First Kings of Europe: The Emergence of Hierarchy in the Prehistoric Balkans
FAIN: GI-269665-20
Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago, IL 60605-2827)
William Arthur Parkinson (Project Director: August 2019 to present)
Implementation of a traveling exhibition on the evolution of hierarchy in prehistoric southeastern Europe.
The Field Museum requests support from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the implementation of a traveling exhibition—tentatively titled First Kings of Europe: The Emergence of Hierarchy in the Prehistoric Balkans—about the evolution of hierarchy in prehistoric southeastern Europe. Featuring some of the most compelling archaeological finds from the Neolithic period, Copper Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age, First Kings will tell the story of how small, autonomous, farming communities of the Neolithic evolved into centralized, hierarchical, and bureaucratic states during the Iron Age, approximately 8,000-2,500 years ago.
Associated Products
First Kings of Europe: From Farmers to Kings in Prehistoric Southeastern Europe. (Book)Title: First Kings of Europe: From Farmers to Kings in Prehistoric Southeastern Europe.
Editor: William A. Parkinson
Editor: Attila Gyucha
Abstract: Over several millennia, early agricultural villages in southeastern Europe gave rise to tribal kingdoms and monarchies, replacing smaller, more egalitarian social structures with complex state organizations led by royal individuals invested with power. In this edited book, which accompanies the international exhibition, “First Kings of Europe” scholars analyze and interpret data and artifacts from the most important museum collections from the region to illustrate the evolution of political hierarchy, power, and status in this region from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Echoing from antiquity are hints of how we got to the social and economic disparities of today.
From the rich burials of the famous Copper Age necropolis at Varna to the lavish tombs of Thracian kings and the Illyrian elite, troves of gold and silver ornaments, bronze and iron weaponry, rich metal hoards and magnificent ceremonial vessels reveal the roles of technology, trade, ritual, and warfare in developments toward marked sociopolitical inequalities. Many of the objects in the associated exhibition have never been displayed outside their countries of origin, and in this volume they come together in a wonderfully illustrated co-publication with Chicago’s Field Museum.
Year: 2022
Publisher: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA
Type: Edited Volume
ISBN: 978-1-950446-2
Copy sent to NEH?: No
First Kings of Europe: Exhibition Catalog (Book)Title: First Kings of Europe: Exhibition Catalog
Author: Attila Gyucha
Author: William A. Parkinson
Abstract: This catalog accompanies an international exhibition, "First Kings of Europe," and another volume, First Kings of Europe: From Farmers to Rulers in Prehistoric Southeastern Europe, that examine the artifacts and cultures of this area from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Over several millennia, early agricultural villages gave rise to tribal kingdoms and monarchies, replacing smaller, more egalitarian social structures with complex state organizations led by royal individuals invested with power.
Several hundred objects and artifacts in the exhibition are portrayed in the catalog, accompanied by introductory text and detailed entries for each item.The spectacular and highly detailed color photographs introduce us to the gold and silver ornaments, bronze and iron weaponry, rich metal hoards and magnificent ceremonial vessels that are masterpieces from this period of history. Many of them have never left their countries of origin, making this exhibition and the two volumes documenting it an opportunity not to miss.
Year: 2023
Publisher: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA.
Type: Multi-author monograph
ISBN: 978-1-950446-3
Copy sent to NEH?: No
First Kings of Europe: Souvenir Book. Gatineau, Quebec: Canadian Museum of History. (Book)Title: First Kings of Europe: Souvenir Book. Gatineau, Quebec: Canadian Museum of History.
Author: Attila Gyucha
Author: Ryan Schuessler
Author: William A. Parkinson
Abstract: Drawing from the collections of more than two dozen museums in southeastern Europe, First Kings of Europe explores how ancient farming villages evolved into some of the earliest kingdoms in Europe.
In this souvenir catalog, travel from the farming villages of egalitarian Neolithic communities to the gilded world of the Iron Age Thracian and Illyrian rulers, about 8,000 to 2,500 years ago. Learn how the emerging elite wielded weapons, jewelry, and tools to gain power by amassing wealth and controlling trade, technology, rituals, and warfare. And discover the unique cultures of the ancient Balkans firsthand.
exhibition catalogue was published by the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at University of California, Los Angeles. Because of the pandemic interruption, volume I, titled First Kings of Europe: From Farmers to Rulers in Prehistoric Southeastern Europe, contained essays by archaeologists and other research colleagues. Volume 2, titled First Kings of Europe: Exhibition Catalog, was later published, with photographs and information on almost all objects of the exhibition. Exhibition co-curators William A. Parkinson and Attila Gyucha edited both volumes.
Year: 2023
Publisher: Canadian Museum of History
Type: Multi-author monograph
ISBN: 978-0660496023
Copy sent to NEH?: No
Premiers Royaumes d’Europe.: Souvenir Book (French Edition) (Book)Title: Premiers Royaumes d’Europe.: Souvenir Book (French Edition)
Author: Attila Gyucha
Author: Ryan Schuessler
Author: William A. Parkinson
Abstract: Drawing from the collections of more than two dozen museums in southeastern Europe, First Kings of Europe explores how ancient farming villages evolved into some of the earliest kingdoms in Europe.
