The Concept of Old Europe
Gimbutas referred to the civilization of Old Europe, which thrived before the rise of patriarchal societies. This civilization was marked by:
- Egalitarianism: There was little distinction between genders, and society was largely peaceful.
- Artistic Expression: The reverence for the mother goddess was celebrated through art and cave paintings.
- Compassionate Values: The society was characterized by compassion and a lack of organized warfare.
Linguistic Evidence of Proto-Indo-European
Linguistic studies have traced many modern European languages back to a common ancestor known as Proto-Indo-European. This language is believed to have originated in either Anatolia (Turkey) or the steppes of Ukraine. Linguists have identified key vocabulary that reflects the culture and lifestyle of these early people, including:
- Words for Wheel: Indicating they were among the first to invent the wheel.
- Dairy Products: Suggesting they were the first to develop lactose tolerance, allowing them to consume milk.
- Domestication of Horses: Indicating they were the first to successfully domesticate horses, which transformed their mobility and lifestyle.
Archaeological and Genetic Evidence
Recent archaeological discoveries and advances in DNA technology have confirmed many of Gimbutas's hypotheses about the Proto-Indo-Europeans. Evidence shows that these people were taller and healthier due to their dairy-rich diet and that they developed technologies such as the wheel and horse domestication around 3500 BC.
The Transition to Conquest
The transition from the peaceful societies of Old Europe to the violent conquests by the Proto-Indo-Europeans raises critical questions. Two primary theories exist:
- Conquest: This theory posits that the Proto-Indo-Europeans spread their language and culture through violent means, akin to the conquests of Genghis Khan.
- Cultural Diffusion: This theory suggests that the spread of language and culture occurred through peaceful means, as people adopted the language of those they interacted with.
Recent DNA evidence leans towards the conquest theory, indicating a violent takeover that eradicated the existing populations.