The Aenolithic Era, a transitional period between the Stone and Bronze Ages, is represented by finds made during excavations of settlements belonging to the Tripolye culture that was discovered in the region between the Danube and the Dnieper and dates to 5500–2750 BC. When striking native copper nuggets, ancient craftsmen detected the special properties of the metal and that observation changed the pace of technological development.
Pottery-making reached a new level. Large fired vessels appear for the storing supplies. Expressive small-scale sculpture can be found everywhere. There are interesting female statuettes with elongated proportions, a schematic head and conjoined legs. Extensive trade led to this culture’s remarkably high-quality ceramics becoming widely distributed. Increased population density, the invention of wheeled transport and a desire to possess sources of copper led to a stratification of society and the separation off of a warrior caste. The settlement of new territories was accompanied by the first large-scale mutual interpenetration of ancient civilizations.
