The Hallstatt culture was prevalent in Central Europe during the Early Iron Age (8th - 5th century BC). It was named after the site at Hallstatt in Upper Austria and it stretched from from the present-day eastern France and Switzerland in the west, to the Pannonian plain and western Balkans in the east.

Here, the transition into the Iron Age wasn’t sudden. For example: The votive offering of weapons by the bodies of water reflect the Bronze Age customs, as did the early designs, while the material evolved with the sturdy iron.

The Hallstatt culture has been often described as “prestige goods economy”. Meaning that the hierarchy was topped and controlled by the local and regional chieftains (even called Hallstatt princes), who oversaw the import and export of prized artifacts and rare raw materials. They also distributed these elite goods to foreign dignitaries as diplomatic gifts, as well as downward the social pyramid as a sign of favor or a reward for competitions and the display of martial prowess.

Another characteristic are the fortified seats of nobility - hillforts that were regional centers of power and commerce. Here knowledge and goods, like pottery, from the Mediterranean civilizations, like Greeks and Etruscans, were traded.

The western Hallstatt culture, arguably the most famous variation, stretched from Burgundy to Bohemia and is heavily characterized by wagon or chariot burial of its elite. The body was carried and buried with the four-wheeled ceremonial wagon and rich goods, often with riding equipment. Such wagons were large, elaborate constructions made by master craftsmen.


Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1mnK9tpEvz9UgeVWuUh8fPF…

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Learn more about the history in the heart of Europe:    • History in the heart of Europe  

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