Échelles spatiales, ruptures, continuités, lacunes : quelques remarques sur les données archéologiques attribuées au Campaniforme en France et son insertion dans les séquences chrono‑culturelles établies

Abstract

The Bell Beaker is characterized by a very unbalanced spatial distribution and a very strong heterogeneity of data. Hiatuses and discontinuities are therefore an important part of the observations. This heterogeneity is reinforced by the technological variability of the productions, ceramic ware in particular. By examining a North/South transect over the eastern part of the French territory, from Lorraine to Provence, one can distinguish in these regions different scenarios of insertion of the Bell Beaker during the end of the 3rd millennium. The examination of these scenarios, by integrating the spatial distribution of the sites and the diffusion of some material culture items, allows us to raise certain precise questions. The deconstruction of the “Bell Beaker Phenomenon” is more necessary than ever and several paths are proposed.