In this souvenir catalog, travel from the farming villages of egalitarian Neolithic communities to the gilded world of the Iron Age Thracian and Illyrian rulers, about 8,000 to 2,500 years ago. Learn how the emerging elite wielded weapons, jewelry, and tools to gain power by amassing wealth and controlling trade, technology, rituals, and warfare. And discover the unique cultures of the ancient Balkans firsthand.
exhibition catalogue was published by the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at University of California, Los Angeles. Because of the pandemic interruption, volume I, titled First Kings of Europe: From Farmers to Rulers in Prehistoric Southeastern Europe, contained essays by archaeologists and other research colleagues. Volume 2, titled First Kings of Europe: Exhibition Catalog, was later published, with photographs and information on almost all objects of the exhibition. Exhibition co-curators William A. Parkinson and Attila Gyucha edited both volumes.
Year: 2024
Publisher: Canadian Museum of History
Type: Multi-author monograph
ISBN: 066049602X
Copy sent to NEH?: No
Ritual and Memory: The Ancient Balkans and Beyond (Exhibition)Title: Ritual and Memory: The Ancient Balkans and Beyond
Curator: Clare Fitzgerald
Curator: William A. Parkinson
Curator: Attila Gyucha
Abstract: Figurines, tools and weapons, miniature architectural models, adornments in gold and amber, ceramic and bronze vessels, and more: all were excavated from a region in Europe stretching from the Balkan Mountains north to the Carpathian Basin. Many of these artifacts once aided communication with the gods, or were used by the communities that created them in order to understand identity in an earthly realm. Although no textual sources from the prehistoric cultures of this region have come down to us through time, the objects themselves, as well as the locations of their discovery, have led scholars to believe that these works served potent ritual functions. Each artifact offers a glimpse into the world view and ways of life of these ancient communities, but also raises questions. How did objects like these participate in cultural practices that are largely a mystery to us? Can a memory of these long-silent civilizations be recovered?
Ritual and Memory presents works from the Neolithic Period through the Iron Age. Showcasing ritual objects used by men and women, warriors and wives, kings and farmers, in celebrations and in funerals, the exhibition and this digital complement invite us to consider beliefs, ritual practices, and community organization in the ancient civilizations of the Balkan region. These archaeological finds demonstrate great technological accomplishment and significant intercultural connections between various groups in this area and beyond.
Organized by the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World in partnership with the Field Museum, Ritual and Memory reveals the fluidity of cultural practices in ancient southeastern Europe and highlights the dynamism of the region. The participation of eleven countries and seventeen lending institutions further signals an era of international collaboration: our historical moment provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore fresh perspectives on the ancient world across a broad sweep of space and time.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://ritualandmemory.com/First Kings of Europe (Exhibition)Title: First Kings of Europe
Curator: Attila Gyucha
Curator: William A. Parkinson
Abstract: Drawing from the collections of more than two dozen museums and archaeological institutes in the Balkan Peninsula of Europe, First Kings of Europe explores how a small number of individuals established tremendous power and influence over others.
Starting their journey 8,000 years ago during the Neolithic Period and ending 2,500 years ago in the world of Iron Age kings, visitors will encounter archaeological finds that have never been shown in North America. Weapons, jewelry, and tools tell the story of how individuals gained power and influence by amassing wealth and controlling trade, technology, rituals, and warfare.
Year: 2023
Primary URL:
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/first-kings-europeFirst Royals of Europe (Exhibition)Title: First Royals of Europe
Curator: Pierre Desrosiers
Curator: William A. Parkinson
Curator: Attila Gyucha
Abstract: Explore 6,500 years of history — from the Neolithic Age to the end of the Iron Age and the dawn of empires — when precious metals were first smelted into copper axes, bronze swords, and silver and gold jewellery, and warriors built armies to rule the masses.
For the first time in Canada, more than 700 rare and exquisite objects from 26 institutions across southeastern Europe have been brought together to explore how individuals grew their power by amassing wealth and controlling trade, rituals, ceremonies and warfare.
“We hope that visitors come away from this exhibition with an understanding that questions of power — who has it, who doesn’t, and why — were as relevant in the past as they are today.”
Year: 2024
Primary URL:
https://www.historymuseum.ca/first-royals/First Kings of Europe: Leadership and Inequality in Prehistoric Southeast Europe. International Conference. Hungarian National Museum, Budapest, April 26-28, 2023. (Conference/Institute/Seminar)Title: First Kings of Europe: Leadership and Inequality in Prehistoric Southeast Europe. International Conference. Hungarian National Museum, Budapest, April 26-28, 2023.
Author: Gábor Tarbay
Author: Szilvia Fabián
Abstract: international archaeological Conference
april 26–28, 2023
14–16. Múzeum krt., Budapest 1088, hungary
hungarian national Museum,
Banquet hall and Central library
Date Range: april 26–28, 2023
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Primary URL:
https://www.datocms-assets.com/44232/1680900903-invitation_first_kings_of_europe_conference_2023.pdfFirst Kings of Europe: Virtual Exhibitionn (Exhibition)Title: First Kings of Europe: Virtual Exhibitionn
Curator: Attila Gyucha
Curator: William A. Parkinson
Abstract: Virtual exhibition of First Kings.
Year: 2023
Primary URL:
https://mpembed.com/show/?m=bKQMuBD2Vj9&mpu=2521Keynote Lecture. First Kings of Europe: Leadership and Inequality in Prehistoric Southeast Europe. Archaeological Institute of America Annual Meetings. Hilton Hotel, Chicago, IL, January 4, 2024. (Public Lecture or Presentation)Title: Keynote Lecture. First Kings of Europe: Leadership and Inequality in Prehistoric Southeast Europe. Archaeological Institute of America Annual Meetings. Hilton Hotel, Chicago, IL, January 4, 2024.
Abstract: Keynote lecture for Archaeological Institute of America Annual Meetings.
Author: Attila Gyucha
Author: William A. Parkinnson
Date: 01/04/2024
Location: Chicago, IL