Maritime connections in the Western Mediterranean and access to copper resources in the Balearic Islands during the Late Bronze Age: Isotopic characterization of the bronze deposit at Es Mitjà Gran, Mallorca

Abstract

A very notable phenomenon took place during the final stages of the Late Bronze Age in the Balearic Islands: ritualistic, votive deposits of certain bronze objects. Of the various deposits that have been discovered, that at Es Mitjà Gran in Mallorca is among the most significant in terms of both the variety and number of objects found. Isotope analyses have allowed some of these objects to be linked with various areas around the Western Mediterranean and the European continent. These objects allow us to confirm and expand upon the web of known sailing networks and connections that existed between the Balearic Islands and continental Europe in the framework of prehistoric, Late Bronze Age maritime routes around the Western Mediterranean.