This book, constructed around a central
theme rather than a specific time period or region, aims to show how different
researchers working on different topics address the issues around the
inter-relationships between groups in pre- and protohistoric periods, through
the analysis of certain raw materials. This diachronic perspective allows the
reader to obtain a broader view of some of the lines of research that are being
followed in different areas of the Mediterranean. The editors intend for this
monograph to open its doors to researchers who work over a broad chronological
period, rather than focusing on a specific moment, as some congresses or
collective monographs do. It is hoped that it presents avenues for future
research, which can help other researchers to understand some of the lines that
are currently being followed and the methodologies that are being used to
analyse and determine the origin of raw materials used in the preparation of
ornaments, ceramic vessels, lithic instruments, and other objects.