Economic Space (Topoi A-6)

Research group (A-6) Economic Space analyzed economic structures in space, focusing primarily on the organization of production and distribution, but also on the space-related consumption of goods.

The central object of research were ceramics, which are easily subjected to statistical evaluation, and hence especially useful in analyzing economic structures. The several research projects were devoted to questions concerning the role of space-based knowledge in the development of ceramic production and distribution in early societies, as well as to the discussion of distribution models and forms of exchange, including an examination of underlying social motivations. The studies compared stylistic and practical/theoretical research into ceramics with scientific analysis, thus allowing researchers to determine production sites and distribution and consumption spaces, which then has been classified and interpreted in connection with the style groups.