The Notion of Power in the Study of Metal-rich Archaeological Sites

This article explores the concept of power in archaeological studies from the Late Iron Age to the Middle Ages, particularly in Denmark. It is argued here that power is not only exercised top-down by kings and aristocrats but also bottom-up by the rural population. New metal detector finds indicate that power and resources were widely distributed among rural communities, challenging traditional hierarchical models. It also highlights how local networks and collective actions played a central role in social organisation and development. Borake advocates for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of power structures in archaeological studies.