Beaker phenomenon

The Beaker phenomenon refers to a group of Bronze Age cultures in Europe (around 2800-1800 BCE) characterized by their distinctive pottery—beaker-shaped vessels—and shared cultural practices. These groups, spreading across areas like Britain, the Rhine, and Central Europe, exhibited similar burial customs, metalworking, and social structures, suggesting a widespread movement or influence. Archaeologists believe their spread involved both migration of people and cultural exchange, which contributed to the development of early European societies. The Beaker phenomenon demonstrates how technological and cultural ideas can travel and merge across regions, shaping prehistoric European history.