Objective Research problem: The 3rd and 2nd millennium was a period that saw major social and cultural transformations in Europe, from migrations and the introduction of metal (the Bronze Age) to new cultural identities and languages. As these two millennia were formative for Europe’s later history, these are hotly debated issues. However, they can now be resolved, at least in part, by the application of new science-based methodologies and the development of new interpretative frameworks.Aims and methodologies: The project does so by adopting an interdisciplinary methodological approach that combines science and culture. Isotope tracing in combination with recent advances in ancient DNA is employed to test human origins and movements during the two millennia, as well as the origin of wool and textiles. Lead isotope is adopted to trace the origin of copper. Based on this the project will document and explain the forging of new identities and new types of interaction during the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC in temperate northern Europe, but with implications for western Eurasia.Progress and originality: Accomplishment of front-line research results by combining archaeology with new developments in the natural sciences to produce new knowledge about the mobility of people, animals, things, ideas and technologies. This will allow a critical comparison of different types of evidence on mobility from DNA to strontium isotope analyses, and will lead to improved knowledge about the ways in which European regional cultures and identities were formed in the Bronze Age through interaction. Finally, the project will potentially change our understanding and thinking about human mobility as a key factor in cultural and social change. Fields of science humanitieshistory and archaeologyhistorynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metalsengineering and technologymaterials engineeringtextileshumanitieshistory and archaeologyarchaeology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-SH6 - ERC Advanced Grant - The study of the human past Call for proposal ERC-2010-AdG_20100407 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Host institution GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET EU contribution € 1 813 927,60 Address VASAPARKEN 405 30 Goeteborg Sweden See on map Region Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Ludde Edgren (Dr.) Principal investigator Kristian Kristiansen (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET Sweden EU contribution € 1 813 927,60 Address VASAPARKEN 405 30 Goeteborg See on map Region Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Ludde Edgren (Dr.) Principal investigator Kristian Kristiansen (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET Denmark EU contribution € 674 336,40 Address NORREGADE 10 1165 Kobenhavn See on map Region Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Ivan Kristoffersen (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data