The Rise of Social Complexity in the NCEP, 600–900s CE: A Processual Analysis

Abstract

In this chapter, I present a synchronic analysis of the process of culture change in seven provinces of the North Central European Plain, 600–900s CE. The data on technological advancement, changes in settlement pattern, and social stratification are discussed in one hundred years intervals in each province. Technological changes relate to the appearance of new pottery types and the construction of houses and fortifications. Changes in settlement pattern, especially the appearance of forts and the emergence of structured settlement arrangements indicate an increase in the complexity of territorial administration through centralization of power and decision making. The appearance of status items and weaponry in relation to technological advancements and diversity of settlements suggests structural modifications in social organization. The rise of social complexity in the region comprised four phases of different duration and intensity of change: the Early Middle Ages phase 1 characterized by a polycentric governance scheme and base-tier settlement pattern; the Early Middle Ages phase 2 with localized manorial political arrangements and one-tier settlement pattern above the base-tier; the Early Middle Ages phase 3, region-wide multi-agent political organization that included a network of unified forts, which reinforced the one-tier settlement pattern; and the Early Middle Ages phase 4, pre-state organization with two-tier settlement pattern above the base-tier.