male partridge was a symbol of fertility, with limping defensive behaviour when attacked by predators. This can be linked to the limping movements of the shaman-smith because of arsenic poisoning.
What is the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlement in Europe?
Vinkovci
How long has Vinkovci been inhabited?
8300 years, since the Neolithic period.
Which star is the Vinkovci vase astral calendar based on?
The Orion cycle
Which tribes arrived to these areas around 800 BC?
The Illyrians
Name 3 Illyrian tribes that lived in these areas.
Histri, Liburni, Delmatae.
