Measuring Complexity in Early Bronze Age Greece: The Pig as a Proxy Indicator of Socio-Economic Structures

This study uses faunal remains, specifically the frequency of pig bones, to act as a barometer of social complexity. It finds that variations in the frequency of pigs from site to site cannot be explained by environmental factors, as is thus indicative of economic differences. The evidence from Lerna, Helike, Tsoungiza and Tiryns is examined in depth, and conclusions drawn about their social and economic set-up.